Catholics makeup the single largest denomination in Minnesota. With more than a million members and hundreds of thousands in financial contributions, Minnesota Public Radio calls the Catholic Church "a powerful force in the debate over a constitutional amendment" that would essentially prohibit gay marriage.

Catholics for Marriage Equality Minnesota wants Archbishop John Nienstedt to put a stop to the church's support a state Constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. The archdiocese has been a leading contributor to the campaign.

News that Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie has been uninvited to speak at a south Minneapolis Catholic church may be premature, according to church officials. Ritchie was scheduled to talk before mass on Aug. 12 at St. Joan of Arc. A spokesman for the archdiocese had reportedly said that invitation was being rescinded over Ritchie's efforts to change wording of the proposed marriage amendment.

Toby Keith's I love This Bar in St. Louis Park is among five other nominees for the Academy of Country Music Awards' Nightclub of the Year. The bar opened in the Twin Cities suburb about a year and a half ago.

Jake Hamilton reveled in his role as homecoming king at St. Louis Park High School. Doctors have diagnosed Jake with a severe case of autism. But, unlike many with the condition, he has built strong relationships with his peers and is popular at school.

A fake nose is becoming the trademark of a serial bank robber suspected in at least half a dozen holdups in the Twin Cities area. Wednesday's robbery was the second time the suspect hit a U.S. Bank in the St. Louis Park Byerly's, although all of the banks have been in supermarkets.

A new 10-story, 192-unit luxury apartment complex is expected to open in March 2013 in the western Minneapolis suburb. The Star Tribune reports the $40 million project will feature a rooftop terrace, a clubroom and a piazza recreation area.