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 needs to help older adults live well. Is a Department on Aging the answer?
Advocates say the state needs to do more to plan for and support a fast-growing population of older residents. Lawmakers are considering a new state agency.
August 29, 2024
Politics
Minnesota re-examines guardianships: ‘They took away her rights’
Court-appointed guardians are calling the shots for a growing number of aging Minnesotans. The controversial role is in the spotlight as the Legislative Auditor’s Office and a new task force look into changes.
August 24, 2024
News & Politics
Meet the Walzes: Wife Gwen, two kids round out Minnesota’s first family
The governor’s wife, Gwen Walz, is also a former teacher and has been an advocate for criminal justice, education and gun control during Walz’s time at the Capitol. They have two kids, Hope and Gus.
August 22, 2024
News & Politics
Minnesota delays overhaul of child-care licensing rules after backlash
Care providers feared the regulations could lead to closures. DHS is holding off for a year on proposing new standards to lawmakers as it gathers feedback.
August 13, 2024
News & Politics
Formed by Nebraska small towns, Tim Walz brings unconventional background to race
Kamala Harris’ VP pick spent half his life in rural Nebraska, graduating from high school in a county where nearly 90% of voters picked Trump in 2020. Nebraskans who knew Minnesota’s progressive governor say that upbringing shaped him.
August 10, 2024
St. Paul
St. Paul fire truck crashes with a car, injuring two
Two people in a car were hurt, and one sustained life-threatening injuries, after a crash with a St. Paul fire truck.
August 4, 2024
Minneapolis
Three injured and five arrested in connection with shooting in Minneapolis
The shooting occurred early Saturday near the 200 block of Washington Avenue N.
August 4, 2024
Politics
Gov. Tim Walz cancels New Hampshire visit as Kamala Harris interviews potential running mates
Other running mate contenders have also dropped events in the final days of the vetting process.
August 3, 2024
News & Politics
Formed by Nebraska small towns, Tim Walz brings unconventional background to race
Kamala Harris’ VP pick spent half his life in rural Nebraska, graduating from high school in a county where nearly 90% of voters picked Trump in 2020. Nebraskans who knew Minnesota’s progressive governor say that upbringing shaped him.
August 10, 2024
St. Paul
St. Paul fire truck crashes with a car, injuring two
Two people in a car were hurt, and one sustained life-threatening injuries, after a crash with a St. Paul fire truck.
August 4, 2024
Minneapolis
Three injured and five arrested in connection with shooting in Minneapolis
The shooting occurred early Saturday near the 200 block of Washington Avenue N.
August 4, 2024
Politics
Gov. Tim Walz cancels New Hampshire visit as Kamala Harris interviews potential running mates
Other running mate contenders have also dropped events in the final days of the vetting process.
August 3, 2024