Opinion
Howie: This isn’t a scam. It’s just a smart utility deal.
This isn’t a hostile takeover or a backdoor privatization scheme. This is a well-structured financial agreement that delivers capital, safeguards ratepayers, and pushes the utility deeper into the renewable energy era without turning it into a monopoly Frankenstein.
Howie: Duluth's billion-dollar hospitals — and the neighborhoods left behind
Duluth’s health care transformation didn’t come free. It was paid for with public subsidies, neighborhood sacrifice, and long-term tax invisibility. The systems at the center of it all proudly proclaim their commitment to the community — even as the community quietly disappears around them.
Howie: So how’s ‘Risky Roger’ doing? It turns out, no risk. It's just good old-fashioned Duluth leadership
His opponent tried to tag Mayor Roger Reinert with that clever little campaign jab last fall — “Risky Roger.” Like slapping a caution sticker on a snow blower: handle with care, might chew your hand off. But turns out the only real risk was if we hadn’t elected him. Because
Essentia strike deepens: Patients caught as union, hospital dig in
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.
Howie on Local Media: Pine Knot News racks up statewide honors, KBJR the gold standard in regional television news
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.
Howie: Look at this political football, folks
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.
Ask the Locals: Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown is our region’s premier place to stay and dine
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.
Duluth’s story deserves local storytellers — and local investment
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.
Opinion: Duluth should fast-track sports dome, new Fryberger Arena to boost local economy and youth opportunities
By HOWIE HANSON Editor & Publisher DULUTH, Minn. — If there was ever a moment to lean into Duluth’s momentum as a regional youth sports capital, it’s now. The City of Duluth — under the proven, forward-thinking leadership of Mayor Roger Reinert — should immediately begin plans to finally build our
Dan Hartman’s bold vision reinvigorates DECC
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.
Quote Me, Howie: Fred Friedman Hamas attack 'immoral and shameful beyond words'
Fred Friedman on the Hamas attack on Israel – "This is the worst time since 9/11. The despicable Hamas terrorist attack on innocent Israelis and tourists from all over requires difficult and complicated decisions for Israel. If they do little, the terrorists will regard them as weak and attack
Convert St. Mary's Medical Center into senior housing
Why isn't the former St. Mary's Medical Center being easily and affordably converted into affordable senior housing units? Needed plumbing and electrical conversion costs would be minimal, compared to new construction to help to meet this growing need in our community. Remember are few years back