Recent content from Rochelle Olson
Hennepin County tallies up damage to libraries, service centers in last week's riots
The county is working with insurance adjusters but doesn't yet have a damage estimate for the buildings or a timeline for reopening.
Lawyer for George Floyd's survivors calls for congressional action
Civil rights lawyers say uniform national response needed for victims of racial violence
Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton urge immediate jailing, charges for police in Floyd's death
Civil rights leaders held separate south Minneapolis events near crime scene.
ICU beds in use hit record daily high in Minn.
As Minnesotans marked the official start of summer, the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care climbed to a record high of 248 with the largest increase in a single day.
745 new COVID cases in Minnesota, 12 more deaths
The number of ICU cases rose 20 percent to 248, the Minnesota Department of Health said. Of the 12 who died, 10 were in long-term care facilities, and all were at older than 60.
'Safety comes first': COVID-19 causes State Fair to be called off
Although the COVID-19 infection peak in Minnesota is expected in July, the threat of contagion killed this year's event, which draws hundreds of thousands from around the state.
Decision looms on whether to hold State Fair as board meets today
Fair officials declined to comment, while vendors remain nervous about their chances.
Minnesota judge: Electronic pulltabs don't violate tribal gambling monopoly
The state's tribes argued that the single button on e-pulltabs made them similar to slot machines.
Legislature OKs Vikings selling alcohol outside stadium on game days
Bill also would allow sales in the front lawn park and at Walker Sculpture Garden, Boom Island on occasion.
St. Paul ministers disappointed by lack of black high school principals
St. Paul ministers say superintendent has failed.
Minnesota court: Police can't see hotel registries without reasonable suspicion
In a 4-3 decision, the court ruled that a guest's presence at a hotel is potentially sensitive and shouldn't be wide open for law enforcement.
Dad lost to COVID-19, family now must decide how to care for mom
Carole Kenny, 87, tested positive for the virus just before her husband died. She has been without her family in the hospital and a care facility ever since, riding out the viral-driven delirium and her grief alone.
University of Minnesota weighs multiple scenarios for fall semester
Current, most optimistic plan has students returning to campus.
$2.2B in federal aid sets up local clashes in Minnesota
An-end-of-year deadline set by Congress to spend all the money is setting up clashes not just between parties but among state, county and city leaders scrambling to meet the ballooning costs of the pandemic at the same time that their tax revenues are plunging.
Hennepin County Board works to help long-term care facilities, renters, small businesses
Commissioners said at Thursday briefing that they need to use federal funds to help while the state waits.
Minneapolis epidemiologists take over food-borne investigations but leave the rest to Hennepin County for now
The state will review the arrangement with Hennepin County at the end of the year.
Walz calls Minnesota State Fair a 'tough lift' this year given crowds
If the State Fair is held as usual, General Manager Jerry Hammer said, it won't be done with restrictions.
Hennepin, Ramsey counties move to help homeowners, businesses deal with pandemic
Hennepin County also set up a $2 million relief fund for small businesses.
U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field: Locked down but eager to get back in the game
Skeleton crews watch, wait, hope for return of events, athletic seasons.
Master Gardener sales canceled; plants to be donated
Plants will be donated to community gardens and spaces.
Hennepin County Board tentatively approves two-month reprieve in property tax deadline
The Ramsey County Board is expected to take action next week on a similar proposal.
State Supreme Court allows voter data withheld from public
Access ruling reverses decisions of two lower courts.
Under pandemic pressure, Hennepin County already has nearly drained its $10 million emergency fund
Concern was expressed that the county may have to dip into its general fund, made up of property tax dollars, to cover pandemic expenses.
Nonprofit seeks to link isolated high-risk residents with volunteers
Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson established NorthStar Neighbor last weekend.
Lake Minnetonka's big boating season at risk under pandemic
It's still not clear how stay-at-home order will affect Minnetonka boating, lake fishing statewide.
Police get calls about Twin Cities gatherings during sheltering
As a general rule, parks and walking paths are open while playground equipment is off limits.
