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Jill Burcum

Editorial Writer
Opinion
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.

Latest from Jill Burcum

Columnists

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.
November 19, 2024
Columnists

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.
November 17, 2024
Columnists

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.
November 12, 2024
Columnists

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.
October 31, 2024
Columnists

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.
October 22, 2024
Arnold Palmer watches his ceremonial first tee shot to open the 2011 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, Thursday, April 7, 2011.
Our Columnists

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.
October 16, 2024
Our Columnists

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.
October 11, 2024
Our Columnists

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.
October 8, 2024
Columnists

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.
October 22, 2024
Arnold Palmer watches his ceremonial first tee shot to open the 2011 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, Thursday, April 7, 2011.
Our Columnists

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.
October 16, 2024
Our Columnists

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.
October 11, 2024
Our Columnists

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.
October 8, 2024
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