Good morning, Rochester.

Today, the Rochester Fire Department holds a ceremony at Silver Lake Firefighters Memorial at 8:30 a.m. to mark the 72nd anniversary of the tragic 1953 drownings that claimed the lives of two firefighters and a 9-year-old boy (a loss deeply remembered in our community).

The public is welcome to attend.

Bishop Robert Barron is facing online impersonation after Word on Fire detected irregular activity on one of his social media accounts (the organization is boosting its cybersecurity defenses).

Great Harvest Bread Co. on North Broadway is seeing a record last-minute holiday rush as customers pick up gifts and groceries, with owner Rich Hedstrom noting the surge on Christmas Eve Eve — a sign of strong seasonal sales.

Kamie Blair and Megan Zemple share their annual guide to Rochester's best holiday light displays featuring favorite local sights.

Residents can watch the attached video or email [email protected] with other recommendations.

Minnesota will raise its minimum wage to $11.41 an hour as of January 1 and increase training wages to $9.31 for workers under 20, with new break rules requiring a paid 15-minute break for every four hours worked & a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over six hours.

Olmsted County is seeking more foster care providers to help care for 100 children yearly, including large sibling groups and older kids.

Child and Family Services said interested residents must be (21 or older) to apply since home ownership is not required (47 non-relative and 41 relative homes are active).

Minnesota native Lindsey Vonn (41) has qualified for Team USA and will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina after years of rigorous training; her determination offers renewed hope for local sports fans.

The Vikings announced that rookie JJ McCarthy has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Lions after further imaging revealed a hairline fracture in his hand — the team will evaluate his status for Week 18.

Rookie Max Brosmer will get his second start.

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.

Castle Con

12 PM - 6 PM — Historic Chateau Theatre — Check event page for details — Immerse yourself in a weekend-long tabletop gaming extravaganza with tournaments and family-friendly fun.