Recent content from Rochelle Olson
Reserves enough to pay off U.S. Bank Stadium 20 years early
Minnesota Vikings support early payoff of stadium. The gigantic stadium reserve — projected to top $1 billion by 2027 if untapped — was part of a healthy economic forecast Tuesday.
Vikings' headquarters will be new site for Ice Maze in January
Maze's departure from Stillwater is part of the fallout from the financial collapse of the Zephyr Theatre.
Minnesota campaigns received donations from crypto leaders before FTX collapse
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and an executive colleague were major political donors nationwide.
Minnesota State Fair CEO Jerry Hammer retiring after 26 years
Hammer says he's not vanishing but it's time, after serving in the top job for longer than anyone.
Lisa Demuth is first woman, person of color to lead Minnesota House GOP caucus
She describes her style as collaborative, leaves "wide open" the possibility of working with Democrats.
DFL senators choose Kari Dziedzic as new majority leader
Four new DFL Senate caucus leaders all come from the Twin Cities. House Democrats and Senate Republicans also picked their leadership teams.
Gubernatorial candidate, longtime DFL state Sen. Doug 'Dougie' Johnson dies at 80
Retired from the Legislature in 2003, the savvy Iron Range DFLer stayed active in politics until the end.
State Auditor Blaha declares victory, Wilson concedes in closest statewide matchup
DFL incumbent plans to keep focus on local governments; GOP challenger had wanted to broaden the office's scope.
Republican Tom Emmer beats little-known challenger in Minnesota CD6, eyes House leadership role
GOP congressman nails down a fifth term in the red stronghold of northern to southwestern Twin Cities suburbs.
Ilhan Omar easily wins re-election in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District
Omar has represented the district since 2018 after one term in the state House of Representatives.
Spending for Wisconsin's main statewide races towers over Minnesota
U.S. Senate race between Democrat Mandela Barnes and incumbent Republican Ron Johnson is critical to party control in D.C.
In late push for Minn. voters, GOP takes to air, DFLers play ground game
Campaigns try to energize their voters and get them to turn out on Nov. 8.
Ventura blasts Republicans over Jan. 6, election denials
He praised Walz's handling of COVID-19 and compared Donald Trump to cult leader Jim Jones.
Ventura endorses Walz, citing strong leadership, COVID protections
State GOP calls Ventura a "discredited conspiracy theorist."
Trump endorsements test former president's Minnesota influence
Political scientists say Trump's support won't help and could hurt GOP candidates with swing voters.
U.S. Bank Stadium gets new public oversight chief from California
Ben Jay will step in as executive director of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, at a salary of $192,000.
Sviggum steps down as vice chairman of U regents
Former House speaker faced increasing criticism for asking whether Morris campus is "too diverse." He will continue as a regent until his term expires.
Minnesota AG, secretary of state candidates face off in TV debates
The four candidates were on KSTP-TV about two weeks before Election Day.
Gov. Walz tells Minnesota business leaders his job is to listen to them
The DFLer spoke at the annual gathering of big shots at the Minnesota Business Partnership meeting.
Twin Cities Native American group wants Sviggum removed from U Board of Regents immediately
Sviggum's mention of Morris is painful to American Indian community because of history as a boarding school and free tuition for tribal members.
Minnesota launches $100 million effort to help new small businesses
Walz, Grove showcase website and highlight first phase of the plan at new Frogtown coffee shop.
Sviggum 'unequivocally' apologizes for asking whether Morris campus is 'too diverse'
The former Minnesota House speaker issued a written statement amid calls for his resignation.
U Regents Vice Chair Steve Sviggum asks if Morris campus is 'too diverse'
Sviggum, a former Republican legislative leader, says it's fair to ask the question.
GOP opponent who never served criticizes Walz's exit from Guard
Former state Sen. Scott Jensen, who narrowly avoided the Vietnam-era draft, said Gov. Tim Walz's departure from the guard after 24 years of service is an example of the governor shirking his duties.
