UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The current minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour, but Governor Josh Shapiro has said that he wants to raise it to $15.

Pennsylvania uses the federal minimum wage, but there are 29 states in addition to the District of Columbia that have rates set higher than the federal rate. There is a push in many states to raise the rates, and Governor Shapiro wants to follow this lead.

Juliet Stemple, a first-year student studying business, thinks that the Pennsylvania minimum wage is too low. 

“Coming from New York and working here now, it’s such a big difference… it’s just definitely harder making money here.”

Making the minimum wage higher also raises some concerns. It could reportedly cause an increase in prices and the general cost of living. It could also lead to job losses.

Sabrina Smith, a second-year student studying biology, also has concerns about raising the minimum wage.

“My only hesitance with it is unfortunately without other limitations to force businesses to pay people and not lay people off… the minimum wage should be raised but other things should be done to ensure that people then aren’t understaffed and overworked.”

In February, Representative Roni Green of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives proposed a bill to raise the minimum wage to $18 an hour. The proposed bill would raise the minimum wage incrementally by July 1, 2024.

Pennsylvania State Senator Wayne D. Fontana proposed a similar solution in January. Fontana said that he also planned on introducing a constitutional amendment that would ask voters if they approve raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour starting on January 1, 2025.

The proposal would also require the minimum wage to be adjusted for inflation each year.

Izzy Charboneau is a second-year student majoring in digital and print journalism and political science. To contact her, email ijc5186@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Sergeant McDaniel, from Penn State’s police department, shared the specificities of K-9 units at University Park.

“We have K-9 officers currently. Our dogs are retired and, unfortunately, we just lost one due to an accident not too long ago. So currently we don’t have any active K-9s,” McDaniel said.

The Pennsylvania State Police provides K-9 units to any Pennsylvania police department who do not have their own K-9 teams, including Centre County.

The University Park Police has eight specializations, which include K-9, bomb technicians, drone units, and community-oriented policing.

For the University Park Police Department, they use k-9 units for cases including ordnance and explosives. “So that would be if there were a threat and that someone thought there was a bomb planted somewhere, for instance,” McDaniel said.

Only a couple of hours away from University Park, in Oil City, Pennsylvania, a missing woman was found dead on March 27 on the Oil City Bike Trail. Marcy Suzette Nellis was found by the State Police with multiple specialized units assisting, including five K-9 teams from various counties.

Within the first 12 hours of the missing persons report, two K-9 units began the search in Oil City. After hours of searching, three more K-9 units were added to the search team at 8 am.

However, K-9 units were not the only search teams looking for Nellis. More than a hundred personnel searched, a helicopter, night-vision drones, boats, UTV’s and certified Search and Rescue teams, which were from Oil City Police Department and neighboring counties’ departments.

Marcy Suzette Nellis was sexually assaulted and ultimately died of asphyxiation from manual strangulation. A rape kit was conducted by a foresnic team, David Bosley of Oil City, PA was arrested after a DNA match.

David Bosley was arrested on 10:43 am on April 6 and was charged with homicide, rape by forcible compulsion, aggravated indecent assault, and kidnapping.

Natalie Simone is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – On a usual weekend at Penn State, students fill downtown State College in attempts to have a fun night while trying to remain safe while doing so.

Maggie Nash, a second-year student majoring in early education, prioritizes being aware of her surroundings and always carries around her pepper spray.

Specifically, fraternity row, which are East Fairmont Avenue and East Foster Avenue, “feels safe,” but “past the [State College] high school football field it feels scary because it’s all dark. I feel like there’s not good lighting past downtown, so that can be scary,” Nash said.

A first-year student studying human development and family studies, Grace Carroll, agrees. “When there are a ton of kids out and walking frat row, I feel safe,” Carroll said.

Carroll explained the precautions she follows when she’s out late in downtown State College.

“I will always go home with somebody. Sometimes I Uber home; I will get right into the Uber from the frat and then go home, and my mom can see my Ubers,” Carroll said.

She shared an additional safety feature that the “Uber” app provides for users.

“Uber Pin” is a verification safety system in the app, which ensures customers enter the correct vehicle. The user who ordered the ride will receive a pin that requires verification with the driver before the driver can begin the ride. Additionally, there is a setting that allows “Uber Pin” to only be activated during night-time. 

