Jill Burcum
Editorial Writer
OpinionBurcum 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.
Latest from Jill Burcum
Burcum: Social Security changes will go ‘very very badly’
A commendably blunt Sen. Amy Klobuchar sounds the alarm about staff reductions and changes impacting Social Security enrollment.
March 24, 2025
Burcum: A Minnesota second opinion on measles
As an outbreak centered in Texas continues, Dr. Beth Thielen, a pediatric infectious disease physician, weighs in on the risks and addresses alternative treatments.
March 23, 2025
Should state pay for newly required insurance benefits?
Bipartisan bill targets popular coverage expansions that drive up health insurance costs.
March 15, 2025
Burcum: Smith Foundry report shows need for scrutiny
The feds found air quality violations before the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did. A recent legislative auditor’s review should trigger a hearing at the state Capitol to rebuild public trust.
March 7, 2025
Burcum: Trusted meteorologist sounds the alarm
Cuts to National Weather Service will make it harder to keep your family safe, says Paul Douglas.
March 5, 2025
Burcum: Heed GOP legislators on dangerous Medicaid cuts
The thoughtful letter spearheaded by an Anoka County Republican is commendably blunt about putting this safety net program serving seniors, the disabled and the poor in budget crosshairs.
March 1, 2025
Burcum: Extend, don’t reverse, virtual health care options
Elon Musk, the nation’s cost-cutter in chief, should consider telehealth’s return on investment, not just its price tag.
February 22, 2025
Burcum: Flooded dental clinic needs donors, state support
The Scenic Rivers nonprofit dental clinic in Cook, Minn., is still struggling to replace equipment lost or damaged in last summer’s flood.
February 15, 2025
Burcum: Trusted meteorologist sounds the alarm
Cuts to National Weather Service will make it harder to keep your family safe, says Paul Douglas.
March 5, 2025
Burcum: Heed GOP legislators on dangerous Medicaid cuts
The thoughtful letter spearheaded by an Anoka County Republican is commendably blunt about putting this safety net program serving seniors, the disabled and the poor in budget crosshairs.
March 1, 2025
Burcum: Extend, don’t reverse, virtual health care options
Elon Musk, the nation’s cost-cutter in chief, should consider telehealth’s return on investment, not just its price tag.
February 22, 2025
Burcum: Flooded dental clinic needs donors, state support
The Scenic Rivers nonprofit dental clinic in Cook, Minn., is still struggling to replace equipment lost or damaged in last summer’s flood.
February 15, 2025