Staff Directory 6370422

Jill Burcum

Editorial Writer | Opinion
Phone: 612-673-7846
Burcum has been an editorial writer since March 2008, joining the Editorial Board after working in the newsroom as an editor and reporter. She is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist for editorial writing. "Not This Mine. Not This Location," which focused on copper mining's risk to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, was recognized in 2020. Her "Separate and Unequal" series on dilapidated Bureau of Indian Education schools was a finalist in 2015, and she also testified before Congress that same year about these schools' poor condition. Burcum graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington in 1991 and started her career as a reporter for the Rochester Post-Bulletin. She previously worked for Mayo Clinic and Ican Inc.
Recent content from Jill Burcum
Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., arrives to speak during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 17. (Brendan Smialows

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.
A Homeland Security bus transports 34 of the 41 people detained on immigration violations from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at the Swi

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.
The famous Aug. 13, 1973, Time magazine cover of then-Minnesota Gov. Wendell Anderson. Photo taken by Dan McCoy.

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.
A tattered U.S. flag whips in the wind during a hurricane in Texas in 2017.

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.
Arnold Palmer watches his ceremonial first tee shot to open the 2011 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, Thursday, April 7, 201

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.
Seth Viddal, who co-owns the Natural Funeral in Colorado, stands behind a human composting vessel in Arvada, Colo., in 2021.

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.
People watch the ABC News presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump at a debate watch party in West H

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.
Homes are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Oct. 2 in Chimney Rock Village, N.C.

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

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.
Nicole Smith-Holt spoke at a news conference with Minnesota Attorney General Ellison in February as he announced a settlement with Eli Lilly in his li

Burcum: Who deserves credit for insulin cost relief?

A Minnesota mom who became a fierce affordability advocate after her son's death weighs in.
Jeff Whitty, University of Minnesota researcher, took a stunned carp from the Mississippi near Genoa, Wis. It would later be implanted with a transmit

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.
Miraya Gran of Bloomington speaks in the rotunda during a rally for IVF insurance coverage on April 18 at the State Capitol in St. Paul.

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.
The White House is lit with the colors of the American flag on July 29.

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.
FILE - Booster shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are displayed during a vaccine clinic in Townshend, Vt., on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. Pfizer's upda

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.
Brian McDaniel, second from left, prepared to host an episode of the podcast "Wrong About Everything" in 2019. He recently survived an especially dang

'Tomorrow is promised to nobody'

Political commentator Brian R. McDaniel survived the "widowmaker" heart attack and has some things to say about it.
According to the National Weather Service: "Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stal

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.
People danced in the streets of New York (above) and other cities, blew horns and shouted "the war is over" by way of celebrating the Armistice ending

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.
A sign outside the True Value hardware store in downtown Spring Grove reminded people to wear masks. ] LEILA NAVIDI • leila.navidi@startribune.com B

A COVID survivor's long, uncertain journey

It's impossible to know if we'll feel long-term effects.
A couple walk past a sign in front of Dash of Sass clothing store along Main Street during a "Masks Up, Surf City" banner campaign to prevent coronavi

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.

Mayo's Dr. Gregory Poland gives an update on the race to a COVID-19 vaccine

A Red Cross demonstration in Washington during the influenza pandemic of 1918. Nearly everyone who survived the 1918 flu pandemic, which claimed at le

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.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, spoke alongside state leaders

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'
Mark Andrew's iPhone was stolen at the Mall of America on Thursday. When he pursued the thief, he was attacked by the perpetrators accomplices.

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.
Jim Nobles, Legislative Auditor and Carrie Meyerhoff, Evaluation Manager released an evaluation report on the Law Enforcement's use of State Databases

Minnesota's auditor has earned praise and another term

For three decades, Jim Nobles has brought accountability to state government.
Miles Scott, dressed as Batkid, right, walks with Batman before saving a damsel in distress in San Francisco, Friday, Nov. 15, 2013. San Francisco tur

Go, Batkid, go!

5-year-old cancer patient's big day and dream come true was fun for all.

