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
Seven takeaways from a new audit show major shortfalls in state monitoring of behavioral health grants
An audit found extensive problems with behavioral health grants and deeper concerns at the Department of Human Services.
January 8, 2026
Audit finds widespread problems in DHS oversight of behavioral health grants
It comes as Minnesota is under scrutiny for fraud in social services programs.
January 7, 2026
What does Gov. Tim Walz’s departure mean for the state’s efforts to fight fraud?
A new governor could mean changes to Minnesota’s fraud prevention efforts. But the issue appears likely to remain front-and-center this election season.
January 6, 2026
U.S. House Oversight Committee expands investigation into Minnesota fraud
Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer is seeking information from state and federal officials. The Walz administration called the requests a “coordinated political attack.”
December 23, 2025
Here’s what to know about Minnesota’s fraud crisis
For more than a decade, Minnesota has grappled with a fraud crisis in its Medicaid programs. The Star Tribune covered it extensively and can guide you through the process.
December 21, 2025
Walz says there’s no evidence of $9B in fraud, exposing rift between state and feds
The statements exposed tensions that have been simmering between Walz and Joe Thompson, the federal prosecutor who has led the fraud investigations.
December 19, 2025
Federal prosecutors charge six more people in ‘staggering’ social services fraud scandal
Those charged Thursday reportedly scammed more than $11.6 million from housing stabilization and autism services programs.
December 19, 2025
Disability services providers accuse state of leaving clients vulnerable amid fraud crackdown
A recent death of a client highlights providers’ concern that adults with disabilities are being left “out in the cold.”
December 18, 2025
Minnesota pauses licenses for new adult day care centers amid fraud concerns
State officials plan to stop new providers from enrolling in other “high-risk” programs as they increase focus on oversight.
December 16, 2025
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
