State College
Today
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Penn State ranked in the top 25 for 11 subjects and in the top 100 for 22 more based on the ARWU Global Ranking released November 18. The ranking used measures like research output and international awards—showing the school’s strong work in many areas. Penn State
- ➤ At Penn State, Clive Randall, who led the Materials Research Institute for more than 12 years, will step down to focus on teaching and research but will remain director through summer to ensure a smooth transition— a national search for his replacement is underway, led by the Eberly College of Science. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State researchers developed a low-cost method to make smart electronics that stick to curved surfaces—using shrink plastic and liquid metal, they made a wearable ring that sends movement signals for health monitoring and home automation. The team plans to test the device further to see its full potential in biomedical applications. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State student-athletes earned a record-tying 93% NCAA Graduation Success Rate, with 13 programs achieving perfect 100% ratings — marking the ninth consecutive year of top academic performance. The data reflects strong support from academic staff and a consistent success rate across most of the 27 teams. Penn State
- ➤ Military Times ranked Penn State World Campus as the top online school for veterans nationwide and in Pennsylvania, noting its long history of serving military learners and offering over 200 online degrees since 1998—its support programs include a Military Grant-in-Aid that reduces undergraduate tuition significantly. Penn State
- ➤ Christy Shields turned her fear of storms into a passion for weather science and now teaches hands-on programs at Discovery Space in State College. The former TV meteorologist still fills in on forecasts while partnering with Penn State to bring real science to young learners. StateCollege.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Shapiro signed the state budget on Nov. 12—most direct care workers did not receive new funding as home care agencies continue to struggle with fair wages while neighboring states have increased support. Happy Valley Casino will offer a 12-week free Dealer School training at the mall in mid-December, and locals are urged to review all job details before applying. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Penn State Transportation Services has announced changes to parking and transit services at University Park during Thanksgiving break starting Monday, Nov. 24. Faculty, staff and students will face modified parking rules with certain permit holders using student lots plus reduced CATA and campus shuttle service, including no transit on Thursday, Nov. 27—these measures will affect operations until Nov. 30. Penn State
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Penn State Cancer Institute study found that adults over 50 in 15 South Central counties with higher herbicide use had a 57% greater risk of melanoma—researchers said the findings serve as a signal for more research. WTAJ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Three-star defensive lineman Tavian Branch decommitted from Penn State Football after news that coach James Franklin was fired — he reopened his school choices and was the last interior defensive lineman commit in the class of 2026 with interest from Ole Miss, Auburn, and Maryland. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State men’s basketball won a close game against Harvard 84—80 at the Bryce Jordan Center, with freshman Kayden Mingo scoring a career-high 24 points and Josh Reed adding 14. The team will play Providence at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Onward State
- ➤ State College running back D’Antae Sheffey—who rushed for 1,513 yards and scored 22 touchdowns—was named offensive player of the year by Mid-Penn Commonwealth coaches. Defensive standouts Noah Ewell and Brody Pines were honored as co-defensive players while Harrisburg’s Calvin Everett was selected as coach of the year. PennLive
- ➤ Following head coach James Franklin's move to Virginia Tech, former Penn State staffers Kevin Threlkel and Andy Frank are no longer on the athletics directory – they will leave the team before the regular season ends to join Franklin in Blacksburg. Onward State
- ➤ After a 3-0 win over Army West Point, No.8-seed Penn State women's soccer will travel to Charlottesville to face No.1-seed Virginia in the NCAA Tournament second round — a rematch of their previous 1-0 loss. Coach Erica Dambach said the team, now at full strength and using new tactics, is set to challenge Virginia today. Daily Collegian
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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