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.

Rochester Public Schools move to formalize procedure for helping transgender kids
Around the state, school districts have or are in the process of developing guidelines aimed at helping transgender and gender-nonconforming kids navigate school. One such district is Rochester, where new guidance issued last fall has led to contentious school board meetings.
Rochester bans camping on city property in attempt to curb homeless encampments
The Rochester City Council passed an ordinance this week, banning camping on city property and city right-of-ways. The new rule gives Rochester City Police enforcing authority. Council members had strong opinions on both sides. 
Facing budget crisis, Rochester proposes closing some schools, moving others
Rochester Public Schools is announcing major changes to manage the district’s bloated budget, including closing some schools and eliminating transportation for districtwide schools. The changes will allow earlier start times for elementary students and later start times for middle and high school students.
Rochester bets on geothermal to power a green future
Since June, construction workers in Rochester, Minn., have been drilling deep wells that will eventually be part of a large geothermal network meant to heat and cool multiple buildings downtown. These systems aren’t an option for every city. But in locations that have the right geologic conditions, it’s a climate-friendly way to heat and cool.
In a statement to parents, the district confirmed that some district data was accessed by an “outside actor,” but stopped short of saying who is affected.