Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ EarthFest Expo returns Saturday, May 2 with free, hands-on activities at Saint Mary's University – Rochester Campus and Cascade Meadow. The event runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features sustainability workshops, live music, eco-friendly showcases, and guided tours, connecting local organizations and residents to practical green living. KIMT
- ➤ Residents at Cascade Creek care facility enjoyed a visit from two lambs brought by a local sheep farmer this morning, where many pet and bottle fed the animals (Sweet is 6 weeks old, Finn is 8 weeks old) that sparked fond memories and shared stories. KIMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rochester’s newest McAlister’s Deli will open May 11 in The Shoppes on Second Center near Saint Mary’s Hospital, offering sandwiches + baked potatoes as part of the chain’s expansion into the area. KROC-AM
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester drivers now face gas prices topping $4 a gallon for the first time in four years, while state averages hold at $3.93 and the national average is $4.23 (with some states charging nearly $6), prompting locals to adjust their driving habits. KROC-AM
- ➤ GasBuddy reports show that Costco (membership required) now offers gas at about $3.99/gal while Fleet Farm lists it at $3.89/gal and Sinclair in downtown sells at $3.99, so drivers should verify current prices before driving further for savings. KROC-AM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Drivers on state highways should expect lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. starting Sunday, May 3 until May 7 and again May 10-14 as crews clean highways and bridges in Rochester. Maintenance crews will use high-pressure water and sweep debris in advance of bridge work starting May 17. KIMT
- ➤ The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority has announced a $3 million funding opportunity under its GAIN program to support building modest homes priced at or below $350,000. Applications are open through June 15 for public, private + nonprofit developers. KIMT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mayo Clinic in Rochester announced it will shift its hiring model starting tomorrow — job postings will be designated as hybrid or on-site and hybrid roles will require staff to live within 100 miles of their assigned site. KTTC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Honkers will play their final season at historic Mayo Field when opening on May 27 as they plan to find a new home while officials study modern improvements; the stadium will continue to host high school and youth games. KTTC
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SOULED OUT Wrestling Event
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Tickets on sale now — Witness the unveiling of the powerful team ‘Souled Out’ in an unforgettable wrestling showdown.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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