Recent content from Rochelle Olson
Olson's cheers and jeers: When OLA speaks, it's best we listen
Booker Hodges, Bueckers and a Hail Mary.
Olson: Champion's lack of clarity shows need for immediate ethics change at the Legislature
Who will step up and build a bipartisan coalition dedicated to advancing long overdue reforms?
Olson's cheers and jeers: Why Steve Simon stands above
The secretary of state is knowledgeable, committed and ready with the data. Always.
Olson: You carry keys (probably). Are you a criminal?
The Legislature in 2023 rendered nearly all keys manufactured in Minnesota illegal.
Olson's cheers and jeers: Attaboy, Wisconsin, for rejecting Musk's millions
Cheers to Wisconsin voters for proving they can't be bought.
Olson: Focus on connection, not billions in stadium funding debates
Billionaire owners easy to demonize, but communal moments are priceless
Olson's cheers and jeers: U.S. Bank Stadium keeps its lid for 10th winter
You had your doubts about U.S. Bank Stadium's roof, but it just made it through its 10th winter without incident.
Olson: With 'Trump derangement' and Eichorn arrest, it's the Minnesota Senate's turn for chaos
A weekly roundup of reactions to events, notable or not.
Olson: Wisconsin's big dollar Supreme Court elections could come here
Minnesota's election system keeps the money out — for now.
Olson: Cheers and Jeers for the prosecutors of Derek Chauvin and more
A weekly roundup of reaction to events, notable or not.
Olson: Flanagan launches U.S. Senate campaign focusing on hope, not hype
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's kitchen table conversations showcase her skill at connection.
Olson: Minnesota leaders are up to the task of budget building
But bet on a Republican farmer and his chain saw to help get the real work done.
Olson: Cheers and jeers
Count us in for the Walz town halls in red districts while we offer a week's worth of noteworthy Cheers and Jeers.
Olson: Republicans choose to squander their leadership by attacking trans girls
Unnecessary bill would further ostracize children seeking a sense of belonging.
Olson: Cheers and jeers — leadership edition
Cheers to GOP Sen. Jim Abeler for trying to stave off federal cuts to health care for seniors and the disabled.
Olson: 'Exvangelical' warns: Christian nationalism a looming threat
Minnesota state Rep. Andy Smith of Rochester says religious liberty ought to supersede partisan politics.
Olson: A debut: 'Cheers and Jeers' ripped from the headlines
My thoughts on events of the week — both big news and beyond.
Olson: Walz has a chance to refocus and reset
Upon his return from a trade mission, the governor can turn his attention to a Minnesota agenda.
Olson: Sen. Smith does Minnesota right in Senate and retirement
The Democrat's retirement announcement clears the way for campaigns to get going.
Olson: Please allow me to introduce myself and start sharing opinions
Longtime news reporter Rochelle Olson makes her editorial debut. She will focus on politics and government at the Capitol and beyond.
Minnesota pro sports teams face vast stadium, ballpark and arena needs
The Legislature will be asked to help with U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field and Xcel Energy Center.
Who is Republican Lisa Demuth, Minnesota's first House speaker of color?
Demuth says she's honored to break ground but looks forward to the day it's not an issue.
Minnesota House GOP, Secretary of State Steve Simon return to Supreme Court
Republicans want to compel the absent DFL to attend House floor sessions.
What could happen in Minnesota under a Trump federal funding freeze
By Wednesday afternoon, the Trump administration issued a one-page memo saying it was dropping plans for the funding pause for now.
Minnesota Senate Republicans fail in attempt to expel Woodbury DFLer facing burglary charge
The parties are tied with 33 members each in the state Senate so the vote failed on partisan lines.
Supreme Court sides with DFL and Simon, says 68 House members needed for floor action
Republicans say Democrats should return to the Capitol, but DFL leaders praised Friday's court decision.
Minnesota Supreme Court hears arguments on stalemate of power in House of Representatives
Justices sounded prepared to step in with a ruling, but what?
