WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Republicans released their long-awaited bill Thursday to dismantle much of Barack Obama’s health care law, proposing to cut Medicaid for low-income Americans and erase tax boosts that Obama imposed on high-earners and medical companies to finances his expansion of coverage. The bill would provide less-generous tax credits to help people buy insurance and let states get…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Republican-controlled state Assembly has passed a bill designed to prohibit people with pre-existing health conditions from being excluded from health insurance coverage. Republicans brought the issue up after midnight on Thursday. It was not scheduled for debate and there was no notice that the Assembly planned to take up the issue. It passed on a…
NEW YORK (AP) — The flu vaccine did a poor job protecting older Americans against the illness last winter, even though the vaccine was well-matched to the flu bugs going around. U.S. health officials on Wednesday released new vaccine data showing it did a so-so job overall. The vaccine was about 42 percent effective in preventing illness severe enough to…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is pulling out of the federal health care exchange in Wisconsin. Anthem blames a volatile market for its exit from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Anthem spokesman Jeff Blunt says making pricing plans is increasingly difficult because of a shrinking and deteriorating individual market. The Associated Press says Anthem also cites…
DULUTH, Minn. – Quality health care can be tough to find for many rural Minnesotans. So the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care and the Minnesota Rural Health Association joined forces with the Duluth–based National Rural Health Resource Center to find solutions. “We’re working in approaches to provide resources for rural health communities and providers,” said Sally Buck, CEO,…
Carrie Fisher Photo: Fox NewsLOS ANGELES (AP) – Carrie Fisher’s autopsy report shows the actress had cocaine in her system when she fell ill on a plane last year, but the investigators could not determine what impact the cocaine and other drugs found in her system had on her death. The report released Monday states Fisher may have taken cocaine…
ERIN, Wis. (AP) – Health officials say E. coli bacteria have been found in a drinking water station at Erin Hills golf course where the U.S. Open is underway, but there have been no reports of illness. The Washington Ozaukee Public HEalth Department identified the bacteria in a water sample taken from a hydration station connected to a well near…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Twin Ports is experiencing a trend that’s becoming something of an epidemic — hitting one of the most vulnerable groups of our population. According to UWS officers, one out of every 10 people 60 and older are abused every year. The abuse includes financial exploitation, fraud, scams, emotional and physical mistreatment, and neglect. UWS estimates 3,800…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A new report shows fewer teenagers are getting pregnant in Minnesota, but the number of sexually transmitted infections is increasing. University of Minnesota adolescent sexual health director Jill Farris authored the report. She tells Minnesota Public Radio that pregnancy rates among 15 to 19 year olds has dropped 70 percent since 1990. However, teen rates…
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is again highlighting the stories of people whose healthcare premiums have skyrocketed as he tries to push a GOP replacement plan. Trump met with what the White House has been referring to as “victims” of former President Barack Obama’s health care law after landing in Milwaukee Tuesday afternoon. Trump says too many people have…
NEW YORK (AP) – The Food and Drug Administration says it intends to delay a rule that would require food companies to label their products with a revised nutrition panel. The new panel, which had the support of former first lady Michelle Obama, would make the calorie listing larger, making serving sizes clearer, and specify the amount of added sugars…
Duluth, Minn. The rubber mulch that has been a hot topic for a few years is now one step closer to being removed. It has come down to choosing the lowest bidder for the removal of the rubber. Originally bids to remove the rubber mulch were over 2 million dollars making the school board needing to research other avenues to…
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa could be the first state in the nation with no health insurance companies willing to offer policies on its Affordable Care Act exchange next year unless President Donald Trump’s administration approves a stopgap proposal, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said Monday. Ommen said he and his officials from two major Iowa insurance carriers met…
DULUTH, Minn. – This week, June 12-16, is recognized as Men’s Health Week. This morning, Dr. Andrew Nisbet of St. Luke’s Urology Associates visited FOX 21 to speak on the topic. Dr. Nisbet says, “This is a week men should be encouraged to talk to their doctors about health concerns that they have. Some of these issues can be even embarrassing…
DULUTH, Minn. – A 22-year-old man is recovering after jumping into a popular swimming hole in the Lester River known as “The Deeps.” Authorities tell us the man was pulled from the water unconscious with a laceration to the back of the head after hitting a rock just below the water’s surface. The man eventually came to, began breathing, and…
