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
Late Thursday, after more than 48 hours of marathon bargaining, union leaders emerged with a tentative deal with Essentia. The contract includes a 9.75% wage increase phased over three years, and a one-year freeze on current staffing levels, preventing Essentia from implementing further reductions.
For now, relief at St. Luke’s offers a temporary reprieve — but the spotlight shifts squarely to Essentia, where both sides face critical days ahead that could shape the landscape of local healthcare for years to come.
“Craig really understands how to make people feel valued. It’s a big reason the whole course feels so positive right now. From check-in to the 18th green, you can tell the operation is built around strong leadership and taking care of people.” -- A longtime Enger Park golfer
Baggs' Saints won a boatload of games in the six years I covered them, from 2000 to 2005. He coached his players on handling the media, giving good sound bites and putting the baseball program in the best light.
By HOWIE HANSON Editor & Publisher DULUTH, Minn. — If there was ever a moment to lean into Duluth’s momentum as a regional youth
St. Louis County highlights impacts of federal budget bill As the U.S. House of Representatives now considers a major federal reconciliation bill, St.
From small-town Minnesota roots in places like Hibbing, Hermantown and Duluth to the top tier of professional hockey, these Bulldogs are not only carving out careers but continuing to carry the legacy of UMD’s championship pedigree into locker rooms across the league.
If the Harbor Monsters lift another trophy come this fall, it’ll belong to Duluth as much as the players in uniform — a testament to what’s possible when a city dares to dream together.
The weekly series is presented by Minnesota Power and Downtown Duluth, with a roster of community sponsors helping bring different local acts to the plaza stage throughout the summer.
The designation follows legislation approved by the Minnesota House and Senate in May 2024, honoring the late Tomassoni, who spent nearly 30 years representing the Range and northeastern Minnesota at the Capitol.
4th District Duluth City Councilor Swenson is a mom and highly-respected community leader, and knows firsthand how essential it is for families to have safe, reliable childcare options. She understands that this is a small but important step in addressing a much larger challenge.
By HOWIE HANSON Editor & Publisher DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland is gearing up for a spectacular Fourth of July stretch, with picture-perfect summer
By HOWIE HANSON Let’s talk blunt truths about the Minnesota Vikings. This team — entering 2025 on the fragile hopes pinned to an untested
APPs at Essentia Health plan historic ULP strike DULUTH, Minn. — In a first for Minnesota, more than 400 Advanced Practice Providers across Essentia Health’
Steps from the Aerial Lift Bridge and Lake Superior’s bustling shipping canal, Grandma’s sits squarely in one of Minnesota’s busiest tourism zones. For many travelers, it’s the first stop off the highway and the final memory before heading home.
“Her incredible passion made a positive impact on so many students. Patty has set the bar high.” -- Nick Alworth on Patty Salo Downs, who is retiring on Monday
If you’re a sports fan in the Twin Ports, your Saturday mornings likely start with coffee and The Fan 106.5 FM. That’
Harbor Monsters home tonight DULUTH — The Duluth Harbor Monsters professional Arena League indoor football team will host the Iowa Woo at 7 p.m.
Thanks to visionaries like Lois and Jeno Paulucci, Mickey Paulucci, Andy Borg and Scott Keenan, Duluth has a summer stage that many cities our size can only envy. It’s up to us to fill it, to support it, to keep inviting the world in.
Both sides might commit to what we could call a “patients first compact” — a written, public agreement spelling out mutual responsibilities to keep patient care from becoming a bargaining chip.
Larson’s return to frontline service signals a continuation of her public mission. As the nonprofit sector increasingly takes on responsibilities once handled by local governments, her crossover experience may prove vital.
“Northern News Now is committed to enhancing the viewing experience for our audience. By bringing North Star Sports and Entertainment into the MY9 Sports lineup, we’re expanding our reach and giving viewers more of what they love - quality, entertaining sports programming.” -- Todd Wentworth
With strategic growth and bold imagination, the DECC and Bayfront could become the heartbeat of a city redefining itself—not just as a gritty port town, but as a premier northern destination for arts, entertainment and innovation.
Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey doesn’t just fill seats — it fills a city with purpose each winter. As the puck drops on the
The NBA made it official this week: Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are now the controlling owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’
“We are proud of the accomplishments achieved by our participants so far this year. For many, this marks the culmination of months of hard work and the overcoming of significant obstacles." -- Elena Foshay, director of Duluth Workforce Development
Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar has once again been recognized among the world’s best restaurants for wine by Wine Spectator magazine,
Essentia Health nurses, represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association, met with hospital representatives on Tuesday during the final scheduled bargaining session before their contract
The World's Largest Rubber Duck joins a flotilla of maritime Tall Ships from the golden age of sailing available for onboard tours, USA Diving's Superior High Dive Challenge seventy feet above the Duluth Harbor, and more.
A mayoral proclamation is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 1 at the USS Duluth Anchor on the Lakewalk. Mayor Roger Reinert is expected to honor the Navy’s contributions to Duluth and the region.
“In over two decades of nursing, I’ve never witnessed a crisis like this. Patients are arriving sicker than ever, but instead of increasing support, hospital leaders have gutted the frontlines. It’s dangerous.” -- Larissa Hubbartt, an RN at Aspirus St. Luke’s
Incoming forward Daniel Shlaine arrives with elite credentials after excelling at Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep and the USHL's Lincoln Stars. The 6-foot, 185-pound lefty from Russia is an elite playmaker with slick puck-handling skills and a quick release.
