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: Minnesota’s greatest honor for a family’s great loss
Former President Joe Biden paid his respects in person, and mourners waited in long lines to honor Melissa and Mark Hortman, and their dog Gilbert, as they lay in state at the Capitol.
June 27, 2025
Mourners light candles for Melissa and Mark Hortman at a dark hour
A silent vigil Wednesday night at the Capitol was held for the Hortmans, victims of political violence.
June 19, 2025
Brooks: Mark Hortman’s life remembered by the kids who loved him
Yes, he was Melissa Hortman’s husband. To Colin and Sophie Hortman, he was so much more.
June 17, 2025
Brooks: As Trump cracks down on L.A. protests, Minnesota looks back — and ahead
Taking stock of the unrest in Los Angeles after a chaotic federal raid last week in Minneapolis.
June 10, 2025
Brooks: Hard lives led to hard-won diplomas for these Minnesota high schoolers
Dozens of gowned and grinning high school seniors came together at the University of Minnesota’s McNamara Alumni Center to celebrate their graduation and triumph against hardship.
June 7, 2025
Brooks: America mints its last penny. What’s the new going rate for our thoughts?
Get ready for non-cents, America.
May 26, 2025
Brooks: From big beavers to little bears, meet Minnesota’s newest state symbols
Minnesota lawmakers don’t agree on everything, but they came together to choose an official fossil and constellation.
May 22, 2025
Brooks: Kristi Noem’s ‘Hunger Games’? It could actually happen.
The Department of Homeland Security signals openness to a reality show where immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship.
May 19, 2025
Brooks: Hard lives led to hard-won diplomas for these Minnesota high schoolers
Dozens of gowned and grinning high school seniors came together at the University of Minnesota’s McNamara Alumni Center to celebrate their graduation and triumph against hardship.
June 7, 2025
Brooks: America mints its last penny. What’s the new going rate for our thoughts?
Get ready for non-cents, America.
May 26, 2025
Brooks: From big beavers to little bears, meet Minnesota’s newest state symbols
Minnesota lawmakers don’t agree on everything, but they came together to choose an official fossil and constellation.
May 22, 2025
Brooks: Kristi Noem’s ‘Hunger Games’? It could actually happen.
The Department of Homeland Security signals openness to a reality show where immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship.
May 19, 2025