Good morning, Mankato.

Area Catholics are rejoicing after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — a Chicago native — was named the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV as he is set to lead 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.

Local church leaders said he faces challenges from internal divisions and declining faith practices.

A free summer music series will begin on June 5 at Civic Center Plaza with local bands including Loose Gravel, The Federales, Gentlemen’s Anti Temperance League and the Joyann Parker Band.

The events—held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Thursday in June—will offer food, children’s activities and free parking, weather permitting.

A group of Mankato pastors, MSU professors and activists visited the region’s largest ICE detention facility Thursday to ask about the treatment, food access and medical care of detainees.

They met with Jail Administrator Mike Stasko—who said detainees receive basic care while ICE must approve off-site treatments—and stressed the need for clear oversight and accountability.

After a city survey and council directive, North Mankato moved forward with plans for a new indoor recreation facility that will include eight gymnasiums, an indoor walking track, meeting rooms, and multi-use sports courts.

City staff will work with architects to secure detailed cost estimates and a timetable for the $25.5 million project — steps that will guide its next phases — as the project advances.

The Mankato West softball team hosted a doubleheader against Owatonna on May 8th, losing the first contest by a score of 4 to 3 and winning the second by 9 to 7—improving their record to 12 to 5 and setting up a home game against Winona on Tuesday, May 13th at 5:00 p.m.

BLC baseball defeated Morris in the UMAC Tournament on May 8th—winning hard in their game with a final score of 12—2.

They will face Northwestern today at 3:00 p.m.

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.

Bismarck Larks vs. Mankato MoonDogs

6:35 PM — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling live baseball game under the stars.

Badlands Big Sticks vs Mankato MoonDogs

6:35 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup while supporting a great cause.

Cake Concert

8-11 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Tickets start at $43 — Alternative rock band CAKE promises a high-energy show that fans won’t want to miss.

Mankato MoonDogs vs St. Cloud Rox Baseball Game

6:35-10:35 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of local baseball action while supporting a charitable cause.

St Cloud Rox vs Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Game

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting baseball game between local teams under the summer sky.

Minnesota 52 Hike Challenge - National Trails Day Group Hike

10 AM – 1 PM — Minneopa State Park — $7 parking/admission — Celebrate National Trails Day with a fun group hike featuring bison education and trivia.