Good morning, St. Cloud.

After 45 years of family management, The Red Carpet now has new owners who will expand live music and comedy nights.

The team will host Friday comedy at 8:30 p.m. and Saturday bands at downtown St. Cloud.

Up in Smoke BBQ is set to relocate from behind Liberty Bank in St. Cloud to a larger dining space off 2nd Avenue South in Waite Park and will offer an extended menu including breakfast when it reopens; a confirmed opening date will be announced soon.

Ted Manderfeld, a local performer with Deuces Wild, reflects on his 25-year journey from early piano lessons in St. Cloud to blending music & comedy in shows across the Midwest.

A $60,000 state grant received by St. Cloud’s Center for African Immigrant and Refugee Organization—one of 23 groups awarded over $1.6M statewide—will fund job training to support 730 Minnesotans.

At Thursday’s Quarterly Business Report, SCSU economist King Banaian said St. Cloud’s economy is on a yellow light, with companies retaining workers amid slow sales and reduced local activity from recent immigration enforcement + urging flexible plans for growth, stagnation or downturn.

Superior Middle School will start guided lessons using Google Gemini later this month.

Teachers will lead classroom activities (focusing on digital citizenship, responsible AI use, and academic guidelines) to help students learn proper AI practices.

A review shows that fast-food burger prices in St. Cloud range from about $4 at Culver’s to over $15 at Five Guys on drive-thru orders, and McDonald’s prices have nearly doubled in ten years.

Hardee’s closed its only local spot, leaving customers to weigh cost versus convenience *as prices shift*.

Skiing, Sledding, and Snowshoeing Sundays

1-5 p.m. — Riverside Park — Free equipment available — Embrace winter fun with skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing while warming up by the fireplace.

Monday Night Jazz

7-9:30 p.m. — Veranda Lounge — Enjoy live jazz with a local band in a cozy atmosphere.

FREE! Winter Chill Festival

1-4 p.m. — Riverside Park — Free entry — Bundle up for outdoor winter fun with sledding, snowshoeing, and Nordic ski activities for the whole family.

2026 St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show

10 AM – 3 PM — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Entry fee varies — Explore the best in outdoor gear and family-friendly activities at this beloved local event.