Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.
Good morning, Rochester.
🏘️ Community
Tuesday night, downtown Rochester welcomed the return of 'Ladies Night Out' after a five-year break.
Local shops + restaurants offered gift card drawings and special promotions to draw community members out, according to the Rochester Downtown Alliance.
🎓 Education
Rochester Public Schools superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel said cuts to the federal grant for training mental health professionals are a big step backward because funding was reduced ahead of schedule.
RPS filed a request for reconsideration after a letter sent on May 6 left about two dozen program participants facing uncertainty.
🏛️ Government
Rochester City Council upheld the Heritage Preservation Commission’s rejection of a proposed development that would replace historic facades with a glass elevator tower in the downtown Historic District.
Developer Hal Henderson’s plan to demolish part of a historic building for a mixed-use project was denied—its preservation standards did not meet approval, and the council vote was 5–2.
Rochester residents filed a lawsuit after last November's City Council race for the Fourth Ward seat, alleging that newly sworn-in council member Andy Friederichs does not live in the ward.
A judge set the trial date for November 24, a pretrial hearing for November 14 — and the next motion hearing for July 29.
Olmsted County and the City of Rochester will begin major parking lot work at the Government Center on May 12, closing the upper loop near Doors A, B and D while adding a north-south sidewalk, ADA upgrades, EV charging stations and new pay stations with the lower lot staying open.
A second phase will start on June 2 when work shifts to the lower lot and public meetings move as the Council Chambers and Board Room get new audiovisual systems (54% city, 46% county funding) (including digital upgrades and improved lighting).
The Rochester City Council upheld the Heritage Preservation Commission's rejection of a proposal to build a mixed-use tower on South Broadway that would tear down most of a historic building—keeping only the front—as it did not meet local preservation standards.
The 5-2 vote marked the second such rejection since 2023.
🎉 Rochester Events
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Gold Rush Antiques Show
All day — Graham Park — Free admission with wristband — Explore unique antiques and vintage finds from across the U.S. at this 53rd annual treasure hunter's paradise.
Anastasia - ASL Interpreted Performance
7-11 p.m. — Rochester Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical performance of Anastasia with ASL interpretation and audio description.
Ryan Sullivan Live Performance
6-9 p.m. — Forager Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of acoustic tunes with Ryan Sullivan, a talented solo guitarist and singer-songwriter.
Meet the Doulas
9:30-11:00 a.m. — People's Food Co-op — Free entry — Connect with local doulas to learn about support for your birth and postpartum recovery.
Global Executive Healthcare Summit 2025
May 29-30 — Mayo Clinic — Attendance credits available — Engage with global healthcare leaders and explore the future of medical practice.
June Meet-Up for Female Entrepreneurs in Rochester
2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Connect and create your brand kit in a hands-on workshop led by Izzy Waite.
🏠 Rochester Real Estate
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💼 Rochester Job Board
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📣 Rochester Announcements
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