What you need to know about dispute over who will run the Minnesota House
Core question before the Minnesota Supreme Court: How many House members must be present for official action?
Burglary trial for DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell delayed until after legislative session
A Becker County judge agreed with defense motion to delay the trial until summer.
Minnesota Democrats sue House Republicans over 'unlawful' session
Republicans maintain that their 67-66 edge in the House gives them authority to elect Lisa Demuth as House speaker.
Minnesota House Democrats boycott first day of session, but Republicans move forward anyway
Negotiations between House DFL and GOP leaders failed to reach a deal before the Legislature convened at noon Tuesday.
Minnesota House Democrats sworn into office early as they prepare to boycott start of session
In other weekend developments, Republicans and Democrats struck a power-sharing agreement in the state Senate.
'As bad as I've ever seen it': Partisan dysfunction worsens in Minnesota Legislature
State lawmakers are poised to start their 2025 session with the sort of partisan chaos that brought their last one to a bitter end.
DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell's lawyers seek to postpone burglary trial until late May
Defense attorneys filed a request to delay her trial until after the 2025 session with the Becker County judge Friday.
House DFL threatens to not show up for start of session, as GOP might refuse to seat DFL member
Minnesota House Democrats are threatening to not show up for the first two weeks of the legislative session, saying that would deprive Republicans of the quorum they need to elect a speaker. And Republicans are considering refusing to seat a DFLer whose election victory they're contesting in court.
Republicans ask Supreme Court to halt January special election for Roseville-area House seat
The court petition claims Gov. Tim Walz prematurely called a special election as control of House hangs in the balance.
Former DFL Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic dies of cancer at age 62
The lifelong northeast Minneapolis resident led a one-vote majority through the landmark 2023 session.
Judge rules DFL House candidate ineligible, throwing majority to GOP for now
Republicans poised to lead the Minnesota House by one vote margin, while DFL leader claims decision will be reversed on appeal.
Walz-Flanagan partnership on ice since governor's failed vice presidential bid
Multiple sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said the Walz team was not pleased with steps Flanagan had taken to assume the governorship.
Gov. Tim Walz wants to remain a force in politics, at state and national levels
Minnesota's DFL governor is still trying to figure out how Democrats lost their message to the working class, along with the presidential election.
Gov. Tim Walz calls for tougher Medicaid fraud penalties as FBI investigates autism centers
"They're stealing from us … You've got to increase the penalty on these crimes. These are crimes against children, in my opinion," Walz said.
AG Ellison sues gunmaker Glock over design that makes them easily converted into automatic weapons
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara and parents of slain St. Thomas graduate Charlie Johnson stood with attorney general in groundbreaking Hennepin County District Court lawsuit.
Lobbying ban proposal for former Minnesota legislators to resurface in 2025
Revolving-door bans haven't progressed in nearly three decades
Walz: 'I'm not done fighting for Minnesota'
As he shifts back to his job leading Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz didn't give any indication during a speech on Friday of whether he'll seek re-election in 2026, or run for another office.
Takeaways from the 2024 election in Minnesota
Strong turnout, congressional incumbents win big, justices and judges hold their seats, Klobuchar outperforms the top of the ticket, Carnahan returns.
Ann Johnson Stewart wins special election, giving DFL control of Minnesota Senate
Western Twin Cities suburban candidates Johnson Stewart and Republican Kathleen Fowke were the only Senate candidates on the ballot.
Harris-Walz secure Minnesota's electoral votes as Trump is elected for a second time
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump top the ticket in a tight race for the state's 10 electoral votes.
Minnesota judges and justices can't campaign much, rely on voters to do research
The back of voters' ballots shows a long list of judges and justices up for election.
U.S. Senate debate: Klobuchar criticizes White for saying 'the bad guys won in World War II'
Klobuchar, seeking a fourth term, portrays herself as a pragmatist; Republican challenger Royce White says he threatens the status quo and decries the "permanent political class."
