Howie: Monsters pep rally today
“Brianna and I are building a strong franchise for Duluth. We have a vision and lofty goals.” -- Minnesota Monsters owner Jacob Lambert
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Duluth Marshall opens against Sauk Centre in state opener
The Hilltoppers, led by super-sophomore Chloe Johnson (31.3 points per game), enters the tournament as one of the favorites in the eight-team bracket and could meet No. 3 seed New London-Spicer or No. 6 Minnehaha Academy in the semifinals if both teams advance.
Tim Meyer: Botched QB decision cost the Vikings 2025. Will it cost them two seasons?
The Vikings could add another veteran quarterback, draft another young passer and force McCarthy to earn his way back into the starting job. Competition is the reality of the NFL, where roster spots — and careers — are constantly on the line.
Howie: In St. Paul, regions that show up together get heard
Under the leadership of Chamber President Matt Baumgartner, Duluth and St. Louis County Days has become a respected presence at the Capitol. Legislators expect it. Policymakers notice it. And participants leave knowing their region’s voice has been heard.
Northland Live, Friday, March 6
Quick news and notes from across Duluth and the Northland, updated throughout the day.
Howie: Duluth gets another shot at pro football, starting Tuesday
The Minnesota Monsters have made their move by stepping into a stronger league and bringing the team into Amsoil. Tuesday afternoon is the community’s opportunity to meet the players, see the vision for the franchise and decide whether Duluth intends to build something lasting around it.
Howie: Bulldogs host St. Cloud State in NCHC quarterfinal series this weekend
UMD has not advanced beyond the quarterfinal round since the 2021-22 season, when it won the NCHC Frozen Faceoff. Since then, the Bulldogs are 2-5 in the quarterfinals, losing series to St. Cloud State in 2022-23, Denver in 2023-24 and Arizona State in 2024-25.
Howie: The northland’s next economy might be starting in Hermantown
“As with any large customer, Google will cover the costs associated with the necessary energy infrastructure to meet its energy needs. The agreement enhances grid reliability and protects other customers,” Minnesota Power Chief Operating Officer Josh Skelton said.
Howie: Johnson, Brown post career playoff numbers
Johnson is one of the nation's top prospects in the Class of 2028, and Brown is a rising star who will draw a lot of attention from college scouts next summer.
Howie: Duluth moved $695,000 in tourism decisions out of City Hall. Now the public deserves to see the scorecard.
If tourism funding is now driven by measurable return, then measurement should not stop at the application stage. Duluth should see which organizations applied, which received funding, how proposals scored against criteria, what outcomes were promised and what results were delivered one year later.
Howie: Why Pete Stauber keeps winning — and what it would actually take to beat him
For now, the political formula in Minnesota’s 8th District remains remarkably consistent. Duluth votes. The Iron Range votes. Then the rest of northern Minnesota votes. And the rest of northern Minnesota is usually enough.
Howie: The Wild found a bouncer. Now they need a sniper like Boeser.
If Kirill Kaprizov ever gets a true sniper riding shotgun -- Brock Boeser? -- the rest of the Western Conference might suddenly discover something Minnesota fans have suspected for a while now. The Wild are closer than they look.
Howie: What Duluth is really asking for in St. Paul this year
Duluth and St. Louis County are not asking for luxury investments. They are asking for help maintaining systems — water treatment plants, shoreline protection, waste management infrastructure — whose costs exceed what local taxpayers alone can reasonably sustain.
Howie: What a mom comedy tour is doing at the DECC — and why it actually makes perfect sense
Every venue eventually tells the truth about its city. Not through press releases or attendance numbers, but through what finally fills the seats.