Carroll and Nash agreed that walking home in a group, with a trusted friend, or talking on the phone with pepper spray visible in hand will ensure one's safety.

“I feel like being aware is really all you can do,” Nash said, especially after hearing about the recent off-campus assault.

Currently, State College Police are searching for a group of individuals who were involved in an alleged aggravated assault on April 9.

It was reported that a group assaulted a college-aged male outside Lion’s Den, a popular bar in downtown State College, around 2 a.m.

The victim had injuries to his face and head, although no weapons were reported to be involved.

Upon police arrival, the victim was unconscious and brought to Mount Nittany Medical Center for treatment.

So far, no charges have been filed, but State College Police urge all individuals who have any information about the assault to report it immediately.

Natalie Simone is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Across the country, the safety and rights of trans-gender people have become a hot-button issue, as more states pass new legislation.  Reporter Hannah Markovich takes a closer look at how these laws are affecting people in specific states.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- On October 24, 2022, Penn State students protested outside the Thomas Building to prevent Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and comedian Alex Stein from speaking at a comedy show put on by the university club Uncensored America.

The event was canceled before it was scheduled to start due to “threat of escalating violence,” according to a university press release.

The protest has since stirred conversations about the right to free speech and protest, especially on a college campus.

Penn State’s debate team argued if hate speech should be banned on college campuses on April 13, 2023.

Debating in the affirmative, Kaitlyn McMahon said allowing hate speech on campus makes students feel unwelcome in their own environment.

“At University Park alone, 14,000 students live on this campus,” McMahon said. “By allowing hate groups to speak here, you are allowing students to feel unsafe and harassed where they live--at their front door.”

Penn State released a statement prior to the Oct. 24 event that explained its obligation to allow the speakers on campus.

“We are unalterably obligated under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment to protect various expressive rights, even for those whose viewpoints offend our basic institutional values and our personal sensibilities,” according to the release.

McMahon acknowledged this in her speech, but countered it with the use of Title IX.

According to Penn State policy, Title IX is “a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, gender-identity, and/or sexual orientation.” The policy is intended to prohibit “sexual harassment and misconduct.”

If hate speech is treated like harassment, then the university can prevent hate speech under Title IX, Mcmahon said.

Lenneya Murray, McMahon’s partner, defined hate speech for the audience.

“Use of words which are deliberately abusive, insulting, threatening or deeming directed at members of vulnerable minorities, calculated to stir up hatred against them,” Murray said. “That includes any and everything that falls under the Title IX criteria.”

Daniel Peral argued for the negative and gave the example of the Million Man March, which was led by the leader of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, at Washington D.C. in 2011.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Farrakhan is an “antisemite” who leads a “bizarre and fundamentally anti-white,” hate group.

However, the Million Man March gathered thousands of people “to protest for important minority issues,” Peral said.

“Imagine a world where speech was curtailed to the beak’s of its messenger rather than the speech itself. It is possible we will never see a Million Man March,” Peral said.

Courtney Aubain supplemented her partner’s point by speaking about the exceptions to free speech, like libel and words that can incite violence. If hate speech is banned, Aubain said, then it sets “a dangerous precedent for government censorship.”

“The government [has] the power to regulate speech based on content, which would lead to regulation of all forms of speech,” Aubain said.

Aubain went on to say that suppressing voices and opinion can lead to violence from the people who feel they don’t have another outlet.

Audience member Samarth Khandelwal sided with the affirmative and was not swayed from his stance by the debate. However, he saw a point that neither side brought up.

“Hate speech is also something that limits discourse,” Khandelwal said. “If we’re in a place that allows hate speech, that hate speech will drown out specifically marginalized groups.”

Khandelwal said he attended the protest and was “about six-feet away from getting [maced].” He said he went out because he didn’t like that “the Proud Boys were coming.”

Alison Patton is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email axp5935@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Since 2009, the month of April has been proclaimed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The first Tuesday in April is when the month of awareness officially begins, which is referred to as “SAAM Day of Action.”

At Penn State, the Gender Equity Center is a resource for all students who have been impacted by sexual violence and other campus conflicts. The Center provides support, help and offers workshops all in attempts to prevent relationship violence.

At Penn State, The Gender Equity Center hosted events throughout the week of April 11-17 to raise awareness, educate and advocate against sexual violence.

