Daily
Rochester
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Easter Bunny will visit Apache Mall from Friday, Mar. 20 to Saturday, Apr. 4, offering photo sessions for families and pets with scheduled times and walk-ups — pet photos are available from March 23 to March 31. KROC-AM
- ➤ Parking in downtown Rochester can be challenging, but Rochester Downtown Alliance assures there are over 4,000 public parking spots across 6 ramps + 8 service lots, with additional affordable options nearby. Fagan noted that digital displays now show real-time space availability during large events. KIMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Midwest Candy Co. opened in the Apache Mall food court in Rochester at the end of February. The new candy shop offers a wide variety of sweets & is quickly becoming a favorite stop for local shoppers. KROC-AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ County Commissioner Laurel Podulke-Smith has been chosen to join the National Association of Counties’ Arts and Culture Innovation Council to explore arts trends that boost local economic growth — she will also serve on a task force to help build a new performing arts center in Rochester. KIMT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Over 50 Minnesota school districts have adopted a policy that uses taxpayer funds to provide financial incentives and additional support for teachers of color and American Indian educators, including Rochester Public Schools — a local district — to boost teacher retention and student learning. KROC-AM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ County crews are making progress on the exhibition center at the fairgrounds as construction moves vertically. Steel work for the arena portion is complete this week + construction will continue into summer with tech and furniture moving in by spring 2027 before it hosts year-round events. KTTC
- ➤ Rideshare companies in Minnesota must update policies and train drivers after a settlement resolved a discrimination case involving a disabled rider with her service dog; Lyft will improve its app and accountability measures (with a $63,000 monetary settlement) to better serve riders. KROC-AM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers announced two bills to fight Parkinson’s by banning paraquat in agriculture and setting aside $25 million for research at local institutions such as Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. Lawmakers say the measures could boost local efforts to improve public health. KTTC
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2026 Midwest Motorsports Expo
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — $10 for adults, kids 10 & under free — Explore a one-day show featuring over 60 high-performance dealers and manufacturers from around the country.
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The Seasons Ice Dance Performance
6:45-8:15 p.m. — Rochester Recreation Center — Ticket options available — Experience the artistry and athleticism of world-class skaters in a dazzling ice dance performance.
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Highland Romance: A Kid's Concert Experience
3-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket required for entry — A vibrant concert journey through art and classical storytelling for children.
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World Ballet Company: Cinderella
7-9 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Cost details not provided — Experience a magical Broadway-style ballet adaptation of Cinderella featuring a cast of 40 international dancers.
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The Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert
7-9 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting jazz sounds of The Glenn Miller Orchestra live with classic hits.
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