Sept. 30, 2003: Town says farewell to slain student

Classmates and Cold Spring residents flock to Aaron Rollins' funeral.
U.S Rep. John Kline, R-Minn.

Ideology ratings: Minnesota's John Kline and Al Franken

The National Journal calculated its rankings based on roll-call votes on key issues.
Known as the flying squirel, Ellis Coleman does a flip after clinching a spot on the U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team.

Olympic wrestling: Tradition and ideals take a fall

The Olympics without wrestling will sting especially hard in Minnesota.
Illustrations: America's cultures.

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.
Peruvian shamans perform a ritual against the alleged 2012 apocalyptic Mayan prediction in Lima, Peru, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. The supposed 5 a.m. Fr

Cashing in on doomsday

Many so-called end-of-the-world prophets are really all about profit.
Former Sen. Alan Simpson, 81, dances gangnam style to get his message out about the fiscal cliff.

Fiscal responsibility, gangnam style

An 81-year-old former senator has a message about the fiscal cliff for the "old coots" in Congress.
Vice President Joe Biden's talks to customers during a stop at Cruisers Diner, Sunday, in Seaman, Ohio.

Biden's awkward moment

Vice president serves up monologue fodder at biker hangout.
Health care: A prairie vision

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.
Jordyn Wieber, who rarely smiles, ended her floor exercise with a smile on her face, knowing her team was close to winning the gold medal.

A gymnast's resolve

Jordyn Wieber displayed the heart of a champion.
Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Carl Hoffman

Rescue effort is a point of pride

Minnesota State Trooper Carl Hoffman did Minnesota proud this week with his quick, life-saving thinking.
White rose

In remembrance of an editor

Rochester Post-Bulletin's Greg Sellnow will be missed.
Key test for Bachmann: Bridge bill needs House passage

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.
Mitt Romney

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.
President Barack Obama

Editorial: Obama deficit plan - the debate is familiar

What's needed is real tax reform. But don't expect it.
Jim Shaughnessy clears his walkway of the overnight Christmas snow at first light to prepare for the arrival of relatives at his home in Louisville, K

'Tis the season

Maybe we need an early Christmas.
Daniel Garcia, 34, cools himself with water while wearing a t-shirt on his head to protect himself from a 90-degree heat while working his landscaping

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

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.

The Sixth District's superstar

Where would Wisconsin Senate candidate Ron Johnson cut spending?

Jill Burcum: Carol Becker shouldn't be shocked by baroque city government's big bill

A commonsense vote to help manufacturers

ESPY Awards honor coach's courageous family

Erlinder took too big a risk

Lumberjack likely front-runner for Obey's seat

So far, health summit highlights differences

Healthcare heavyweights call for reform

Bachmann 'does not want to end' Social Security, Medicare

Governor fires back at Bemidji mayor

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, Star Tribune editorial writer

Jill Burcum: Grassley rips health care reform bills

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?

Chaffetz should apologize, not swagger

Conrad's fiscal task force dies in Senate

Fiscal task force faces key vote Tuesday

Brown victory: Voters tired of being reform "losers?"

An earful from realty icon on Legacy arts funding

Posh perks spur call to scrutinize utilities

A quiet visionary dies

This undated photo shows Shane Bauer and Sarah Shourd.

Jill Burcum: Event to mark hikers' 100th day in Iran

Conservative mag likes governor's 'swagger'

Washington Post examines the Mayo model

Senators put focus back on payment reform

Text of Klobuchar/Franken letter opposing medical device tax

DEVICE MAKERS ENTER FRAY

Expect to hear more on health care reform from an industry that's largely stayed out of the headlines in the ongoing national debate -- medical device makers.

Medical device industry fights proposed health reform tax

Jill Burcum: Food for thought from State Fair shuttle buses

Jill Burcum: 'Death panel' fears: Mayo Clinic refutes them

The Economist magazine dubbed Mayo Clinic one of the nation's most influential voices in the health care reform debate. President Obama has cited the Rochester medical center in many speeches.

Jill Burcum: Mayo Clinic refutes 'death panel' fears