Good morning, St. Cloud.

Organizers are gearing up for an expanded Earth Day Run weekend in St. Cloud starting Friday at 3:00 p.m. at the Rivers Edge Convention Center with a larger expo (over 30 local vendors), kids’ races on Friday, a Saturday half marathon featuring a new Husky Mile, and free parking downtown.

Next Saturday, April 25, the Minnesota DNR will offer free entry to state parks to encourage families and friends to enjoy time outdoors, though amenity fees for camping and tours still apply (check park alerts for details).

Logan Streff’s Thirteen Acre Bakehouse reopens April 24 in the quiet countryside, offering fresh homemade bread, muffins, cookies, and cinnamon rolls for families + free books and lollipops for kids.

Addie debuts Evergreen Coffee’s mobile trailer with lattes available from 7 a.m. to noon.

Little House on the Prairie gets a fresh take on Netflix with a new cast retelling the Ingalls family's story.

The series premieres July 9 — a teaser trailer is available to show the new vision.

Minnesota’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in February as the state lost 6,100 payroll jobs, mainly in trade, transportation, and leisure.

Job gains in education and health services eased the decline, and a 12-month increase still outpaced national trends (up 0.1 point).

Students will showcase art, robotics, music and more today at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School during the 11th annual Stars of the Storm event, which features visual displays at 6:00 p.m. and live performances at 7:00 p.m.; tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults to support the Education Foundation.

St. Cloud State University has launched Huskies Giving Week to support varsity sports with donations that benefit student-athletes & continue last year’s record of nearly 1,000 donors raising over $136,000.

The event runs until April 23.

The City of St. Cloud unveiled its comprehensive downtown plan and invites residents to review it at an open house on April 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the River's Edge Convention Center, aiming to boost the riverfront, entertainment, housing, and business growth.

St. Cloud V.A. is hosting a medication take back day on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Building 1 where the public can safely discard unused prescriptions.

The V.A. also will hold events addressing military trauma and veterans' healthcare in early May.

The DNR warns that water in central Minnesota lakes remains dangerously cold with temperatures well below 70°F, so boaters and anglers should wear life jackets and check their boat equipment before launch.

They also advise letting someone know your plans in case help is not nearby.

Nick Oliver, a Huskies alumnus, was hired on Monday, April 13 as the new head coach and is building his roster by targeting local talent and transfers from Minnesota to Western Canada and Europe.

He expressed gratitude to returning players for their commitment.

The Twins will take on the Reds at 1:10 p.m. at Target Field, the Timberwolves will begin their playoff series against the Nuggets at 2:30 p.m. in Denver, and the Wild will face the Dallas Stars at 4:30 p.m. in Texas on Saturday.

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.

Sapphire Soirée - SJBC Annual Spring Gala

5-9 p.m. — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Supportive event — Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the St. John's Boys’ Choir with an evening of music and community.

Chess Meet-up Spring Tournament

9-11 a.m. — Calvary Classical Academy — Free entry — Enjoy a friendly tournament with players of all skill levels in a welcoming local atmosphere.

St. Cloud Spring Craft & Vendor Market

10 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Crossroads Center — Varies by vendor — Celebrate spring with local crafts, seasonal treats, and unique finds.