Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rochester International Airport announced that United Airlines will delay its daily flights to Chicago O’Hare from April 30 to June 1, 2026 — the decision comes as FAA restrictions limit available flight operations. KTTC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Y-105FM introduces a new morning show hosted by Donna and Steve airing weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Listeners also have a chance to win $1,000 daily on air). KROC-AM
- ➤ The 29th Annual Rochester International Film Festival (ongoing) opens tomorrow at Pop's Art Theater with films in Finnish, Danish, Spanish, and more. The event runs through Sunday, April 12 and offers tickets at $10.81 per movie. KROC-AM
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Data from the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shows Minnesota farms had a moderate recovery in 2025 with median income at $66,518, thanks to better yields, strong livestock prices and support payments - though high input costs and low export prices leave uncertainty for 2026. KTTC
- ➤ GasBuddy reported that as of Tuesday Rochester gas prices averaged $3.68 per gallon, lower than the national rate, but the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to push prices up with a predicted increase of $0.10 to $0.25 over the next week. KTTC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ John Adams Middle School principal Brant Goetz was named Middle School Principal of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals on Tuesday. He was honored by fellow principals for his creative approach and service-learning initiatives during his 20-year career with Rochester Public Schools. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester law enforcement officials urged drivers to slow down ahead of the busy construction season to protect workers and avoid distractions like cell phones. Officials noted that driver inattention contributes to nearly 25% of crashes each year. KTTC
- ➤ In a Monday night meeting, Mayor Norton asked the council to consider enhancing this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Budget constraints have forced the city to scale back events—ending the Fourth Fest concert at Soldiers Field. KTTC
- ➤ MnDOT crews modified the traffic signal along Highway 14 at the Memorial Parkway SW intersection near Apache Mall on Tuesday, replacing signal heads and wiring while lane and shoulder closures led to traffic delays throughout the day. KTTC
- ➤ The county board approved an 18-month funding plan at $15,000 monthly to keep the overflow homeless shelter open year-round so Catholic Charities & Salvation Army can continue serving people after its planned closure this month. The board will use the period to plan a long-term housing solution. KIMT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Rochester City Council approved the next phase for a 56-acre Pebble Creek extension northwest near 60th Avenue. The plan includes 108 single family homes for 55+ residents & an amenities center, with underground utilities ready and homes available by late summer or early fall. KIMT
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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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12th Annual Timmay 5k Run/Walk
9-11 a.m. — Silver Lake Park - East Shelter — Registration fees apply — Raise awareness for organ donation while enjoying a morning run or walk in the community.
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Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k
Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k — May 2 — Rochester, Minnesota — Entry fees apply — Experience a spirited community run in the heart of Rochester.
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Gold Rush Antique Show
8 a.m.-6 p.m. — Graham Arena Complex — Admission good all three days — Explore hundreds of vendors offering antiques, collectibles, and unique finds.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Start with repetition, not perfection.
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