Eric Roper
Columnist
News & PoliticsSince joining the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2009, Eric has covered the Twin Cities metro area, the city of Minneapolis, the state Legislature and Congress. Prior to becoming a columnist, he oversaw the Star Tribune's Curious Minnesota project and helped create the narrative podcast "Ghost of a Chance." He is a graduate of the George Washington University and lives in south Minneapolis. In his spare time, Eric is a hobbyist woodworker and old home DIYer. To follow Eric's work by email, sign up for his newsletter at startribune.com/roperalert.
Latest from Eric Roper
Roper: Jazz Hampton wants to be a City Hall bridge builder
The moderate Democrat is the only Minnesota native among the top candidates for Minneapolis mayor.
October 1, 2025
Roper: Minneapolis mayoral candidate DeWayne Davis is a lefty but not quite a leftist
The ebullient preacher is motivated to assist the vulnerable but also wants businesses to thrive.
September 26, 2025
Roper: Why Mayor Jacob Frey and his polarizing politics are at the center of the Minneapolis election
Don’t expect unity any time soon as warring factions vie for total control of City Hall.
September 18, 2025
Roper: Nicollet Mall sparkled at Dinner Du Nord, a culinary spectacle in downtown Minneapolis
About 2,000 people snapped up tickets to dine in the heart of the city.
September 12, 2025
Roper: Frey’s full-throated response to Annunciation shooting channeled a city’s grief and rage
The mayor forcefully represented Minneapolis when tragedy drew a national spotlight.
September 1, 2025
Roper: Debate over George Floyd Square reflects its role in a neighborhood — and a movement
Minneapolis officials are studying whether to close a portion of Chicago Avenue, despite opposition from many neighbors and businesses.
August 21, 2025
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Roper: My bus stop is going away — and that’s OK
Metro Transit is consolidating stops across the region to help improve bus reliability.
August 12, 2025
Roper: Moriarty’s academic approach to a bare-knuckle job hasn’t served her well
Mary Moriarty’s decision to leave the Hennepin County Attorney’s office caps a rocky tenure.
August 9, 2025
Roper: After riding a boom into office, Frey and Carter fight for third terms in a challenging era
Eight years after their election, the mayors will be defending diverging records in heated re-election campaigns.
August 6, 2025
Roper: Tiny house fight is a microcosm of affordable housing resistance
Property rights are at the heart of a lawsuit over Blaine’s rejection of a proposed mother-in-law suite for homeless families.
July 25, 2025
Roper: DFL endorsement of democratic socialist wakes up sleepy Minneapolis mayor’s race
Omar Fateh’s win over Jacob Frey Saturday is likely to energize both sides of the city’s political landscape.
July 21, 2025
Roper: New Minneapolis light rail route threads through strange concrete wasteland
The city got a raw deal on the location of Southwest’s stations, but should make the most of them.
July 18, 2025
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