Good morning, St. Cloud.

The community held the annual Pack the Porches food and fund drive on Friday for Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, collecting 6,615 pounds of food and $24,665 at local drop-offs (Coborn’s matched donations up to $15,000).

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the No Kings rally at the State Capitol today, featuring Bruce Springsteen performing 'Streets of Minneapolis' and community leaders speaking (including a local event in St. Cloud), as organizers celebrate peaceful unity.

Thousands are expected to gather outside Great River Regional Library today from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for the No Kings 3.0 Rally organized by Americans for Democracy, with local officials monitoring possible road closures.

Pine Grove Zoo in Little Falls is seeking community volunteers for various roles this spring, including greeting families, guiding guests and caring for animals.

Interested volunteers can call 320-616-5595 for more details.

At about 2:30 a.m. Friday, firefighters rescued two residents from a house fire on the 1100 block of 11th Ave (SE) while several others were taken to the hospital and the cause remains under investigation.

The Ledge Amphitheater is holding a job fair at 1700 Parkway Drive in Waite Park today from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. where multiple event roles are available (applicants must be 18 or older).

Today, three regional organizations will each receive $80K grants from a $1.6M state program to help underserved youth enter the workforce in Central Minnesota.

The recipients are Central Minnesota Jobs, Goodwill Easter Seals and Career Solutions at St. Cloud Technical and Community College – benefiting over 1,900 local youth.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is advising homeowners in St. Cloud to remove bird feeders and secure food as bears become active.

Sightings in the area and nearby counties have prompted officials to warn that feeders may attract bears seeking high-calorie meals.

Acadia (the eagle) shows signs of pipping on the MN DNR EagleCam as observers note subtle movements that may mean a chick is hatching soon; enthusiasts will continue watching the nest as spring brings new life.

An AARP report finds around 840,000 Minnesotans help care for loved ones — spending an average of 27 unpaid hours a week that add up to 480 million hours worth $11 billion annually — as the group urges for Paid Family Leave to better support caregivers.

A radio contest offering 10 daily entry codes to win $1,000 starts Thursday, Apr.

2 and runs until Friday, May 1, with bonus prizes of $5,000 on Thursday, Apr. 23 and Thursday, Apr. 30; check the free app for contest details (local participation applies).

St. Cloud – Minnesota Writers Off the Page: Joyce Sutphen

6-7:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Free registration — Celebrate National Poetry Month with readings and discussions from Minnesota Poet Laureates Joyce Sutphen and Gwen Nell Westerman.

Machine Knitting Camp 2026 - April Session

10 AM – 6 PM — Rocking Horse Farm — Registration required — Enjoy hands-on machine knitting with fellow enthusiasts and expert instruction.

The Crown Jewels - A Tribute to Queen

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Tickets available — Celebrate all the hits of Queen in this vibrant tribute performance.