Howie: Duluth’s 2027 budget will be defined by choices, not excuses
Duluth’s Local Government Aid has increased overall, not decreased. From 2016 to 2026, it rose by about $6.07 million, or roughly 20.7%. The sharpest jump was from 2023 to 2024.
Tim Meyer: Return to the moon? I have a lot of questions.
Meyer is a Duluth architect and community builder. Reach him at tim.meyer@meyergroupduluth.com I grew up in the 1970's glued to a television set, watching every Apollo mission. Nearly 60 years later, the achievements of the Apollo program remain astonishing — perhaps even more so now, as
Howie: In St. Louis County, project labor agreements are the practical choice
St. Louis County has deep roots in organized labor, from mining to construction. PLAs reinforce a system that prioritizes training, safety and accountability — ensuring that public investments support a workforce prepared to deliver complex projects under challenging conditions.
Howie: New PAL boxing club builds discipline, trust in Duluth
“I was raised in Duluth. This community made me who I am. Now I get to give back — not just as a police officer, but here with these kids.” -- St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL) Boxing Club Coach Amy Lemenager, a Duluth police officer and professional boxer.
Gustafson hired as Economic and Community Development Director
"Brad has tremendous enthusiasm and passion for economic and community development, and I am excited to see all that he will accomplish in this new role." -- St. Louis County Administrator Kevin Gray
Howie: Duluth future runs through healthcare
How do you replace lost industrial base? How do you stabilize tax revenue? How do you bring consistent, year-round activity back into a hollowing downtown? Rochester, Cleveland and Pittsburgh leaned into medicine and were successful.
Tim Meyer: Duluth’s housing problem isn’t a mystery — it’s a choice
The lesson is not that every project will succeed. It is that progress requires participation — from developers, from institutions and from city leadership willing to remove obstacles rather than manage decline.
Howie: Indoor Football League Notebook
Howie is editor & publisher of 50-Yard Football The Indoor Football League, founded in 2009, enters its 18th consecutive season in 2026 as the longest continuously operating indoor football league in the United States and the sport’s de facto major league. With 14 teams across eight top-50
Howie: Davis an ultra-elite Minnesota Monsters player to watch
“I want to be the greatest D lineman to play arena football. So that's why I'm still out here crafting and getting better every day because that's my goal, to be the best ever.” -- AF1 veteran defensive end Claude Davis
Howie: IFL Notebook
Arizona makes its season debut behind quarterback Max Meylor, the league’s reigning MVP. The offense includes receivers Arland Bruce, Isaiah Huston and Corey Reed Jr., with Ron Brown Jr. at running back.
Howie: The 10 most important people in arena football right now
If arena football stabilizes, history will trace it back to whether Jerry Kurz succeeds. Kurz understands the league’s past because he lived it. His challenge is preventing nostalgia from becoming policy. Expansion discipline, ownership vetting and media credibility all run through his office.
Howie: 95 years later, maurices proves staying power still matters in American retail
“Very few companies are fortunate enough to reach this moment. That we are approaching our 100th year is not an accident — it’s the result of talented people, shared values, and a commitment to building something that lasts.” -- George Goldfarb, CEO and Chairman of maurices
AF1 renews with broadcast partner
“We’re proud to continue building on our relationship with VICE TV, which is rooted in strong collaboration and a shared vision for delivering high-quality arena football to fans nationwide.” -- Jerry Kurz, AF1 Chief Executive Officer
