Health

Push to Legalize Marijuana in Minnesota Legislative Session

Democrats and advocates say expunging criminal records is important priority

A group of Minnesota lawmakers and others are pushing to legalize marijuana this legislative session. They gathered in St. Paul to say Minnesotans want marijuana legal for adults. The group also includes growers, business owners and those who want to sell cannabis. A key part of the legislation would expunge criminal records of pot-related charges or convictions. Sen. Clare Oumou…

Two Cases Of Legionnaires’ Disease In Duluth Apartment

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health says two cases of Legionnaires’ Disease have popped up in a Duluth apartment building. One case happened in October, and the other was in December. Both people were living in the Woodland Garden Apartments, which is for low-income seniors. This type of pneumonia is caused by certain bacteria spreading through contaminated droplets…

Is Fruitcake Getting a Bad Rap?

DULUTH, Minn. —  A 2016 online article has the headline “7 Reasons you should never eat Fruitcake” And the sub head that reads Throw it in the Trash.” That’s a pretty harsh sentiment for a traditional Christmas Sweet. ” Do you like Fruit cake – no, not a fan” Scott Johnson of Johnson’s Bakery says he generally makes two batches…

Walgreens, CVS And Others Limiting Purchases Of Children’s Pain Relief Medicine As Respiratory Illnesses Rise

(FOX 9) — Pharmacies are limiting purchases of children’s pain relief medication as respiratory illnesses continue spreading throughout the United States, including the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. CVS Pharmacy put a two-product limit on purchases of all children’s pain relief products in stores and online. “We’re committed to meeting our customers’ needs and are working with our suppliers to ensure continued…

Congressional Law Protecting Vulnerable People Who Wander Renewed in Senate and Awaits House Approval

Washington, D.C.  —  A bill that helps protect vulnerable adults and children has been passed in the senate for renewal through 2027 and awaits house approval. For over 20 years, a program was in place to help family and law enforcement find those suffering from Alzheimer’s who had wandered off.  In 2017, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Chuck Grassley from Iowa…

Minnesota Nurses Association to Ratify New 3 Year Contracts With Hospitals

MINNESOTA–Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) announced they have voted to ratify the tentative 3 year contract agreements with hospitals across the state. In a live press conference Wednesday afternoon, MNA President stated that nurses overwhelmingly voted to go forward with the tentative agreements that were reached last week. This vote has averted a strike planned to involve 15,000…

FDA Clears Updated COVID-19 Vaccines For Kids Under Age 5

(AP) — U.S. regulators on Thursday cleared doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than age 5. The Food and Drug Administration’s decision aims to better protect the littlest kids amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases around the country — at a time when children’s hospitals already are packed with tots suffering from other respiratory illnesses including the…

St. Luke’s And Essentia MNA Nurses Reach Tentative Deal Ahead Of Authorized Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s and Essentia Health announced that a tentative contract agreement was reached between the hospitals and its nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association ahead of a planned strike Dec. 11. St. Luke’s said in a written statement at 11:30 p.m. Monday: “We are pleased to announce that St. Luke’s and MNA reached a tentative contract agreement….

Pfizer Asks FDA To Clear Updated COVID Shot For Kids Under 5

(AP) — Pfizer is asking U.S. regulators to authorize its updated COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 5 — not as a booster but part of their initial shots. Children ages 6 months through 4 years already are supposed to get three extra-small doses of the original Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine — each a tenth of the amount adults receive —…

Poinsettias Make Their Yearly Appearance

DULUTH, Minn.–Poinsettias are  popping up all over. In fact, it’s estimated that during the six week, peak season for the plant, 35 million of them are sold. Shelly Tomlin of Engwall Flowers says the poinsettias are very popular in our area as well. This past week has been very busy for the flower shop as people are stopping in to…

