Good morning, Mankato.

Minnesota added 15,900 nonfarm jobs in April and maintained a 4.5% unemployment rate.

In the Mankato area, nonfarm employment reached 58,600 (a slight yearly dip amid a monthly rise) according to state data.

Drivers planning Memorial Day weekend trips face high gas prices, with AAA reporting statewide averages near $4.39 per gallon while local prices range from $4.08 to $4.55 (Mankato sits mid-range).

GasBuddy warns prices could exceed $5 if supply disruptions continue.

Thunderstorms brought over 2 inches of rain to Mankato this week, lifting most Minnesota counties from abnormally dry conditions.

Only parts of Pipestone and Rock counties along the border remain in drought, and the rain helped firefighters contain a wildfire in northern Minnesota.

In the Section 2AAA softball tournament that began Thursday, Mankato East beat Jordan 4-3 and Mankato West lost to St. Peter+ the Cougars and Saints will meet Saturday at noon for a championship spot.

Brit Floyd - Pink Floyd Tribute

8-9:30 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Tickets required — Experience the world's premier Pink Floyd tribute in a celebration of iconic rock albums.

Interactive Training Series in Mankato

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Cemstone Supply — Free entry — Meet experts and explore top hardscape solutions with exclusive event pricing.

BENCHS Plant Sale

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society — Donations welcomed — Find beautiful plants while supporting animals in need.

Great Northern Viking Festival

3:30 p.m. — ISG Field — Cost info not provided — Celebrate Viking culture with music, storytelling, and delicious food.