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 the first day of summer looked like across Minnesota
Minnesota Star Tribune reporters took in the sunshine and a bit of nature on the longest day of the year.
June 20, 2025
Rochester bets big in hopes of becoming a magnet for biotech startups
Destination Medical Center is putting $8 million into building out a shared lab space downtown.
June 20, 2025
Rochester police report five overdose deaths in as many days
Investigators believe a string of overdose deaths was likely the result of drugs laced with fentanyl.
June 17, 2025
What to know about Rochester’s future rapid transit system as construction begins
The $175.5 million transit line is expected to be up and running by 2027, and free to riders.
June 17, 2025
Ellison reaches settlement with mobile home park operator over false pandemic-era claims
Sun Communities misused funds from a state program intended to curb evictions at a Rochester-area site, the lawsuit alleges.
June 13, 2025
How did hundreds of ‘Old Order’ Amish wind up in Minnesota’s Driftless Area?
With more than 100 families, the Harmony area is now home to the state’s largest Amish settlement.
June 13, 2025
Softball state tournament, live from North Mankato: Bloomington Jefferson, Champlin Park reach 4A final
In 3A, Rocori knocked off Becker in 14 innings and then sunk defending champ Mankato East to move on to Friday’s championship game at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.
June 5, 2025
Rain delays start of high school softball state tournament, sets up a busy Wednesday
The Minnesota State High School League rescheduled Tuesday’s quarterfinals and planned to play semifinals Wednesday as well.
June 3, 2025
Rochester nightlife will get a boost with the summer opening of downtown rooftop bar
Owners of a popular speakeasy are going above ground for swanky new rooftop lounge in downtown Rochester.
May 30, 2025
Judge denies ex-trooper’s motion to dismiss charges in fatal Rochester crash
The judge found Shane Roper’s requests for dismissal to be “unpersuasive.” Roper faces nine counts related to a May 2024 crash that killed Owatonna cheerleader Olivia Flores.
May 21, 2025
After 10 years and millions in state dollars, has Rochester’s Destination Medical Center plan lived up to the promise?
Minnesota’s largest public-private partnership has sparked billions of dollars in investment in downtown Rochester — but not without a few bumps along the way.
May 20, 2025
Amazon to build new distribution center south of Rochester
The online retail giant plans to build a nearly 84,000-square-foot “last-mile” facility in Stewartville.
May 16, 2025