Alone in the delivery room: Pregnancy during pandemic brings altered plans
Hospitals and clinics are restricting who can be in the delivery room, prompting some tough decisions for expectant mothers.
Housing homeless in Hennepin County could easily hit $1M a week
County officials say that state help will be needed to cover what they say could be staggering costs.
Minn. court upholds liquor thief's conviction even though clerk took bottles
Store clerk fought, reclaimed liquor bottles from woman's purse
Arbitrator reinstates fired Eden Prairie police officer, saying faulty search warrant was not intentional
Officer didn't intentionally falsify record, he decides.
Stranded on a cruise ship, Minn. passengers await a two-week quarantine — and better food
Some wish the food was better, and all are anxious about the impending quarantine on land.
Target Field's heating up for cold weather, whether April baseball or January hockey
Look for warmer restrooms, concessions, and speedy Wi-Fi 6.
Q&A with Joe Mansky, retiring director of Minnesota elections
Election interference is a far greater risk than voter fraud, he says on eve of primary.
U.S. Bank Stadium faces $21M in leak repairs to panels
The black zinc panels that form the exterior of U.S. Bank Stadium leak more than previously revealed and must all be replaced.
Court orders new defamation trial for Cold Spring man cleared in police officer's killing
Police falsely implicated man in 2012 shooting of Cold Spring police officer
U opens investigation into former assistant men's hockey coach
Story published in the Athletic prompts outreach to former players.
U.S. Bank Stadium will super size NCAA wrestling tournament
The home to Vikings football has also been the site of the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament, college baseball game and now college wrestling.
Shakopee community challenging legality of electronic pulltabs
Sioux community claims e-pulltabs breach compact.
Vikings ready to play defense on pulltab revenue for stadium debt
The stadium's reserve fund is projected to balloon to nearly $250 million by 2023, enabling the state to possibly pay off the stadium 10 years early. But there's concern lawmakers may choose to tap the fund this session for other purposes.
Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat will retire after three decades
Opat cited achievements including Target Field, planned Bottineau Light-rail line and social services.
Law that protects 911 callers in overdoses doesn't preclude evidence gathering, court rules
Illegal drugs spotted by law enforcement officers during an emergency "good Samaritan" call to prevent a fatal overdose can be used as probable cause to…
U.S. Bank Stadium design and construction issues now focus of mediation
Officials wouldn't say what the problem is, but zinc panels, moisture have been previous issues at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Activists call on Amy Klobuchar to withdraw over 2003 murder case
Case has been tried twice, but new report raises questions over evidence, informants.
St. Cloud State University must pay $1.2 million in attorneys' fees in gender equity case, federal judge rules
St. Cloud State University must pay $1.2 million in legal fees to attorneys representing former female student-athletes who won a Title IX case against the…
Hennepin County considers future of disease control after Minneapolis ends contract
Minneapolis' health commissioner said the decision to end the 35-year arrangement grew from a desire to streamline the work and do it better.
Elaine Voss, a behind-the-scenes force in Minnesota's election integrity, turnout, dies at 83
As deputy to Minnesota Secretary of State Joan Growe, she helped build the state's reputation.
Gable Steveson has little difficulty as Gophers wrestling tops Wisconsin
The standout heavyweight wrestled in front of Brock Lesnar in his first home appearance following a suspension.
Back from suspension, U superstar Steveson says he's tougher than ever
Gophers heavyweight Gable Steveson, reinstated after suspicion of sexual assault resulted in no charges being filed, says he's "ready to do good for the university."
U.S. Tennis Association moving to Vikings headquarters campus in Eagan
Vikings' live/work/play campus is taking shaping with a hotel, offices and soon apartments.
St. Paul program kicks off college account for newborns
College Bound program deposits $50 into every St. Paul newborn's savings account. The $1 million annual program is funded with $500,000 from the state and additional money and support from private foundations and the city.
Court rejects sex offender's attempted name change to 'Better Off Dead'
Indefinitely committed inmate claimed religious beliefs in seeking name change.