DULUTH, Minn. – Many youth in the Northland now have big plans for the summer all thanks to a generous donation from Western Bank. The Duluth YMCA is now able to give away 100 youth memberships this summer. Staff at the Duluth Area Family YMCA say this is the first time they’ve been able to do this. The YMCA and…
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend thousands will be getting out their bikes for a ride from Proctor to White Bear Lake, Minnesota. It’s all to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research. However, the MS Society needs help with the race. Organizers are still looking for several volunteers in Proctor, Hinckley, White Bear Lake, and everywhere in between. Local volunteer opportunities…
Duluth, Minn. A former drug addict turned musician met with youth tonight in west Duluth to talk about the role drugs played in her life. Mindy Davey has traveled the country talking to young teens about her trials and tribulations while she was addicted to crack–cocaine and prescription pain pills. After numerous run-ins with the law and a number of…
DULUTH, Minn. – Taking a bike ride this summer could help with cancer research. The University of Minnesota is partnering with a group called Chainbreaker to launch a fundraising experience for the Masonic Cancer Center at the University. Many treatments are now available to patients around the world were pioneered at the Masonic Cancer Center. For example, the University has been…
DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is making their sidewalks more ADA compliant. The first of four public meetings was held for the city to gather input from community members on how to best improve sidewalks for people with disabilities. “The sidewalks are public and everyone uses them an it’s important to have safe, convenient access to the businesses,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of the toughest and most shocking things someone goes through. Dealing with the effects of cancer treatment can last a lifetime. A doctor at St. Luke’s Hospital and a UMD professor in Duluth are hoping to help cancer patients through that hard time. On Tuesday, June 13 St. Luke’s Oncologist and…
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – With another three weeks of Ramadan and its gatherings, health care workers in Minnesota are seeking help from religious leaders to control the state’s measles outbreak, which has hit the Muslim Somali community the hardest. Children’s Minnesota’s Elham Ashkar says imams in their position of power can help spread the word that vaccination is in the…
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – A southeast Wisconsin county is making the drug used to reduce opioid overdoses more widely available in an attempt to fight opioid overdose deaths. The Kenosha News reports that Kenosha County’s Narcan Distribution Initiative will train law enforcement officials and others to use the overdose-reversing drug naloxone. Trained individuals will then be able to distribute naloxone…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A science lab in Two Harbors is on the cutting edge of some important bio-medical work. BRTI Life Sciences is having success with their Stem Cell related technology. The lab creates and sells products other companies use for cell research. In the process, BRTI is bringing high-tech jobs to Northern Minnesota. Their Cell Mate devices are…
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials are hoping the state’s measles outbreak is nearing its end as the number of new cases plateau for the last 13 days. The Pioneer Press reports that the Minnesota Department of Health’s daily tally has remained steady at 68 for two weeks. However, health officials are still urging caution and recommending vaccinations. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – Moms around the country are encouraging each other to be healthy through a group fitness program. Fit4Mom is a nationwide program with a branch here in the Twin Ports. The goal is to support moms through every step of motherhood. The company offers several classes: Stroller Strides Stroller Barre Body Back Fit4Baby Running Club For this week’s…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Emergency Department said thanks to EMS workers with lunch Thursday. Burgers and hot dogs were on the menu, as the first respsonders were treated to a cookout in the hospital’s emergency garage. The director of St. Luke’s Emergency Department says he and his staff appreciate everything EMS does. “We are fortunate in this region to…
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – A new survey shows the top paid executive in Minnesota is in the health care industry. Calculations by The Associated press and the executive data firm Equilar show UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen Hemsley tops the compensation list in Minnesota, earning $15.7 million last year. The health care company is based in Minnetonka and is sixth in…
(AP) – Federal regulators say nearly 29,000 controllers for implanted heart pumps are being recalled after reports of 26 deaths linked to malfunctions. The recall covers the external power supply controller for the HeartMate II, made by Abbot’s Thoratec unit and distributed from July 2012 until last March. The ventricular assist device helps the heart’s main pumping chamber circulate blood….
