Rochester Today

Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson discusses the difficult situations faced by local law enforcement agencies when protesters clash with immigration enforcement efforts. The Sheriff also talks about an ongoing process to create digital maps of every school in Minnesota to aid in law enforcement responses.

Mike Dougherty (MNDOT Mike) with the Minnesota Department of Transportation takes us "behind the scenes" of MnDOT's planning for in response to winter weather events.

Tom and Andy talk about the national magnifying glass that is being focused on Minnesota's fraud problems and the administration of Governor Tim Walz.

Bobby Yanish, the new Executive Director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near Rochester joins Andy and shares how he was chosen to fill the shoes of the late Bob Bardwell and the wonderful programs and offerings of the facility.

Tom and Andy talk about the ongoing national focus on Minnesota and Governor Tim Walz over the fraud scandal that has been in the news locally for several years. The topics for the program also included immigration crackdown and the decline of civil discourse in the U.S.

Rochester City Councilmember Shaun Palmer shares the latest on the bids for constructing the new Regional Sports Complex and how to cover the project's cost. The discussion also includes the newly approved city budget and property tax levy, the study of a possible natural gas franchise fee, automatic speed enforcement cameras, and the latest veto from Mayor Kim Norton.

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton discusses a new initiative aimed at identifying ways to make it easier for entrepreneurs to launch businesses in the city.

Tom and Andy dive into the growing national clamor over Minnesota's government fraud problems as governor Tim Walz and President Trump continue to spar on social media and in the press.

Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel discusses the potential benefits and pitfalls of utilizing artificial intelligence in education, and improvement in the school districts finances, and a new rating system for the local public schools.

Tom and Andy talk about President Trump's social media announcement related to Minnesota's massive fraud issues, the resignation of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the latest efforts to end the war in Ukraine.