Young family survives shelter fire, hopes for work and a home
One couple share their struggles after escaping the Christmas fire at the Drake Hotel with their baby.
Drake fire brings flood of donations, but long-term shelter harder to find
While donated food and clothes overwhelmed relief organizations, officials warned that it will be difficult to find alternative shelter when local homeless shelters are already full.
Uprooted by fire, dozens of homeless families face an uncertain future amid housing crisis
An exterior inspection of the building determined that the eastern portion cannot be salvaged.
Devastating fire at Drake Hotel leaves 200-plus people with little
At least two were hospitalized in the Christmas morning blaze in downtown Minneapolis at the aging apartment building that serves mostly as temporary housing for homeless people.
Judge Fred Karasov will not take disability retirement Dec. 31 as planned
Karasov rescinds exit plan after condition improves.
Hennepin's top public defender surprised by her suspension
Mary Moriarty, who in 2014 became the first woman to hold the job, said she received the startling news from the state chief public defender in an e-mail when she was at work early in the day.
Minnesota court reverses revenge porn conviction, says it violated free speech
Court of Appeals says law unconstitutional because it criminalizes free speech.
Gophers lift suspension of wrestlers after officials decline to file sexual assault charges
Star wrestler Gable Steveson competed and won Friday night as Minnesota beat South Dakota State.
Hennepin County may shift some sales tax dollars from transit to roads until new trains are running
Money from half-cent sales tax is adding up as two LRT lines face delays.
Concessions equipment auction at U.S. Bank Stadium brings $45,000
Money goes into the concessions capital reserve fund for future needs.
Attorney John Borger, longtime legal champion of the media, dies
John Borger was drawn to journalism early on, starting with his high school newspaper in Parkersburg, W.Va. He stayed with it on the campus paper…
U.S. Bank Stadium selling off surplus kitchen wares, equipment online
Still Christmas shopping? Perhaps you can find that special something among the U.S. Bank Stadium castoffs, which go up for sale in an online auction Tuesday.
Hennepin County approves nearly 5% levy increase, adds funding for housing
Officials cited mounting financial pressures to deal with homelessness, drug addiction and an array of costly services for the neediest residents.
St. Cloud State and Minnesota Crookston drop football programs
Both schools cited budget concerns, with St. Cloud State responding to a Title IX ruling. Crookston has a 2-64 record over its last six seasons. Both were in the Division II Northern Sun Conference.
Defense: Deputy charged with manslaughter says suicidal gunman aimed at him, others
Prosecutors say officer used excessive force.
Citing protected speech, Minn. court overturns phone stalking law
State appeals court struck down man's conviction for angry calls to local officials.
Twins will extend Target Field netting again for 2020 season
The aim of the netting is to protect fans from balls batted or thrown into the seating area.
Gophers fans' excitement turns to disappointment over loss
Paul Bunyan's Axe is headed back to Madison, but Minnesota fans are still pumped over a turnaround season that brought meaningful football to campus.
High-stakes Border Battle is field of divided loyalties for Minnesconsin residents
This year's Border Battle between Minnesota and Wisconsin promises a good game for a change, and carries with it unusually high stakes.
Super Bowl, Final Four financial statements, showing salaries, released for 2018
The Super Bowl Host Committee reported raising $54 million in overall revenue, which covered the cost of the 2018 Minneapolis event, according to financial disclosure forms filed with the state.
Still suspended from U wrestling, Steveson qualifies for Olympic trials
Gable Steveson qualified for the trials by winning his weight class at a meet in New York City last weekend. He remains under investigation by Hennepin County on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct.
Three U.S. Bank Stadium windows broken during spring thaw await replacement
Replacement of three panes is awaiting bids.
U.S. Bank Stadium will open again this winter for runners and in-line skaters
ASM Global, which operates the stadium, announced that tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday through ticketmaster.com.
Hennepin District Judge Fred Karasov, in rehabilitation after cardiac arrest, to retire at end of year
Hennepin County judge has been on medical leave since September.
