Good morning, Rochester.

A new restaurant, Ollin Cocina and Tequila, is now open at 2723 Commerce Dr NW (the renovated former Carbone's Pizzeria) near Costco.

It offers traditional Mexican food and curated tequila drinks with weekday and weekend hours and online ordering coming soon.

Rochester residents can enter to win two tickets for Bob Dylan’s Rough and Rowdy Ways concert on March 24 at the Mayo Civic Center (30 Civic Center Drive), with entries open until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Dec.

29; tickets are also on sale.

The MPCA plans to add three contaminated sites, including Dison’s Cleaners in Rochester (a former dry cleaning site with risks from PCE and TCE), to its Permanent List to protect public health.

Residents can review and comment on the proposal by Jan. 15.

Xcel Energy shares tips to help residents lower heating bills and stay safe this winter — suggestions include lowering the thermostat by one degree, sealing windows, and updating furnace filters to cut energy costs and prevent home emergencies.

Mayo Clinic researchers in Rochester found that aging zombie cells trigger inflammation that speeds up the serious liver disease MASH.

The study in Nature Communications shows that blocking key proteins may reduce scarring and lower the risk of severe illness.

Mayo Clinic researchers introduced a smartwatch alert system to help parents respond within four seconds to early signs of stress in children with emotional and behavioral disorders.

A 16-week study (with 50 children) showed the technology cut tantrum durations by 11 minutes compared to standard therapy.

Minnesota is bracing for a record surge in holiday travel from Dec.

20 to Jan. 1 as AAA forecasts nearly 9.3 million travelers and advises checking vehicle tires and designating a sober driver (most Minnesotans will drive).

Hockey fans can watch the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series today at 7 p.m. on KTTC’s North Star Sports & Entertainment Network, with games held in Rochester and other nearby Minnesota cities to showcase top junior teams ahead of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Wee Wednesday - My Wee Christmas Tree

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Sargent's on 2nd — $15 class fee — Decorate a “wee” Christmas tree while enjoying a festive reading and treats.

WFPB Holiday Potluck

6-8 p.m. — 1800 High Pointe Ln NW, Rochester, MN — Cost info not listed — Celebrate the holidays with delicious whole food plant-based dishes and community connections.

World Juniors Hockey Pre-Tournament Series

7-10 p.m. — Rochester Recreation Center — Cost info not provided — Witness young hockey talents battle it out in exhibition games featuring Denmark, Switzerland, and Sweden.

New Year's Eve Celebration

5:30-7:30 p.m. & 8:00-10:00 p.m. — Bleu Duck Kitchen & Oyster Bar — $125 per person — Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with an elegant four-course dining experience.