Readers Write: Open-office space, governor’s race, St. Paul City Council, Minneapolis City Council

As a workplace designer, my media feeds and inbox were full of summaries like that of the recent Harvard Business School study on the impact of open-office plans . Many of the headlines had a doomsday tone, and our clients were reaching out to us, asking: "Have we got it all wrong?" As with many such headlines, the story is always more nuanced than it appears.

Swanson stands by running mate, despite pressure from liberal groups

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lori Swanson stood by her running mate, U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, on Friday despite pressure from liberal groups to dump him over his handling of a top aide accused of sexual harassment, and her campaign suggested that her political rivals had a hand in raising the allegations. The online news site MinnPost reported Thursday that Nolan's legislative director, Jim Swiderski, was allowed to leave quietly in 2015 rather than be fired over the alleged sexual harassment of several young female staffers.

Do political party conventions matter in Minnesota?

It's a reasonable question when candidates ignore the major business of the conventions - the endorsements - and just move on to the primary. That's happening this year in the race for Minnesota governor for both major parties.

The Latest: Swanson announces bid for Minnesota governor

The announcement Monday marks a shift for the Democrat, who in January said she intended to seek a fourth term as attorney general rather than run for governor. But she changed her mind after party activists at the state convention this weekend endorsed another candidate as attorney general who has criticized Swanson as too cautious.

Sandman champions the ‘disenfranchised’ with 3rd-party District 8 bid

Ray "Skip" Sandman, the Independence Party of Minnesota candidate for District 8, was not shy with his criticism for his opponents in both the DFL and GOP. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch As is often the case, U.S. representatives have to think more in the short term than other positions in national government on account of their two-year terms-an election cycle leading to constant campaigning and fundraising and a focus on pertinent, immediate legislation.

The Latest: Mining industry welcomes fed move on forest land

The Latest on the U.S. Forest Service downgrading an environmental review of a proposal to withdraw some national forest land in Minnesota from minerals exploration : The mining industry is cheering a decision by the U.S. Forest Service to downgrade an environmental review of a proposal to withdraw certain national forest land in Minnesota from minerals exploration for up to 20 years. Twin Metals wants to lease some of the land to mine for copper and nickel.

Nolan bill forcing PolyMet land swap clears House

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, Nov. 28, passed legislation that orders the U.S. Forest Service to move forward with a land exchange giving PolyMet Mining access to the site where it hopes to build Minnesota's first-ever copper-nickel mine. The bill passed 309-99 and would, if it becomes law, nullify lawsuits filed by environmental groups to stop the land exchange.

U.S. Congressmen introduce Bill revoking Pakistan’s MNNA status

Washington [U.S.] , June 23 :Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, two influential U.S. Congressmen have introduced a bill revoking Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally , saying Islamabad's "treachery" has led to the deaths of too many American citizens. Congressman Ted Poe and Congressman Rick Nolan have introduced H.R. 3000, a bipartisan bill revoking Pakistan's major non-NATO ally status.

Great Northern transmission line receives final permit

Minnesota Power's Great Northern Transmission Line received federal approval Wednesday when the U.S. Department of Energy issued a Presidential Permit allowing the transmission line to cross the international border between the United States and Canada. Lines in Minnesota will carry clean electricity generated by Manitoba Hydro.