These events included a performance of the play Emilia at the Pavilion Theater, a Pride March and Rally outside the HUB Robeson Center, a “Lunch and Learn'' with Kevin Naff, who is the author of “How We Won the War for LGBTQ Equality,” a “What Were You Wearing?” art display in the HUB and lastly, “The LGBTQ+ Agenda: Sex Ed.”

On Friday, April 14, the Gender Equity Center held a display of 39 outfits with survivor statements on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

These outfits and statements were all posted anonymously and each statement varied in story-telling.

One outfit displayed was a white tee-shirt and blue jean shorts with the caption: “It was the Fourth of July… I always thought it would be the best weekend of my life.”

Capturing pain, toddler clothes were hanging exclaiming, “He said it was a game and I shouldn’t be scared, but games aren’t supposed to hurt. It continued for years. I thought family was supposed to protect you, not hurt you.”

Not one story out of the 39 stories were the same.

“He didn’t leave me alone until I finally said yes,” one paper read with pink pajamas under it.

From the Gender Equity Center, the display was open for all students and campus personnel. The exhibit was monitored by a Gender Equity Center staff member, along with a table with candy, stickers and pamphlets explaining their mission.

One testimony, “I was safe. I wasn’t doing anything wrong,” encapsulated the feeling of the whole display to show how victims and survivors are not to blame.

The Gender Equity Center is available for all students, which has resources for support, advocacy and reproductive health resources.

These assets are confidential and free, and can be found on their website:

https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/genderequity

Natalie Simone is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa — On Sunday, the Pegula Ice Arena hosted its annual “Paint Pegula” event, to commemorate the 2022-23 Penn State hockey season.

Season ticket holders came to the rink to paint messages on the ice to thank the team for a great season. Members of the men’s hockey team and the Roar Zone were also in attendance.

The Roar Zone is the official student section of Penn State hockey.

President Troy LaPolice  (PhD student) said this was a great way to interact with the team and get to talk to the players on a personal level.

“It really makes us feel like we're a part of the program and you a part of the team's success,” LaPolice said. “It’s great that we are receiving this great feedback from the players, their parents and the coaching staff.”

Katie Thompson (junior-animal science) said painting the ice was a great community builder among Penn State hockey fans.

“The painting aspect was really cool. It allowed a lot of us to show our creative sides,” Thompson said. “We were all amazed by it. Seeing the ice from a different perspective and being up close and personal was really cool.”

This was the first time the event took place since the 2018-19 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So many fans did not get to experience this for the past three years.

“They all seem excited to be out there with us, painting away and having a good time,” Thompson said.

The ice will be melted next week to prepare for spring commencement ceremonies.

Jacob Cheris is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jacobcheris19@gmail.com.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-- As of Wednesday, May 10, HUB-Robeson CopyCentral services will move to the id+ Office space in University Park, according to a university press release. The copy center will now be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Friday, May 5, Penn State and university services will begin to transition its business over to the id+ Office space, according to the release.

There are now more options and locations available for faculty, staff and students to get their prints and copies, according to the release. Including a website called PSU Prints, an easy-to-use tool to assist with printing orders.

You can sign up for a PSU Prints account in the Hostettler Building as well as the id+ office at the HUB.

Contact the multimedia and print center with questions regarding printing.

Sam Kirk is a third-year broadcast journalism major at Penn State to contact him, email sjk6325@psu.edu

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As finals week approaches, Penn State’s Health Promotion and Wellness prepares its students with resources for dealing with stress. HPW hosted a Care Fair on Wednesday at University Park’s HUB-Robeson Center.  Assistant Director for Fitness and Wellbeing at Campus Recreation, Anna Champion said she recommends students try to stay mindful of their body and mind during the upcoming weeks.

“You might have to work a little bit to get where you are, but learning those tips of breathing, being mindful, closing your eyes, taking that moment,” Champion said. “Being in that moment I feel that things just kind of align themselves.”

From getting their blood pressure checked to playing with stress-reducing kinetic sand, students had an opportunity to decompress and learn coping strategies for stress. Penn State sophomore, Kaitlynn Heck said the event made her feel more relaxed.

“I think it’s a great way especially with finals coming up for students to go and get tips to destress and manage their anxiety before our finals,” Heck said.

Penn State will be offering stress management resources through finals week. Information can be found at studentaffairs.psu.edu.

