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

Why do politicians keep dragging cats into this?


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

Minnesota: Cradle of Veeps


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.


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.


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.


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.


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)

Residents have flocked to online and brick-and-mortar shops to buy whichever design says "Minnesota" to them.


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.


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.