For a few months now, the city of Minneapolis has been working out what exactly "free speech" means when a bunch of Republicans come to its sister city across the river. You thought protesters were only having a difficult time in St. Paul?
 
Apparently Minneapolis is concerned about inconveniences like blocked sidewalks, so it assembled a "Free Speech Working Group" when it became clear that the Republican National Convention was coming.

According to a newsletter from Communities United Against Police Brutality, the city is considering two proposals that require mandatory permits and one that encourages voluntary permits, whatever that means. (Not surprisingly, CUAPB opposes all of the measures.) Things will get clarified — or not — at the city council's next Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee meeting, which will address a staff report on "legal issues" regarding permits. The meeting is at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the council chambers.