Focus On Health

Smoking Forum Held in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-The American Lung Association held it Kick Butts event today, which focused on how young minorities are targeted using menthol tobacco products. Data was also shared from the Menthol Cigarette Intervention…

Walker Optimistic for "Meaningful Reforms" to Medicaid

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Governor Scott Walker says he is optimistic that President Donald Trump's administration will be able to make "meaningful reforms" to the Medicaid program, even as other Republican governors oppose a proposal that would drastically cut payments…

Local Experts give Gardening Tips to Northlanders

FLOODWOOD, Minn. - The official start of Spring is just days away and many folks around the Northland are getting anxious to start gardening. This morning Bob Olen, Horticulturalist and Educator…

Bill lets Minnesotans choose what health insurance covers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A House bill moving through committee would allow Minnesotans to choose what conditions their health insurance covers. The author, Republican Rep. Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa, says the bill would cut costs by giving people the…

High School Students Get First-Hand Look at Medical Jobs

SUPERIOR, Wis. -- A technical college in Superior is hoping to inspire high school students to get a job in the medical field. High school students from all around northern Wisconsin visit…

Walker Plans Talk with Other Governors on New Health Bill

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he plans to talk with other Republican governors and the White House about possible changes to the GOP health care overhaul bill in Congress. Walker said Tuesday the call with governors…

Wisconsin Leads Nation in Interlock Driving Stops Last Year

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A new report says Wisconsin led the country last year in drunken drivers blocked from starting vehicles by an ignition interlock. Mothers Against Drunk Driving released a report Tuesday that found interlock devices stopped 37,299 people…

Wisconsin Legislators Introduce Family Medical Leave Insurance Act

MADISON, Wis. - State Senator Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) and Representative Sondy Pope (D-Cross Plains) have introduced the Family Medical Leave Insurance Act (FMLIA). This Act creates a Family Medical Leave Insurance program which is completely paid for by employees. Under…

House aims to stem health rate hikes, stabilize market

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Republicans are preparing to plow more than $300 million into a new state program meant to reduce health insurance premiums next year. Minnesota has grappled with some of the largest rate increases in the…

Mayo Clinic Kicks Off $217M, 5-Year Hospital Expansion

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) - Mayo Clinic is kicking off a five-year, $217 million expansion of its Saint Marys Hospital campus in Rochester. Mayo officials announced the plan last week. The proposal includes adding three floors to the Generose Building, moving…

6 Madison Schools Test Positive for Lead in Drinking Water

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Madison School District officials say drinking fountains at six schools have leads levels higher than the national standard. District facilities manager Chad Wiese tells the Wisconsin State Journal the district tested drinking fountains at East High…