Jessie Van Berkel
Reporter
Social ServicesShe 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
St. Paul sees ‘unprecedented’ day care closures, sending families scrambling
Decades-old child care centers are closing in short succession, as providers seek help to sustain the industry.
June 7, 2025
Former Minnesota foster youth offer first-of-a-kind plan to overhaul ‘dehumanizing’ system
From connecting siblings to supporting youth “aging out” of foster care, people who have been in the system illuminate failures and reforms.
June 7, 2025
Minnesota was among the first to launch Youth Mental Health Corps, but DOGE cuts could put it in jeopardy
AmeriCorps members help young people in schools and at addiction treatment, but the program faces questions about training, funding.
June 2, 2025
Medicaid covers 1.2M Minnesotans. What could the U.S. House bill mean for the state?
House Republicans narrowly passed Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” with a number of changes to Medicaid. The Senate may have different ideas.
May 22, 2025
What could Congress’ changes to Medicaid, food stamps mean for Minnesota?
As House Republicans hash out details of President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” some fear harm to Minnesotans in need and the state’s budget.
May 16, 2025
Minnesota barred schools from locking up young students alone. It might change course.
After prohibiting school seclusion through third grade, Minnesota lawmakers might allow the practice again, but only if a child’s parents and educators agree.
May 10, 2025
Minnesotans with mental illness are often stuck in hospitals and jails. Legislators are looking at fixes.
Minnesota lawmakers are debating mental health changes, including a controversial Medicaid rate increase, to shore up services and prevent crises. But time and money is short.
May 5, 2025
Should video surveillance cameras be mandatory in Minnesota child care centers?
After his daughter and other children were abused at a Blaine child care, a legislator and his supporters want to require day care centers to install video cameras.
April 25, 2025
What could Congress’ changes to Medicaid, food stamps mean for Minnesota?
As House Republicans hash out details of President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” some fear harm to Minnesotans in need and the state’s budget.
May 16, 2025
Minnesota barred schools from locking up young students alone. It might change course.
After prohibiting school seclusion through third grade, Minnesota lawmakers might allow the practice again, but only if a child’s parents and educators agree.
May 10, 2025
Minnesotans with mental illness are often stuck in hospitals and jails. Legislators are looking at fixes.
Minnesota lawmakers are debating mental health changes, including a controversial Medicaid rate increase, to shore up services and prevent crises. But time and money is short.
May 5, 2025
Should video surveillance cameras be mandatory in Minnesota child care centers?
After his daughter and other children were abused at a Blaine child care, a legislator and his supporters want to require day care centers to install video cameras.
April 25, 2025