Daily
Rochester
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fire departments across Minnesota are hosting Women Explore Fire Day to recruit more female firefighters amid staffing shortages. Women may register for hands-on career and volunteer opportunities in Rochester at the Olmsted Public Training Center (1550 50th Street Southeast) and in Owatonna beginning at 9:30 a.m. KTTC
- ➤ A new study has named Minnesota the friendliest state, with 57% of residents donating to charity and 77% regularly chatting with neighbors (showing strong local bonds). The research compared acts of kindness nationwide to highlight everyday connections. KROC-AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ United Airlines postponed its new service at Rochester International Airport from Jun. 1 to Oct. 25 because federal flight restrictions at Chicago O'Hare limit operations (the airline is assisting affected passengers in finding alternatives). KIMT
- ➤ The home decor store at Kirkland's space in the Golden Hills Retail Center closed permanently, leaving a vacant spot near Ulta and Marshall's. Local shoppers offered ideas ranging from a restaurant to a gym on Y-105FM and online plus the piece invites more community suggestions. KROC-AM
- ➤ New York Gyro, an established restaurant chain, will soon open a new downtown spot across from Mayo Clinic's Eisenberg Building on West Center Street. The venue is in the former UPS Store, but no opening date has been set. KROC-AM
- ➤ A Southeastern Minnesota business owner from Busy Baby remains frustrated after nearly two weeks trying to access the tariff refund program, spending long hours on phone help that only advised her to check again later — she now faces growing debt while the company streamlines production and expands overseas. KIMT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ KTTC and Gray Media launched the Star-Spangled Sing-Off contest on Friday, May 1 — part of the We The People initiative celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Participants can submit a complete a cappella National Anthem video, with the winner earning an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville to film a performance. KTTC
- ➤ Canterbury Park in Shakopee is hosting Minnesota’s Best Kentucky Derby Party today with Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps, wagering opportunities, selfie stations and contests, as fans gather to watch the race on a giant jumbotron. Doors open at 12 p.m. (8 a.m. for gambling). KROC-AM
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices keep climbing amid supply concerns, with Minnesota’s regular unleaded averaging $4.01 a gallon on May 1 despite a national surge to $4.39 per gallon. Experts say oil prices may remain high + geopolitical tensions continue to affect the market. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 300 law enforcement agencies are joining Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s 100 Deadliest Days campaign against dangerous driving. The campaign began May 1 and runs until September 7, targeting speeding, impaired driving, no seatbelt use, and distracted driving to help reduce fatal crashes. KTTC
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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.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rochester
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