Feb. 26, 2021
Temperatures hit the 40s once again this afternoon across much of the state. Saturday brings colder air to northwest Minnesota with highs in the teens. Highs remain mild in the south. A quick-moving weather system brings snow to southern Minnesota overnight Saturday night into Sunday morning. Find the latest from Updraft. Minnesota's budget picture has improved dramatically, according to the latest economic forecast from the state Management and Budget office. Officials project to have a positive balance of $1.6 billion over the next two years, due to higher revenue and lower spending. The previous report nearly three months ago estimated a $1.3 billion revenue shortfall.
Budget officials credit an improved U.S. economic outlook bolstered by large federal actions that have emerged since November and were not incorporated in earlier projections. But the state agency also noted that unemployment continues to hit lower wage workers especially hard. Meanwhile, COVID numbers remain fairly steady, although there has been an uptick in new and active cases. Known, active COVID-19 cases rose to 7,367, but averaged over the past week the trend line remains stable. Twelve newly reported deaths raised Minnesota’s toll to 6,462. The state Health Department reports the trend in hospitalization rates is encouraging and remains at levels seen last September. Minnesota today reported 41,558 more COVID-19 vaccinations, higher than last Friday and one of the highest single-day counts since the agency began posting data in late December.
You can get more of the latest news, in just a few minutes, via the Minnesota Today podcast. — Nina Moini | MPR News | 