RNC 
As St. Paul readies itself to host the Republican National Convention next month, security preparations are already under way. The precautionary measures taken by the Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies are vast and often occur right under our feet. Take for example the lowly manhole cover. MORE »
The Minneapolis Convention Center’s answer to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul is CivicFest, an extravaganza of American democracy, replete with historical document displays, a fake Oval Office for taking gag photos and other educational exhibits. But CivicFest’s unavoidable lesson is that democracy comes with corporate sponsors and a $15 cover charge. MnIndy picked Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie’s brain for free or lower-cost ways to celebrate civics on your own. MORE »