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
Jury convicts Blaine man in $7M Medicaid fraud case after ‘sham entity’ funded couple’s lavish lifestyle
Abdifatah Yusuf’s Promise Health Services reportedly operated out of a mailbox, using Medicaid funding to buy luxury cars, clothes and other goods.
August 12, 2025
State medical respite program for homeless Minnesotans off to rocky start
Lawmakers added fraud protections to the new recuperative care program and said gaps could have left it vulnerable to abuse.
August 7, 2025
Many Minnesotans in sober homes just lost housing. Where will they go?
More sober homes could close after a new state law took effect last week, “the Y2K date of sober housing.”
August 5, 2025
How Minnesota communities are spending millions of dollars from opioid settlement
Cities and counties will get the bulk of the $633 million in settlement dollars Minnesota expects in the years ahead.
August 3, 2025
Minnesota moves to terminate housing program amid FBI fraud investigation
The state is seeking to stop the Housing Stabilization Services program. The FBI searched five providers last month.
August 1, 2025
Officials ID man fatally shot in act of ‘brazen violence’ on Twin Cities street
The shooting happened on Grand Avenue just south of Lake Street in Minneapolis.
July 29, 2025
Advertisement
Boy pulled from lake dies of complications after field trip to Hennepin County beach
Teacher finds 8-year-old in 3 feet of water at a Maple Plain beach.
July 27, 2025
What went wrong with Minnesota’s ‘groundbreaking’ program to fight homelessness?
FBI investigators raided five providers last week as they look into what is being called a “massive” fraud scheme in the Housing Stabilization Services program, now seen by many as a good idea “badly designed.”
July 25, 2025
Feds search state housing program sites in probe of ‘massive’ fraud scheme
Companies received millions in Medicaid funds for services they didn’t provide, according to an FBI search warrant affidavit.
July 17, 2025
Former staff allege addiction treatment provider Care Crossings is breaking law, putting clients at risk
The business is benefitting from inadequate client care, former Care Crossings employees said. The owner said her “out of the box” model helps people with substance use disorder.
July 12, 2025
Some politicians cautious about safety in July Fourth parades after lawmaker shootings
Minnesota legislators participated in Fourth of July festivities as usual, but the attacks on their colleagues hung over the events.
July 4, 2025
How will Trump's big bill affect Minnesota?
The Trump administration’s signature legislation cuts taxes, benefits and green energy. Congress approved the bill on Thursday against united opposition from Democrats.
July 3, 2025
Advertisement
Advertisement