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…
DULUTH, Min. – Nurses with the The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) at Essentia Health’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Street Clinic locations in Duluth, as well as Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic, voted to ratify tentative agreements on their first contracts. The union says the vote was cast by more than 200 nurses on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The agreements…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Lights Foundation has announced its new Executive Director, Todd Johnson. Johnson has nearly 3 decades of experience in non-profit leadership. He previously served as Chief executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland. The Northern Lights Foundation helps support families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. With the announcement, Johnson said “The Foundation’s…
DULUTH, Min. – Blood donors to Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) from Wednesday, August 27th, through Wednesday, September 3rd will be entered into a sweepstakes for an all-expense-paid vacation for two. The vacation is provided by Winspire. It will also include a $1,500 Flightgift gift card for airfare. The location option are La Costa Golf Escape (San Diego, CA), Farmhouse Luxury…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth campus of the University of Minnesota Medical School held their annual White Coat Ceremony for the class of 20-29 August 22nd. The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that welcomes new medical students to the profession 65 Students received their first white coat in front of family and friends, medical school administration and…
DULUTH, Min. – Essentia Health has announced they have reached a tentative agreement with Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses at he Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st, 2nd and 3rd street buildings and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic. The nurses are first contracts covering ambulatory care nurses. The tentative agreements will last through March 31, 2027. Upon making the announcement Essentia…
DULUTH, Min. – The London Road Business Blood Drive is taking place Thursday, August 28th. CLICK HERE to sign-up to donate. It’s more necessary than ever with blood shortages around our area. Any one can donate – you don’t have to live or work on London Road. FOX21 is a sponsor. Another co-sponsor is Peace of Mind Duluth. Caelee Buell, a Team…
UPDATE: Test results confirm that no biological or bacterial contamination has entered the water system and that the drinking water remains safe to consume. The precautionary boil water notice is ended effective immediately. DULUTH, Min. – Residents between 43rd Avenue E to 54th Avenue E, from Norwood Street up to Skyline are under a boil water notice. During the evening…
DULUTH, Min. – The London Road Business Blood Drive is taking place Thursday, August 28th. CLICK HERE to sign-up to donate. It’s more necessary than ever with blood shortages around our area. Any one can donate – you don’t have to live or work on London Road. The state’s blood supply has dropped below a 2-day inventory, far below…
CLOQUET, Minn. — Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College held its grand reopening of its nursing facilities after an extensive renovation on Aug. 13, this coming just in time for students to return to school this Fall. While other schools continue to see enrollment dropping, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is welcoming an even larger crop of…
Trauma Team at Fairview Range medical center HIBBING, Minn. — Fairview Range Medical Center is now a level 4 trauma center. The designation was earned after an intensive process to become part of the Statewide Trauma system. That process included an outside review of the hospital’s resources and capabilities. In joining the trauma system, Fairview Range can decrease the time…
DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man is running across the US to raise awareness for addiction and recovery. Mefree Lee began drinking at the age of 16, by 30, he was an alcoholic, struggling with his addiction until he got to the Adult and Teen Challenge Center in Duluth, here everything changed. “I started running again. I had running…
DULUTH, Minn. – Ovarian cancer survivors and their loved ones were treated to a shopping spree at no cost in Maurice’s sample room in downtown Duluth as part of their 3RD annual shop and social. Kristine Greer, a survivor of ovarian cancer and board member with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, says it’s all about connecting with others who have faced…
Julie Moravchik IRON RIVER, Wis. – Julie Moravchik has been a reporter and News Director in the Twin Ports. Julie is currently undergoing treatment for Stage 2 HER2+ breast cancer. She is now on leave from her role as News Director at WBAY in Green Bay while facing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The mom of two was a reporter at…
DULUTH, Min. – Essentia Health and the Miller Dwan Foundation is resuming hospice patient care at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. The facility had temporarily suspended services as a result of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) strike. Starting Thursday, July 31 Solvay Hospice House will reopen and be ready to provide hospice care. Solvay will welcome residential hospice patients and…
Air Quality Alert 07/28/2025 DULUTH, Min.- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the northern half of Minnesota. Northwesterly winds will transport heavy surface smoke from wildfires across Manitoba and Saskatchewan into northern Minnesota, beginning Tuesday morning. Smoke will spread south into central Minnesota through the day Tuesday and may continue into southern Minnesota overnight…
DULUTH, Minn.– After multiple days of striking, the strike by Essentia Health nurses and APPS is coming to an end. The nurses and Advanced Practice Providers have been striking for numerous reasons. But now, despite no contract resolution, both nurse and APP strikes are coming to an end. This is happening because progress is being made to bargain with numerous…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association sent out a news release late Monday that said the remaining striking nurses at Essentia Health in the Twin Ports will end the strike. News Release: July 21, 2025 – Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 22 at 10:00 AM, striking members of the Minnesota Nurses Association at Essentia’s clinics, surgery center, hospice house and East…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — For nearly 20 years, Maria would call her sister — a nurse in Mexico — for advice on how to manage her asthma and control her husband’s diabetes instead of going to the doctor in California. She didn’t have legal status, so she couldn’t get health insurance and skipped routine exams, relying instead on home remedies…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued varied air quality alerts across Northern Minnesota for the upcoming weekend. The alerts range from Very Unhealthy to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The alerts takes effect 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 and run until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will…
DULUTH, Minn. – President Donald Trump on July 17, 2025 nominated two people to join the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Essentia has been saying their discussions with the Advanced Practice Practitioners (APPs) are stalled due to an appeal to the NLRB. Essentia says they are concerned about the size and reach of the proposed bargaining unit. Essentia has asked…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) blasted Essentia Health Wednesday by saying the healthcare provider is intimidating and retaliating against some of the union’s Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who have chosen to leave the group’s strike and go back to work. The strong words from the MNA came after Essentia Health sent out the following release to the…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– Advanced Practice Providers, commonly referred to as ‘APPS’, have joined Essentia Health nurses in the ongoing strike. The MNA held a press conference in Superior Tuesday morning, to provide updates. For one week now, Essentia Health nurses and providers have been on strike around Minnesota. APPs from Baxter, Duluth, and Superior joined in on the strike. “What has…
