MPR People

Dan Olson

Reporter
Minnesota Public Radio
dolson@mpr.org

Dan Olson has been a reporter at Minnesota Public Radio since 1974. He's covered agriculture, education, the city of Minneapolis and metropolitan government during that time. He's also been a substitute and permanent host of several of Minnesota Public Radio's news programs over the years. Dan's Bachelor of Science degree is in agricultural journalism from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 1975 with a minor in agricultural economics.

Dan Olson Feature Archive

RSS

U of M forum takes aim at transportation funding issues

A transportation forum at the University of Minnesota Monday aims to fix what critics say is a broken funding system. (11/23/2009)

Ballpark, transit hub fuel neighborhood ambitions

Outdoor baseball and commuter rail are focusing attention on a once obscure section of downtown Minneapolis. (11/18/2009)

Mondale's role in saving 'boat people' recalled, 30 years later

In the years following the end of the Vietnam War, thousands of Vietnamese risked the dangers of the South China Sea instead of facing communism. This year marks 30 years since then-Vice President Walter Mondale convinced world leaders to come to the rescue of more than 1 million "boat people" -- many of whom settled in Minnesota. (11/16/2009)

Northstar Line just the beginning for transit projects

With Monday's start of the brand new Northstar commuter rail service drawing near, area lawmakers and transit officials are turning their sights to the future. (11/13/2009)

Report urges increasing Minnesota's broadband access

In a report out Friday, a broadband task force appointed by Gov. Pawlenty urges moving Minnesota into the top tier of states when it comes to speed and accessibility. (11/06/2009)

Media attention taking toll on local ACORN chapters

The Minnesota chapter of ACORN is feeling the heat brought on by the parent organization's problems. (10/21/2009)

MnDOT hiring of minority contractors declines again

New MnDOT statistics show the number of minorities and women on state road and bridge construction projects has declined from last year. (10/13/2009)

Amtrak reports passenger loss of 1 million over past year

Amtrak said Monday its ridership dropped by more than 1 million passengers during the past year, but was still the second-highest year in the railroad's history. (10/12/2009)

Rural transit to be among hot topics at public hearing

State transportation officials are likely to get an earful at a public hearing Thursday afternoon on transit in greater Minnesota from outstate transit agencies worried about money. (10/08/2009)

MnDOT adjusts hiring goal for women and minority contractors

MnDOT officials say the goal for hiring women and minority subcontractors is too high and has been scaled back for next year. (10/05/2009)

Minnesota projects safe despite transportation act expiration

Minnesota transportation officials say no state road or bridge projects currently under construction or planned for the near future are threatened by the expiration at midnight of the federal transportation act. (09/30/2009)

MnDOT to meet with critics over minority hiring

Critics say they've convinced officials from the state transportation department to meet with them about the agency's hiring record for women and minorities. (09/29/2009)

Officials say new lanes, express buses on 35W popular

State officials say the new toll, or congestion pricing lane, available on 35W starting this week is popular. (09/28/2009)

New 35W features opening to relieve congestion

This week, some elements of the huge makeover of I-35W through the Twin Cities, the state's busiest highway, will open to bus riders and drivers even while many portions of the project are still a work in progress. (09/28/2009)

U of M sues over Central Corridor concerns

The University of Minnesota filed suit against the Metropolitan Council today over its concerns about the proposed Central Corridor light rail line going through campus. (09/22/2009)