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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

Politics

Minnesota union seeks state help: ‘There is no retirement option for home care workers’

Some workers who help aging Minnesotans and those with disabilities say their only option is to keep working until they physically can’t. SEIU Healthcare is pushing state leaders to offer them retirement benefits.
November 16, 2024
News & Politics

What could Trump’s return mean for Minnesotans on Medicaid and safety net programs?

From food stamps and rent help to disability insurance, social services advocates are worried the incoming administration could cut programs that low-income Minnesotans rely on.
November 12, 2024
Elections

What’s next for Gov. Tim Walz after failed vice presidential bid?

The governor returns to Minnesota after months on the national stage. The makeup of the Legislature he will be working with next year remains uncertain, as do his plans when his current term ends in two years.
November 7, 2024
Elections

Minnesota House could be evenly split, but close races will go to recounts

Results show a 67-67 split in the lower chamber Wednesday morning, but in two races, DFLers lead by just a few votes.
November 6, 2024
News & Politics

Minnesota kids forced to cross the country for mental health help

Kids with complex needs have gone to Massachusetts, Texas and other states for care. County officials say far-flung placements are costly and traumatic.
November 2, 2024
News & Politics

Hennepin County approves youth crisis stabilization center

The expedited project comes as kids with complex mental health needs are stuck in the county’s Juvenile Detention Center and emergency rooms.
October 29, 2024
News & Politics

Many Minnesotans in addiction treatment get free housing. Is the aid illegal?

Nuway Alliance and other providers offer free or subsidized housing with outpatient treatment. Some say it’s an illegal kickback, others say it’s essential to recovery. An FBI raid has the industry on edge.
October 26, 2024
News & Politics

Minnesota kids with mental health needs cycle through juvenile justice system, often without options

Youth ruled incompetent to stand trial cannot legally be housed in juvenile detention centers, but they frequently can’t find beds at residential treatment facilities.
October 19, 2024
An empty module in the Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center in Minneapolis. It is one of 13 mods in the Center. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.stubbe@startribune.com Friday, August 30, 2019 Rep. Ilhan Omar hosted members of the Congressional Black Caucus—including Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Barbara Lee, Ayanna Pressley —for a visit to Minneapolis as part of their “State of Black America” series. Thye had events related to education, criminal justice reform, business, a
News & Politics

Minnesota kids forced to cross the country for mental health help

Kids with complex needs have gone to Massachusetts, Texas and other states for care. County officials say far-flung placements are costly and traumatic.
November 2, 2024
News & Politics

Hennepin County approves youth crisis stabilization center

The expedited project comes as kids with complex mental health needs are stuck in the county’s Juvenile Detention Center and emergency rooms.
October 29, 2024
News & Politics

Many Minnesotans in addiction treatment get free housing. Is the aid illegal?

Nuway Alliance and other providers offer free or subsidized housing with outpatient treatment. Some say it’s an illegal kickback, others say it’s essential to recovery. An FBI raid has the industry on edge.
October 26, 2024
News & Politics

Minnesota kids with mental health needs cycle through juvenile justice system, often without options

Youth ruled incompetent to stand trial cannot legally be housed in juvenile detention centers, but they frequently can’t find beds at residential treatment facilities.
October 19, 2024
An empty module in the Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center in Minneapolis. It is one of 13 mods in the Center. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.stubbe@startribune.com Friday, August 30, 2019 Rep. Ilhan Omar hosted members of the Congressional Black Caucus—including Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Barbara Lee, Ayanna Pressley —for a visit to Minneapolis as part of their “State of Black America” series. Thye had events related to education, criminal justice reform, business, a
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