Stories from May 11, 2022

Health officials closing 4 COVID-19 community testing sites, opening 2
Overall, testing at state-run sites is down to lows not seen since last summer before the Omicron variant hit, when the state was averaging 4,000 to 6,000 tests per day. 
New federal report opens the door to reckoning with Minnesota's Native boarding school history and a family in Mankato pleads for help finding a young woman gone missing for more than two weeks. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Pilot down, passenger takes over with ‘no idea how to fly’
A passenger with no flying experience radioed an urgent plea for help when the pilot of a small plane suddenly fell ill off Florida’s Atlantic coast, and was able to land the plane safely with the help of air traffic controllers.
Saint Mary's University in Winona announces plans to cut 11 majors
Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minn., says it is cutting nearly a dozen majors and will lay off 13 faculty members, as it grapples with a downturn in enrollment.
Split Rock Lighthouse historic site back open after lightning strike knocked out utilities
Split Rock Lighthouse historic site on the North Shore is back open, after a lightning bolt struck the grounds, raced through the historic site’s electrical system and knocked out water, power and a variety of other functions on Monday.
Severe storms likely to rake Minnesota Wednesday night
Storms in southern Minnesota could produce severe hailstones more than 2 inches in diameter, damaging winds and even tornadoes. The most likely timing for severe storms in the greater Twin Cities area appears to be between about 8 p.m. and midnight.
New to Minnesota? Here’s what you need to know
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota transplants about what you need to know when you are new to Minnesota. They’ll also talk about efforts to attract and retain people in the Twin Cities.
Hmong snack connects present with the past
Chef Yia Vang’s mom Pang teaches us how to make her family’s favorite dish, Fawm Kauv, steamed rice rolls.
U.S. identifies Native American boarding schools, burial sites
A new federal study shows the U.S. government supported more than 400 Native American boarding schools aimed at assimilating Native children. The Interior Department's findings released Wednesday expanded the number of schools known to have operated during a 150-year period.
House Speaker Hortman tests positive for COVID-19
A positive COVID-19 test for Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman comes as time is running short in the legislative session and as she and other top state leaders have been meeting in private negotiations.
Increasing dew points and more severe storms possible
More strong to severe storms are possible Wednesday as dew points and temperatures rise again.
State Sen. Omar Fateh breaks silence on the federal investigation into campaign volunteer
State Senator Omar Fateh released a statement late Tuesday evening confirming for the first time publicly that Muse Mohamud Mohamed is his brother-in-law. Mohamed was convicted earlier in the day of two counts of perjury. “I am troubled by this conviction,” said Omar, who did not directly address allegations of voter fraud that arose in his 2020 primary campaign.
Bob Elm waited for the setting sun to dip below the horizon before heading out onto the chilly blue waters of Mille Lacs Lake. At a public landing on the lake’s east side, he and other tribal members loaded spears and buckets into fishing boats, and donned helmets with headlamps attached. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Tarasenko hat trick helps Blues take 3-2 series lead on Wild
Vladimir Tarasenko had three goals in the third period to break open a tied game and series, and the St. Louis Blues pushed the Minnesota Wild to the edge of elimination with a 5-2 victory in Game 5. 
Biden sees bigger role for U.S. farms due to Ukraine war
President Joe Biden wants to put a spotlight on the spike in food prices from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Democrat plans to travel on Wednesday to an Illinois farm to emphasize how U.S. agricultural exports can relieve the financial pressures being felt worldwide.
A bill to codify abortion protections fails in the Senate
Senators will vote on the Women's Health Protection Act on Wednesday, but it likely will fail because there isn't enough support to reach the 60 votes necessary.
Restaurants that survived the pandemic are now threatened by inflation
Higher costs for food, labor, rent, gasoline and cooking gas make it harder for casual dining places to buy, cook and deliver meals. And they're limited in how much they can pass on to customers.
Tribes’ spring fish harvest provides food, preserves culture
With the ice finally gone on most Minnesota lakes, the annual tradition of spearing or netting fish is underway. The spring harvest is an exercise of tribal treaty rights, and the result of a long-fought legal battle.
$100 and 23 years later, 2 refugees and a Minnesota stranger reunite
In 1999, two sisters fleeing Yugoslavia’s civil wars were seated next to a woman from Minnesota on a flight from Amsterdam to Minneapolis. She left them with some cash and an encouraging note. Twenty-three years later they found each other again.
Me and Mr. Bridgeman: How a teacher transformed a student's life
Mr. Bridgeman’s paternal spirit immediately filled me with a sense of wonder and a brand-new feeling of security. Without him saying a word, I felt a higher standard of expectation and sensed a loving, but no-nonsense accountability that my father inspired at home.