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
Could political violence have a chilling effect on office seekers in Minnesota?
The shootings of Minnesota lawmakers, on top of rising harassment and threats, have some worried fewer people will seek office.
June 27, 2025
Minnesota addiction treatment provider to pay $18.5M in Medicaid kickback settlement
Nuway Alliance, which has facilities across Minnesota, allegedly violated federal anti-kickback rules and submitted false Medicaid claims.
June 26, 2025
How Minnesota lawmakers are thinking about their jobs in shootings’ wake
Politicians are no stranger to threats, but the killing of Rep. Melissa Hortman and shooting of Sen. John Hoffman have forced many to reckon with what feels like a new, more dangerous reality.
June 22, 2025
Assassinated Rep. Melissa Hortman leaves legacy as unflashy leader who ‘got the job done’
Hortman led House Democrats through some of the most difficult and consequential political times in recent Minnesota history.
June 16, 2025
Shootings come amid national rise in political violence
Incidents of political violence have reached their highest level since the 1970s, according to a Reuters survey.
June 14, 2025
Minnesotans with disabilities feared state balancing budget ‘on our backs.’ Here’s what happened.
Legislators looked to services for people with disabilities and seniors to save costs, but didn’t go as far as some thought they might.
June 13, 2025
Minnesota bolsters oversight of autism and housing programs amid fraud concerns
Legislators added regulations and kickback penalties to human services programs, but some broad fraud prevention efforts didn’t pass.
June 12, 2025
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
Shootings come amid national rise in political violence
Incidents of political violence have reached their highest level since the 1970s, according to a Reuters survey.
June 14, 2025
Minnesotans with disabilities feared state balancing budget ‘on our backs.’ Here’s what happened.
Legislators looked to services for people with disabilities and seniors to save costs, but didn’t go as far as some thought they might.
June 13, 2025
Minnesota bolsters oversight of autism and housing programs amid fraud concerns
Legislators added regulations and kickback penalties to human services programs, but some broad fraud prevention efforts didn’t pass.
June 12, 2025
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