Recent content from Rochelle Olson
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
Sen. Nicole Mitchell pleads not guilty; prosecution agrees she didn't steal laptop in alleged burglary
The Minnesota Democrat was arrested in her late father's home in April and charged with first-degree burglary.
Hot Dish 8.23.24
Back to Minnesota for the sprint to November
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Flanagan watches as her friend ascends the national stage
The White Earth Band member also raised her own profile in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention, showcasing Indigenous designers as she co-chaired the four-day event.
At the end of the DNC, Minnesotan delegates thrilled with the ticket
Excitement about the Harris-Walz ticket abounds even after four long convention days, but some "uncommitted" delegates are disappointed the convention ignored their calls to address Palestinian issues.
Gov. Tim Walz steps onto national stage as VP nominee in Chicago
Minnesota's governor defined himself and fired up the party for the next campaign sprint during his prime speaking slot on the penultimate night of the Democratic National Convention.
Walz joins Kamala Harris for 'Freedom Rally' at Milwaukee site of RNC
The Minnesota governor opened for the vice president with a rousing speech in the swing state of Wisconsin amid the ceremonial roll call happening at the Democratic Convention in Chicago.
Minnesota DNC delegates at the center of excitement over Walz and Flanagan
With Minnesota's governor on the national ticket and the lieutenant governor gaveling in the national convention each night, delegates are feeling state political pride.
Minnesota's lieutenant governor named one of four Democratic National Convention chairs in Chicago
Peggy Flanagan joins Sen. Cory Booker, former Gov. Landrieu and U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas
Minnesota delegates roll into Chicago excited by state and Walz's starring role at DNC
The governor's role on the national ticket sends partisan enthusiasm into the stratosphere.
How 6 Minnesota Democrats feel about the presidential race ahead of the DNC
Democrats who participated in a Star Tribune voter panel are "rejuvenated" and "cautiously hopeful" about the presidential ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Their top issues range from the fate of democracy to reproductive rights, gun safety and Gaza.
Walz responds to Vance's questioning of his military record, says no veteran should be condemned
The Minnesota governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate also thanked his Republican rival for his service and sacrifice.
Fact check: Walz retired from Army National Guard after 24 years to run for Congress
GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance claims that the Minnesota governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate bailed as his unit headed to Iraq, but Walz retired before his unit was called up.
Hot Dish 8.9.24
Republicans undaunted by the Harris-Walz ticket
Peggy Flanagan could be Minnesota's first female governor, country's first Native female governor
Lieutenant governor would take over in Minnesota if Gov. Tim Walz is elected on the national ticket with Kamala Harris.
Minnesota Supreme Court upholds law restoring voting rights to felons
In an opinion written by Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, the court rejected a challenge to the 2023 law by the Minnesota Voters Alliance.
Minneapolis riots, Feeding Our Future fraud lead list of vulnerabilities for Walz on national ticket
Republicans also say Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz failed to bridge partisan divide.
Dog parks, Diet Dew and car sickness: A collection of tidbits about Gov. Tim Walz
Here are some offbeat and significant details about the Minnesota DFL governor — Kamala Harris' newly minted VP pick — from those who see him often.
How Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz became an unexpected contender for vice president
The governor's sudden ascent has surprised some, but those who know him well say his personal and political resume have positioned him for this moment.
Hot Dish 8.2.24
Carter, Mondale ... Walz?
St. Paul council president calls Pa. governor a 'hardcore Zionist,' says Kamala Harris shouldn't pick him
Critics viewed the attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who's Jewish, as antisemitic.
Donald Trump, JD Vance go after Harris for capacity crowd at first joint rally in Minnesota
More than 8,000 supporters packed the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center; hundreds more didn't get in.
Justice Sarah Hennesy formally sworn in as the newest member of the Minnesota Supreme Court
The former Stearns County district judge is Gov. Tim Walz's third appointee to the high court, with another coming next week.
Minnesota delegates, voters shift concerns about Israel, Gaza from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris
Minnesota delegates to the upcoming Democratic National Convention say they are hoping to hear Harris call for a cease-fire and aid embargo on Israel.
Minn. Supreme Court upholds conviction of shooter in 2021 road rage death
The Jamal Smith ruling also props open the door to future consideration of jury diversity concerns.
Trump, Vance will make first joint Minnesota appearance Saturday night in St. Cloud
Former president, Ohio senator plan evening rally at hockey arena.
Regan Smith's rivalry with Australian swimming star peaks at Paris Olympics
Lakeville's Regan Smith and Australia's Kaylee McKeown have dominated the backstroke events in swimming in recent years. Who will come out on top during the Paris Games?
Purple reign: Being a legislator in a swing district means frequent voter contact
First-term Sen. Heather Gustafson says she door-knocks nonstop in her northeast suburban district.
Hot Dish 7.12.24
Plus: Legislative Auditor calls out Walz administration's "shoot-the-messenger" approach to fraud concerns.
Hot Dish 7.12.24
Legislative Auditor calls out Walz administration's "shoot-the-messenger" approach to fraud concerns
She wrote about Taylor Swift and Don Lemon. Her 'Long Island Compromise' could be the book of summer
FICTION: A New York family endures more than its share of trials in Taffy Brodesser-Akner's satiric successor to "Fleishman Is in Trouble."
