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Jennifer Brooks

Columnist | News & Politics
Phone: 612-673-4008

Jennifer Brooks is a local columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune. She travels across Minnesota, writing thoughtful and surprising stories about residents and issues.


Previously as a Star Tribune reporter, Brooks covered the State Capitol and the Minnesota congressional delegation in Washington.
Recent content from Jennifer Brooks
Michael Braunksy assists Andrew Lewis by adjusting the tuning on his pipes at the weekly rehearsal of the Macalester College Pipe Band on Wednesday.

Brooks: At this Minnesota college, every student is entitled to free bagpipe lessons

The pipes, the pipes are calling at Macalester College
President-elect Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Brooks: In a democracy, we get the government we deserve. America asked for Trump.

This time around, we know what Donald Trump's plans are.
Nov. 1, 1991: John Floberg shoveled out his walk on James Av. S. in Minneapolis after the Halloween blizzard of 1991.

Brooks: The Great Halloween potential snow accumulation of 2024 is upon us

It may not be the Halloween Blizzard of 1991, but still, get ready to layer those Halloween costumes!
Rebekah Martin places her "I voted" sticker on her jacket after casting her ballot at her polling place at First Congregation Church with her daughter

Brooks: Fear, hope and the 2024 election in Pandora's ballot box

Three out of every five Americans somehow approach Election Day with a sense of optimism.
The Minnesota governor's residence on St. Paul's Summit Avenue, currently unoccupied for renovations. Not pictured: the graffiti.

Brooks: Timid tagger sprays graffiti on roof of Minnesota governor's residence

Can you call it a political statement if no one can see it without a drone?
Here are just a few of the humans and alpacas who helped save the big day for Kaitlin Gulstad and Justin Lynch. Their original wedding venue, the Circ

Brooks: When an Isanti wedding venue left a young couple out in the cold, friends and strangers saved the big day

After the nightmare at the Circle B, a couple are still able to have their dream wedding thanks to gracious vendors, a backyard backdrop and a few well-dressed alpacas.
Lucky pup Graham Cracker is going on tour with Pink. The singer picked up the pup from Minnesota rescue the Bond Between and will foster him for the r

Brooks: Pink takes a Minnesota foster puppy on tour, searching for a forever home

Lucky pup Graham Cracker already has an Instagram account with more followers than you do, probably.
Early versions of Scotch tape dispensers, which would turn into the coolest things to come out of Minnesota.

Brooks: The coolest thing made in Minnesota? This contest winner will stick with you

The final four of Minnesota inventions included a timeless Red Wing Shoes boot, a floating marsh island, a park-ready motorized wheelchair and an unlikely underdog, a roll of Scotch tape.
The Raptor Center shared this photo of an owl caught up in a net.

Brooks: Raptor Center pleads with Minnesotans to help keep birds out of soccer nets

Metro soccer fields have netted almost a dozen owls and hawks already this year. Not all of them survived the encounter.
Vice presidential candidates Gov. Tim Walz, left, and Sen. JD Vance have a televised debate Tuesday night.

Brooks: What the wannaveeps are telling America about Minnesota, Ohio

The vice presidential debate between Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz pits the guy from Ohio against the guy from Minnesota. Choose your fighter.
Yana Pietras and Ian O’Neill, owners of Moth Oddities, at the Vintage Block Party they organized to help Northeast vintage shop businesses bring in

Brooks: Don't abandon the small businesses caught in road construction

Big road construction projects are making it tough to get around. But small businesses need the extra effort.
Minnesota crop artist Christy Klancher glued mountains of seeds and beans into a crop art portrait of John Stamos during a live demonstration at the M

Brooks: John Stamos calls crop art 'crap art' after he's immortalized in seeds at Minnesota State Fair

Now there's going to be weirdness between you and Minnesota, John Stamos.
The face that launched Wisconsin beverages. Gov. Tim Walz takes the stage at a rally on the Erie, Penn. waterfront in front of around 2000 supporters

Brooks: The Audacity of Ope? Wisconsin breweries battle over Tim Walz-inspired beer

A judge scooched on by with a temporary restraining order on cans of Walz-inspired beer.
Former President Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd at a Trump-Vance rally at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University on

Brooks: Will the Trump campaign repay St. Cloud?

