Willard Munger Trail DULUTH, Min. – The first mile of the Willard Munger State Trail in Duluth will be closed starting Monday, November 24, 2025. It’s the area between Pulaski Street and Riverwest Drive. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is removing “a significantly undersized culvert and replacing it with a bridge over Lower Knowlton Creek”. The bridge installation will…
Essentia Health Apprenticeship Graduation DULUTH, Minn. — A new program designed to bridge a crucial gap in health care has its first graduates. Jake Galatz and Elijah Zielke are the first graduates of the Surgical Technologists Apprenticeship at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s. Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons to ensure procedures are conducted safely and efficiently. This apprenticeship program is…
Minnesota Department of Human Services Logo DULUTH, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Human Services investigation found a staff member at Northland Adult Foster Care (Northland AFC) provided THC to a resident. The resident, who in the report is referred to as an “Vulnerable Adult”, had a history of substance use and the goal to remain sober. The report said…
Michael Edward Rahja Jr. DULUTH, Min. – The court case is moving forward against the group home employee accused of crashing a group home vehicle while drunk and high. The state is also looking into what happened. Court documents say Michael Edward Rahja, Jr told law enforcement that he had been puffing on a 80% THC vape all night prior…
DULUTH, Min. – A personal care assistant is accused of stealing the credit card of one of his clients and changing thousands of dollars to it. Court documents allege Henry Opoku Ware Jr. visited his client’s home in late July, 2025. The same day he visited the the client, Ware used their credit card to pay bills for the College…
Minnesota DNR Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Friday, November 28, 2025. The DNR offers four “Free Park Days” each year to encourage Minnesotans to explore the parks. Director of the DNR Parks and Trails Division Ann Pierce said, “After Thanksgiving celebrations, we…
DEER RIVER, Min. – A staff member at Essentia Health – Deer River, 24-hour skilled nursing facility, is accused of taking “narcotic pain medications from the resident’s medication supply for personal use”. The investigation revolved around medicine intended for three patients. One patient had been receiving medication because they “experienced almost constant pain”. The investigation report from the Minnesota Department…
President Donald Trump’s administration is demanding states “undo” full SNAP benefits paid out under judges’ orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings, marking the latest swing in a seesawing legal battle over the anti-hunger program used by 42 million Americans. The demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture came as more than two dozen…
DULUTH, Minn. — Local Essentia Health employees have come together to donate their old cellphones for a good cause. The old phones were donated to Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center in Duluth, a center for survivors of domestic abuse, where the devices can be repurposed in order to help bring safety to those in need. “These cell phones will…
Dairy products, which are covered by the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is displayed for sale at a grocery store Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. PROVIDENCE, R.I (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday that it will partially fund SNAP after a pair of judges’ rulings required it to keep the food aid program running. It’s not clear…
DULUTH, Minn. — A press conference took place highlighting food resources available in the community and across the northland today. Essentia Health, Second Harvest Northland and St. Louis County gathered to share information and resources in the wake of the Snap Benefit freeze. Second Harvest is using resources available to strengthen their support of area food shelves and their programming….
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, in Madison MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed scheduling abortions on Monday after a nearly monthlong pause due to federal Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill that took effect at the beginning of October. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said it was able to resume scheduling abortions as of noon on Monday because…
Smoking Cigarette DULUTH, Min. & ST. PAUL, Min. – Starting in 2026 the sales tax on a 20-pack of cigarettes will go up more than 6%. In 2025 the tax on a 20-pack of cigarettes is 78.6 Cents. Starting January 1, 2026 the sale tax will rise to 84 Cents per pack. There will still be a 15.2 cent per cigarette…
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expresses frustration with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans over the federal government shutdown during a news conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. DULUTH, Min. & ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to announce $4 million in emergency one-time funding for Minnesota and Tribal nations…
USDA Logo (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1, raising the stakes for families nationwide as the government shutdown drags on. The new notice comes after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits…
DULUTH, Minn. — Children’s Dental Services held the grand opening of their new Dental Hub in Downtown Duluth. This celebration marks the full installation of 10 dental chairs, new dental equipment, and housing for rotating providers to stay overnight after serving patients. This clinic will be a central point to their ‘hub and spoke’ method, bringing portable clinics across surrounding…
CLOQUET, Min. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has signed a Tribal-State Cannabis Compact with the State of Minnesota. The deal was facilitated by the Office of Cannabis Management. The compact outlines how both governments will, “advance lawful, cooperative, and mutually respectful cannabis regulation while promoting public health and safety.” Official Fond du Lac Band Logo The…
Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde DULUTH, Min. – The man accused of assaulting two nurses at Essentia’s St. Mary’s Emergency Department had previously been convicted of assaulting Emergency Department staff. The recent assault allegedly happened at approximately 3a.m on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Duluth Police tell FOX21 he is accused of assaulting two female nurses. In November of 2017, Legarde was arrested…
Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde DULUTH, Min. – Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde has officially been charged with two counts of assault from his alleged action in the Essentia St. Mary’s Emergency Department. It happened on October 16, 2025. According to charging documents Legarde was in a emergency room and activated his call light. When a nurse responded to the call light, Legarde allegedly…
DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County has launched a website where you can track the impacts of the federal shutdown. The page also highlights resources for help. Currently, the page is updating for Snap, The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and WIC. Those programs help families and individuals access healthy food and other resources. For Snap and MFIP, funding for…
CLOQUET, Minn.– October is known as breast cancer awareness month. And Essentia Health has been bringing opportunities for testing in rural communities. For the past three years, Essentia health has introduced a fleet of trucks traveling to rural and tribal areas. It began with three locations, but now they have over twenty stops. Thursday alone, Cloquet’s stop was booked up…
DULUTH, Minn. — Two female nurses at Essentia Health in Duluth were assaulted by a male patient in the Emergency Room around 3 a.m. Thursday. Duluth police said staff members were eventually able to restrain the man until police arrived. The man is being placed on a mental health hold. Once released, he will be taken to jail for two…
DULUTH, Minn. — Inactive Medicaid providers are being removed from the Medicaid program. This only applies to providers who have not billed Medicaid for services in the past 12 months. It’s designed to reduce fraud and ensure Medicaid resources are focused on active providers. Roughly 800 providers were disenrolled in the first round of removals on Oct 15th, with more…
WISCONSIN. — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is emphasizing the importance of vaccines against respiratory viruses. Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 typically see uptakes as the fall and winter seasons approach. The Wisconsin DHS says vaccination is crucial for preventing severe illnesses and hospitalizations. People are encouraged to receive vaccinations to protect oneself and others, especially high-risk populations. As the…
DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) says Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) members created a “hostile environment” in the facility where security had to be called. A statement from the DECC says an incident happened on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, around noon at its Harbor Side Convention facility. The DECC statement says, “Reports from DECC staff and…
DULUTH, Minn. — People gathering along the lake walk to take on the super moon 5k run put on by the North Pack Run Club. The run aims to get people out into the community for a fun run and a chance to experience the first Aries full moon of the year. The 5k starting at the Rose Garden and…
Cloquet Clinic Expansion(Essentia Health) CLOQUET, Minn — Essentia Health has announced plans to expand its Cloquet Clinic, doubling its size. On Tuesday, Essentia announced that it will be breaking ground on an approximately 7,500-square-foot expansion to the clinic starting this fall. “Essentia is committed to meeting the growing health care needs of the Cloquet community,” said Sam Barney, administrator for…
DULUTH, Minn. — Local human services organizations gave the public a chance to see the Human Services Corridor and its impact in Duluth. CHUM, the Damiano Center, AICHO, Union Gospel Mission, Life House, and the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial presented as part of the tour. Attendees got to see how the organizations operate, work together, and address the needs of…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance hosted its annual Light Duluth Teal Gala over the weekend at the DECC. While it was all about raising money for continued ovarian cancer research and support of MOCA’s programs, the gala was also about celebrating and inspiring with cancer survivors and loved ones. Part of the DECC, Radison Hotel and Pier…
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, in Madison ST. PAUL, Minn. — Planned Parenthood of the North Central States(PPNCS) has stated that they have no plans to stop abortion care in Minnesota. In a statement to FOX21, PPNCS said: “To be clear: Planned Parenthood North Central States has no plans to stop abortion services in states where it is legal.” This…
SUPERIOR, Wis. — Falls resulting in emergency response are on the rise in Wisconsin. According to a survey conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, emergency services across the state responded to over 140,000 falls in 2024. That number equates to over 20% of all 911-related ambulance runs during that calendar year and, over in Superior, these trends are…
Essentia Health is reopening its urgent care at the Hermantown Clinic on Monday, September 29. The facility will be open weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m., providing care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including those that may require X-rays or lab tests. Officials say the reopening was made possible through improvements in staffing and clinic space. Patients are encouraged to…
HERMANTOWN, Min. – Essentia Health reopening its urgent care at the Essentia Health-Hermantown Clinic. It is slated to reopen Monday, September 29, 2025. It will be open in the afternoons from 3:00pm to 7:00pm Mondays through Fridays. Essentia’s urgent care locations provide treatment for illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening but may need X-rays and/or lab tests requiring a…
