Good morning, Rochester.

United Way of Southeast Minnesota reached its goal for the Running Start for School drive before the Sept.

4 deadline, providing backpacks and supplies to over 4,000 students (with help from local schools and volunteers).

A hotel guest reported a strange energy and a mysterious black ball entering a door at downtown Rochester’s historic Kahler Grand Hotel (known for ghostly rumors), adding to its eerie legacy.

Do Portugal Circus debuts in Rochester at Apache Mall starting Friday, Aug.

28 until Sunday, Sep. 6. The circus will feature acrobats, trapeze artists, and the Portugal Riders performing inside the Globe of Death for an all-ages audience, with tickets available online or at the box office 30 minutes before showtime.

Data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development show that over the past year, Rochester added about 350 jobs while the state overall gained over 44,000, reflecting slower job growth in the area.

Incoming RCTC freshmen attended Welcome Day on Thursday — a time to meet staff and tour campus, with students choosing programs like automotive technology, welding and liberal arts — as they prepare for classes starting Monday, Aug.

24.

Rochester Public Schools launches a new Office of Learning Environments to boost student engagement by strengthening relationships and support across schools this year.

The district’s coordinated effort at the Edison Building includes academic interventions and mapping student connections to keep attendance on the rise.

City crews will begin repairs on the 85th Street bridge, damaged last year by a truck, on Thursday (Aug.

27). The work aims to restore the structure and improve travel safety in the area.

Hy-Vee pharmacies are offering flu shots to help residents guard against seasonal illness; many locations provide the service today & accept walk-ins or appointments.