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 to hold protest condemning rising ICE activity
Protesters are planning to gather outside the Olmsted County Government Center in downtown Rochester at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, to voice opposition to the increased federal immigration enforcement actions that are taking place in Rochester and all across the state.
Latino businesses in Rochester hurting as ICE ramps up presence in greater Minnesota
With an increased ICE presence in Rochester, a business owner who serves the city’s Latino community says many of his customers are afraid they’ll be detained, and are too scared to shop. In a social media post, he asked Rochester to step-up its support of businesses like his. And they have.
Olmsted County sheriff to retire, will step down in 2027 after 12 years in office
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson has announced he will not seek a fourth term in office and will retire in January of 2027. Torgerson, whose area of jurisdiction includes Rochester and surrounding communities in southeastern Minnesota, has will be stepping down after more than four decades in law enforcement. 
Minnesota grocery distributor recalls hundreds of products
A Minnesota grocery distributor has recalled hundreds of products sent to dozens of stores in the state, after unsanitary conditions were found in the company’s facility in Minneapolis.
Cleanup continues following Minnesota blizzard; Minneapolis, St. Paul declare snow emergencies
No-travel advisories across southern Minnesota were lifted Monday, as driving conditions gradually improved following Sunday’s blizzard conditions. Many cities across the region implemented snow emergency parking rules.
Plows pulled from highways, no travel advised across much of Minnesota amid blizzard conditions
A major winter storm swept into Minnesota on Sunday, bringing blizzard conditions on one of the busiest travel days of the holiday season. Snowplows were pulled off highways in parts of the state due to poor visibility, and several cities — including Minneapolis — declared snow emergencies.
As Rochester’s chess scene grows, one high school team is eyeing another statewide title
Over the last two decades, Rochester's youth chess scene has grown, with the city's high school teams earning champion status at eight statewide tournaments. One of them, Century High School, is hoping to repeat as a state champion in 2026.
Social worker shares resources for families affected by Stewartville shooting
Heather Geerts, director of clinical services at Zumbro Valley Health Services, joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Tuesday to talk about supporting the Stewartville community in the wake of a tragedy.
‘Total sadness’: Stewartville High School shooting leaves community grieving
The small town of Stewartville in southeast Minnesota is grieving but trying to pull together in the aftermath of a shooting outside of the high school that left one student in critical condition and the alleged shooter dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.