Haley Jacobs is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email haj5104@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Centre Stage presented the play, “Emilia,” directed by Jenny Lamb in the Pavilion Theatre on Wednesday with a talk back discussion with various cast members and behind the scenes crew.

“Emilia” was performed from April 11-22, but the production on April 19 was sponsored by Penn State’s student government, UPUA, and was labeled a “Burn Bright: Women and Non-Binary Night”, although all audience members were welcomed.

“The script talks a lot about the relationship between women and how they protect each other so in a way there is a lot of movement and ‘I got your back,’” Lorena Sandoval, a second-year M.F.A. candidate in scenic design, modeled the arena’s design to how women support each other.

The performance showed the life of Emilia Lanier, (1569-1645) who was an English poet, and highlighted how she was taken advantage of. But, this version that was written in 2018 includes satire, comedic relief, and references modern ideas and terminology. The actors were interactive with the crowd and even had musical numbers with singing and dancing.

During the post show talk back, the cast members shared their own experiences and how this show impacted them.

“This entire process was created and put together by women and nonbinary people, and people of non cis male identities. I know I speak for myself when I say this was easily the safest and most exciting process I've ever been a part of,” fourth-year student Nina Gold said, who played Lady Catherine and Desdemona.

The talkback focused on non male individual topics and how nonmale individuals are affected by “Emilia'' and the play.

“You have a woman who is outright rebellious doing what she feels is right, and then you have women who are just trying to get by, and then you have women who are absolutely buying everything they are given, and then you also add in the layer of race, and ethnicity, and class,” Gold said, discussing perspectives performed.

Trinity Lyn Jackson, a second-year in the B.F.A. acting program, played one of the lead roles, Emilia 3. She shared her role in hosting a non male night: “I was able to get a bill passed through to subsidize tickets to have them discounted so that everyone could come to one night who felt a connection to the show [non-male individuals],” Jackson said.

Jackson also went on to explain the importance of Emilia’s story and how “this is every woman’s story.”

Each cast member shared their own anecdotes of the production’s process. Cassidy Brown, a first-year acting student, who played numerous roles including Mary Sidney said that after the first full run through the entire cast cried together after rehearsal. She said it was the most memorable rehearsal.

Brown shared her personal takeaways from being a part of “Emilia,” “This show has completely changed how I see myself and I started to see myself in such a more positive light… just be yourself, be loud and proud.” 

Ending the talkback many cast members and crew members discussed the motive of the show and how the audience should perceive the show.

“The enemy is the [patriarchy] who has decided what every person has to look like and be like to be a productive member of society,” Emily Presley said, a first-year B.F.A. acting major, who played William Shakespeare and Man 2.

Modeling what was discussed the director, Jenny Lamb, wrote in the play bill, multiple times: “An ignored voice becomes a raging fire.”

“Emilia'' emphasized the voices and experiences of nonmale individuals throughout history and was brought to Penn State because of the ongoing inequalities between non male individuals and cis-male individuals.

The Theatre was modeled after Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London and had a 360-degree view.

Natalie Simone is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Relay for Life is an annual walk-a-thon to honor cancer survivors and remember those who lost their battles.

Relay for Life is a 12-hour walk-a-thon that honors cancer survivors and remembers those who lost their battles. This year’s event is on Saturday, April 22.

The event has been going on for 35 years and it has raised millions of dollars over the years. Penn State is one of hundreds of locations for the event.

However, the event can’t go smoothly without proper planning. Jesse Evans is the executive event director for the walk-a-thon. Evans took on the role of events director at the end of last April.

“We have meetings weekly that I lead along with the other overalls and we'll plan every aspect of the event,” Evans said. “Each week usually has a different focus or things that need to be planned out further in advance.”

Evans was an entertainment overall last year but wanted to give more to the community and take on a bigger role.

“I liked being able to see the planning process through from the beginning to the end,” Evans said. “Unlike when you're a committee member you don't get to see all of the intricate behind-the-scenes work.”

So far, Relay for Life at Penn State has raised $28,544 dollars with a goal of $35,000.

Donations help the American Cancer Society fund cancer research and patient care programs.

Evans said she had a lot of family and friends who were affected by cancer.

“This is my way of fighting for those that are no longer here and still making sure to remember them,” she said.

The walk-a-thon kicks off at the Multi-Sport Facility.

