Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester Public Schools announced that four top administrative positions will be cut effective July 1 to save nearly $500,000 annually from an $8.3M budget gap.

Superintendent Pekel also set longtime employee Jacque Peterson as Chief Operating Officer to fill a key vacancy — a move that is part of the district’s reorganization plan.

Yesterday, MnDOT paused to remember workers killed on the job during Worker’s Memorial Day as district heads, state patrol, and union leaders honored those who never made it home.

Chairs draped with uniforms symbolized the seven District 6 workers lost since 1960.

Construction on the Link corridor will expand along 2nd Street Southwest to 14th Avenue Southwest on May 4 to support utility upgrades and prepare the corridor for future transit service, and drivers will be redirected using blue Hospital detour signs + face temporary lane reductions.

Forbes released its 2026 Top Hospitals List, naming 12 Minnesota hospitals with (5-star) ratings based on expert reviews and data analytics.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester is honored for its high quality patient care among the region's top facilities.

A Mayo Clinic study in Rochester showed that bariatric surgery lowered long-term heart risk by 8.6% compared to a 1.7% drop with GLP-1 medications among 812 patients with obesity—patients who lost more weight saw bigger risk drops and researchers said further studies are needed.

Mayo Clinic researchers in Rochester developed GCT-iSIGN – a blood test that detected 93% of germ cell tumors and nearly all cases missed by standard tests.

The study published in Nature Communications shows promise for early diagnosis, though further research is needed before routine use.

A national study ranked Minnesota seventh for nurses, citing high wages and supportive work conditions that benefit local facilities like Mayo Clinic — a key healthcare hub in the area — which fosters talent retention.

The findings reinforce strong job prospects for healthcare professionals in our community.

The Love Your Lungs Olmsted coalition launched Tuesday to push for stronger flavored tobacco regulations in Olmsted County (including youth, parents, school administrators, and healthcare professionals).

They said the measures aim to reduce youth vaping and protect children from nicotine addiction.

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.

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.

The SpongeBob Musical

7:00 – 9:30 PM — Rochester Civic Theatre — Adults $37, Seniors $32, Students $29 — Join SpongeBob and friends in a race against a volcano to save Bikini Bottom.

Med City Marathon

7 a.m. — Rochester International Airport — Registration required — Experience the unique challenge of a 20-mile race in the scenic surroundings of Rochester, Minnesota.

Three Dog Night Concert

10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a day filled with iconic rock music from Three Dog Night.