Sean Baker
Reporter
Baker joined the Star Tribune in June 2024. He previously spent eight years covering Rochester for Med City Beat, an independent news website he founded at the age of 25. Prior to moving to Southeast Minnesota, Baker worked as a news producer for WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wis. Baker also served as news editor for the Fourth Estate, the student paper of UW-Green Bay, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Baker lives in Rochester with his wife, Sarah, and their two boys.
Latest from Sean Baker
What was life like on Minnesota’s ‘poor farms’?
A century ago, most counties ran farms to house their poorest residents.
November 7, 2025
Small change: Kwik Trip is phasing out the penny
Consumers win: The convenience store will round down to the nearest nickel on cash purchases.
October 8, 2025
Top Week 6 moments: No. 1 Maple Grove rallies; Andover and Anoka get wild again, separately
Elsewhere, Eden Prairie survived a push by Moorhead. Read the recaps of victories by Chanhassen, St. Thomas Academy and Byron.
October 4, 2025
Byron pulls away from Kasson-Mantorville in clash of top Class 4A teams
Carson Heimer surpassed 200 yards rushing, scored three TDs and made an interception, propelling the No. 1 Bears past the No. 3 KoMets.
October 4, 2025
Feds reject Rochester Public Schools’ appeal for mental health grant, citing DEI
Rochester’s superintendent had pleaded with the government to restore the grant, arguing the funding was critical to addressing the district’s mental health needs.
September 18, 2025
Spike in enrollment adds urgency to University of Minnesota Rochester expansion plans
The 80% surge in the freshman class has the university accelerating plans for additional space downtown.
September 8, 2025
Apple Valley finds inspiration in a big play, overcomes Rochester John Marshall
The Eagles trailed until Tylan Ward returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown.
August 30, 2025
Here's the full rundown from Week 1 of Minnesota high school football
Recapping the biggest moments from some of the most notable games on Friday, including Apple Valley vs. Rochester John Marshall and St. Thomas Academy vs. Cretin-Derham Hall.
August 30, 2025
This artsy river city is drawing up plans for a large collaborative makerspace
A Winona nonprofit group wants to convert a former manufacturing facility into an incubator for creative entrepreneurs.
August 23, 2025
Minnesota’s first dedicated pediatric transplant home opens in Rochester
The Gift of Life Transplant House expands with a home for pediatric patients and their families while getting treatments at Mayo Clinic.
August 15, 2025
Rochester reconsidering 2030 goal for 100% renewable energy
The city has pushed for net-zero renewable energy by 2030, but volatile pricing has officials thinking about delaying key projects and contracts.
August 13, 2025
Suit challenging Rochester City Council member’s residency fizzles in court
Even as the legal case winds down, the two sides continue to tussle over whether the winner lives in his ward full time.
July 25, 2025
