Reporter | Politics and Government

Olson 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.


Minnesota House passes interstate trans policy bill

DFL supporters say bill would ensure state serves as a refuge for trans people.


Minnesota Senate panel approves trio of gun bills

Prospects remain unclear for passage, as Republicans in the narrowly divided Senate oppose the changes.


What's passed and what's still to come at the Minnesota Legislature this year

From recreational marijuana to tax cuts, we track the major bills at the State Capitol.


VA officials face questions over allegations at Hastings facility

A Senate committee hearing Tuesday — over allegations that a toxic workplace environment has hurt veterans' care — comes after two officials were relieved of their duties over the weekend.


Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic says she has cancer, is resting at home

The Minneapolis DFLer didn't indicate whether she will need additional treatment or when she will return to the Capitol.


Fate of gun control, marijuana and Social Security tax repeal uncertain in Minnesota Senate

With a 34-33 majority, a single DFL defector could tank a bill.


Big Ten women's basketball tournament steams into Minneapolis

Conference is a powerhouse this season with five of the nation's top 20 teams playing at Target Center.


Push is on to remove state's mandatory minimum gas markup

A small bipartisan group of legislators says the bill would save Minnesota consumers money.


Future of some electronic pulltabs in jeopardy after court ruling

The Minnesota Court of Appeals determines that the "open-all" feature is illegal under state law.


Longtime Minnesota State Fair deputy taking over for retiring CEO Jerry Hammer

Renee Alexander has been the entertainment and marketing deputy to Hammer for 13 years.