Amazon DETROIT, Mich. (FOX NEWS) – Graco Children’s Products is recalling more than 25,000 car seats because the harness webbing can break in a crash and may not keep children restrained. The recall affects certain My Ride 65 convertible seats with model numbers 1871689, 1908152, 1813074, 1872691, 1853478, 1877535, 1813015, and 1794334. The seats were made on July 22, 2014…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say there are almost 70 confirmed cases of measles in the state so far this year, and a state lawmaker is hoping to make it harder for parents to opt out of vaccinating their children. Minnesota Public Radio reports that nearly 2,000 kindergartners weren’t immunized against measles this year because their parents…
PROCTOR, Minn. – Biking can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy summer in the Northland for kids and for adults. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we take you to Proctor for their first ever Bike Rodeo. “It’s fun for doing stunts and getting the air in your face and have fresh air,” said Isaac Bogatzki, who was…
MADISON, Wis. – Official numbers are in for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back Event that was held in April. Attorney Brad Schimel announced a record-breaking 66,830 pounds of unused medications were turned in. Schimel reports that 267 police and sheriff’s departments from 69 Wisconsin counties hosted events on April 29, and have provided 328 permanent drug disposal drop boxes, giving citizens…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County farmers have a new spot to sell their wares. Barker’s Island’s Farmers Market opened today. Shoppers can find all variety of locally grown produce and other products. One farmer we talked to says today’s weather didn’t help sales but a little rain won’t keep the farmers away. “No matter what the weather is like the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth’s Ignite Studio invited people for a party – 1980’s style. Eighties music, 80s hair, and 80s workout gear was everywhere as folks got “physical” for a good cause. The whole thing was a fundraiser for Choice, Unlimited, an organization which helps people with disabilities lead a more active life. “We think it’s key to be out and be…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Active Adventures the FOX 21 morning crew traveled to Superior. Meteorologist William Seay tried out kickboxing with The Strength Factory. The Strength Factory is located at 1423 N. 8th St. #109, Superior, WI. New members get their first week free and an introductory month for $45 for unlimited classes. For more information give them…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The early spring has brought the ticks out ahead of schedule across Minnesota and experts are warning people to protect themselves against the diseases they carry. The Minnesota Department of Health says anyone who goes outdoors should be alert for the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Schiffman tells Minnesota Public…
DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Northlanders came out to the annual Northern Lights Foundation Gala tonight to support children and families in need. Guests enjoyed a meal, bid on silent and live auction items, and spent time with kids who were helped by the Northern Lights Foundation. The charity has now given grants to over 160 Northland families who have…
DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth School Board has voted to not go forward with a $1.2 million bid to replace it’s rubber mulch with a wood fiber. In recent months, parents expressed concern about the mulch the district currently uses. Some have suspected it is connected to various diseases such as cancer, which makes it necessary to remove it as quickly as…
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend military supporters will be getting a good workout all for a good cause. The 4th Annual Memorial Day Murph is Saturday, May 20 at Crossfit Duluth starting at 9 a.m. Crossfit Duluth puts this on this event to show support for the military and this year is donating proceeds to 23rd Veteran. 23rd Veteran is a local non-profit…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials say most Minnesota patients who used medical marijuana during the first year of the state’s tightly regulated program reported benefits. Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger says early data show the drug is providing many people with “substantial benefits, minimal side effects and no serious adverse events.” The study released Tuesday is based on…
DULUTH, Minn. – For mothers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, bonding with baby can be overwhelming. “The mom would sit down, we would all come at her with her baby and all sorts of wires and equipment,” said Angela Follin, a Registered Nurse in Essentia-St. Mary’s NICU. “It would be a little intimidating.” But a new innovation, called Roo-Wraps…
It takes a certain kind of person to run toward a fire, to answer a stranger’s call for help. Firefighters spend their lives putting themselves in harm’s way, and to the general public they almost seem invincible. They come back out of burning buildings seemingly unscathed time and time again. Fairly new information now suggests the real danger for firefighters…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s two licensed medical marijuana manufactures have lost a combined $11 million in two years of legal sales. Minnesota has among the strictest programs of nearly 30 states with medical marijuana laws. The state bans the plant form and restricts marijuana pills and oils to patients with a handful of severe conditions. Legal medical cannabis…
DULUTH, Minn. – This week you can enjoy a nice evening out all while supporting a local organization. The Northern Lights Foundation is hosting their annual gala at Greysolon Ballroom by Black Woods on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017. The foundation and gala support local children facing life–threatening illnesses. Black Woods Catering will prepare a dinner, there will be a brief program…
DULUTH, Minn. – Beth Hall has seen many patients in her 34 years at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s, but remembers the first time she met Amanda Mallinson well. “I remember her being a young, vulnerable, new mom who was scared to death,” said Hall. Amanda just gave birth to her son, Riley. However, Riley was premature and needed a lengthy stay at…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Three regional opioid treatment programs that got grants under a 2014 state law treated close to 300 people last year. That’s according to a report the state Department of Health released Friday. The three programs, Northeast Wisconsin Opioid Treatment Services, the HOPE Consortium and the NorthLakes Community Clinic, received a total of $2 million in state…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Top state lawmakers are trying to work out a system allowing Iowa residents to start buying medical marijuana oils and pills in Minnesota. A novel arrangement that could raise issues with the federal government. It’s not a done deal yet. The legislation creating a tightly controlled medical marijuana program is still awaiting Governor Terry Brandstad’s…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Acute Hepatitis C cases have skyrocketed in Wisconsin, increasing 450 percent from 2011 to 2015. State health officials tell Wisconsin Public Radio that most infections resulted form injection drug use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages needle exchanges as a way to thwart drug addicts from spreading disease. The agency released its Morbidity and…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grandma’s Marathon champion Dick Beardsley spoke with students at Superior Middle School. Beardsley talked about his past, including his athletic achievements and his addiction to narcotic pain killers. He and fellow speaker, Minnesota runner Emma Lee, hope to inspire kids to live healthy lifestyles free of drugs and with positive eating habits. “Maybe they’ll think back to…
