State College
Today
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local businesses raised $45K with early matching support for the State College Food Bank — nearly doubling the $25K goal. The Food Bank now invites neighbours in Centre County to help push donations past $50K, with matching funds reaching $90K ahead of the holiday season. Onward State
- ➤ Downtown State College will transform into a winter wonderland on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. as Light Up Night kicks off the holiday season with free trolley rides, hot refreshments, live entertainment (including reindeer and Santa photo opportunities) and local businesses offering complimentary food while families donate toys and food to local charities. StateCollege.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ PennTAP marked 60 years of helping local businesses with technical advice and energy upgrades and will lead the new RISE PA grant program, which will give $40 million over five years to small and mid-sized manufacturers (aiming to cut emissions and save energy costs). The program builds on past work with over $70 million in economic benefits (supporting local growth and improved efficiency). Penn State
- ➤ Downtown State College Improvement District and the State College Redevelopment Authority announced a new grant program that will match funds up to $15,000 for first-time retail and relocating small businesses downtown—eligible applicants must show local residency, a viable business plan and matching funds while receiving two years of professional guidance. The program will support services such as design, permitting and contracting to help launch new businesses. StateCollege.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Nov. 8, Walmart and Sam’s Club awarded $45,000 in scholarship funding to Penn State military-connected students based on documented financial need—funds will be distributed during the 2025-26 academic year, continuing a decade-long tradition of support announced at Military Appreciation Week. The initiative aims to help cover tuition, housing, and other educational expenses. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State tied for 4th among 240 U.S. universities in the QS Sustainability Rankings for 2026 released Nov. 18 — the University also ranked 21st out of 2,002 worldwide and led the Big Ten while maintaining high performance despite rising global competition. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State professor Patrick Plaisance was selected to serve on the Society of Professional Journalists Ethics Committee to review and possibly update its Code of Ethics as it nears its 100th anniversary in 2026. The 16-member committee will work over the next year—presenting recommendations to the board for approval and a member vote on any changes. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State political science student Ahmed Al Saleh gained hands-on experience in global diplomacy this summer at the United Nations—he assisted diplomats, attended high-level meetings, and delivered a speech before the U.N. General Assembly, all of which confirmed his plans to pursue a career in international relations. Penn State
- ➤ Lamartine and Emeline Hood donated $50,000 to create a travel fund for Penn State Food Science graduate students to cover travel, presentation, and professional development costs—helping them build vital communication skills at research meetings. Penn State
- ➤ The Penn State Student Black Caucus and the Black Emotions Advocate Team held a 'This Is America' discussion in the Thomas Building on Monday evening (Nov. 17) to explore topics such as cultural appropriation, race relations, and politics and economics. The event started with small table groups and quickly grew into a full room conversation as students shared their views openly. Daily Collegian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A majority of Bellefonte borough council voted to deny the school district’s request to demolish the historic Beaver Farmhouse—located at 1002 Airport Rd next to the upcoming elementary school—as community members proposed saving the 19th-century barn. The district has not announced next steps, leaving its future undecided. WTAJ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State Wrestling won a dual meet against No. 18 Oklahoma with a 45—0 score on Friday and stayed No. 1 in the NWCA coaches poll with eight wrestlers ranked in the top 10. Luke Lilledahl rose to No. 1 in the 125-pound class as other team members experienced ranking shifts ahead of the Black Knight Invitational starting on Sunday, November 23 at West Point. Onward State
- ➤ Today, Penn State basketball remains undefeated as it hosts Harvard at 6:30 p.m. at Bryce Jordan Center+ after a win over La Salle. The team will face Providence at Mohegan Sun on Saturday at 4 p.m.+ the contest is part of the Hall of Fame Showcase. Daily Collegian
- ➤ On November 15th, Penn State teams won all five games with a road basketball victory, a football win that snapped a six-game losing streak, men's hockey success, and dominant wins by the women’s hockey and soccer teams. In addition, alumnus Bo Nickal knocked out Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322 — marking another historic moment for the university. Onward State
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Jenna Nicholls Live Concert
8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Check event page for cost — Experience the timeless music of Jenna Nicholls blending classic Americana with heartfelt storytelling.
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Darrin Hacquard Live Performance
8:00–11:00 p.m. — The State Theatre — Tickets required — Experience a unique blend of storytelling and diverse musical styles from Darrin Hacquard.
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Boston University Terriers at Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Basketball
7-8:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling matchup as the Nittany Lions aim to rewrite the story with a dynamic roster.
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Penn State Men's Basketball vs. Sacred Heart
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Witness the rise of Penn State Hoops with a talented and fearless roster.
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Penn State Nittany Lions Basketball Game
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Witness the new era of Nittany Lions basketball with a dynamic team ready to impress.
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Dailey and Vincent Christmas Tour
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The State Theatre — $ — Celebrate the holiday season with five-time GRAMMY® award winners delivering a unique spin on country, bluegrass, and gospel music.
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48th Annual Juried Winter Craft Market
9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Nittany Valley Sports Centre — $5 admission (cash only), children 12 and under free — Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from over 60 talented Pennsylvania artists.
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Michigan State Spartans at Penn State Nittany Lions Basketball
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Cost info unavailable — A new era of Penn State Hoops begins with a young and talented roster ready to make their mark.
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