Ellison, Schultz debate priorities, experience, plans for the attorney general's office
Republican Jim Schultz wants to redirect office to focus on crime, Democrat Keith Ellison says the mandate is to represent state agencies.
Scott County judge faces the only judicial race in Minnesota
Charles Webber's challenger is a young lawyer from Prior Lake.
Birk, Flanagan want voters to weigh what they bring to ticket
Minnesota's lieutenant governor candidates differ greatly in style, substance.
Hutchinson's officer license suspended for a month after DWI crash
The Hennepin County sheriff has been on unspecified medical leave since May.
Campaign check: Jensen repeats false rumor that Minnesota schools have litter boxes for 'furry' students
The GOP candidate for governor has made the claim multiple times without offering proof. The Minnesota Department of Education says it's not happening.
DFL says Republican AG nominee Schultz's history on abortion is dangerous
DFL state chair says "bring it on" to Schultz's threatened defamation lawsuit.
GOP's Crockett won't commit to accepting Nov. election results
Incumbent Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat, says Minnesota elections have safeguards and are secure. Republican challenger Kim Crockett raised doubts about election integrity.
U.S. Bank Stadium won't host Kansas City-Tampa Bay game Sunday
U.S. Bank Stadium won't play host to the NFL's marquee game Sunday night because Tampa Bay was spared extensive damage from Hurricane Ian, the Buccaneers announced Thursday.
New state program aims to ease transition to college
Direct Admissions seeks to close equity gaps in education.
![US Bank Stadium was packed the rafters with fans during Super Bowl LII Sunday night. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
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Minneapolis will host Buccaneers vs. Chiefs if hurricane forces game to move
The NFL's premier game this weekend would move across the country to U.S, Bank Stadium if the damage from Hurricane Ian forces the league to relocate it from Florida.
U.S. Bank Stadium may get new, permanent security fencing
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority directed staffers to choose a firm to design the fence and landscaping. The Minnesota Vikings have sought the fencing since the building opened in 2016.
Minnesota Poll: 54% say crime has increased past few years
Just over half say crime is up, just under half say it's about the same.
Carver Steamboat Days parade brings out politicians, firetrucks, MyPillow and candy
But the biggest names, including Rep. Tom Emmer, were absent.
Longtime State Fair general manager says he is paid $350,000
Jerry Hammer released his salary in response to a written request even though it's not public.
Richardson says she can balance Planned Parenthood work, legislative duties
Two-term DFLer says she won't lobby or vote on direct funding issues.
Rep. Dean Phillips' 'Common Ground' gatherings aim to bridge divide
The congressman says he's trying to show we have more that unites than divides us.
Minnesotans who get student loan relief could face tax bill
Some DFL legislators are pressing for a quick Capitol deal to avoid higher taxes for borrowers.
Walz calls on Jensen and Birk to release their tax returns
Walz released his months ago, says it's tradition for gubernatorial candidates.
Rep. McCollum visits Finland, Norway to support allies
Finland, Sweden successfully applied to join NATO after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
AG candidates say they would beef up criminal prosecutions
Ellison said he wants to keep up consumer protections, while Schultz wants to depoliticize the office.
Chief Hennepin Public Defender under federal investigation for tax evasion
State Chief Ward says he's aware of the situation and Benson is presumed innocent
State Fair, state officials expect a safe event with strong security
Governor, public safety officials spoke on fairgrounds before Thursday's opening.
Longtime State Fair manager invites everyone back to the 'celebration of humanity'
At 67, general manager Jerry Hammer shows no sign he's ready to retire.
Gov. Tim Walz, Scott Jensen turn up the volume on public safety pitch to voters
Governor convened a news conference outside U.S. Bank Stadium, Jensen decries lawlessness.
Primary turnout 'strong' given absence of hot statewide races, Minnesota secretary of state says
Unofficial numbers show primary turnout of 18%, shy of four years ago when competitive gubernatorial contests led the ballot.
Klobuchar says negotiated drug prices will help all consumers
The pharmaceutical industry fiercely opposed the measure.
