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.


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.


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.