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
Why are Minnesota special ed and long-term care costs rising so fast?
The demand and cost of those services for Minnesotans with disabilities will likely continue to rise, experts say.
December 14, 2024
Business
FBI searching autism centers in Minneapolis, St. Cloud after finding ‘substantial evidence’ of health care fraud
Federal law enforcement suspects many autism centers are billing the state for services not actually provided to young Minnesotans with autism spectrum disorder.
December 12, 2024
News & Politics
Biden administration proposes end to subminimum wages for workers with disabilities
Minnesota has the second-most workers receiving subminimum wages of any state. Whether the Trump administration will support the proposed phaseout of the low wages remains uncertain.
December 6, 2024
Business
Details on the life, career of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
The health care executive and Maple Grove resident, shot and killed in New York on Wednesday morning, was remembered by co-workers and community members as a leader and devoted dad.
December 4, 2024
News & Politics
Minnesota families in limbo as China halts foreign adoptions
An Esko family has waited six years to adopt a now 8-year-old boy from China. They are one of 300 U.S. families who were in the process of adopting a child from China when the country halted international adoptions.
November 30, 2024
News & Politics
Food shelves see record demand as Minnesotans struggle to afford groceries
Food shelves expect to see nearly 9 million visits this year, a 1.5 million jump from 2023. Gov. Tim Walz plans to use $5 million in federal funds to help with the growing demand.
November 27, 2024
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
News & Politics
Minnesota families in limbo as China halts foreign adoptions
An Esko family has waited six years to adopt a now 8-year-old boy from China. They are one of 300 U.S. families who were in the process of adopting a child from China when the country halted international adoptions.
November 30, 2024
News & Politics
Food shelves see record demand as Minnesotans struggle to afford groceries
Food shelves expect to see nearly 9 million visits this year, a 1.5 million jump from 2023. Gov. Tim Walz plans to use $5 million in federal funds to help with the growing demand.
November 27, 2024
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