Sen. Nicole Mitchell's court hearing pushed back as she challenges arrest on burglary charge
Her defense attorneys seek medical records from Mitchell's stepmother.
Hot Dish 6.28.24
Reviews: Disappointing, devasting, historically bad debate performance
Becker County judge denies request to release footage of Sen. Mitchell's arrest
Conservative website Alpha News asked for early release of police bodycam video of her April arrest.
Minnesota horse track owners upset about appointment of tribal leaders to Racing Commission
Walz says Melanie Benjamin and Johnny Johnson are professionals who can handle the work.
Minnesota Gov. Walz says flood response will be swift
The governor spoke from the state's emergency management operations center amid historic flooding with more rain on the way this week.
Hot Dish 6.21.24
Walz heads north to survey the rising waters
Former Minnesota corrections employee says he was fired after exposing punishment scheme
Whistleblower lawsuit alleges retaliation because he stood up for inmate rehabilitation over profits.
Bipartisan group takes credit for spiking sports betting in 2024 Minnesota Legislature
State senators say they were prepared to filibuster on final night to stop the bill, and will come back stronger next year.
Hot Dish 6.14.24
Trump trashes Milwaukee ahead of GOP Convention?
Sen. Mitchell's lawyer: Felony burglary charge won't be resolved for months
Minnesota Senate ethics panel set new hearing for July 25
Publisher Steve Grove maintained occasional contact with Walz chief of staff, former colleague
Ethics professor says texts are problematic for the Star Tribune CEO.
Federal Elections complaint alleges Royce White isn't reporting spending in Minnesota Senate race
The GOP-endorsed candidate seeks to unseat DFL U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Hot Dish 06.07.24
Les Croix Blanches, L'Heure Bleue and a French Foray
Minnesota State Fair employee's case led to new law expanding definition of disability
The Human Rights Act now covers intermittent health issues such as cancer in remission, diabetes and epilepsy
Moriarty says Walz criticized her because she's 'queer.' His supporters call attack 'shameful.'
Her comments came amid the decision to drop charges against Trooper Londregan.
Walz planned to remove Moriarty from state trooper murder prosecution
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said rumors over pulling her from the case didn't factor into her decision to drop murder charges.
Minnesota Gov. Walz, St. Paul Mayor Carter, legislators and police highlight new gun safety laws
A ceremonial signing occurred at St. Paul police headquarters.
Hot Dish 5.31.24
Board of Pardons wraps up two days of work, Sen. Mitchell won't resign
Walz joins DFL chair's call for Sen. Nicole Mitchell to resign
Gov. Tim Walz joined state DFL Chair Ken Martin in calling for the resignation of the Woodbury DFLer, who's charged in a burglary at her stepmother's home.
State board pardons St. Paul firefighter in 2004 fatal shooting of teenager
The victim's parents urged clemency for Tim Morin.
Hot Dish 05.24.24
Walz signs medical services bill, calls out National Guard to find missing canoeists
Sen. Klobuchar still pushing Fans First bill as Live Nation faces federal antitrust suit
The Minnesota Democrat said music and sports fans should start seeing changes quickly as a result of the blockbuster lawsuit.
What passed — and didn't — at the 2024 Minnesota Legislature
From cannabis to sports betting, what happened with the major bills at the State Capitol in 2024.
Woman arrested in parked van alleges Chauvin threw her to the ground, broke her tooth
Police brutality lawyers at Robins Kaplan filed the federal civil rights claim seeking damages from the city of Minneapolis and the former Minneapolis police officer who murdered George Floyd.
Alpha News lawyer says public needs a better picture of what happened with senator's arrest
DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury faces a first-degree burglary charge.
Minnesota Legislature's 2024 session ends in anger and acrimony
Republicans complained of being shut out of negotiations and shouting matches erupted on the floors as Democrats passed their final bills.
Minnesota Legislature races toward deadline with bonding, rideshare bills in question
Legislators cannot pass bills after midnight on Sunday, giving them just hours to try to strike a deal on outstanding issues.
Donald Trump talks inflation, Iron Dome, Biden and bacon at Minn. GOP dinner
Speaking to donors, leaders and activists, the former president repeatedly ripped Joe Biden and promised to fight to turn Minnesota red for the first time since 1972.
Hot Dish 5.17.24
Legislators will be pushing toward Sunday's midnight deadline
Walz signs bill clarifying constitutional protections for religious entities under Human Rights Act
Republicans, religious groups raised concerns about gender identity and sexual orientation.
Sen. Latz's opposition to landlord housing voucher requirement makes him target of fellow DFLer
Rep. Mike Howard criticized Sen. Ron Latz by name in a conference committee moment this week.
Running Aces amends lawsuit, now claims tribal casinos violate federal law with illegal video games
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux say the lawsuit is a desperate stunt to influence legislators in the final days of the 2024 session.
Ellison sues real estate broker, claims he preyed on Muslims and buyers with poor credit
The lawsuit alleges that Chadwick Banken used deceptive trade practices and discriminated against Muslims.
Minnesota Supreme Court: Pandemic emergency declaration OK under state law
Gov. Walz used the Emergency Management Act to declare a peacetime emergency and issue a mask mandate.
Hot Dish 5.10.24
House Minority Leader Demuth: This isn't a Legislature of 104 members.
