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
News & Politics
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
News & Politics
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
Politics
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
News & Politics
Housing program dogged with complaints of wait times, potential fraud
Housing Stabilization Services was supposed to help Minnesotans find housing and keep it, but the fast-growing Medicaid benefit has had a difficult rollout.
February 2, 2025
News & Politics
Trump’s on-then-off funding freeze creates anxiety, whiplash for Minnesotans
From housing grants to energy assistance, many programs that Minnesotans rely on are caught up in the confusion over potential federal funding freeze.
January 30, 2025
Outdoor Activities
Outdoorsy Minnesotans: I winter camped and so can you. Probably.
Two winter camping novices spend a night out with an Arctic explorer to learn how to stay warm – and even enjoy – camping in freezing weather.
January 25, 2025
Politics
Minnesota is up for a fight against Medicaid fraud
The state’s massive Medicaid program is at the center of recent fraud prevention discussions. What exists to fight fraud now, and what are lawmakers eyeing?
January 25, 2025
Politics
Minnesota counties use federal benefits intended for foster children
Lawmakers and advocates want Minnesota to follow other states in preserving the money for young people. But a new report doesn’t offer a fast fix.
January 22, 2025
News & Politics
Trump’s on-then-off funding freeze creates anxiety, whiplash for Minnesotans
From housing grants to energy assistance, many programs that Minnesotans rely on are caught up in the confusion over potential federal funding freeze.
January 30, 2025
Outdoor Activities
Outdoorsy Minnesotans: I winter camped and so can you. Probably.
Two winter camping novices spend a night out with an Arctic explorer to learn how to stay warm – and even enjoy – camping in freezing weather.
January 25, 2025
Politics
Minnesota is up for a fight against Medicaid fraud
The state’s massive Medicaid program is at the center of recent fraud prevention discussions. What exists to fight fraud now, and what are lawmakers eyeing?
January 25, 2025
Politics
Minnesota counties use federal benefits intended for foster children
Lawmakers and advocates want Minnesota to follow other states in preserving the money for young people. But a new report doesn’t offer a fast fix.
January 22, 2025