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: In Melissa Hortman, so soon after Kari Dziedzic, Minnesota politics loses another selfless leader
They both played fair and trusted that good policy would prevail.
June 15, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Walz skips the sweet stuff for law school grads
Gov Tim Walz’s speech at the U’s law school graduation ceremony was more political than is standard. Good.
May 22, 2025
Olson: Overtime at the Capitol: As stakes climb, talks get tougher
Voters should tune in now to see what’s happening on their behalf.
May 20, 2025
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: 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