Stories from March 31, 2022

House passes bill to cap insulin prices
The chamber voted on a bill that caps the price of insulin at $35 a month but fate for the legislation in the Senate is unclear.
Poultry sales, exhibits temporarily banned due to bird flu
The ban, which includes poultry community sales, swaps, fairs, exhibitions and other events where birds are brought together, is effective Friday and lasts through May 1. 
Minnesota Senate passes agriculture relief bill
The Minnesota Senate passed legislation Thursday to provide drought relief to farmers and make preparations for farm disease outbreaks.
A federal jury Thursday convicted Aaron Broussard in connection with the opioid overdose deaths of 11 people across the country. Prosecutors said the 31-year-old sent his customers deadly doses of fentanyl instead of the Adderall knockoff that they'd ordered.  This is the evening MPR News update for Thursday, March 31, 2022. Hosted by Nathan Stevens. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota welder Seven Bailey on trans visibility and amplifying voices through their work
Even if you haven’t heard Seven Bailey’s name yet, you’ve seen their work. Bailey constructed the iconic metal fist in George Floyd Square, as well as the massive 10-ton Nimbus sculpture on Nicollet Mall in front of Minneapolis Central Library.
Former West Side Flats residents have mixed memories about their old neighborhood
Some of the earliest immigrants to the city of St. Paul lived in areas that were eventually torn down, leaving residents to find new places to live. Many Mexican immigrants settled in areas like Swede Hollow and the West Side Flats. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.  
Minn. Legislature passes bill to extend reinsurance program
Minnesota lawmakers have passed legislation to extend a program that helps head off rate shocks for people in the individual health insurance market amid grumbling from some that it only papers over problems in obtaining affordable coverage. Some House Democrats said they don’t like it.
Weekend weather: Milder temps, rain chance Sunday afternoon
Saturday will be the warmest day of the weekend, then temps retreat slightly on Sunday. We have your weekend forecast details, including who may see some precipitation.
State review faults law enforcement response to unrest after Floyd killing
The analysis released Thursday says law enforcement didn't appropriately distinguish between lawful and unlawful demonstrations, and that some community members felt abandoned by the police. The review was especially critical of the Minneapolis police response.
Frosty Thursday; weekend temps to top 50 in southern Minnesota
While most of the precipitation has moved on, the cloud cover will linger much of Thursday for much of Minnesota. We’ll see clearing from northwest to southeast. Blustery northwest winds will keep highs below normal. Fifty degrees returns for many on Friday.
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Spar has arrived at its new home port in Minnesota after undergoing a year of maintenance. The arrival Wednesday in Duluth comes as members of Congress are pushing for another heavy icebreaker on the Great Lakes.
Siakam has triple-double, Raptors rout Timberwolves 125-102
Pascal Siakam had 12 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 13 assists for his second career triple-double, Gary Trent Jr. scored 29 points and the Toronto Raptors strengthened their hold on sixth place in the Eastern Conference by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-102.
Chilly Thursday, clearing; 50 returns Saturday
After a few flurries and some early morning drizzle in southeast Minnesota, it will be dry Thursday but we’ll be slowly kicking out the remaining cloud cover through the day. It may not be until sunset that we see the sun in the Twin Cities and southeast Minnesota. Temperatures will mainly be in the 30s.
One food shelf in the Twin Cities now has two locations where people who need food can “shop” for it for free. Organizers say the free supermarket approach reduces barriers for people who may feel ashamed for needing help.
Vikings agree on deal to bring back CB Patrick Peterson
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a new contract with cornerback Patrick Peterson. The 31-year-old Peterson had a solid first season with the Vikings in 2021.
Russians leave Chernobyl site as fighting rages elsewhere
Ukrainian authorities at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant say Russian forces have left the damaged plant. The exit happened early Friday after soldiers got “significant doses” of radiation from digging trenches at the highly contaminated site.
Biden plans a major withdrawal from the country's oil reserves to control gas prices
President Joe Biden announced a plan Thursday to draw 1 million barrels of oil per day for the next six months from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve — an unprecedented push to use the emergency stocks to try to take the edge off of soaring gasoline prices.
Chester Higgins' camera brings a 360-degree view to Black life
Acclaimed African American photographer Chester Higgins has made dozens of trips to Africa since the 1970s to document the continent's history and culture. Now 75, he has no plans on slowing down.
Art Hounds: Classical music from around the world, and from the world of video games
On this week’s Art Hounds: Renowned pipa player Gao Hong of Northfield celebrates 50 years of performing with friends at the Ordway. The six-player band Maithree uses traditional Indian instruments to celebrate “the music of friendship.” The Video Games and Music Convention in Minneapolis offers two days of live music and a chance to jam to video game tunes.
Jarabe Mexicano: Troubadours and teachers come to Minnesota
Jarabe Mexicano use their music as an educational tool for audiences who may not be familiar with the Spanish songs they sing and the instruments they play.
Free grocery store aims to remove stigma of food aid
One food shelf in the Twin Cities now has two locations where people who need food can “shop” for it for free. Organizers say the free supermarket approach reduces barriers for people who may feel ashamed for needing help.