Good morning, St. Cloud.

Central Minnesota Community Foundation awarded $190,000 to 16 local organizations through three competitive grant rounds, funding affordable housing, art murals and youth programs.

The grants — covering diverse community needs — will boost local projects and support essential services.

Sartell Police and Fire are hosting National Night Out at the Community Center on Tuesday, Aug.

4 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring K9 demos, fire truck displays, interactive games, and free hotdogs (while supplies last).

The 46th Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival will run from August 6 to 9 at El Rancho Manana Campground in Richmond (offering six stages, jam sessions, workshops, and square dancing) and feature an Australian artist on its main stage.

The interactive event is expected to draw up to 2,500 people.

The North Star Air Show runs this weekend at Sky Central Airport.

Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday with displays from noon to 3:00 p.m. Visitors see the Air Force Raptor Team, a P-51 Mustang and the historic B-25 bomber — Miss Mitchell — up close.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows 76% of Minnesota is in moderate drought while over 95% is abnormally dry.

Benton and Sherburne counties now face moderate drought, and showers + thunderstorms forecast for Thursday night may bring some relief.

US News released its Overall Best State Rankings and Minnesota ranks No. 3 based on eight metrics like education, health care, and infrastructure — trailing Utah while besting many neighbors.

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced a new local media rights deal with DAZN that will require fans to subscribe for most games in the 2026-27 season — 15 games will be free while additional details are expected soon.