Columnist | Local

Jennifer Brooks is a local columnist for the 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.


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.


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.


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

Minneapolis' hottest new rideshare: The bus.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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."