In the debate, Trump stridently defended the size of his campaign crowds. But will he chip in to cover the cost of his Minnesota rally?
Regulars returned to eat at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024.

Brooks: On the patio of the Park Tavern, a community gathers to heal

The Park Tavern was always there for St. Louis Park. Now the community will be there for a grieving workplace.
People flood into Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop on opening morning of the Minnesota State Fair at The State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights on Thu

Brooks: For State Fair enthusiasts, it's the most wonderful time of the year

The weather is gorgeous, the crowds are manageable. It's opening hour of the opening day of the fair.
Seed artist Gary Turnquist, center, of Lindstrom, Minn., tells his family, some visiting from California, about his piece depicting Jesus Christ as it

Brooks: Minnesota State Fair makes space for a bumper crop of crop art

Oh say can you see(d)? You can, now that the fair is expanding its crop art display space.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was happy to see Lt. Col Ryan Kelly. Kelly and Walz deployed together and now Kelly leads the unit. Walz stopped by the Mi

Brooks: GOP throwing everything against the Walz to see what sticks

Bold move for a five-time draft dodger to question someone else's military service. Let's see how this works out for Team Trump.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz gets a huge hug from students at Webster Elementary after he signed into law a bill that guarantees free school meals, (br

Brooks: Minnesota is just happy to be mentioned as Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz

As Kamala Harris taps Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, Americans turn to their maps, in search of Minnesota. (We are up here.)
People come and go at the Hennepin County Government Building in Minneapolis, June 22, 2021.

Brooks: Highly paid Hennepin County Board officials think they deserve a huge raise

A six-figure salary is nice. A slim majority of the Hennepin County board think a 49% raise would be nicer -- for them, not for you
Hope Street resident Lexx packs up her room on her move out day at Catholic Charities Hope Street for Youth shelter in Minneapolis on Aug. 1. Lexx is

Brooks: Hope Street offers homeless youth in Minneapolis choices that go way beyond a new set of clothes

It's a shelter that offers young people a fresh start. And it's getting a wardrobe refresh of its own.
Ohio Sen. JD Vance introduces former President Donald Trump at a rally Saturday in St. Cloud.

Brooks: GOP melts down after Walz calls Trump and Vance weirdness 'weird'

Political parties that aren't weird don't usually have to prove they're not weird.
Former President Donald Trump congratulates Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, in a private room after Vance’s speech on the t

Brooks: After insulting Jennifer Aniston and 'childless cat ladies' everywhere, JD Vance heads to Minnesota

Why do politicians keep dragging cats into this?
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks to reporters after meeting with President Joe Biden on July 3 at the White House, flanked by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul

Brooks: One heartbeat away from making Kamala Harris' search for a running mate all about Minnesota

Minnesota: Cradle of Veeps
President Joe Biden was kind, even when he didn't need to be.

Brooks: Don't cry because it's Joever; smile because I'm about to tell you my incredibly wholesome Naked Joe Biden story

For two years, I was Delaware's entire national press corps. The Biden who passed the torch is the Biden I remember.
Cooper Waldvogel, 3, couldn't wait to hug his mother Kathryn Waldvogel after her return from Afghanistan at the Inver Grove Heights Training Center, T

Brooks: The VA wants your help picking a name for a new clinic for female veterans

If you know a veteran who served her country and her community, the VA is accepting nominations until Oct. 30.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was bustling with activity 16 years ago, as travelers, including delegates, their families and others conne

As all eyes turn to the GOP convention in Milwaukee, a look back at 2008 in St. Paul

A very different catastrophe — a hurricane — dampened spirits at the 2008 Republican Convention in St. Paul.
President Joe Biden during the CNN presidential debate with former President Donald Trump in Atlanta, June 27, 2024.

Brooks: Biden's debate performance was so bad, it may have put Minnesota in play

The Cook Political Report no longer considers Minnesota a "likely" Democratic win — merely leaning that way.
Arborist Kerrick Sarbacker leads union chants as striking park workers picket at a busy Minnehaha Park on Friday.

