Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester Salvation Army raised over $1.4 million last holiday season by exceeding its goal and setting a record with an $84,000 kettle at Hy-Vee — the highest nationwide; the group was also honored with a national award and will be recognized during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game.

Café Steam, a locally owned shop serving downtown Rochester and Mayo Clinic visitors, was named one of Minnesota’s coolest coffee shops on the Best Things Minnesota list — the business plans a fourth location in the coming months.

Rochester residents are advised that certain online searches may trigger government attention (even if they are innocent) according to a recent report outlining seven queries that could raise red flags.

Google’s local office, opened in the Conley-Maass-Downs building in 2021, underlines its deep role in local business growth.

A look back at 2016 in Rochester shares key moments like the Mayo Civic Center expansion and the DMC Discovery Square plans alongside local events that once captivated the community, inviting residents to build new memories today that will spark nostalgia tomorrow.

Local residents shared hidden gems in Rochester on a Facebook call for recommendations, covering art studios, consignment boutiques, and unique recreational spots.

The feature highlights venues like a quiet dog wash and a computer parts store that reveal a fresh side of city life.

Rochester added 5,637 jobs in December with a 4.3% annualized growth rate despite being the slowest in over a year, keeping the city on top of Minnesota job growth; statewide, over 37,000 jobs were added amid modest labor market changes.

Minnesotans can keep more winnings before reporting them to tax authorities under a new law.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act raised the casino reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000 & lottery prizes above $600 still require reporting.

Experience Rochester’s Restaurant Week launches today as nearly 30 restaurants offer special breakfast, lunch and dinner menus until Sunday, Feb.

1—diners can enjoy both dine-in and takeout options along with free round-trip bus fare vouchers from Public Transit.

The Minnesota Vikings are facing key financial decisions as they work to decide the status of 18 pending free agents for the upcoming off-season; the team plans to evaluate roster moves in the coming weeks.

The Lewy Convergence: Clinical Wisdom and Historical Reflection

11:30 a.m. — Leighton Auditorium — $25 Registration — A landmark CME event honoring Dr. Friedrich Lewy's legacy while advancing knowledge on Lewy Body Dementia care.

Monster X Tour

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Tickets starting at $20.50 — Experience thrilling monster truck action and freestyle motocross in an adrenaline-pumping event.

Social Ice Festival 2026

4-10 p.m. — Peace Plaza — Free entry — Experience a vibrant winter oasis with themed bars, ice sculptures, and live DJ entertainment.

The Sound Of Fate

7:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticketed event — Experience Tchaikovsky's epic showdown with fate through his Symphony No. 5 and Rossini's spirited Overture to Semiramide.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

7:00 p.m. (Thu, Fri, Sat), 2:00 p.m. (Sun) — Rochester Civic Theatre — Ticket prices varied — A low-born man's chase for love and an earldom takes a comedic and murderous twist.

Junior Gold Qualifier at Colonial Lanes

Multiple time slots available — Colonial Lanes — Participation fee required — Compete in a thrilling Junior Gold qualifier with exciting scholarship opportunities.

Spanish Conversation Meetup

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Practice your Spanish speaking skills in a friendly group setting.

Next Stop Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — LC's Venue — Check website for ticket info — Enjoy a fresh lineup of stand-up comedians at this local favorite.

Kubernetes Administration Training

Feb 23–25 — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $2490 — Learn Kubernetes to manage containerized applications and prepare for the CKA exam.