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Jessie Van Berkel

Reporter
Social Services
She has worked for the paper since 2014, primarily covering state government and politics. She has also reported on the city of St. Paul and the Twin Cities’ southern suburbs. Jessie previously wrote for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, The Post-Crescent, The Seattle Times, The Oregonian and MinnPost. She graduated from the University of Minnesota. Outside of work, she can usually be found planning her next trip, outdoor adventure or cooking project.

Latest from Jessie Van Berkel

Parents say Minnesota’s involuntary commitment system failed their sons. What should change?

Families say loved ones with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia fall through gaps in Minnesota’s civil commitment system. Lawmakers and advocates disagree on what’s needed.
March 25, 2025

Minnesota cuts employment services for people with disabilities

Some in the field fear state’s abrupt steps to rein in costs are hurting those with disabilities and will lead to waitlists.
March 17, 2025
Like thousands of other high school graduates in Minnesota, Chris McIntire went straight to work at a segregated workshop, where he did menial factory work for sub minimum wages. Then in 2017, the state Vocational Rehabilitation program stepped in and found Chris a job for $10/hour at Friendly Buffalo Restaurant in Big Lake, Minn. Here, McIntire whistles to the Bob Dylan song The Times They Are a Changing', while washing dishes with his job coach Jaime Klatt looking on Friday, May 11, 2018, at t

Minnesota extends deadline for cannabis business applications after system outage

The portal for those seeking licenses to operate cannabis businesses shut down Friday.
March 16, 2025

Minnesota student’s passport held amid investigation of missing woman in Dominican Republic

St. Cloud State senior Joshua Riibe has remained in his hotel room under police surveillance when not questioned at the police station, his parents said.
March 16, 2025

Minnesota improperly spent $113 million in federal funds on treatment facilities

The state is repaying the government for the decadelong error, cutting into the current budget.
March 7, 2025

Minnesotans fear food stamp cuts as food shelf visits reach all-time high

More Minnesotans than ever before visited food shelves in 2024 as residents struggle with high food prices and the end of pandemic benefits.
March 4, 2025

State staff at St. Peter facilities protest working conditions, including port-a-potty

DHS employees at the sex offender and mental health programs in St. Peter say staff safety concerns and “disrespect” from management have grown worse.
March 2, 2025

What is Medicaid, and what could federal cuts mean for Minnesotans?

Congressional Republicans are eyeing changes to the nation’s largest health insurance program, which 1.2 million Minnesotans rely on.
February 27, 2025

Minnesota improperly spent $113 million in federal funds on treatment facilities

The state is repaying the government for the decadelong error, cutting into the current budget.
March 7, 2025

Minnesotans fear food stamp cuts as food shelf visits reach all-time high

More Minnesotans than ever before visited food shelves in 2024 as residents struggle with high food prices and the end of pandemic benefits.
March 4, 2025

State staff at St. Peter facilities protest working conditions, including port-a-potty

DHS employees at the sex offender and mental health programs in St. Peter say staff safety concerns and “disrespect” from management have grown worse.
March 2, 2025

What is Medicaid, and what could federal cuts mean for Minnesotans?

Congressional Republicans are eyeing changes to the nation’s largest health insurance program, which 1.2 million Minnesotans rely on.
February 27, 2025
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