Duluth's homegrown columnist. Since 1971.
Editor & Publisher of HowieHanson.com
I write about power, business, sports and civic life in Duluth and across Minnesota. My columns examine the people making decisions, the organizations behind those decisions and what their choices mean for the communities they serve.
My journalism career began in 1971 at the Cloquet Pine Knot. More than five decades later, I'm still reporting and writing from Duluth. I publish HowieHanson.com, an independent site built around original columns, local reporting and Minnesota sports coverage.
My work combines reporting, analysis and commentary. I believe in checking facts, asking direct questions and giving readers enough information to make up their own minds. My reporting and opinions are mine, and I stand behind the words I publish.
I welcome story ideas, questions, corrections and tips from readers. Email is the best way to reach me.
Email: GuyHowieHanson@gmail.com
AF1 is a professional arena football league, the circuit of the Minnesota Monsters, focused on high-scoring gameplay and fan accessibility. Games are streamed live each weekend on the league’s official website, with additional content available across its social media platforms.
Hermantown continues to grow. Whether it chooses to define a physical center or not, its role within the larger metropolitan area will continue to evolve.
In March 2026, the newly redesigned FOX21Online.com saw nearly 100 percent growth in web traffic compared to March 2025. That number is the kind that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens with volume, speed and a willingness to treat digital not as a side product, but as the front door.
After 50 years, the only thing that still matters is whether the work connects. And the best way to make sure it does is to listen — even now. Especially now.
Howie's daily column is sponsored by Lyric Kitchen Bar. eMail Howie There’s a quiet kind of panic that doesn’t show
District officials said they attempted to keep reductions away from classrooms when possible, instead targeting administrative roles, support services and programs with declining enrollment.
Howie's daily column is sponsored by Lyric Kitchen Bar. University of Minnesota Duluth honored six players with its 2025-26 men’s
Inside the camp, conductor Rafael Schächter secretly assembled choirs, staging performances with limited resources and even a single smuggled score. These were not just artistic exercises — but acts of resistance, a way for prisoners to assert identity and dignity in a system designed to erase both.
By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Board met in Hermantown on Tuesday, approving resolutions on a range of topics. Here is a recap
“Since Xavier started with us as a production assistant, it was evident he cared about the community, good reporting and serving viewers. I’m excited for this opportunity for him, and I know his family is very proud.” -- Fox 21 News Director Matt McConico
BEAUMONT, Texas — Joshua Kulka threw six touchdown passes and the Albany Firebirds overwhelmed the Beaumont Renegades in an Arena Football One matchup Saturday afternoon.
Minnesota operated a network of state hospitals designed to house and treat people with severe mental illness and developmental disabilities. These were not short-term interventions. They were places where people lived, received care and — in many cases — remained for years.
Arena football doesn’t have the luxury of history carrying it. It has to build trust in real time. It has to convince viewers that what they’re watching matters, that the people involved care, that the whole thing isn’t just temporary noise.
Based on preliminary information, investigators believe the people involved were targeting each other.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Arena Football One reported significant growth in digital engagement following the opening week of its 2026 season, according to league data released
A group that could have fragmented chose to remain intact, and that continuity alters expectations in a meaningful way. Teams that stay together tend to become harder to play against, not just because of talent, but because of familiarity and shared understanding.
“At Allete, our success is driven by the diverse talents and perspectives of our people and by living our values. Inclusion shapes our leadership, our decisions and our future.” -- Bethany Owen, Allete chair, president and chief executive officer
Public comment suggested more work is needed to review two areas: rules regarding storage of six or more inoperable vehicles, as well as classification of data centers.
I think we can expand on the already great Lester River Rendezvous as our own contribution to Duluth’s unique neighborhoods and provide another special weekend for those visiting Duluth.
Albany wide receiver Duane Brown emerged as the league’s top scoring threat in Week 1, finishing with two touchdown receptions and a league-high 12 points.
By Howie Hanson Defending champion Albany opened its 2026 Arena Football One season by overwhelming the Minnesota Monsters 50-23 on Saturday night, using
Albany quarterback Josh Kulka was named Arena Football One Player of the Week after throwing five touchdown passes in a 50-23 win over
Plante said he plans to return to Minnesota Duluth next season, with the opportunity to play alongside his brothers, Zam and incoming freshman Victor.
The structure of the opening weekend leaves little room for gradual buildup. For Albany, it is a chance to reaffirm its position. For Minnesota and the rest of the field, it is an early test of whether preseason projections hold or begin to shift.
Tom Pohlad has continued to express a commitment to winning, but the roster construction has yet to reflect that urgency. The absence of a clear replacement for Pablo Lopez, combined with instability at shortstop and in the bullpen, suggests a team operating below the standard required to contend.
“We’re going to bring joy to people and we’re going to do it through football. Football’s our tool. Football’s our vehicle.” -- Minnesota Monsters general manager Meadow Lemon
Castronova’s signing validates the league as a legitimate proving ground. Producing talent that advances to the UFL strengthens AF1’s credibility. At the same time, it underscores the league’s challenge: retaining elite players long enough to build recognizable stars.
"It’s a special day when we are able to recognize individuals and organizations that make up the fabric of the public health system." -- Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division Director
Benedictine Living Community-Duluth provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite care, adult day services, home health, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
Duluth’s Local Government Aid has increased overall, not decreased. From 2016 to 2026, it rose by about $6.07 million, or roughly 20.7%. The sharpest jump was from 2023 to 2024.
