Duluth leaders oppose gay marriage ban, Zups rebuilds, the year in beer

Duluth City Council weighs in against state amendment to make gay marriage illegal

"The Duluth City Council has weighed in against a proposed constitutional amendment that would make same-sex marriage illegal in Minnesota," reports the Duluth News Tribune.

The Year in Beer in Minnesota

It's been a big year for microbrews in Minnesota. The number of microbrewers in Minnesota continues to expand and recent changes to local laws make it easier for microbrewers to introduce their beers to new customers. So why is this all happening now? And what is the economic impact of this small but growing industry?

Minn. GOP sorts out what's next for leadership

Minnesota's Republican state senators huddled behind closed doors throughout the day Monday as they continued to manage the political and public relations fallout of last week, when Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch was forced to step down (MPR News).

Secret GOP meetings spelled Koch's end as majority leader

"Leaving a meeting at the Minneapolis Club last Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch thought she was bound for a social event in St. Paul. Instead, sources say, Deputy Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel hustled her into a nearby meeting room," reports the Star Tribune.

One lawmaker's response: 'I will insist on the proper sanctions'

Capitol Chatter: "Most senators have been quiet about the news, but Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, said he was disappointed. 'Our employees deserve to work in a place that does not tolerate inappropriate behavior,' he said. 'I do not condone these wrong doings and will insist on the proper sanctions.'"

Willmar, Minn., Sen. Gimse considers run for Senate majority leader

West Central Tribune: "Saying he would be a 'calming voice' and provide 'decisive leadership' during a time when the Republican Party is in turmoil, Sen. Joe Gimse said he's considering making a bid to be Senate majority leader."

Jungbauer lobbies for Senate majority leader job

Politics in Minnesota: "In the rapidly-developing race to replace Amy Koch as the Senate's majority leader, GOP Sen. Mike Jungbauer has taken to the web to push his candidacy for the chamber's top job."

Amid leadership tumult, Minnesota Senate faces $2.2 million budget cut

"On top of losing their leader and top spokesman last week, Senate Republicans are also facing the challenge of cutting about $2 million from the budget," reports the Pioneer Press.

Duluth school superintendent placed on leave amid investigation

Duluth News Tribune: "Duluth school district Superintendent I.V. Foster was placed on paid administrative leave late Monday as an investigation was initiated into allegations against him."

Willmar, Minn., City Council backs Utilities Commission on management study

"The Willmar City Council took no action Monday night on a request to take charge of an investigation into management and personnel problems at the Willmar Municipal Utilities," reports the West Central Tribune.

Zup's starts to rebuild Babbitt store

Ely Echo: "A major fire struck the Babbitt Shopping Center on Sept. 24. 'It's going to be a precast building,' said Ed Zupancich. 'We hope to have the building up by the middle of February and be open by the middle of May.'"

Central Minnesotans donating more in 2011

"Commitments for future charitable giving signal a rebound from leaner years, according to a report issued Monday," reports the St. Cloud Times.

• Editor’s notebook: Covering the environment in 2014
• Best of Minnesota Scenes from 2014
• 50 years of memory making in the Boundary Waters