Jill Burcum

1 week ago | startribune.com | Jill Burcum

Opinion editor's note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of commentary online and in print each day. To contribute, click here. Imagine the righteous outrage that would erupt if the U.S. military's special operations - Navy SEALs, Army Rangers - were not only targeted by Elon Musk's cost-cutting efforts but expected to bear a disproportionate share of funding reductions. Why would we risk weakening them in an increasingly chaotic world?

1 week ago | startribune.com | Jill Burcum

Smith's legislation, the first BWCAW protection bill in the U.S. Senate in nearly five decades, is also a clear call to action, not only to other members of Congress but for all who care about the fate of this beloved but fragile watery wilderness. "Sometimes it takes a long time to get the right thing done," Smith said in an interview Tuesday. "This is going to require some patience, some resilience and determination. I don't think [the bill] is just symbolic.

2 weeks ago | startribune.com | Jill Burcum

Opinion editor's note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of commentary online and in print each day. To contribute, click here. Legislation championed by Minnesota's senior U.S. senator is a solid start toward helping Congress rediscover its spine as President Donald Trump steers the nation into a treacherous trade war. Minnesota's Sen. Amy Klobuchar joined two Virginia U.S. senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats, as the measure's lead advocates.

3 weeks ago | startribune.com | Jill Burcum

It's time for Minnesota to screen for MLD, a rare disease. A Winona family and their legislative champion are pushing to add it to routine newborn testing.

3 weeks ago | mankatofreepress.com | Jill Burcum

Living in a state with spectacular natural resources means Minnesotans are frequently on the go to enjoy them. To the cabin. To the lakes where walleye are biting. To the prairies and bluffs for hunting. Those destinations are where great memories are made. But they can also unfortunately be a place where injuries or life-threatening emergencies, such as a heart attack, can happen.