(MinnPost/AP) – Whether it comes from courtrooms or the Capitol, Minnesota’s cannabis laws look in need of clarification in response to wide interpretations by cities. Local governments by law can cap the number of cannabis retailers, place restrictions on where businesses are located and set hours of operation. Prohibition is a step too far. Cities are using the law’s language, or finding…
DULUTH, Minn. — With the seasons changing and cold air on the way, Minnesota Power is reminding customers about the state’s “Cold Weather Rule.” The rule prevents residential customers from getting their natural gas or electric service shut off for non-payment between Oct. 1, and Apr. 30. Minnesota Power encourages customers, who believe the higher winter bills will be too…
DULUTH, Min. – The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is offering multiple walk-in flu shot clinics for Veterans during October 2025. The Northland flu shot clinics will be on Thursdays Oct. 2, 9, and 23, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at: Albert Lea, 2115 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN Chippewa Valley, 475 Chippewa Mall Drive, Suite 418, Chippewa Falls, WI…
WASHINGTON (AP) — A White House announcement about autism is expected Monday afternoon after President Donald Trump’s weekend comment that “I think we found an answer” to the developmental disorder. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised earlier this year to determine the cause of autism by September. That baffled brain experts who say there is no single cause and that the rhetoric appears…
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump suggested Monday that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy may contribute to rising autism rates in the U.S., a potential link experts have studied and say is unproven. Speaking Monday from the White House, the president said women should not take acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, “during the entire pregnancy.” He…
DULUTH, Minn. — A Walk to End Alzheimer’s brought out families, caregivers and people affected by the disease over the weekend in Duluth. Walkers were there to help raise money to find a cure for the disease. They carried flowers that symbolized the different ways the Alzheimer’s touches their lives. But one color was missing, and that is the driving…
Farm Aid 40 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Farm Aid — the annual fundraising concerts launched by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp during the farm crisis of the 1980s — celebrates its 40th anniversary on Saturday in Minneapolis. The star-studded festivals are still raising public awareness of the challenges facing family farmers, and assisting struggling producers connect with help. Nelson…
DULUTH, Minn. — It was move-out day for chum and its residents on Sep. 18, as the organization prepares for significant renovations. The current, longtime facility on Duluth’s 1st Avenue West will be undergoing major renovations and an expansion to increase the size and improve the living conditions, as the temporary location for the residents will be at the nearby…
SUPERIOR, Wiss. – Great Lakes Elementary School has added a fluffy new staff member making this the first dog to become a part of the Superior School District. The school brought in a five-month-old purebred Labrador Retriever named Libby as a therapy dog, whose main job is to help students feel calm and supported throughout the school day, making learning…
DULUTH, Minn. – Doctors, patients, and families gathering in the atrium at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center to shine a light on childhood cancer awareness month in a brand new way. The hospital kicked off the event with an inaugural lighting up of the lakeside of the building for the first time with the color blue, chosen by young cancer…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department’s downtown headquarters became the start of a 150-mile walking journey for two Minnesota firefighters and an important cause. Excelsior firefighter Doug Foote and St. Paul firefighter Kyle Bode got a round of applause as they walked out of the Duluth fire station to make their way to St. Paul by foot. Over the…
Gift of Sound Recipient: Most excited to hear his wife GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. — Grand Portage got the ‘gift of sound’ as Miracle Ear gave out free screenings and hearing aids to those in need. The two-day event took place at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino on September 9th and 10th. Miracle Ear puts on these ‘miracle missions’ across…
DULUTH, Minn.– After nearly one hundred years of research, a recent break through with Alzheimer’s disease has already seen success in the Northland. The innovation involves an injectable radio pharmaceutical called “Amyvid.” It is injected shortly before the patient has a routine PET or CT scan. Before Duluth invested in this, patients near and far had to travel to the…
MINN/WIS. — UW-Superior has partnered with Generations Health Care Initiatives on Bridge to Health survey. The survey assesses health conditions, access to medical care, mental well-being and more. The survey is sent out at random and aims for around 7,500 responses from nine counties in Minnesota and Douglas County in Wisconsin. The data is anonymous and won’t be sold. It…
DULUTH, Minn. — Bridge to Health launched its survey to find out how healthy the Northland is. Households will be chosen at random to receive a survey asking about physical, mental, and cultural health in their area. Over 40 organizations across nine northern Minnesota counties and Douglas county in Wisconsin have joined to conduct the survey. “This year, we’re adding…
DULUTH — Minn. Statistics show that 1 in 3 people will need a blood transfusion of some kind during their lives, so when supplies get low, especially during holiday weekends, it’s blood drives like the one hosted by London Road businesses, Fox21 included, and Memorial Blood Centers that become critical for maintaining the Northland’s supply. “Right now we are in…
DULUTH, Min. – The donations are still being counted and processed, but it is very safe to say at least 100 people had their lives impacted or saved at our recent blood drive. That the results of the London Road Business Blood Drive on August 28, 2025. The London Road Business Blood Drive was sponsored by FOX21, Cora Christman State…
