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
Alvin “Goozie” Hines — a 265-pound blue-collar bruiser with a heart as big as his fists — is living the professional sports dream, chasing UFC glory while staying loyal to his Northland roots.
DULUTH — Well, here we are again. A bunch of local toughs in shoulder pads are turning this iron-and-water town into a summer
Extend Ham for two more years. Let him keep blocking, keep mentoring, keep representing everything you claim to value as an organization — hard work, humility, community.
His opponent tried to tag Mayor Roger Reinert with that clever little campaign jab last fall — “Risky Roger.” Like slapping a caution sticker on
“Sure hope these Canadians don’t mess up my power bill.” But right behind him, a buddy shot back, “Aw c’mon, Jim. You’ve been bellyachin’ since they replaced your wood stove with a meter. Minnesota Power’s never let us down yet.”
According to the settlement agreement, Minnesota Power customers would see a one-year base rate freeze and a reduction in the utility’s authorized Return on Equity from 9.78% to 9.65% following the transaction close, moves intended to deliver direct savings on bills.
So buckle up, Minnesota. Stock the fridge. Keep the jumper cables handy. And get ready to add one more page to our scrapbook of heartbreak. Because odds are, by next January we’ll be saying the same old line we’ve polished to perfection: “Hey, at least it’s almost Twins season.”
“Essentia often speaks about their values — Quality, Hospitality, Respect, Joy, Justice, Stewardship, and Teamwork — and how they live those values each day. Unfortunately, that has not been reflected in their treatment of advanced practice providers.” -- Nurse Practitioner Vicky Brady
By HOWIE HANSON DULUTH — Todd Fedora was just making his way back to the office Tuesday afternoon when he found himself in the kind
Each summer, USA Hockey uses the World Junior Summer Showcase to help shape its roster for the IIHF World Junior Championship. The event also offers players a final opportunity to impress before final selections.
By Dana Kazel Beginning Monday, July 14, the Third Street Parking Ramp, which connects by skywalk to the rear of the St. Louis County
It’s a heck of a look for Essentia, a system that prides itself on community stewardship yet has poured millions into temporary travel nurses to keep hospital beds staffed while turning around and padlocking places like the Solvay Hospice House.
City officials are also urging patience throughout the festival, with tens of thousands of visitors expected to flood into Canal Park and downtown Duluth. Significant traffic congestion is anticipated, and drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or consider walking and biking when possible.
The PACE initiative reflects LSC’s mission to offer accessible, high-quality education that meets the needs of students across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.
If I were running a local news outfit, I’d drop print tomorrow. I’d shove every last nickel into being the most relentless, indispensable, hyper-local digital news shop this side of the Mississippi. I’d break stories first, tell them sharper, dig harder than any neighboring outlet.
Unlike many small papers hollowed out by budget cuts or distant ownership, the Pine Knot’s modest downtown office remains a lively hub. Readers drop by to pay subscriptions, slip engagement announcements over the counter, or tip off staff to the next big council fight.
"So yeah — I’ll stick with my stubborn verdict: only Kleber looks like a clear top-six NHLer in waiting. The rest are chasing it, and there’s no shame in that." -- Howie Hanson
Truth is, nobody does this kind of whimsical civic experience quite like the DECC. Remember their other big swings? The glitzy Bentleyville Christmas village that practically owns our lakefront each winter. The rollicking Oktoberfest.
Information on what materials can be disposed of at this location, and what needs to be separated, can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov or by calling 218-749-9703.
Essentia’s playing lawyer ball with the National Labor Relations Board’s Health Care Rule, which basically says: hospitals and clinics shouldn’t be smashed into one bargaining zoo because, you know, patients need care.
It’s a combination of location, hospitality, amenities and smart pricing that makes the Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown the first place locals recommend when friends, family, or out-of-town clients ask where they should book.
“I am so appreciative of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the energy and strategic advocacy the member organizations provide, and have deep respect for Matt and the Chamber leadership team.” -- Kevin Gray, St. Louis County’s top administrator
The events are truly a Duluth-style night out. Where else can you watch the sun set over Lake Superior, see the Lift Bridge rise, and hear great music from the deck of a 1930s freighter?
Mayor Roger Reinert has wisely steered Duluth back toward local control of its marketing by restoring Visit Duluth’s contract. Now there’s a chance to finish the job: to keep more of that marketing spend right here.
Eggs’ sudden death sent shock waves through the community. A promising young coach, a loyal friend, a local legend — gone in an instant.
Ranked No. 2 overall by ASGR and the top point guard by ESPN for 2028, Johnson combines court vision and a smooth shooting stroke. Her early varsity success has already positioned her as one of the Midwest’s most closely followed recruits.
The St. Paul Saints rolled into town with Jack Morris and Darryl Strawberry in tow. Morris, a stallion of a right-hander from St. Paul, had already won 254 big-league games, earned five All-Star nods, and delivered that 10-inning shutout in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series for the Twins.
The Vikings open with rookies reporting July 20, veterans following on July 22, and practices heating up shortly after. A pair of joint sessions with the Patriots and three preseason games in August will accelerate evaluations ahead of final roster cuts.
By HOWIE HANSON Editor & Publisher WRENSHALL, Minn. — A decade after Jason Amundsen planted his first honeyberry bushes on a quiet patch of Carlton
No visit is complete without heading up to historic Enger Tower. Built in 1939 and perched high above the city, the tower offers the finest panoramic view of Duluth, the harbor and the endless blue of Lake Superior.
My professional approach has been defined by two core principles I learned from Sid: outwork everyone and never betray a source. Like him, I’ve devoted countless hours to building relationships — with coaches, athletes, parents and administrators.
Pionk and Samberg openly extoll the virtues of living a few hours north of home. In straight-line distance, Winnipeg sits roughly 300 miles from Hermantown — an easy half-day drive that keeps family ties intact.
