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DULUTH, MINNESOTA
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Howie

Duluth's homegrown columnist. Since 1971.

Pen-and-ink portrait of Howie Hanson

Howie Hanson

Editor & Publisher of HowieHanson.com

What I Cover

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 Background

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 Approach

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.

Contact Me

I welcome story ideas, questions, corrections and tips from readers. Email is the best way to reach me.

Email: GuyHowieHanson@gmail.com

Latest

Monsters sign DL, release WR

The Minnesota Monsters AF1 team reshuffled its roster this week, signing a Division I defensive lineman and releasing a wide receiver. Minnesota signed Shaki

Mountain Lion spotted in Duluth

"As with any wild animal, we want to remind the community that you should exercise caution in their presence and never approach them." -- Duluth Police Department

Prep Hockey Notebook

Hermantown shook off a slow start and scored three unanswered goals in the third period to beat Rock Ridge 3-1 in boys high

Obit: Teresa Niven

The HowieHanson.com publishes obituaries free of charge. For decades, obituary pages have served as a true community record, a place to honor lives, share stories and preserve local history. We are committed to keeping this tradition available to every family. Submit obituaries to: Duluth@aol.com.

Salinas new city finance director

She most recently served as chief administrative officer for the City of San Antonio’s Council District 6, overseeing constituent services, zoning, public works and community outreach. She supported the district’s review of the city’s $4 billion annual budget and worked across multiple departments.

Vikings waive WR Adam Thielen

"I knew this was going to be my last season playing in the National Football League. Given that, the Vikings allowed me the opportunity to go compete elsewhere for the last few weeks of my career." -- Adam Thielen

Obit: Steve Jansson

Steve will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle nature, and the warmth he extended to all. His caring spirit lives on in the deep relationships he built and the countless lives he touched. He will be missed now and always.

Obit: Marlene Mellesmoen

Marlene J. Mellesmoen, age 92, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Doyle A. Tyson,

Obit: Kristine Johnson

Kristine Ann Johnson, age 54, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. Kris was preceded in death by her father,

Obit: Bill Minter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, William “Bill” Minter who left us on

Obit: Thomas Griffin

Tom always said, “We know not the hour nor the day,” but the day finally came for him after a lengthy journey with colon

AF1 November 25 transactions

The Arena Football One league released its November 25 transaction report Tuesday, highlighted by roster moves in Minnesota’s secondary, two league suspensions in

Lutsen, Granite Peak and Snowriver to open Friday

At Lutsen Mountains, skiers will be able to make top-to-bottom runs on Eagle Mountain for the first time during an opening weekend. The high-speed Raptor lift, which reaches the summit in about three minutes, will also begin operations.

Howie: If Walz wins in 2026, this is what the map will look like

The question in 2026 isn’t just “Do you like Tim Walz?” It’s “Can he still make this particular map work one more time?” Right now, the answer is probably yes. But for the first time in his governorship, that “probably” comes with a real map of places where he can lose this thing.