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.


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 COVID survivor's long, uncertain journey

It's impossible to know if we'll feel long-term effects.


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


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.


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.