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.

Who gives a honk? As Rochester works to curb geese population, some residents push back
Rochester has a goose problem: There are way too many of them. The city is working to reduce the goose population, but the effort is getting some pushback, as many in Rochester see the waterfowl as a core part of the city’s identity.
Mayo Clinic CEO and president to step down at end of year
Mayo Clinic CEO Gianrico Farrugia announced he will step down at the end of the year after leading the world-renowned health system since 2019.
Poor sleep can cause or worsen mental illness. Which treatments work and what's just hype?
Sleep disorders can cause serious physical and mental health problems. Treatments are aplenty, from gummies, lotions and meditation to apps, sounds, C-PAPs and medications. There are so many medical, over the counter, and influencer-peddled ways to treat sleep problems. What’s hype? What works? And what’s it like when it seems all the remedies are failing?
City officials say Owatonna needs new police, fire stations. Distrustful residents are pushing back
City officials in Owatonna say their police and fire stations are out of date and in disrepair. But their $65 million proposal to build new ones is getting pushback from residents who want a say in the process.
Agriculture is changing. To protect farmers from stress, mental health support has to change, too
Studies show that rising costs and trade turmoil are leading to increased rates of stress, depression and suicide in farm country. Mental health providers say farmers are seeking help, but the healthcare system needs to rethink how care is delivered to be effective.
‘Houses are just gone’: Stewartville, Marion Township clean up after Friday’s tornadoes
Clean up efforts are underway in parts of Rochester, Stewartville and other communities in SE Minnesota after tornados swept through the region Friday afternoon. Olmsted County’s sheriff says at least 60 to 70 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
Olmsted Co. residents begin recovery efforts after dozens of homes damaged in tornadoes
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson said after making assessments this weekend they discovered more property that sustained damage in Friday’s tornadoes, bringing the total up to 60 to 70. The county also learned of two people who were hospitalized with minor injuries from the storm.
Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron, a Trump ally, urges president to apologize to Pope
Conservative Catholic Bishop Robert Barron, who is a close ally of President Trump, sharply rebuked the president for his harsh rhetoric criticizing Pope Leo XIV, calling it “inappropriate and disrespectful.”