Gov. Walz votes early in St. Paul with First Lady Gwen Walz and first-time voter Gus
Minnesota's governor said he voted for his running mate and presidential candidate Kamala Harris, as well as U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, but not for the St. Paul child care referendum.
Walz talks assault rifles, running and beef jerky in national media blitz
Minnesota's governor and vice presidential candidate appeared late Monday with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."
Minnesota Senate's single seat race will determine balance for next two years
The special election Nov. 5 will determine whether the GOP flips control of the state Senate or the DFL stays in charge.
Hot Dish 10.11.24
Minneapolis looking for new revenue sources as downtown property values dwindle
Hot Dish 10.10.24
Secretary of State Simon wants Minnesotans to get back to the top spot
'America's sweetheart' Walz makes late-night debut on 'Kimmel'
The Minnesota governor and his running mate, Kamala Harris, also appeared in recorded '60 Minutes' segments on Monday night.
Hot Dish 10.4.24
Dockworkers end strike, Ellison reaches deal with dairy on worker conditions
Tim Walz says his son witnessed shooting in 2023 at St. Paul rec center
During Tuesday night's VP debate, Gov. Tim Walz said his son, Gus Walz, was in the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul when a shooting occurred outside.
Gov. Tim Walz delivers sharp contrast in vice presidential debate against JD Vance
Democratic Gov. Tim Walz held up Minnesota as an example to follow during his first and only debate with Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio.
Walz's tightly structured appearances provide message control for presidential ticket
Tuesday's vice presidential debate offers a direct, unscripted look at the Democratic vice presidential candidate in action.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon's office evacuated after arrival of mysterious package
The return address on package was "United States Traitor Elimination Army." Simon issued a statement saying threatening election officials is unacceptable.
Hot Dish 9.27.24
Emmer mocks Walz's appearance in Fox interview in advance of VP debate
Late Sen. Paul Wellstone's green campaign bus is pulled out of the woods
The bus had been parked on a farm for years. Now the late senator's son, Dave Wellstone, has big plans for the rolling artifact from his father's statewide campaigns.
Minnesota Poll: Harris leads Trump in close presidential race
Likely voters split evenly on the two candidates' favorability although women and nonwhite voters prefer Harris while men and rural voters lean toward Trump.
Hot Dish 9.20.24
Minnesotans can begin voting Friday for the November election
Hot Dish 9.19.24
Sen. Smith, AOC tout affordable housing plan as shutdown looms again
Walz Force One: A day in the life of the national traveling press corps
As Minnesota's new vice presidential candidate took his first solo campaign trip to the swing state of Pennsylvania, the media entourage searched for bathrooms, breaks and access.
Hot Dish 9.13.24
Scout, Honey and Drifter
Walz makes first official appearance in Minnesota since joining presidential ticket
The Minnesota governor spoke for two minutes and packed meals for food shelves.
Olympic gold medalist Regan Smith brings the precious metal home to Minnesota
The two-time Olympic swimmer reminisced and gave students advice at her alma mater, Lakeville North High School.
Hot Dish 9.6.24
Check out the four hottest U.S. House races in Minnesota
Erie Ending: Walz completes two-day solo vice presidential campaign swing in Pennsylvania
The Minnesota governor and Kamala Harris' running mate hit three of four corners of the swing state with multiple stops.
Walz flies solo in southern Pennsylvania, stopping at volunteer campaign office, orchard and farm
Governor chatted up volunteers, bottlefed a Guernsey calf, ate ice cream
Live updates: Walz campaigns in eastern Pennsylvania on Wednesday for his first solo trip
The Minnesota governor and vice presidential candidate is making his first campaign swing through the crucial state since joining the national ticket.
Walz flies to Pennsylvania Wednesday on his first solo excursion for Harris ticket
The Minnesota governor and vice presidential candidate is expected to be in the Keystone State for 36 hours.
Hot Dish 8.30.24
Majority makers: Minnesota House seats that will determine control for 2025