Jacob Cheris is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jacobcheris19@gmail.com

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – A tradition Penn State Relay for Life centers around, the Luminaria Ceremony provides an opportunity for participants and attendees to honor loved ones impacted by cancer.

During the ceremony, guest speakers share stories about how cancer has affected their lives, as everyone joins together for the same cause

“It’s just a nice hour to remember why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Jessie Evans, Penn State Relay for Life executive event director said.

Evans stated this is one of her favorite parts of the day of Relay for Life.

The main objective of this portion of the night is to provide an open opportunity to discuss cancer-related experiences and to give a reminder of why people have chosen to participate in the 12-hour walk-a-thon.

The luminaries, white paper bags decorated with personalized messages or drawings, are each lit around the track during the ceremony.

“They are all either in memory of somebody who’s lost their life to cancer or in honor of somebody who is currently fighting cancer or has completed their fight with cancer,” said Evans.

Even if the emotional or mental aspects of the ceremony do not shine through in an apparent enough way, the abundance of luminaries dedicated can reveal how impactful a tradition like this might be for those in attendance.

“We turn off all the lights, so the only light in the room is the little candles that are in the bags,” Evans said.

For a $10 donation, anyone can dedicate a luminaria to someone they wish to honor, by making the dedication on the American Cancer Society website, in the “Dedicate A Luminaria” tab.

For more information about donating or dedicating a luminaria, visit acsevents.org.

Cassie Baylis is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ceb6085@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Relay for Life is the world’s largest volunteer-based fundraising event that provides support for communities to attack cancer. Through funding, volunteers, and raising awareness, Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society.

The charity event hosts relays in over 20 countries which include local communities, university campuses, and virtual campaigns over six different continents.

“Relay for Life is like a big celebration," Trisha said, a cancer survivor and active participant.

During the event, teams or individuals fundraise by walking or running around a track path.

At Penn State on April 22, a Relay for Life event will occur from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the multi-sport facility on campus. Relay for Life schedules various activities within the event to make each person’s experience special.

At 4 pm, the “Survivor Ceremony” will take place when all survivors are welcomed and encouraged to walk or run a lap, then promptly at 4:45 pm, each survivor’s caregiver will join them in the “Caregiver Ceremony”. At sunset, around 8 p.m., Relay for Life will begin the “Local Luminaria Ceremony” where team members will light homemade paper lanterns that are decorated in remembrance of individuals who lost their battle with cancer.

Relay for Life has activities for everyone like games, food, and music.

“It’s positive. We have kid's activities. We have lots of booths that sell things. It all goes to a great cause, it all goes to the American Cancer Society,” Troy said, a former team captain.

Each year Relay for Life holds more than 5,000 events. The initiative began in May 1985 when Dr. Gordon Klatt walked and ran 86.6 miles and raised $27,000 in Tacoma, Wa., to donate to the American Cancer Society.

Now, 38 years later, Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society has built a community of 2.5 million people who are fighting to “save lives from cancer.”

Natalie Simone is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Relay for Life is an event to pay thanks and respect to all cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers and others who have been impacted by cancer. Relay, also, honors and remembers those who have lost their battle with cancer.

Relay for Life hosts special activities during the event like the “Survivor Ceremony”, “Caregiver Ceremony”, and “Local Luminaria Ceremony.”

Relay for Life, through its sponsor, the American Cancer Society, strives to help all cancer patients and ultimately create a cancer-free world. They provide support and research through research, fundraising, and connecting communities and families together.

The American Cancer Society provides services for its patients and from Relay for Life fundraising the society is able to continue its research and support.

Their three main focuses are: “Cancer Research”, “Patient Guidance” and “Health Equity'', which allows everyone to receive the same treatment and education while scientists research to find cures.

Brandi, a Relay for Life volunteer said, “I did a team in the Relay for Life to honor my father and my husband. We’ve always participated, but I wanted to give them their own personal Relay for Life.”

Relay for Life events are full of passion for so many communities. Brandi went on to share her purpose and said, “Raising money for Relay. I feel like I’m doing something for all of my family.”

Relay for Life’s goal is to make a difference for all families and community members who have been affected by cancer. Their team believes they can accomplish anything.

Natalie Simone is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The workforce is changing for upcoming writers. With contract renewals approaching, members of the Writers Guild of America have approved a strike.

