Stories from March 1, 2023

Minnesota lawmakiers poised to pass catalytic converter theft law and teen is sentenced for killing student outside Richfield school. This is an evening update from MPR New, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Iconic Indian-American Chef Reflects On His Life And The Healing Power Of Food
Raghavan Iyer built his career helping Americans get to know the fundamentals of Indian cooking. Now, after years of treatment for aggressive cancer, he has released what he says will be his last book.
DNR eagle cam finds broken egg in the nest; second egg intact
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials acknowledged the sadness of losing one of the eggs but also said the chick that hatches from the remaining egg will now have a greater chance of survival.
American graffiti: Peyton Scott Russell on graffiti as fine art and legacy of Floyd mural
Painter and muralist Peyton Scott Russell’s exhibit looks at his childhood, the early years of the Twin Cities’ graffiti scene and the complex legacy of his world-famous portrait of George Floyd.
Winter is over — sort of. Paul Huttner has the lowdown on the first day of meteorological spring.
Much of the upper Midwest has been seeing exceptional rain and snow levels this winter. MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner talks with Cathy Wurzer about snow totals and temperature records this season. And on the first day of meteorological spring, Huttner has a detailed forecast and a spring flood update.
It's March! It's time to start your (indoor) garden and plan your summer bounty
Today, March 1, marks the first day of meteorological spring and gardening expert Meg Cowden is already plotting her garden! Meg lives in the Twin Cities metro. She is the author of Plant Grow Harvest Repeat and founder of the Modern Garden Guild. She talks with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about preparing your summer garden — now.
St. Paul company brings craft to non-alcoholic beer
The technology to dealcoholize beer has been around for a long time, but not at a price point that let craft brewers join the market with their more refined brews. A St. Paul company is changing that.
Can a new code of conduct improve safety on metro transit?
After a brutal attack on Monday of a transgender woman at a light rail station in Minneapolis, Cathy Wurzer talks with Representative Brad Tabke about a state bill aimed to improve safety on the metro transit system.
How to help kids and teens with their mental health, students weigh in
The isolation and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted teenagers struggling with mental health issues. Three experts share approaches on what adults, parents and school counselors can do to help kids dealing with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
Teen gets 24 years for murder outside Richfield school
Fernando Valdez-Alvarez, 19, of Minneapolis, admitted in court to shooting and killing 15-year-old Jahmari Rice and wounding another 17-year-old last year outside the South Education Center in Richfield.
This is a big week for middle and high school students across Minnesota. Regional history day competitions begin today and continue throughout this month. The annual contest involves tens of thousands of students in grades 6 through 12 who take a deep dive into the past.
Musician Aby Wolf on collaboration, people-pleasing and her surprise EP
Climate anxiety, interconnectedness, collective action: These themes are all part of Minneapolis musician Aby Wolf's newest EP, which she released — by surprise — on Bandcamp on Friday.
They could lose the house — to Medicaid
Depending on where they lived, demands for repayment can drain the assets that a patient on Medicaid leaves behind after they die. Iowa aggressively collects "clawback" funds.
Twin Cities sees wettest winter in 142 years
Most Minnesotans will probably recall how snowy it was this winter but it was also very wet overall and relatively mild, despite a cold start.
Eli Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap
Eli Lilly will cut prices for some older insulins later this year and immediately expand a cap on costs insured patients pay when they fill prescriptions. The moves promise critical relief to some people with diabetes who can face annual costs of more than $1,000 for insulin they need in order to live.
Fernando Valdez-Alvarez pleaded guilty earlier this month to second-degree unintentional murder and first-degree assault for killing 15-year-old Jahmari Rice and wounding another teen at the South Education Center in Richfield last year. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Snow showers continue across central Minnesota Wednesday; cooler Thursday
Snow fell much of the overnight and will continue on and off across central Minnesota. Temperatures will be slightly cooler Thursday before warming back up Friday. We’ll finally see a few days of dry weather from Thursday into Saturday.
McDaniels has 20 points, Timberwolves beat Clippers 108-101
Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points, Anthony Edwards added 18 and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 108-101 on Tuesday night to snap a three-game losing streak. 
Long-lost ship found in Lake Huron, confirming tragic story
Searchers have found a long-lost Great Lakes ship that came to a tragic end. Officials with the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan, say they've located the Ironton, a freight schooner that plunged to the bottom of Lake Huron in 1894.
A fiery Greece train collision kills dozens and injures more than 80
The government has declared three days of national mourning after a head-on collision between a passenger train and a freight train flattened killed at least three dozen people and injured some 85.
Pandemic food assistance that held back hunger comes to an end
Millions of people who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP will see a cut of $90 a month or more. Some recipients say it will make it harder to buy healthy food.
Lifeline or logistical problem? Paid leave debate unfurls at Capitol
As Minnesota lawmakers put a proposal for paid family and medical leave through its paces, employers try to get a handle on the implications.
Ag Department sees need to support local food in Minnesota
When the pandemic disrupted food supply chains in 2020, many people scrambled to buy food directly from farmers. That local food movement is still growing. A new initiative hopes to provide more state support for small farmers and local food networks.
What does the science say about the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic?
Two U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly support the lab leak theory — with low-to-moderate confidence. No evidence has been shared. Scientists have strong evidence of animal spillover at a market..