Recent content from Jill Burcum
Burcum: The Mighty 860: a Christmas transit tale
A determined Seattle bus driver gave me a gift long ago that inspires gratitude to this day.
Burcum: A troubling pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services
A chapter in Minnesota's medical history underscores growing concerns about Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s embrace of raw milk and other dubious views.
Burcum: Will Elon Musk's efficiency group have the guts to take on health insurers?
The coldhearted reaction to UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder should spur meaningful health care system improvements. Musk's team should see Medicare Advantage plans as an opportunity for reform, savings.
Burcum: Now's the 'perfect time' to get COVID, flu boosters
Holiday gatherings can spread joy ... and germs. Take steps now to ensure you and your loved ones are up to date on these and other vital vaccines.
Burcum: A welcome, bipartisan push for Great Lakes cleanup
Congress should act this year to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Four members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation are part of a commendable coalition pushing for swift passage.
Burcum: Mad about the price of eggs? Wait 'til you see coming health coverage cost hikes.
Here's another reason for Congress to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies: avoiding political peril. Letting the aid expire will lead to steep premium increases across the nation before 2026 midterms.
Burcum: Inspiring Minnesota program steers military medics into medical school
The University of Minnesota Medical School is innovating as the nation faces a shortage of physicians. Help from the state's philanthropic sector could make a noteworthy program even stronger.
Burcum: Midwestern common sense on FBI background checks
Three regional U.S. senators are among those emphasizing the need for the nation's top law enforcement agency to continue vetting presidential cabinet picks.
Burcum: Our stewardship obligations still require a no on this mine, this location
Minnesota's beloved and fragile Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is unfortunately back in political crosshairs after the election.
Burcum: Release House ethics report on Rep. Matt Gaetz
The Florida Republican is the nominee to be the next U.S. Attorney General, a position that comes with "extraordinary power." Committee findings, which could shed light on whether he's worthy of that lofty post, shouldn't be kept secret.
Burcum: Minnesota communities may land on deportation push's frontlines
One of them, Worthington, had a preview in 2006 of what it will look like if Trump carries out campaign promises.
Burcum: We need a 'Good Life in Minnesota' sales pitch
Post-election discontent could be a recruiting tool to entice new residents and workers to the state.
Burcum: 'You've got to have an answer for why [the U.S.] should stay together.'
The author of American Nations reminds us that the United States is not so united.
Burcum: A golf legend's family is dragged through the muck
Arnold Palmer's memory and family fall victim to Trump's, and the nation's, coarsening political dialogue.
Burcum: Last wish for greener funeral options becomes reality
Lake Elmo's Steve Wheeler advocated in his final days for "natural organic reduction," or human composting. The upcoming Green Funeral Expo will highlight this newly legalized option.
Burcum: Public deserves access to presidential candidates' health data
Minnesota is home to a world-famous medical center. Mayo's assessment would be credible, help voters determine who is best fit to serve.
Burcum: Hurricane relief lies are a national disgrace
Trump and his supporters are serving up conspiracy theories as historic storms batter the Southeast. People have a civic duty to halt their harmful spread.
Burcum: Head off health insurance sticker shock in 2026
A double whammy for Minnesota consumers is avoidable, but voters need to ensure that their political candidates understand how critical it is to act.
Burcum: Who deserves credit for insulin cost relief?
A Minnesota mom who became a fierce affordability advocate after her son's death weighs in.
Burcum: 'Yes' is the responsible vote on lottery dollars amendment
Many of Minnesota's best-known conservation groups are backing the measure to renew the state's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund lottery funding stream, which will expire in 2025 if voters don't extend it.
Close the infertility treatment coverage gap
While there are fair questions about Trump's likeliness to follow through on a campaign promise to mandate IVF treatment, the spotlight on this need is still helpful.
Don't like coarse political discourse? Do something.
An organization with Minnesota roots and a strong state presence offers e-courses and other opportunities to bridge divisions this election year.
