Reporter | Politics and Government

Before joining the Star Tribune, Van Berkel reported on city and county government in Sarasota, Fla., and public safety and courts in Appleton, Wis. She is a Minnesota native who returned to her home state to work for the Star Tribune in 2014. She's a University of Minnesota graduate and a proud Minnesota Daily alumna. Outside of work, she is usually hiking, biking, camping or planning her next travel adventure. Her home is frequently littered with travel books.


Legislators seek ways to reform state's child protection system

The discussion about remaking the system comes after a Star Tribune investigation showing hundreds of Minnesota kids are harmed each year after being returned home.


Black unemployment rate falls to record low in Minnesota, but do numbers tell the whole story?

Community leaders question who is reflected in the numbers and whether workers are landing living-wage jobs.


Government jobs grew this year in Minnesota after post-pandemic lag

Private-sector jobs rebounded to pre-pandemic levels earlier this year, but government employment has not fully returned.


'I want you to hear me': Hildie Edwards becomes Minnesota's foremost trans youth advocate

From speaking at the State Capitol to performing at the Pride Festival, the 13-year-old is telling her story amid a national furor over transgender rights.


Twin Cities has one of the lowest inflation rates in U.S., at 1%

Minnesota low annual inflation continues to stand out from other metro areas nationwide.


Has tipping gotten out of control? How to navigate the new world of tipping

Touch-screen tip requests seem to be everywhere and the typical restaurant tip has climbed. Why are we tipping more?


Minnesota is losing more college students than it attracts, a troubling trend

Snowbirds are not the primary culprits in Minnesota's population losses. For years, it's been college students.


Former House Speaker Kurt Zellers to lead Minnesota Business Partnership

The former GOP gubernatorial candidate will lead one of the state's most prominent business advocacy organizations.


New DEED commissioner shares vision for Minnesota's jobs, economic future

New employment and economic development leader Matt Varilek said an influx of cash for his agency will help with workforce and child care challenges.


Teen employment hovers near decadeslong high amid tight Minnesota labor market

The teen unemployment rate nationally is the lowest it's been since the 1950s. Yet, employers still say there are not enough young workers to meet their labor needs.