Daily
Rochester
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester’s Hy-Vee announced on Tuesday that it donated $125,000 to help local families amid government shutdown concerns—$100,000 went to Feeding America partner food banks and $25,000 supported DoorDash’s fee-waiving program. KTTC
- ➤ United Way of Southeast Minnesota held a ribbon cutting Tuesday in Rochester to celebrate 100 years of serving local needs, marking its evolution from the Community Chest of Rochester. Leaders explained that a major initiative will soon change how residents find help—gaining support from both the Chamber of Commerce and city council. KTTC
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Mayo Clinic placed a 512-pound steel beam at the top of the Andersen Building in downtown Rochester as part of its utility plant expansion that will supply chilled water, steam, and essential power to the campus; the project will complete in 2027 and includes 1,708 beams + 241 columns and 94 braces assembled by the construction team and future building staff. KIMT
- ➤ United Airlines will launch three daily nonstop flights from Rochester International Airport to Chicago O’Hare starting April 30, giving local travelers direct access to over 183 destinations. The airport has secured over 70 million dollars in federal funds for major upgrades — expanding capacity and improving traveler safety. KROC-AM
- ➤ Chick-fil-A near Miracle Mile will open on Nov. 6 and operate Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The new restaurant—the second in Rochester—will employ about 100 people, and customers wearing cow print on opening day will get a free entrée or kid’s meal. KTTC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Testament is an award winning documentary that shows the Ukrainian war from the perspective of a soldier, chaplain and grieving mother, and it will be screened on November 1 at Calvary Evangelical Free Church. Doors will open at 3:00 p.m.—the film will start at 3:30 p.m. with a discussion afterward. KTTC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Public Schools superintendent Kent Pekel said that federal funds for this school year are safe but he worries future budgets may lose money because of cuts—he made these remarks on his monthly update. He added that the district is developing a new strategic plan and saw a small rise in student enrollment this fall. KROC-AM
- ➤ Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel said he is worried that potential federal funding cuts will affect next school year even though current funds are secure—he is also developing a new strategic plan with three working groups while phasing out Latin and advanced German courses amid unexpected enrollment growth. KROC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ RPU has reduced its planned 2026 electric rate increase to 4% (down from the originally proposed 6%) while the utility board meets later today to approve budgets that include a 9% water rate hike in both 2026 and 2027. General Manager Tim McCollough said lower wholesale power costs help ease some inflationary pressures as the city works toward a full renewable energy goal by 2030. KROC
- ➤ Olmsted County's Child and Family Services team will host its first open house for families on November 13 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Aune Hall, where local residents can meet CFS leadership and learn about programs (support for foster care, child protection, and youth behavioral health). KIMT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mayo Clinic is testing a new medication called Endoxifen in the Evangeline clinical trial to help younger patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who suffer side effects from aromatase inhibitors. Early tests show an 80 to 90 percent success rate after four weeks—researchers will continue to monitor patient response to improve treatment for pre-menopausal women. KTTC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Switzerland will hold its pre-tournament camp at the Rochester Recreation Center as part of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship 50th anniversary series. The Swiss team will face Denmark on December 21 and Sweden on December 23—both games set to start at 7 p.m. central time. KIMT
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
7:30-9 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — VIP packages available — Discover behind-the-scenes tales from the beloved film with Cary Elwes, featuring a screening and exclusive stories.
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RHCSA Exam Preparation Training
8 a.m. — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $2250 — Get ready for the RHCSA certification with this intensive five-day training course focusing on essential Linux system administration skills.
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Spanish Conversation Meeting
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Engage in lively Spanish conversation in a friendly library setting.
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Here Comes Santa Claus
2:30-7 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with festive activities, Santa's rescue, and tree lighting.
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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