Jennifer Brooks
Columnist
News & PoliticsPreviously as a Star Tribune reporter, Brooks covered the State Capitol and the Minnesota congressional delegation in Washington.
Latest from Jennifer Brooks
Brooks: Mark Hortman’s life remembered by the kids who loved him
Yes, he was Melissa Hortman’s husband. To Colin and Sophie Hortman, he was so much more.
June 17, 2025
Brooks: As Trump cracks down on L.A. protests, Minnesota looks back — and ahead
Taking stock of the unrest in Los Angeles after a chaotic federal raid last week in Minneapolis.
June 10, 2025
Brooks: Hard lives led to hard-won diplomas for these Minnesota high schoolers
Dozens of gowned and grinning high school seniors came together at the University of Minnesota’s McNamara Alumni Center to celebrate their graduation and triumph against hardship.
June 7, 2025
Brooks: America mints its last penny. What’s the new going rate for our thoughts?
Get ready for non-cents, America.
May 26, 2025
Brooks: From big beavers to little bears, meet Minnesota’s newest state symbols
Minnesota lawmakers don’t agree on everything, but they came together to choose an official fossil and constellation.
May 22, 2025
Brooks: Kristi Noem’s ‘Hunger Games’? It could actually happen.
The Department of Homeland Security signals openness to a reality show where immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship.
May 19, 2025
Brooks: Will American tourists abroad be welcome, or at least tolerated? I found out.
Brooks: This is what it's like to travel abroad as an American right now
May 17, 2025
Brooks: Donors ride to rescue after bandits strike Minneapolis bike library
The program, launched this year, allows residents to borrow cargo bikes and e-bikes for a week, for free.
May 13, 2025
Brooks: Minnesotans step up to help hold free weddings for LGBTQ couples ahead of Pride Month
Better by the dozen: Get ready for an epic day of weddings, made possible by a bunch of do-gooders.
May 5, 2025
Brooks: Trump’s cuts dump on Minnesota’s ‘Team Diarrhea’
Programs that make Minnesotans safer and healthier are at risk.
April 30, 2025
Brooks: Young Minnesotans, register to vote like your future depends on it
Happy High School Voter Registration Week to those who celebrate.
April 26, 2025
Brooks: Elon Musk’s company sues for the right to deepfake voters of Minnesota
In a Musk v. Minnesota matchup, smart money’s on Minnesota.
April 24, 2025