From Opinion: 'Gotta keep trying' on COVID boosters
Uptake has waned. A Minnesota doctor offers up fresh inspiration from the Summer Olympics for those who are hesitant about getting the updated vaccine this fall.
'Tomorrow is promised to nobody'
Political commentator Brian R. McDaniel survived the "widowmaker" heart attack and has some things to say about it.
Trust me, you don't want to know what a floating car feels like
You can get into trouble in matter of minutes, maybe even seconds, on a flooded road.
When will it be over?
Church bells won't ring out and we won't be dancing in the streets but, with vigilance, COVID-19 will someday be more manageable.
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Lessons from a COVID infection: my own
Unlike the president, we don't get helicopters and exotic experimental drugs. The reality is that it's a waiting game — if you're lucky.
My great-grandfather wasn't hit by the first wave of the 'Spanish flu,' but the second
Memories of that pandemic and its survivors give rise to worries.
Coronavirus pandemic: What's 'normal' now? What's next? An interview with Michael Osterholm.
'I say straight-faced we will never ever go back to normal'
High-profile iPhone grab is new hit to metro-area sense of safety
The device made former Minneapolis mayoral candidate Mark Andrew the target for an attack at a Mall of America Starbucks.
Minnesota's auditor has earned praise and another term
For three decades, Jim Nobles has brought accountability to state government.
Sept. 30, 2003: Town says farewell to slain student
Classmates and Cold Spring residents flock to Aaron Rollins' funeral.
Ideology ratings: Minnesota's John Kline and Al Franken
The National Journal calculated its rankings based on roll-call votes on key issues.
Olympic wrestling: Tradition and ideals take a fall
The Olympics without wrestling will sting especially hard in Minnesota.
The United States -- a nation of nations
America's stew is more complex than you think. But somehow its people usually find common ground when it matters most.
Fiscal responsibility, gangnam style
An 81-year-old former senator has a message about the fiscal cliff for the "old coots" in Congress.
Health care: A prairie vision
By administering Medicaid at a local level, an initiative in southwestern Minnesota hopes to save money and improve care. It could well be a pioneering model.
Rescue effort is a point of pride
Minnesota State Trooper Carl Hoffman did Minnesota proud this week with his quick, life-saving thinking.
Key test for Bachmann: Bridge bill needs House passage
Bachmann needs to prove she's a workhorse, not a show horse. Now's her chance.
Romney falls short on Medicare reform
The GOP presidential candidate's Medicare reform plan is a miss.
Sunshine act inaction: Industry letter may clear the way
A letter sent Tuesday by medical-industry heavyweights is striking in this era of antiregulatory fervor.
Editorial: Obama deficit plan - the debate is familiar
What's needed is real tax reform. But don't expect it.
In praise of heat
It's impossible in this Amazon rainforest heat to venture outside and not feel like a soggy, oversteamed vegetable in less than a minute.
Jill Burcum: Will Wisconsin be the GOP's 'overreach' moment?
Also weighing in on Walker's behalf: Americans for Prosperity, a group with strong ties to billionaire oilman David Koch. Koch was the Libertarian Party's 1980 vice presidential candidate; his platform called for abolishing Social Security, the minimum wage and almost all federal agencies while legalizing recreational drugs, suicide and prostitution.
Jill Burcum: Appraising Pawlenty: 'Swagger' was noticed at summit
Tim Pawlenty may not have won the straw poll at the recent Family Research Council's Values Voter Summit, but his speech got an ad hoc "Best of Class" award from a contributor to the conservative political magazine American Spectator.
Jill Burcum: Event for hikers
In late September, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he'd request maximum leniency and expediency in handling the case of three American hikers detained by his nation since July. So far, his promise has meant nothing. Minnesota native and journalist Shane Bauer, his girlfriend Sarah Shourd and their friend Josh Fattal remained imprisoned in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran.
Jill Burcum: The stimulus in only 1,588 pages
The economic stimulus plan has a price tag within shouting distance of $1 trillion. So what does that mindboggling amount of money buy the nation?
