>>Sherburne County Moves To End All DEI Activities
(Elk River, MN) — Sherburne County is set to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. This week, the County Board voted to end all initiatives and programs to enhance DEI efforts. This decision aligns with President Trump’s recent executive order, which instructs federal contractors to refrain from participating in DEI activities, characterizing them as a form of illegal discrimination. The Sherburne County Administrator mentioned that the county’s contract with the Minneapolis-based Culture Brokers program, which offers consulting services for DEI initiatives, may be affected by this decision.
>>State Regulators Approve Xcel Energy’s Natural Gas Innovation Plan
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is giving the green light to Xcel Energy’s first “Natural Gas Innovation” plan. Officials say the plan aims to reduce or avoid 687 thousand metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, explore innovative technologies, and support the state’s transition to a low-carbon energy future. The proposal supports 13 pilot programs and seven research and development plans. Xcel estimates the Natural Gas Innovation plan could generate nearly 400 new jobs.
>>Iron Range House Fire Sends 4 People to Hospital
(Biwabik Township, MN) — Two people were seriously injured, and two others suffered minor injuries in a house fire on the Iron Range near Biwabik (bih-WAH’-back) . St. Louis County authorities say several fire departments were called to the fire around 5 a.m. today. Deputies say the occupants were awakened by fire alarms and escaped the burning home. All four were treated at the scene and taken to the hospital. Fire officials say the residence and multiple structures are a total loss.
>>Search Continues for Missing Moorhead Teen
(Moorhead, MN) — Moorhead Police and the Minnesota BCA are asking the public for help finding a Moorhead teenager who’s been missing for a month. 15-year-old Ariana Counts hasn’t been found since she left home on January 8th. Counts is 5’ 5” and weighs 120 pounds. She has brown hair and eyes. She was last seen wearing a black coat, gray hoodie, black sweatpants, and white tennis shoes. Anyone with information about Counts’ whereabouts should contact Moorhead Police.
