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Howie: Essentia Health is the power behind northern Minnesota’s health care
Essentia’s strength in Duluth lies in its scale, integration and specialty depth. Without that concentration, northern Minnesota would export far more complex care to the metro. The region would lose physicians, revenue and economic stability. Its vulnerability lies in the same concentration.
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Before Duluth raises 2027 taxes, Reinert must account for recurring $4.5 million savings
Is the $4.5 million retiree health care savings included in the projected deficit? How much is being redirected to the West Duluth maintenance facility? Is that commitment legally binding or discretionary? And why should that money not be considered before Duluth asks property owners to pay more?
How Duluth Works: Community Action Duluth marks six decades of work addressing poverty
Community Action Duluth's current work includes free tax preparation, food access, employment training, financial coaching and assistance with public benefit programs.
Pat Francisco turned a Saturday morning idea into a Duluth landmark
Francisco's greatest investment may have been in the future of his own community. The finest evidence of that investment is not found in an old hockey record book, a client portfolio or a Hall of Fame plaque. It can be heard inside the Heritage Sports Center on a winter afternoon.
These Bulldogs have championship talent. They have not earned the comparison yet.
UMD is closer to the championship standard than it has been in years. It possesses the scoring, experience, coaching and roster depth required to win nationally. The 2026-27 team has earned the right to be measured against UMD’s champions. It has not earned the right to stand beside them.
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Pat Francisco turned a Saturday morning idea into a Duluth landmark
0:00 /1:44 1× Good evening. I’m Howie Hanson, and this is The Howie Report for Monday, August 31. The Duluth Heritage Sports Center began with a Saturday morning telephone call—and Pat Francisco’s immediate willingness to act. Peterson Arena had been destroyed by fire in 2004,
Hermantown Sports This Week
Hermantown’s varsity teams enter the first week of September with early season tests against familiar opponents. The busiest schedule belongs to the boys soccer team, which opened with victories over Holy Family, 3-1, and Mesabi East, 4-1. The Hawks host Duluth Marshall at 6:30 p.m.
The Howie Report, Sunday second edition
The Steve Anderson Legacy Scramble, Imagine Downtown, Hermantown girls soccer and Duluth weather in two minutes.