In an article in the New York Times, in 2017, 96% of writers voted in favor of a strike. An agreement was made in the final moments of that negotiation so a strike did not occur.

Today, according to the unions cited in the New York Times, over 9,000 writers voted for a strike authorization (98% of the vote).

Student Film Organization President, Joseph Molloy (senior, film production), who said he hopes to enter the WGA in the future, shared his thoughts.

“It’s definitely good because collective action is always important, whatever industry you’re in,” Molloy said.

The writers’ contract expires on May 1. If an agreement is not made before that date, it’s likely that Los Angeles will face its first WGA strike in 15 years, according to an article in the New York Times.

Only this time, it would come in an industry where streaming dominates.

“Streaming has definitely been a bigger problem…a lot of the payment from residuals, which used to keep younger writers afloat, is now a lot less or it’s harder to pay out,” Molloy said.

The last WGA strike came in 2007-08, when the Los Angeles, California economy took an approximately $2.1 billion hit as a result of the 100-day strike, according to an article in the New York Times.

Molloy said that the Director’s Guild of America (DGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) contract renewals are also coming up.

“If all three end up striking, that’s gonna definitely hit the industry… as someone who’s about to enter the workforce, it’s gonna be nearly impossible to get a job,” Molloy said.

On Instagram, WGA members are sharing their experiences via a series titled “My Union, My Story” (@writersguildwest).

Tian Jun Gu is a television writer who was featured in one of these Instagram clips. Gu, who joined the WGA in 2015, said in the video that finding jobs is different for writers today.

“Just the amount of free work that you have to do on the TV development side, just to secure the job, which doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re gonna pay you a check for it, but to even be considered for the project,” Gu said (@writersguildwest).

McKenna Wall is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email mew6140@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.--  Relay for life at Penn State raises money for the American Cancer Society, but everything was put on pause when the 2020 pandemic hit.

The 2023 walk-a-thon was the second in-person event. The 2021 walk-a-thon was held virtually, but still had a variety of events, like informational sessions, games and even yoga.

Instead of having a traditional Luminaria Ceremony with physical paper bags and tea light candles, a video was shown and posted on the organization’s Instagram instead. The video had graphics of paper bags with the names of cancer victims.

Penn State student Alyssa Cook said being back in person is “stupendous.”

“It’s nice to walk with a bunch of new people, meet new people and socialize. It’s been a really great time,” Cook said.

For the 2023 event, volunteers were permitted to walk around the indoor track at Penn State’s Multi-Sport Facility.

Cancer survivors took the first walk around the track to celebrate their battle.

Even though Cook said neither she nor her family have been affected by cancer, she sees it brings the community together.

“It really lets you know what's going on in your community and the people around you and I think that's always a heavy hit,” Cook said.

Relay for life might have been in-person, but the Luminaria Ceremony and the total amount raised, were both live streamed.

Alison Patton is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email axp5935@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY Park, Pa. — Earlier today the Penn State Board of Trustees Finance, Business and Capital Planning Committee moved forward with multiple athletics-based projects including renovations to Beaver Stadium and multiple other facilities across campus.

The Committee approved the first stage of the Beaver Stadium renovation project, which includes;  priority maintenance projects, winterizing and architectural and design development. The total expenditure for the first stage is estimated to cost $70 million.

The first round of construction will focus on improving safety and security, including crowd traffic control which has come under fire in recent years, as well as addressing field lighting performance.

Winterization will also be a priority, this entails, “the insulation of pipes and other upgrades to allow the building to be occupied when temperatures are below freezing.”

The building being suited for temperatures below freezing gives Penn State the ability to host a College Football Playoff game beginning in 2024 and play host to other events beyond football in the winter months.

Modernizing one of the largest stadiums in the nation and equipping it to handle events outside of football has been a key point of focus for Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Patrick Kraft since his hiring last year.

"There are several funding avenues for this transformational project. The additional revenue generated throughout the renovated stadium will not only offset the costs but also enhance our overall athletics budget in the future," Kraft said.

The preliminary plans for the entire project involve a reconstruction of the west side of the stadium, general accessibility improvements and upgraded fan amenities. This includes improved circulation to ease spectator congestion throughout the stadium, improved restrooms, upgraded concessions, Wi-Fi and service upgrades and additional seating options.

Construction is anticipated to start in January 2025 after the conclusion of the 2024 season with a targeted goal of August 2027 for its completion.

