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.

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.”
Some Winona County services remain down and off-line following cyberattack
Winona County officials say some of its computer systems remain off-line as they work to restore services following a cyberattack earlier this week. The county’s IT team has been working around the clock, with assistance from the Minnesota National Guard cyber protection team to address the breach.
Winona County cyberattack is part of a trend as local governments are increasingly targeted
This week’s cyber attack on Winona County’s government IT networks is part of a trend, as cybercriminals are increasingly targeting local units of government, which they see as lucrative targets.
In southeast Minnesota, transmission line for green energy raises environmental concerns
A massive expansion of the electricity grid through southern Minnesota has local landowners and conservationists worried about the impact on wildlife, ground water and the land. Utilities say the project is necessary to expand the reach of renewable energy produced in the upper Midwest.
Rochester event to use headscarves for storytelling, connection among Minnesota women
For years, Rose McGee has gathered Minnesota women together to share about their lives, backgrounds and style, with headscarves as a common thread. She’s organizing a Headscarf Story Circle in Rochester, happening Saturday.