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
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
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
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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
Judge allows DHS to halt Medicaid payments to addiction treatment provider Nuway amid fraud concerns
Federal and state investigators are looking into potential fraud in the nonprofit’s program that provides treatment and helps cover clients' housing costs.
February 25, 2025
Minnesota addiction service provider may end massive program amid fraud investigation
Nuway faces a “credible allegation of fraud,” but some fear state’s plan to stop Medicaid dollars to the nonprofit will increase homelessness and overdoses.
February 18, 2025
Minnesota lacks caregivers. What could Trump’s policies mean for a workforce that relies on immigrants?
Deportations and Trump’s halt on refugee resettlement could threaten an already short-staffed caregiving workforce that relies on immigrants and refugees.
February 15, 2025
Minnesotans with disabilities say proposed budget cuts would ‘bring us backward’
Advocates and providers are pushing back against Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed disability service changes and remain wary of potential federal changes to Medicaid.
February 5, 2025
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