Minnesota Nurses Association to Strike Beginning December 11

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s been just three months since nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association were walking the picket lines. But in ten days, nurses with St. Luke’s and Essentia could once again be on strike. This time it could be for a much longer time than the three-day strike in September. At a Thursday morning news conference, Lisa Hulstrom,…

Sickness, Lack Of Subs Force Wrenshall School To Close Monday

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Sickness and a lack of substitutes forced the Wrenshall School District to close Monday. The outside of the school in the small community was very quiet Monday, and there were only a few employees inside answering phones. If school did open Monday, the building would have been 15 staff members short with only two available substitutes, according…

US Renews Push For COVID Boosters As Data Show They Protect

(AP) — Americans who got the updated COVID-19 booster shots are better protected against symptomatic infection than those who haven’t — at least for now, U.S. health officials said Tuesday. Updated boosters rolled out by Pfizer and rival Moderna in September have been a hard sell for vaccine-weary Americans. Only about 13% of U.S. adults so far have gotten a…

The Future of Rural Ambulance and EMS

DULUTH, Minn.–Thousands of people in rural areas rely on ambulances to travel long distances in responding to emergencies, but there are several challenges facing those trying to provide the services. That was what brought many people together Wednesday in Duluth. They are trying to tackle the issues in responding to 911 calls. The problems include a lack of money and…

Native-Owned Farm In Sawyer Celebrates Arrival Of Buffalo

SAWYER, Minn. – A native-owned farm in Sawyer celebrated the arrival of a dozen buffalo to its land on Friday. Native Wise farm sits on 380 acres. Community members gathered with a welcoming song for the buffalo and a meal for all to enjoy. The Nature Conservancy’s preserves in Nebraska helped make the delivery possible to help preserve Native American…

Non-stick Pans Could Release Millions Of Microplastic Particles In Possible ‘Health Concern,’ Study Says

(FOX) –Non-stick pots could be releasing millions of tiny plastic particles as users are cooking or washing. In a new study, Australian researchers said that just one surface crack on a Teflon-coated pan could release around 9,100 plastic particles. At a micro scale, Raman imaging and algorithmic modeling have identified that broken coating may lead to the release of 2.3 million…

MDH Ending Vaccine Clinic At The DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health is closing its vaccination site on November 14th. It’s been open on Sundays and Mondays. You can still have free COVID tests done at the DECC, as the Minnesota DHS offers PCR and rapid tests there with no plans to shut it down anytime soon. Categories: Health, News, News – Latest News

City: Reconfigured Parks Fund Referendum Critical, Equals $94 Annually For $200K Home

The Parks Fund levy referendum would replace the current levy from 2012 and will be voted on at the ballot Nov. 8.

DULUTH, Minn. – The November 8th election is just around the corner, and Duluth residents will be voting on whether to approve a new Parks Fund levy that would replace the current levy that took effect in 2012. Jim Filby Williams, the city’s Property, Parks and Libraries director, told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Wednesday that many of Duluth’s 120 invested…

Paramedics Sent To Middle School After Students Get Sick From ‘One Chip Challenge’

EDINA, Minn. (FOX 9) – Several students at a middle school in Edina, Minnesota had to be treated by school staff and paramedics Friday after attempting the “One Chip Challenge,” a social media trend in which participants film their reactions after eating an extremely spicy tortilla chip. School officials at South View Middle School called an ambulance after several students complained of…

Essentia Health Holds Community Open House in Superior Today

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–The Essentia Health-Superior Belknap Pharmacy hosted an open house in Superior today. From open to close today over-the-counter products were 20% off. Goodies were onsite along with multiple pharmacists and front-end staff. Pharmacists were there ready to answer any questions and help patients navigate the many pharmacy care options out there. Including MyChart, a mobile way to access health…

High School Students Get Hands-On Healthcare Experience at St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn.–Local high schoolers got a hands-on glimpse of the healthcare field today at the College of St. Scholastica. It wasn’t your normal job fair either. The sophomores experienced real-world scenarios that healthcare professionals face every day. Such as a visual impairment simulator, blood type test, and a CPR station. Organizers tell us it’s all about exposing young people to…

