Daily
Rochester
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Rochester Citywide Garage Sale starts Thursday, May 14 and runs until Sunday, May 17, offering over 120 sales across NW, NE, SW and SE locations so residents can plan their route with the digital map. KROC-AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Morph Creative Reuse, a nonprofit thrift store for art supplies, will hold its grand opening on Saturday, May 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Rochester — it will offer limited Saturday hours in May and June for shoppers and donors. KROC-AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Singer Cori Kennedy will headline an acoustic set at the RST Parking Lot Party (6–8:30 pm) at Rochester International Airport as part of the summer kickoff where she will debut a new song. The event will take place rain or shine and encourages attendees to bring their own chairs. KROC-AM
- ➤ Craft Beer Week began on Monday in Rochester as local breweries launched special promotions + beer releases, live music and food events, with the celebration continuing until Sunday, May 17. KTTC
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices across Minnesota rose 11.1 cents per gallon to an average of $4.16 as stalled U.S. and Iran talks spurred a renewed climb in oil prices on Sunday night. Drivers may see continued fuel fluctuations & market watchers monitor the situation. KROC-AM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Public Schools first graders celebrated My Book Day at SPARK on Monday, May 11, enjoying outdoor reading activities organized by the Rochester Risers Rotary Club & partners that provided each student with a book and promoted summer reading with a kindness theme. KTTC
- ➤ Families can start a 529 college savings plan with MNSaves today to lower taxable income and invest in college costs; the program requires a minimum deposit of $25 and offers 12 investment options along with free consultations (MNSaves served over 60,000 students as of September 2025). KTTC
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents can brighten their gardens with eight tough wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees, a guide to beating Minnesota’s short growing season. This advice helps local gardeners choose plants that thrive in our climate. KROC-AM
- ➤ A new community solar garden broke ground Monday near Owatonna Degner Regional Airport to lower electric bills for households with low or moderate income. Enterprise Energy, Cedar Creek Energy and finance partners are building the project, which is expected to be operational by October. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City Council members took Rochester residents on a half-mile downtown walking tour starting at UMR to view current and future projects, including Chateau Theatre plans and other developments (such as bus rapid transit and facilities) that will shape the city’s growth. Officials said the tour served to gather feedback. KIMT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Rochester’s First Ave Food Court offers a mix of global flavors at 101 1st Ave SW. Open since the 1980s, this hidden skyway spot now serves fast, flavorful lunch options & attracts locals and visitors from Mayo Clinic and nearby businesses. KROC-AM
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Broadway Plaza is currently the tallest building in Rochester along South Broadway Avenue. Mayo Clinic-owned structures like the Gonda and Plummer Buildings also shape the city’s evolving skyline. KROC-AM
- ➤ A newly built custom home in Pill Hill, which costs $2 million and spans nearly 7,000 sqft, is drawing attention from local buyers. The property features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a pool, a three-season porch, and modern design details (including a striking staircase and expansive windows) that set it apart. KROC-AM
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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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Breakthrough Basketball Ball Handling and Scoring Camp
Ball Handling and Scoring Skills — June 9-11 — Rochester Community and Technical College — Registration needed — Improve your dribbling, shooting, and overall game skills at this high-intensity camp.
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AACA Annual Meeting 2026
Various times — Rochester, MN — Registration required — Explore the latest in higher education research and career opportunities.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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