Good morning, Rochester.

Peace United Church of Christ is hosting its 3rd annual African Unity Day Meal today at 5 p.m. to honor African culture by inviting community members to bring a dish and enjoy traditional foods such as fufu, okra soup, jollof rice and fried plantains—social justice pastor Jerry Lukula said the event highlights Africa’s influence on American cuisine.

Rochester police arrested 29-year-old Refugio Muniz on Thursday at about 5:15 p.m. at the Landing MN day shelter after he slapped a man and threatened a staff member with a knife—he was charged with second-degree assault, felony threats, and misdemeanor assault with bail set at $100,000 and a court date next month.

A Chicago man was sentenced to three years of supervised probation for fleeing a peace officer and reckless driving after he reached 120 mph during a chase on Highway 52 in Rochester+ Chatfield police later arrested him in a field.

Rochester police responded at 5:15 p.m. Thursday when a man, Refugio Muniz, 29, allegedly assaulted someone and threatened staff with a knife at The Landing MN, a nonprofit serving the homeless — marking the second knife-related incident there in two months.

Rochester Community and Technical College announced Spotlight Academy, an eight‐week youth theatre program for students in grades 3 through 12 that will run from November to February and meet eight times over four months.

The program, held on the RCTC Hill Theater stage and supported by a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council — aims to provide community-based theatre education to address the decline in school-based programs.

Destination Medical Center has approved grants for four downtown historic district projects that total $540,000 to help fix old buildings at sites including Bepap Korean Eats, John Kruesel’s General Merchandise, Fagan Studios and two properties on South Broadway.

The grants cover up to half the work cost for changes to retail or housing use, and the city council will vote on them next month — the plan aims to keep our downtown historic and busy.

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.

German Language Conversation Group

4-6 p.m. — Define Conference Room — Free entry — Practice your German language skills with others in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Middle School Summer Camp

8 AM – 3 PM — RCTC Heintz Center — Free entry — An immersive four-day experience for sixth and seventh graders filled with exciting activities.

Let's Speak German!

4-6 p.m. — Define Conference Room — Free entry — Engage in conversation in a friendly environment with coffee available for early arrivals.

German Language Conversation Meetup

4-6 p.m. — One Discovery Square — Free entry — Practice your German skills in a friendly, all-levels welcome atmosphere.

Open House: Spacious 6-Bedroom Home

5:30-7 p.m. — 2319 Viola View Ln NE — $524,900 — Explore this serene cul-de-sac home featuring a walkout lower level and large outdoor deck.