Good morning, Mankato.

New data released Thursday shows Mankato-North Mankato recorded 58,006 jobs in March, a 0.8% decline from last year—manufacturing and government jobs dropped 1.6% and 1.3% respectively—and Minnesota overall grew 0.4%, outpacing the national rate.

Madison Vandersee has organized Earth Month events at MSU with 20 groups hosting activities like yoga and campus cleanup — a push to help locals learn about nature — as part of the monthlong celebration.

In Mankato, a YMCA trail pickup happens Friday and a park cleanup is set for Saturday at Rasmussen Woods — all equipment is provided — to keep our green spaces clean.

At a press conference in Mankato on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar warned that planned cuts to Medicaid and other programs would hit rural areas hard—22% of residents rely on Medicaid—and increase economic challenges.

She opposed the bill’s tax cuts for the wealthy, noting that a Congressional Budget Office analysis suggests the cuts may be inevitable if the tax bill passes.

Senator Amy Klobuchar visited VINE Faith in Action in Mankato on Thursday—part of her tour of 19 southern Minnesota counties—and engaged with local seniors in a Q&A session.

She discussed her opposition to Medicaid cuts, tariffs, and concerns over detentions while gathering feedback on federal policies.

A senior Department of Homeland Security official responded to KEYC’s inquiry after five MSU Mankato students’ records were deleted from the student exchange visitor information system as part of routine reviews for compliance; students with record terminations or visa revocations are typically given 10 days to leave the country (the process is a longstanding protocol).

Mankato was awarded $1.9M in federal transportation grants to help fund its share of a $70M Highway 169 reconstruction project planned for 2027 and 2028 — the grants require a 20% local matching contribution.

The project will rebuild the highway from south of Highway 14 to the southwest side with upgraded intersections including new roundabouts and a new street to improve mobility — key improvements that will boost local infrastructure.

State lawmakers met with residents in town hall meetings this week to discuss concerns about federal cuts to health programs and immigration rules—one meeting was held at Minnesota State University in Mankato.

They will use the feedback as they work on a state budget due by July that may face a $6 billion shortfall.

The Minnesota State softball team is in second place in the NSIC and is one game behind the Vikings.

The team will play Wayne State today before facing Augustana and SMSU over the final weekend of the regular season.

Bunny Breakfast Buffet

7 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Hilltop Hy-Vee Grocery Store — Kids eat free with adult entree — Enjoy a themed breakfast with an egg hunt and crafts on Easter Saturday.

Bar Bingo

6 PM — Fraternal Order of Eagles — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of bingo with friends in a community atmosphere.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Evening — Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance — Ticket prices Vary — Experience all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in a hilarious and fast-paced production.

Power to Choose: K-12 Education Expo

5-7:30 p.m. — Mankato Family YMCA — Free entry — Discover educational options in the greater Mankato area and engage with local representatives.

Loyola-Cleveland Invitational

Starting all day — Myers Field House — Check website for entry fees — Compete in a vibrant track and field atmosphere.

Trivia Night at Pub 500

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Pub 500 — $2 grab bottles and tap specials — Test your trivia skills while enjoying tasty deals on drinks.

Turn Turn Turn

8-9 p.m. — Hooligans — Ticket info not specified — Enjoy harmonies of 60s and 70s country, folk, and pop with this original Americana band.

AKDC Scorpio Rising Tour - Mankato Show

7-8 p.m. — Carnegie Art Center — Suggested donation — Experience a blend of heavy metal and jazz fusion with Aaron Kerr’s Dissonant Creatures' album release tour.

Women of Kato Series 4 Featuring Local Musicians

5-8 p.m. — NaKato Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic performances from four talented women artists in a collaborative music series.

Southern Minnesota Real Big Band and Nintentones Concert

7-9 p.m. — Bethany Lutheran College Theatre — $10 Adult, $5 Student — Experience an evening of jazz with the Southern Minnesota Real Big Band and featured artist Hanna Cesario.