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: Author reckons with his past growing up in a Minnesota religious cult
Pine County’s River Road Fellowship made news a decade ago when its abusive leader became the target of an international manhunt.
September 30, 2025
Brooks: The return of the lost Loring Greenway playground
Welcome to Minneapolis Public Works’ first — and probably last — playground.
September 24, 2025
Brooks: Minnesota man took unicycle and grief on an incredible journey
He traveled more than 1,000 miles, but the journey was never about the distance covered.
September 19, 2025
Brooks: Trump administration won’t stop with Jimmy Kimmel
The administration’s moves to clamp down on jokes or remarks it finds distasteful have chilling implications for the First Amendment and seem unlikely to stop with a handful of late-night comedians.
September 18, 2025
Brooks: Legendary N.D. columnist Marilyn Hagerty, of viral Olive Garden review fame, dies at 99
Her journalism career spanned almost 70 years. In her 80s, one wholesome Olive Garden review launched her to global fame and a book deal.
September 17, 2025
Brooks: Striking U workers hope students miss them — or at least the work they do
Workers enjoyed a bit of power after the pandemic. Big employers like the University of Minnesota are acting like those days are gone for good.
September 11, 2025
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Brooks: For the first time, Minnesota raises the flags of all 11 tribal nations at the Capitol
“Dakota flags are flying over Dakota land.”
September 5, 2025
In wake of Annunciation Church shooting, a community finds hope in the small things
The community at Annunciation Church and its south Minneapolis neighbors are looking for ways to nourish hope after a school shooting that raises familiar feelings of hopelessness.
September 1, 2025
Brooks: Some thread, some beads and some joy at State Fair after a bleak week
Advice from the Creative Activities building about doing the things that bring you joy.
September 1, 2025
Brooks: The tragedy of a mass shooting at a children’s Mass
It has been heartbreak after heartbreak for Minnesota.
August 28, 2025
Brooks: Movie crew at the State Fair is making ‘an homage to Minnesota’
After hundreds of hours of footage, the Minnesota State Fair still feels like magic to this documentarian.
August 14, 2025
Brooks: Jubilant clemency hearing brings Minnesota man closer to clean slate
Supporters packed the room as the clemency board voted unanimously to support a pardon for his long-ago crimes.
August 4, 2025
![From left, Janae, Jalia and proud papa, Jason Sole. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Janae Sole (left), Jalia Sole (center), Jason Sole (right)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/H363WUXIJVJBQKESOJZH5BUSK4.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
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