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Rochester News

Stay informed about Rochester MN news with local stories, breaking news and more from MPR News, your hub for the latest updates in Rochester, Austin, Winona and across southeast Minnesota.

Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron in running to lead U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops

Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron in running to lead U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops

Robert Barron, the somewhat controversial bishop of the Winona-Rochester diocese, is in the running this week to become president of the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops. The 65-year old prelate is well known for his social media empire, and has close ties to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. But some theologians and church watchers say the fiery conservative would be more of a dividing force in the American church, not the uniter who is needed now.
by Molly Castle Work

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Rural health care in Minnesota: What's changing and why?

Rural health care in Minnesota: What's changing and why?

Mayo Clinic Health System recently announced it will end on-call labor and delivery services in Owatonna in November. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about what it means for families — and for rural health care in Minnesota.
by Catharine Richert, Cari Dwyer, Nikhil Kumaran and Maja Beckstrom

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Main Street grants boost many downtown Rochester businesses, but some still struggle

Main Street grants boost many downtown Rochester businesses, but some still struggle

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is doling out a final round of grants that were designed to keep businesses afloat during the retail doldrums of the pandemic. For Rochester recipients, it’s been a matter of surviving messy construction, too.
by Catharine Richert

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MPR News is coming to Rochester

MPR News is coming to Rochester

MPR News is broadcasting live from Rochester on Tuesday. Tune in for local stories, live shows and more.
by MPR News Staff

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New measles case confirmed in Rochester area, bringing state total to at least 20 in 2025

New measles case confirmed in Rochester area, bringing state total to at least 20 in 2025

Public health officials in Olmsted County confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child living in the Rochester area in southeastern Minnesota. It is the 20th confirmed measles case in the state so far this year.
by Molly Castle Work

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Why a rural energy co-op is getting involved in housing

Why a rural energy co-op is getting involved in housing

Affordable housing is in short supply around the state. In a small community a few minutes north of Rochester, one energy co-op is launching a new initiative to add to the supply.
by Catharine Richert

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MPR News' regional reporters on the importance of living where they report

MPR News' regional reporters on the importance of living where they report

MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with some of our regional reporters about what it means to report on the communities they live in and why that connection matters. 
by Catharine Richert and Cari Dwyer

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Rochester schoolyard remade to reduce impacts of climate change

Rochester schoolyard remade to reduce impacts of climate change

Franklin Elementary is one of five Minnesota schools getting an eco-friendly schoolyard makeover to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
by Molly Castle Work

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