Howie Hanson

The Hermantown Six: Ty Hanson is UMD’s blueline engine

Hanson is a No. 1 college defenseman entering his prime, and UMD’s championship ceiling will be tied directly to how completely he controls the back end.

Howie's Top 5 prep boys basketball players to watch next season

Six decades later, DECC Arena remains Duluth’s classic stage

The Arena continues to work because it has never depended on being the newest or largest venue. Its appeal is rooted in permanence: the steep rows, the compact concert setting, the proximity to the lake and the accumulated memories of everyone who has passed through its doors.

Defending champion Albany outguns Minnesota in AF1 semifinal

Monsters finish 9-5 after winning seven of their final nine games.

Howie on Vikings Training Camp: Murray leans on repetition, experience in quarterback competition

Murray’s arrival gives the Vikings a legitimate alternative to McCarthy and gives O’Connell flexibility he did not have when injuries repeatedly forced changes at the position last season. It also gives Murray a fresh opportunity after seven years in Arizona.

Funding for Scandia Cemetery shoreline restoration clears important hurdle

By DANA KAZEL St. Louis County's request for funding to stabilize the eroding shoreline of the privately-owned Scandia Cemetery, has cleared

Howie on Vikings Training Camp: Flores begins reshaping Vikings defense around Adams, Turner

Flores said Minnesota has assembled a productive mix of rookies, developing players and established veterans, creating legitimate battles at several positions.

Howie on Vikings Training Camp: O’Connell outlines Murray-McCarthy competition

“You don’t have to watch his tape very long to feel that play extension and the ability to not only steal some first downs with his legs, but he can go get a lot more than that.” -- Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on projected QB1 Kyler Murray

Howie: Reinert must answer Duluth’s $4.5 million budget question

The City of Duluth administration cannot warn taxpayers about a projected $5.5 million deficit while refusing to explain a recurring $4.5 million funding stream redirected from general operations. The account now has nearly $9 million.

Monsters face Albany in AF1 semifinal Saturday afternoon in NY

Minnesota must limit QB1 Ja’Vonte Johnson’s turnovers and create points through defense or special teams. Albany must protect its quarterback, prevent explosive returns and force the Monsters to sustain drives.

Henry throws seven TD passes as Arsenal rout Barrels 70-36 in AF1 playoffs

Duluth’s 2027 mayoral election will test the DFL’s progressive turn

The 2027 election will not finally be decided by whether Duluth wants a progressive or a centrist. It will be decided by which candidate can make voters believe that City Hall is working for them.

Chloe Johnson’s national profile grows with elite summer invitations

Johnson has spent much of the summer competing for All Iowa Attack’s 17U team, regularly playing against athletes two and three years older. At the Nike Tournament of Champions West from July 10-13 in Las Vegas, Johnson averaged 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists over six games.

Tim Meyer: Lester Park Golf Course Redevelopment Observations

Tim Meyer is a Duluth architect and community builder. Reach him at tim.meyer@meyergroupduluth.com Observations from this week's discussions on

Hockey Notebook

Bulldogs land hard-nosed Flyers prospect

Wendy Durrwachter has become the council’s independent conscience

Wendy Durrwachter understands what it means to work for a living, raise children under financial pressure and confront people with more institutional power than

Wendy Durrwachter has become the council’s independent conscience

Durrwachter understands what it means to work for a living, raise children under financial pressure and confront people with more institutional power than she possesses. She does not appear to regard City Hall as a private club.

An invitation to support independent Duluth journalism

HowieHanson.com has always been built around a simple promise: Give local readers independent local journalism they can trust, and never allow money, politics

Duluth schools have not earned another tax referendum

Duluth taxpayers are not prepared to approve another vague promise that new money will stabilize a system the district admits will remain financially unstable.

Vikings can settle quarterback in camp

Hermantown hockey teams set for three-day summer scrimmage series

The Hermantown Hawks boys hockey team will return to the ice this weekend for three days of summer scrimmages against several of Minnesota’s

Duluth should not raise the 2027 levy. The money is already there.

Before City Hall asks property owners for another increase, it must account for the recurring $4.5 million created by its retiree health care breakthrough.

Duluth should not fear its voters on Lester Park

Medved gave Gophers basketball a pulse. Now he needs more talent

Brett Larson has earned college hockey's biggest job

Gophers got this one right: Brett Larson has earned college hockey’s biggest job

Gophers got this one right: Brett Larson has earned college hockey’s biggest job

Subscribe to HowieHanson.com (and the daily enewsletter)

I launched a charter subscription campaign today for the http://www.HowieHanson.com. Thanks for your consideration. Here's my column from today:

UMD men’s hockey attendance slips despite turnaround; women remain fourth nationally

The attendance results leave UMD with two different challenges entering 2026-27. The men must convert renewed national relevance into stronger ticket demand, while the women must build upon a modest per-game increase and find ways to attract larger crowds.

Harvey Solon gave Duluth a ringside seat to wrestling history

Duluth East announces five-member Hall of Fame Class of 2026

St. Louis County Public Health shares air quality reminders and resources

"It's important for people to recognize that we could be dealing with air quality impacts for a long time to come. These impacts could likely vary from day to day, and even hour by hour; and may also vary depending based on location across our large county." -- Amy Westbrook