Brooks: Minneapolis parks workers want you to know why they're striking

This is the final day of a weeklong strike by park workers who say they've done too much with too little for too long.
Laser loon lives: The second life of Minnesota state flag(s)

Laser loon lives: The second life of Minnesota state flag(s)

Residents have flocked to online and brick-and-mortar shops to buy whichever design says "Minnesota" to them.
All summer long, Hennepin County libraries are hosting a unique and fuzzy learning experience: Live llamas at the library.

Brooks: Check out the llamas all summer long at Hennepin County libraries

There are llamas at the library for the same reason there are books on the shelves.
Boxes of naloxone sit ready for distribution in the city’s first free naloxone vending machine to help combat fatal overdoses.

Saving lives at the push of a button: Minneapolis unveils first Narcan vending machine

Lifesaving drugs that reverse the effect of an opioid overdose are available free from a vending machine outside a south Minneapolis fire station.
A well-dressed woman seems to have been caught on camera — repeatedly — pilfering planters from outside Minneapolis restaurant El Sazon Cucina. Af

Brooks: A Minneapolis restaurant was beautifying the neighborhood with flowers. A flower thief stood in the way.

Good thing El Sazon Cocina has good neighbors who are good florists.
Former President Donald Trump speaks during the first 2024 presidential election debate with President Joe Biden at CNN's headquarters in Atlanta, on

Brooks: A horror show of a debate - and what's that you say about Minneapolis, Donald Trump?

One man lied and blustered, the other was muddled and unconvincing.
Russ Purdy�s �Ooey, Gooey, Slippery Science Fun� show featuring interactive science experiments. -- Bloomington, Mn., Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1999--Sc

Brooks: Tarantula and assault charges fly in Hennepin County Board race

Political hopeful Marisa Simonetti seems to think buying and deploying a tarantula is how adults settle disputes.
A roly-poly spotted seal pup looks up at the camera with his big eyes, as he lolls on a rock near the aquarium water.

Brooks: Feisty the seal serves as a reminder of resilience a dozen years after devastating Duluth floods

Still Feisty after all these years, Duluth's favorite seal survivor just became a father.
We only want to see you laughing in the purple rain, Minnesota.

'No such thing as bad weather,' Minnesotans remind ourselves, as it rains and rains and rains on our parades

Rain or shine, Minnesotans press on with summer plans.
The aurora borealis could be seen on the North horizon in the night sky over Wolf Lake in the Cloquet State Forrest around midnight on Saturday mornin

Brooks: Are we there yet? Minnesotans debate true meaning of 'up north'

What Minnesotans mean when they say "up north" becomes fodder for social media skirmish over where to draw the line.
Soap maker Marybeth Beseke and Minnesota Rep. Nathan Nelson teamed up to change state law and allow Beseke to continue making soap out of a product th

Brooks: Minnesota Legislature unites to help a soap maker and her celebrated bear fat soap

How one Hinckley soap maker and her local rep helped change state law. Maybe there's soap for us all.
A group of dancers weave through the darkness with flaming hula hoops.

Brooks: On Mondays in Minneapolis, Northern Fire Dynamic plays with fire

The fire performance troupe will stage a free performance in Powderhorn Park on June 10.
A brown pit bull, wearing a red "Adopt Me" vest, shows the press corps his green squeaky toy during an afternoon walk with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fre

Brooks: Check out this dog, literally! Minneapolis Animal Control is lending out pups to help reduce kennel stress.

Minneapolis hopes taking adoptable dogs on day trips will help dogs and humans alike.
People celebrate after former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all counts at Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in New York

Brooks: Trump felony convictions reveal Minnesota GOP's lack of conviction

In the space of a news cycle, MNGOP pivots from screaming for the resignation of a Democrat accused of a felony to "Vote Trump."
Charles Barkley outside of J.D. Hoyt's Supper Club in Minneapolis.

Brooks: That Minnesota 'snow' was cottonwood seeds, Sir Charles. Bring ya antihistamines!

