KTOE Noon News 2-7-25

Top Stories for Noon 2-7-25

• North Mankato Seeking Public Input on Indoor Recreation Facility Project

• True Real Estate Owner Jen True to Speak at South Central SBDC ‘Behind the Success’ Series Event on Feb. 12

• 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.
• 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.