Good morning, Mankato.

A local family in North Mankato has turned its annual garage sale at 2040 Sundance Lane into a fundraiser for Travis Meyer, a 43-year-old father diagnosed with a brain tumor last month after doctors removed 80% of it; the sale runs daily through Saturday to support his long recovery. Family members work together at the event while neighbors help by purchasing items and contributing extra funds.

Owners of the popular St. Cloud bar-restaurant plan to open a second Legends Bar and Grill location later this year at 1910 Premier Drive on Mankato's northeast side—the estimated opening is Sept.

1 with a possible early opening on Aug. 1.

The Mankato economy showed a year-over-year drop in April as local nonfarm jobs fell to 58,297—a decline of 554 from last April and the weakest performance among Minnesota metro areas.

Manufacturing, service, and government jobs all decreased after a four-year stretch of steady growth.

Minnesota colleges ended a challenging year as graduation ceremonies wrapped up while international students at Minnesota State Mankato faced sudden immigration policy changes—12 had their study authorizations terminated and one was detained by ICE before being released on May 6.

Officials plan summer community events for students choosing not to return home.

MSU’s bronze bench—called Sittin’ with Stomper—won an international award in the Professional Miscellaneous category of the 2025 Steal This Idea competition, and staff said the interactive photo spot at Centennial Student Union became a hit after its January 2024 installation and $60,000 cost. The project has drawn students, families, and visitors who celebrate Maverick pride.

A roundtable in Mankato this week brought together state agencies and community advocates to discuss proposed food stamp cuts that add work requirements and shift some costs to states.

Lawmakers warned that the changes could lead to fewer benefits for low-income families — and more losses in local food jobs.

The MSU baseball team lost 5+3 to Arkansas-Monticello on May 15 in the NCAA tournament and now faces elimination today at 2:00 p.m. when it plays Henderson State.

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.

Alison Krauss & Union Station Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Tickets available soon — Experience a special evening with twenty-seven-time Grammy winner Alison Krauss and her band on their first tour in a decade.

Minot Honeybees vs. Mankato Habaneros Doubleheader

5:05-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting doubleheader featuring the Minot Honeybees taking on the Mankato Habaneros.

Badlands Big Sticks vs. Mankato MoonDogs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — ISG Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling baseball showdown live in Mankato.