MnDOT Forces Homeless Encampment Along Railroad Street To Leave

DULUTH, Minn. – A homeless encampment of about a half-dozen people along Railroad Street in Duluth was forced to pack up and leave Tuesday at the direction of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The latest development comes exactly two weeks after MnDOT sent crews to the site under 5th Avenue West and I-35 across from Playfront Park to clean up…

Local Fire Departments Provide Parents with Car Seat Safety Clinics

Car seat clinics are held in Duluth, Superior and Cloquet, you can find a clinic close to you by visiting your local fire departments website.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three out of four car seats in America are not properly installed, which could potentially lead to your child not having enough protection in a crash. At a firehall in Duluth on Thursday, St. Luke’s provided parents an opportunity to learn how to properly install a car seat. The safety clinic is something provided every month in a…

Northern Lights Foundation To Host Charitable Children’s Gala

Lifting Local Spirits: Sept. 29 At The DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Lights Foundation, which financially supports Northland families with children suffering life-threatening illnesses, is getting ready to put on its biggest fundraiser of the year. The Children’s Charitable Gala: Lifting Local Spirits is happening Thursday, Sept. 29 at the DECC. There will be a live and silent auction, raffles, social hour, dinner, and a presentation. For…

Essentia Health: Hospitals To Remain Open During Nurse’s Strike

DULUTH, Minn. – With a strike by members of the Minnesota Nurses Association scheduled to start Monday, Essentia Health says their hospitals in Duluth, Superior, and Moose Lake will remain open. In a statement Friday, Essentia says while contract negotiations continue, they have a wide range of contingencies to help them “maintain our high standards of patient care”.  That will include…

Wisconsin Chief Medical Officer Talks Monkeypox Vaccine

WISCONSIN — Earlier this week Wisconsin health officials announced they are going to make the Monkeypox vaccine available to more people. The Monkeypox outbreak was declared a national public health emergency last month. The announcement frees up federal funding to prioritize fighting the virus through vaccines. Wisconsin’s Chief Medical Officer says the criteria for eligibility will be expanded, but they…

Coffee Conversation: St Luke’s Proctor Fitness Center Talks Back-To-School Health

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the St. Luke’s Proctor Fitness Center stopped by the morning show Monday with some students from Proctor High School to talk about and demonstrate healthy back-to-school tips, benefits of exercise and mental health awareness. Part 1: Part 2: Categories: Coffee Conversation, Education, Health, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Decline in Childhood Vaccinations Worries Local Health Officials

DULUTH, Minn. — “We find the decrease in vaccination rates very concerning. Primarily because we’re having kids out there now that are vulnerable,” General Pediatrician at Essentia Health, Dr. Jonathan KenKnight, said. Dr. Jonathan KenKnight says that vaccination rates for younger age groups is slowly declining in the northland. And with the school year is just around the corner, health…

Amberwing Celebrates 10 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – “All of these folks lined up behind me are really the ones who make the magic happen here. I mean it’s a beautiful building, it’s a beautiful safe space, but it’s the people who work here that work with the kids and the families that are really making a difference in peoples lives,” Miller-Dwan Foundation President, Traci…

‘Light Duluth Teal’ Sept. 24 For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance is shining a light on ovarian cancer in the northland next month, as September is national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Several Duluth landmarks will light up in teal Sept. 23 and 24, including the DECC, Radisson Hotel, Enger Tower, Glensheen Mansion and Pier B. Organizers say it’s all part of raising awareness…

Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Talks ‘Light Duluth Teal Gala’ Sept. 24

DULUTH, Minn. – Kristine Greer, board chair of the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, is shining a light on ovarian cancer in the northland next month, as September is national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Several Duluth landmarks will light up in teal Sept. 23 and 24, including the DECC, Radisson Hotel, Enger Tower, Glensheen Mansion and Pier B. Organizers say it’s…

