Rochelle Olson
Editorial Columnist
Minn. PoliticsOlson has covered St. Paul and Minneapolis City Halls, Ramsey and Hennepin county governments, as well as courts and state government. Before joining the Star Tribune in 2000, Olson worked for eight years with the Associated Press in Kansas City, Topeka, Charleston, W.Va. and St. Paul. She has a master's degree from the University of Kansas and a bachelor's from Hamline University. She grew up in Bloomington. She loves to swim and do yoga.
Latest from Rochelle Olson
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Firefighters, a fraught fundraiser and a possible pardon
As temperatures climb, it’s important to heed the wisdom of Gov. Tim Walz — and Smokey Bear.
May 15, 2025
Olson: Will Minnesotans be able to legally purchase keys after July 1? The kerfuffle continues.
The House-Senate conference committee should scrub the new law on keys or push out the start date.
May 12, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Where leadership is and isn’t
It involves things like “consistent, nondiscriminatory application of the law,” good organization and forthright disclosure.
May 8, 2025
Olson: Rep. Angie Craig enters U.S. Senate race ready to upset seniority, decorum
Craig wants to take on systemic corruption and Trump.
May 5, 2025
Olson: It’s closing time — state leaders need to get it done, head home
It’s a status quo session and that’s OK.
May 3, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Former Walz rival fights for service dogs
Two-time Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson is living the good life after public office.
May 1, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: International Falls City Council wisely changes course
Mary Moriarty, International Falls and the University of Minnesota Dance team round out a week of Cheers & Jeers.
April 24, 2025
Olson: Pete Hegseth has no business at the Pentagon
Trump’s loyalty to the Minnesota native is a crisis in the making.
April 23, 2025
Olson: It’s closing time — state leaders need to get it done, head home
It’s a status quo session and that’s OK.
May 3, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Former Walz rival fights for service dogs
Two-time Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson is living the good life after public office.
May 1, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: International Falls City Council wisely changes course
Mary Moriarty, International Falls and the University of Minnesota Dance team round out a week of Cheers & Jeers.
April 24, 2025
Olson: Pete Hegseth has no business at the Pentagon
Trump’s loyalty to the Minnesota native is a crisis in the making.
April 23, 2025