Beyond the renovations to Beaver Stadium, the committee is also moving forward with projects targeted toward improving Penn State’s “student-athlete experience”.

These projects include a revamp of the Greenberg Indoor Sports Center, a $21.25 million Jeffrey Field Soccer “complex” that will allow both the Men’s and Women’s soccer programs to have all facets of their program housed in one area, and improvements to the Lasch Building, East Area Locker Room.

The committee also approved the creation of a new indoor practice bubble.

From January until March, 10 programs currently utilize Holuba Hall, which creates limited practice windows in the early morning or late in the evening in order to comply with academic regulations.

This bubble would alleviate those concerns and expand practice windows for athletes.

“Our ongoing and planned facility projects will enhance our student-athlete experience and position our teams to continue to be competitive on the national stage,” Kraft said.

A full board vote from this afternoon has confirmed that these changes will move forward.

Dylan Price is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email dvp5625@psu.edu.

Homelessness is a serious issue across Pennsylvania, and Centre County is no exception. But new help is on the way. Natalie Calzetoni shows you what's happening in Bellefonte.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — June 19 is not only another day, but it represents what some consider the second wave of independence in America.

“Juneteenth” is a federal holiday that focuses on the freedoms and former injustices that people of color once had to face in this country.

Although the emancipation proclamation was issued in 1863, there were still some enslaved people working in some of the Confederate states. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced the freedom of over 250,000 enslaved Black people. Later that year, the ratification of the 13th Amendment would grant universal emancipation.

For many African Americans, this day is considered another “4th of July” celebration, as it represents the resilience and strength they had to endure while living in this country.

Many states will hold parades and celebrations to honor those who take part in recognizing this day in history. These events are meant to show the importance of culture and its prominence throughout the country.

This day will be forever celebrated across the country and will continue to teach important lessons to students and educate those who still have more to learn.

Brendan Conroy is a fourth-year studying broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at brc5392@psu.edu.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Mike Domitrz, the founder of The Center for Respect (2003), spoke to Penn State students on Wednesday, Aug. 23 about the importance of consent, healthy relationships and how to positively impact others’ lives with his “Can I Kiss You?” lecture.

Domitrz was hosted by Penn State’s Gender Equity Center, which provides education and support for all students who have been affected by sexual or relationship violence.

Domitrz emphasized the value of consent and discredited the idea of relying on body language ‘to make a move,” he said, “Body language relies on assumption and arrogance.”

He admitted that asking for consent may feel awkward, but “being nervous means they actually care” and every person’s body should be respected.

The audience remained engaged throughout the hour-and-a-half lecture because of the interactive environment Domitrz created. He asked for volunteers to act out common situations for college students, answered questions and took opinions and ideas from audience members.

After speaking through recurrent situations college students experience, Domitrz highlighted how bystanders can make a momentous decision and prevent sexual assault. He stated simply, “You’re not blocking your friend from getting some, you’re blocking your friend from taking some.”

Although, especially in unhealthy relationships, “people, unfortunately, hear ‘no’ and take it as a challenge.” Domitrz is working towards breaking this common unhealthy intimacy and ego issue among people.

To further gain creditably with the crowd, Domitrz shared that 95% of people test perfectly when completing sexual assault/harassment modules. However, out of the same 100%, only 5% apply that respectful behavior in real life.

He believes that “people don’t change [their] behavior without a ‘why’.” Domitrz shared his personal ‘why’: when he was 19 years old he received a phone call that his older sister was raped, then at 21 years old he began speaking out against sexual assault and has been visiting middle schools, high schools, college universities and military organizations for the past 30 years to educate and train people on how to respect others’ bodies and boundaries.

He shared a short phrase to the crowd: “It’s who you are.” He gave students the confidence to stand up for themselves and others, because “it is who you are”. 

Domitrz ended the lecture by asking audience members what phrase, from the lecture, they will use in their daily life.

In addition to being the founder of The Center of Respect, Domitrz is the author of two critically acclaimed books, designed his own tee-shirt line, has spoken on four continents along with over 40 TV/radio shows, including NBC’s Dateline, and in 2022 Domitrz was inducted into The National Speaker Association Hall of Fame.

Domitrz provided on and off-campus resources for Penn State students, which include The Gender Equity Center, Center Safe and The Center for Respect.

Natalie Simone is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.