Rochelle Olson
Editorial Columnist
Minnesota PoliticsRochelle switched to the Opinion pages in February 2025 after 25 years of covering various beats at the paper. She began her Minnesota Star Tribune tenure in March 2025 covering Minneapolis City Hall. From 2007-2011, she covered the Hennepin County District Court as well as the state's appellate courts. From there she covered St. Paul City Hall and the Ramsey County and Hennepin County boards. She's also been a general assignment reporter. She reported on both the federal and state trials of the former Minneapolis police officers convicted in the murder of George Floyd. She's also written innumerable stories about efforts to rebuild and refurbish sports stadiums, ballparks and arenas across the Twin Cities. She spent the first eight years of her journalism career with the Associated Press in Kansas City, Mo., 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 east Bloomington and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. She still loves to swim laps in the southern suburb's outdoor 50-meter pool formerly known as Valley View.
Latest from Rochelle Olson
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: A new St. Paul City Council member with courage
Plus: Recreational cannabis rollout, a black wolf near Voyageurs, the Vikings’ male cheerleaders and more.
August 14, 2025
Olson: More extra innings in the Pohlad family/Twins fans stalemate
They still own the team. We’re still waiting for something to happen.
August 13, 2025
Olson: Moriarty will stop with one term. Candidates and voters, you’re up.
The 2026 election is still likely to determine whether Hennepin County residents liked what they saw with a progressive lead prosecutor. Those who didn’t should at least know these things.
August 10, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Competition ramps up in St. Paul mayoral race
Plus: Omar Fateh’s driving tickets, Colin and Sophie Hortman’s playlist for their parents, the Minnesota Vikings and more.
August 8, 2025
Olson: Can an ax murderer’s freedom ever be just? Yes.
Preventing a tragedy like that perpetrated by David Brom requires attention to teen mental health needs.
August 6, 2025
Olson: Security at the Minnesota Capitol: Lock doors, ban guns and check bags
A violent summer shows an overdue need for tighter statehouse controls at the doors and a higher level of safety.
August 3, 2025
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Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Regan Smith’s stellar swim career merits applause
Plus: Albert Lea blocking the city’s first cannabis dispensary, the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s social media and more.
July 31, 2025
Olson: House Speaker Lisa Demuth on a future without Melissa Hortman
The two leaders built a working relationship over three recent legislative sessions.
July 29, 2025
Olson: Walz looks ready to take on a third term. Will voters give it to him?
The ‘One Minnesota’ slogan might not have the same ring this time around.
July 20, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Dr. Frank Wilderson and his life of service in education
Plus: Paul McCartney at U.S. Bank stadium, Pete Hegseth rumors, Duluth City Council president and more.
July 18, 2025
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: As John Hoffman recovers, a shaken state begins the sad return to normalcy
Plus: Security at the State Capitol, tuition increases at the U, Al Franken NFTs and more.
July 11, 2025
Olson: Minnesota Republicans' waste, fraud and abuse committee gets stuck in the mud
There’s little confidence this panel will help overwhelmed county employees and cut red tape, both of which would combat fraud.
July 10, 2025
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