In which the screams of millions of relieved Wolves fans blow the fluffy seeds off the trees and baffle Charles Barkley.
Protesters gather outside the Senate chambers after an ERA bill was heard in committee at the Minnesota State Capitol on May 6.

Brooks: A sad end of an ERA in Minnesota as legislative session closed

A century on, Minnesotans pick themselves up from the legislative wreckage and prepare to try, try again to pass an Equal Rights Amendment.
Kushal Sehgal, James Kerber and Emily Wagner work on a phototherapy device  treat or even prevent Reynaud’s symptoms, developed at the University of

Brooks: No funding, no lab, no problem for dogged University of Minnesota student inventors

Undergrads spent six years building a new medical device to treat Raynaud's.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, on Friday, February

Brooks: Kristi Noem's puppy tale reads even worse in print

The only thing worse than puppy killing excerpts? Puppy killing in full detail.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem

Brooks: Kristi Noem's tale of killing her dog backfires

Noem shoots, Noem scores few fans for her approach to dog training.
The North Norris fire burning in northern Minnesota in 2021.

Brooks: Only you can prevent wildfires, Minnesota

DNR firefighters are hoping Minnesotans take care as fire season comes early.
Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, posed with family members for a portrait on the first day of the 2023 session in St. Paul.

Brooks: Minnesota state senator's burglary arrest puts private family drama in the election year spotlight

Public waits to learn more after state Sen. Nicole Mitchell was arrested in a relative's home.

An Isanti wedding venue closed without warning. Now these couples have 'nowhere to go.'

Community rallies to help after the Circle B wedding venue closed without warning or refunds.
Rescuers pulled 124 cats and kittens from a crowded, filthy home in Crystal. The Animal Humane Society says abuse and neglect cases have increased sha

Brooks: A tale of 124 hoarded Minnesota cats has at least a hundred happy endings

As animal abuse cases soar, Minnesotans trek to the Animal Humane Society to offer neglected animals loving new homes.
After "47 years on a job I love," Melanie Benson, Metro Transit's longest-serving bus driver, is retiring.

Brooks: The end of the line for Minneapolis' longest-serving bus driver and the start of a new adventure

Veteran Metro Transit bus driver Melanie Benson bids a fond farewell to the job she loved.
Commuters wait in line to board a bus Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 at the Mall of America Transit Station in Bloomington.

Brooks: If Uber and Lyft let Minnesota down, maybe Metro Transit will pick us up

Minneapolis' hottest new rideshare: The bus.
Daniel Brody listened as Debbie Moore played her violin near the Mary Tyler Moore statue on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis on June 13, 2023.

Brooks: During Doors Open Minneapolis, you could play DJ along Nicollet Mall

Roller skating, chess, therapy dogs, festivals and more fun events are aimed at bringing folks downtown.
The Minnetonka Police Department is proud to announce its newest K9 recruit, Winston. The wee weenie stands ready to "take a bite out of crime...or ma

Brooks: Beware these (innocent) April Fools' Day jokes

Maybe the dogs are all getting promotions today. Or maybe it's the first day of April.
Still not sure if we're supposed to drink it or play cornhole with it.

Brooks: Kwest for Kwik Trip's bagged milk ends with moo-ving realization

The end of a squishy era, as Kwik Trip prepares to discontinue beloved bagged beverage.
FILE - In this May 24, 2018, file photo, Chair of the Republican National Committee Ronna McDaniel appears on the "Fox & friends" television program i

Brooks: NBC's fast-moving Ronna McDaniel flap shows defending U.S. democracy worth the hassle

Faced with petitions, withering criticism and a near-revolt in the news division, network quickly changed course on its decision to hire former RNC chair.
General Mills Cheerios. Looking at the long history of General Mills lobbying the FDA on behalf of Cheerios, with the company pushing for more health

Brooks: Billionaire pees in Duluth's Cheerios

In which Kathy Cargill tries to buy up Park Point, insults the neighbors, ignores questions and withholds pickleball from Duluth.
Sandra Johnson explores the State Capitol rotunda before heading to a meeting to listen to Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, on Wednesday. Minnesota

Brooks: Once a year, the homeless speak and the politicians listen

At Homeless Day on the Hill, a chance to hear stories like Sandra Johnson's.
Abby Spangler and her daughter Eleanor Spangler Neuchterlein, 16, hold hands as they participate in a "lie-in" during a protest in favor of gun contro

Brooks: Poll finds America more eager to protect kids from TikTok than school shootings

Where "won't someone think of the children?" meets "thoughts and prayers."
Vice President Kamala Harris greeted Gov. Tim Walz at Planned Parenthood on Thursday in St. Paul.

