Minnesota budget surplus tops $9.25 billion

That's up from the earlier forecast of more than $7.7 billion. 

View this email as a web page Feb. 28, 2022 Minnesota's medical cannabis providers started selling smokable marijuana.    The first dispensaries for Minnesota's medical cannabis program opened in 2015, and the state has steadily expanded the list of conditions that make Minnesotans eligible. It has also gradually expanded legal product offerings including oils, pills and edibles.    But state law at first banned smokeable marijuana flower. That changed last year, when Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation legalizing sale of dried, raw cannabis by state-authorized growers and distributors.   That's required an extensive revision of state rules, allowing for growing, transporting, testing and selling raw marijuana. New regulations officially published by the state today ban brand names that refer to illegal drugs, require total THC content labeling, set an age limit at 21 and restrict advertising and public disclosure of some commercial operations. Subscribe to our Minnesota Today podcast to get up-to-date Minnesota news twice daily. — Tim Nelson, MPR News  Minnesota budget surplus tops $9.25 billion A new forecast shows Minnesota's budget surplus has grown to $9.25 billion, up from the earlier forecast of more than $7.7 billion. 1st round of cease-fire talks end without a breakthrough Cease-fire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have been completed with no breakthroughs to end the fighting in Ukraine but with both sides agreeing to continue further talks. Target seeks to entice workers with pay of up to $24 an hour The Minneapolis-based discount retailer said Monday that it will adopt minimum wages that range from $15 to $24 an hour, with the highest pay going to hires in the most competitive markets. What you need to know ahead of Biden's first State of the Union address Top issues to expect in President Biden's address are his response to concerns about rising inflation and fatigue about the pandemic as well as steps taken to threaten Russia's financial stability. Ancient cooking vessel found in Boundary Waters dates back more than 1,600 years The findings indicate the long history of Native Americans using the site in the border lakes region during the summer months, for fishing and processing of wild rice. Ice anglers urged to 'Keep It Clean' as season winds down It's a messy problem that plagues Minnesota lakes every winter: litter left behind by ice anglers, especially on the state's popular fishing lakes. Garbage can affect the lake's water quality, as well as harm fish, birds and other aquatic life. SPONSOR   Minnesota native in Kyiv views Russian invasion firsthand Joe Whitcomb, a psychotherapist who helps develop treatment methods for trauma victims, said it's been a tense and frightening experience hearing gunfire and air raid sirens from his apartment. | Listen: Whitcomb's interview with Cathy Wurzer What we can learn from basic income pilot programs Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are among the many cities around the nation that have launched guaranteed income pilot programs. The programs guarantee monthly payments to low-income families. MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with two experts about what they're learning through these pilot programs. Minneapolis, St. Paul educators plan to strike March 8 if no agreements are reached. What you need to know Educators could strike March 8 in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Citing the last two stressful years, teachers and education support professionals in both cities are seeking better pay and expanded staffing, more mental health support, and smaller class sizes. Supreme Court to hear a case that could limit the EPA's power to fight climate change The outcome of the case could also hamstring the authority of all agencies, from the EPA to the Securities and Exchange Commission to Federal Reserve Board. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe today! Preference Center ❘ Unsubscribe This email was sent by: Minnesota Public Radio 480 Cedar Street Saint Paul, MN, 55101