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
The Minnesota Star Tribune has made one of its most impressive sports journalism hires in recent memory, bringing award-winning NBA reporter Sarah Todd
DULUTH — A new Holiday Market featuring regional artists, craftspeople, food producers and small businesses will open Nov. 19 at the Holiday Center in downtown
Homeowners are absorbing insurance increases, utility bills, groceries and taxes from multiple jurisdictions. Retirees must consider whether their income can support the accumulating cost of remaining in their homes. Parents supporting schools are also paying for the children attending them.
A family worried about rent, groceries, child care or the next utility bill deserves a realistic account of what a governor can accomplish. State government has meaningful authority over some costs and limited influence over others. Candidates should be precise about the difference.
A high school football game should be one of the easiest promises a community keeps to its children: Show up, cheer for your classmates
By Dana Kazel St. Louis County has hired Jensina Rosen to lead the Home and Community Based Services Division of its Public Health and
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves have made their most significant personnel decisions of the final preseason weekend, releasing five players Saturday and moving closer to
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Kirill Kaprizov is expected to return to the Minnesota Wild lineup Sunday evening against the Columbus Blue Jackets, providing an important
“He'll give you a good, honest answer and he'll give you an answer right from the heart of a player's position. He can talk the game, he knows the game as well as anybody in the planet. I like that knowledge. It lends a lot to our broadcast.” -- Wally Shaver on his color commentator, Pat Micheletti
Ty Hanson and Hunter Anderson score twice apiece, Plante brothers combine for six points as Minnesota Duluth delivers its most lopsided victory over Minnesota in more than four decades.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have won five of their first eight games, possess two of the NHL's most productive offensive
Organization provides free civil legal assistance across 33 northern Minnesota counties.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Matt Boldy scored three goals and added an assist Thursday night as the Minnesota Wild defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves will conclude their six-game preseason schedule Friday night at Chicago without Ayo Dosunmu, while coach Chris Finch gets one
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have reached their bye week with a 5-0 record, first place in the NFC North and one of
"At times we think we're the Harlem Globetrotters out there and I don't think that that's going to fly." -- UMD men's hockey coach Scott Sandelin
Hibbing, Aitkin, Bemidji and other northern Minnesota communities among 50 recipients
DULUTH — Duluth police are searching for two suspects accused of stealing firearms and other property during a residential burglary Wednesday afternoon in West Duluth.
In fiscal 2025, General Fund expenditures exceeded the final revised budget by approximately $15.27 million. The district's fund balance declined about $11.53 million, roughly $8.75 million more than projected. Those are extraordinary differences between financial expectations and actual results.
Across the country, declining enrollment and mounting financial pressures are forcing school districts to reconsider their futures. But the price of closing a neighborhood school cannot be measured in dollars alone.
Monticello takes down No. 1 Elk River; Blaine, Rosemount and Luverne deliver major upsets in regular-season finale
By Howie Hanson EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have reached their first bye week undefeated, leading the NFC North at 5-0 behind a defense
By Howie Hanson ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild return home Thursday night against the St. Louis Blues with one of the NHL'
By Howie Hanson MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves scored 38 first-quarter points Wednesday night, then watched their offense unravel in a 128-106 preseason
Minneapolis and St. Paul face a financial reckoning as commercial property values decline, operating expenses rise and taxpayers confront another round of substantial property tax increases.
A strong photography department also strengthens written reporting. Photographers frequently discover sources, notice details reporters miss and gain access to scenes where formal interviews would be disruptive.
For the Duluth HRA, the significance may be broader. It demonstrates how an established public housing organization can use its resources and expertise to help shape the city's next generation of residential development. That's worth celebrating, with or without a ceremonial shovel.
Quinn Hughes extended his season-opening point streak to seven games and has 10 points, including eight assists. He has recorded at least one assist in every game this season.
The organizations said their combined workforce would have access to expanded career paths, educational opportunities and academic partnerships, with additional investment planned in digital health and data analytics.