Brooks: Why Kamala Harris' visit to a Minnesota abortion clinic is so important

Everyday rights we have taken for granted are being stripped or attacked.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks at the George R. Brown Convention Center, May 27, 2022, in Houston.

Brooks: The tooth, and nothing but the tooth: S.D. Gov. Noem posts ad for out-of-state dentist

In a stunning setback to the SoDak dentalverse, governor brags about outsourcing her veneers.
Mollie Thiet continues stuffing her trash bag with styrofoam remains along the Mississippi River during her volunteer time with the Minnesota Departme

Brooks: What would Goodhue County do? Pick up trash along the Mississippi River. And so can you.

This year's Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge runs from April 15 to May 15.
A screen at the U.S. Capitol shows Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., delivering the Republican Party’s official response to President Joe Biden's State of t

Brooks: Sen. Katie Britt's State of the Union performance Makes America Uncomfortable Again

Writing this from the kitchen where I, a woman, apparently belong?
Screenshot of a Chisago County Sheriff's video showing the rescue of Honey the collie.

Minnesota deputy paddles to the rescue after dog crashes through lake ice

Chisago County Sheriff's video shows dramatic kayak rescue of Honey the collie.
This screen shot from cell phone video provided by Eric Hovde’s campaign shows the candidate for U.S. Senate shirtless in the cold waters of Lake Me

Brooks: Shirtless politician plunges into icy lake to prove to Wisconsin he's got what it takes

Nobody said running for a U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin would be easy.
Mourners pay their respects after a livestream at a church in Burnsville of the memorial service Wednesday.

Brooks: As Burnsville grieves shooting victims, its neighbors stand watch

Police officers and firefighters from across the metro area volunteered to patrol as a community mourns.
Minneapolis Environmental Health reminds you to wash your Big Ten Fingers before sharing a bowl of chips during the Big Ten Tournament so you don't sh

Brooks: Wash your Big Ten fingers before you share a bowl of chips on game day

Minneapolis PSA: Beware the norovirus.
Laurena Carrizales Guerrero Celeste with Mamas. The chef turned to the Minneapolis Animal Safety Net program when she and Mamas were facing homelessne

Brooks: After homelessness and heartache, Minneapolis Animal Control reunites a family

Here's a tail with a happy ending.
Members of the Eden Prairie Police Department paid their respects on three memorials in front of the Burnsville Police Department on Monday.

Brooks: Three Burnsville first responders join toll of domestic violence

We lose so many to domestic violence — police and paramedics included.
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Michigan, Sunday, F

Caitlin Clark, the pride of Iowa, is the buzz of social media

Everyone's talking about Caitlin Clark, who will be playing in Minneapolis at the end of the month and again in March.
1600 hockey players on 300 teams braved the cold weather and took to the rinks during last year's Pond Hockey Championships at Lake Nokomis.

New frostbite drug could save Minnesota lives and limbs

Days like this remind us all of winter's bite.
A wooden pole sits in the middle of the sidewalk at the intersection of Lake and Lyndale. Pedestrians will be sidestepping dozens of the temporary pos

Brooks: Poles from Lake Street upgrades turn sidewalks into Uptown obstacle course

Welcome to Uptown! Look out for the poles.
A young barred owl at the Raptor Center.

Who are you rooting for on this Superb Owl Sunday? Who? Who?

The University of Minnesota's Raptor Center comes to the rescue of threatened birds.
Fond Minnesota memories went up in smoke when Lutsen Lodge burned

Fond Minnesota memories went up in smoke when Lutsen Lodge burned

Minnesotans with their own Lutsen memories mourn the North Shore getaway after a devastating fire.