Two Harbor Nurses Picket Outside of the Lake View Hospital

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Healthcare workers and community members took up signs to picket by the Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors to raise awareness of the challenges they face day to day. It was not a strike, but an informational picket. This coming after the Two Harbor nurses, and the Minnesota Nurses Association Union say they started seeing an increase…

Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ To Host Fundraiser Aug. 20 For Woman Battling Breast Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ, Troy Fralich, is helping put on a public benefit for a local woman, Andi Halligan, who is fighting breast cancer. Fralich is donating 100 percent of his food sales to Halligan. The BBQ fundraiser is Sat., Aug. 20 from noon until 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the Harley-Davidson…

Monkeypox Can Spread To Pet Dogs, Doctors Report

NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials are warning people who are infected with monkeypox to stay away from household pets, since the animals could be at risk of catching the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for months has had the advice in place as monkeypox spreads in the U.S. But it gained new attention after a report from France, published…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth’s North Shore Ballroom

DULUTH, Minn. – North Shore Ballroom in Duluth is full of excitement and passion for ballroom dancing. The instructors are all about helping beginners all the way up to the most experienced. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger stopped by the studio for a look inside. Click the video for more on that, and click here to check out the ballroom online….

Local Schools Face Food Service Staff Shortage

DULUTH, Minn. — Schools across the nation are in desperate need of food service workers, including Lowell Elementary School in Duluth. The shortage is not only in the area, but throughout the country and across the state. Duluth public schools Communications Officer, Adelle Wellens, says they do have workers to provide meals. Although, if one person gets sick, they’re short…

Northland Volunteers Needed For ‘Lasagna Love’ Meal Delivery Program

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteer chefs are wanted across the Northland as part of the Lasagna Love meal delivery program. Lasagna Love is a nationwide community impact movement connecting neighbors with neighbors through platters of lasagna. The all-volunteer run program is all about feeding families in need, spreading kindness and strengthening communities. For more on how to volunteer, click here. Categories:…

Duluth Health Clinic Reports High Demand for Abortion Procedures

DULUTH, Minn. — A clinic in Duluth says that they expect to see more out-of-state patients coming in for abortions, one month after federal protections for the procedure were overturned by the supreme court. Just one month ago, Roe v. Wade was overturned. While some states have been affected by the ruling, Minnesota’s abortion rights have remained in place, allowing…

UN Health Agency Chief Declares Monkeypox A Global Emergency

LONDON (AP) — The expanding monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries is an “extraordinary” situation that qualifies as a global emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Saturday, a declaration that could spur further investment in treating the once-rare disease and worsen the scramble for scarce vaccines. A global emergency is WHO’s highest level of alert but the designation does not necessarily…

Help Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank Reach ‘Summer Challenge’

DULUTH, Minn. – The push is on to make the best of a summer challenge for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. From now through the end of July, donations will be matched to ensure additional fresh fruits, veggies, meat, dairy and other hearty foods help families and children thrive this summer. Second Harvest officials says the food shelf is…

Duluth Abortion Clinic Braces For Tide Of Out-Of-Staters

A clinic escort outside WE Health Clinic in Duluth, Minn., awaits the arrival of patients, Thursday, July 7, 2022. The clinic escorts protect patients from protesters as they approach and enter the clinic. (AP Photo/Derek Montgomery) DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Inside northern Minnesota’s only abortion clinic in Duluth, patients from Wisconsin and Texas sit among Minnesotans. They are the leading…

Coffee Conversation: Grandma’s Marathon Excitement, Festival For Kids, Rock The Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn. — Excitement is building for the full and sold-out return of Grandma’s Marathon.  The race’s spokesperson, Zach Schneider, stopped by the morning show Wednesday to talk all about it ahead of the Thursday’s Health and Fitness Expo, Friday’s Spaghetti Dinner and Festival for Kids, and Rock the Bayfront both Friday and Saturday.  For a full list of weekend…