Walz announces 2023 fishing opener will be in Mankato hometown
Gov. Tim Walz says this is the fifth time the opener has been in southern Minnesota. There are more than 150 lakes within 30 minutes of Mankato, according to the governor's office.
Traverse County prosecutor wants to appeal ruling declaring abortion restrictions unconstitutional
Judge Thomas Gilligan will again make the ruling, plaintiff expects to appeal.
Prior Lake legislator Tony Albright leaves office early for new job
The GOP representative is in his fifth term, wasn't seeking re-election.
With fewer local cops, U.S. Bank Stadium will seek off-duty officers from outside Minneapolis
The stadium board officially expanded its joint powers agreement in a vote Wednesday.
Minnesota, other states reach tentative $4.25 billion settlement with major opioid manufacturer
Ellison says he will review the Teva Pharmaceuticals settlement.
Hennepin County investigating complaints against Sheriff Hutchinson
Probe started in April, and the sheriff went on paid medical leave for unspecified reasons in May.
Ex-Woodbury girls' basketball coach wins defamation suit against parent
Nathan McGuire received $50,000 and a signed letter from the parent admitting she lied about him.
Lakeside vigil held for Maplewood family of five
Mother, father, three children dead in what authorities say were two suicides and three homicides.
Trial of two remaining ex-officers in George Floyd's killing moved to October
The trial was previously set for June, then January, but the prosecution pushed for August.
Judge says KARE 11 reporter doesn't have to testify in Hwy. 169 road rage killing trial
Prosecutor sought to compel Lou Raguse to talk about his interview with the defendant
Hennepin chief public defender still has private clients while in public office
Minnesota law requires public defenders to be devoted full time to the job.
TV reporter fights Hennepin prosecutor's subpoena in Hwy. 169 shooting case
KARE 11's Lou Raguse had jailhouse interview with the defendant.
Minnesotans streamed to parks, fairgrounds for summer kickoff
Canceled flights made for a frustrating holiday weekend for longer-distance travelers.
Attorney General Keith Ellison easily wins DFL endorsement for second term
Delegates also endorsed Secretary of State Steve Simon, who is seeking a third term.
Minnesota DFLers endorse Walz, Flanagan for second term
The first day of the party's state convention focused on incumbents' track records and the possibility that Roe v. Wade could be overturned.
Ex-officer Lane pleads guilty to charge for role in Floyd's murder
Thomas Lane was one of three officers convicted in federal court and expected to face trial next month on state charges. In exchange for the plea, Lane agreed to a sentence of three years, to be served concurrently with his federal sentence for violating Floyd's civil rights. That sentence has yet to be handed down.
Legal experts say Locke decision shows that law must change
Experts say case shows changes to the law, but they urge more investigation, verification by police before entering homes.
Orono man pleads guilty in crash that killed 2, including Motzko's son
The plea does not include an agreement between the defense and prosecution about James D. Blue's sentence in the crash, which killed Mack Motzko, 20, the son of U men's hockey coach Bob Motzko.
Twins unveil new sensory room at Target Field in advance of home opener this week
Results of $30 million audiovisual upgrades won't be apparent until 2023.
Final Four organizers say Sun Country canceled team welcome space at last minute
When hometown airline Sun Country backed out, Delta Air Lines stepped in to provide a hangar and charter flights for some of the women's Final Four teams last week, organizers and the airlines said.
Final Four weekend a marker on Minneapolis' road to recovery
Visitors, positive publicity left leaders feeling good about a return from pandemic and civic struggles.
Many came to 'see Paige play,' but South Carolina takes title
The NCAA Women's FInal Four this weekend breathed life back into downtown Minneapolis after two years of a pandemic that kept workers and tourists away.
Women's Final Four fans arrive in Minneapolis ready for action
The first two games are set for Friday; finalists will face off on Sunday.
NCAA looks to phase in rules for transgender athletes
NCAA President Mark Emmert, speaking in advance of the women's Final Four basketball weekend at Target Center, said the NCAA is looking to phase in standards similar to those employed by the Olympics.
