Good morning, Rochester.

Rabbi Michelle Werner from B’nai Israel Synagogue said she felt hope and sorrow after a peace deal with Hamas led to the reunion of 20 living Israeli hostages with their families and the release of eight deceased hostages.

She urged community members to remember those lost and support the rebuilding process of lives affected by two years of conflict — a reminder of the bittersweet nature of peace.

Downtown Rochester shops are turning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month from Oct 13 to Oct 19, offering themed food, drinks, and discounts with a portion of pink item sales benefiting Mayo Clinic research (passport holders can win a $25 gift card by collecting stamps at select locations).

KD Fine Jewelers, a 29-year business in Rochester, will close on December 20 due to declining sales from North Broadway construction—owner Karla Dison said she will sell remaining inventory at a discount before the store shuts down.

Destination Medical Center hosted a welcoming event at Two Discovery Square to share plans for a new 16,000-square-foot BioLabs facility.

Approved researchers can rent 60 to 80 desks for $2,200 to $4,000 a month and use nearly $2 million in lab equipment — the facility is set to open in Fall.

Canna Serve Ya, owned by Peter and Tasha Jada, earns a second chance in the local cannabis lottery after some initial winners withdrew and must set up a storefront in Rochester within eight months to keep its registration—the owners plan to begin selling growing supplies in the next few months and start cannabis sales around New Year's.

Southeast Minnesota native Cori Kennedy impressed coaches on NBC’s The Voice by winning her Battle Round duet on October 14 against Aubrey Nicole—Reba McEntire said Kennedy’s real country grit earned her a spot to move ahead while using her save to keep her partner on the team.

Peak fall foliage was observed in Olmsted, Wabasha, Winona and Fillmore counties on Wednesday morning while near-peak colors moved into northern Iowa due to earlier warm weather—experts say the best colors will appear next week.

At the Oct. 6 city council meeting, Rochester Public Transit said it will remove four neighborhood routes and 17 stops starting Nov.

23 due to rising operating costs and lower ridership. The agency will develop a transit plan next year — inviting public input to adjust services as local funding increases.

Girl Named Tom Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the award-winning harmony of the sibling trio who captured hearts on The Voice.

Cans for Kids

8 AM – 12 PM — Ronald McDonald House Charities Midwest MN, WI, IA — Donations accepted — Bring aluminum cans for recycling to support children and families in need.

Rochester Hot Cider Hustle

Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K — — Rochester, Minnesota — — Participate in a festive race with sweet swag and hot cider at the finish.

Floral Shadow Box Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — All materials included — Create your own floral arrangements in shadow boxes while enjoying time with friends.

Keller Williams Trunk Or Treat

9-11 p.m. — 2765 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN — Free entry — Enjoy a safe and fun Trunk or Treat event with decorated trunks and candy for the whole family.

iLuminate: A Dazzling LED Dance Experience

7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mind-blowing fusion of music, dance, and technology in a unique, illuminated performance.

Kids Moonrise Paint Class

1-3 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — All materials provided — Create a unique painting with customizable colors and stencils in this fun class for ages 6 and up.

Vintage Flea Market & Toy Show

9 AM – 2 PM — Graham Park — Admission varies — Discover vintage treasures, toys, and holiday décor at this charming local market.

Rochester Female Entrepreneurs Networking Meet-Up

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Connect with local female entrepreneurs in a supportive, structured networking environment.

National Philanthropy Day Celebration

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Empire Event Center — Registration Fee Required — Celebrate philanthropy in the community with workshops and awards honoring outstanding contributions.