Stories from May 13, 2022

Republicans say frustration over COVID-19 vaccines, restrictions and other steps taken during the pandemic will be a central theme as they meet in Rochester. Convention delegates who arrived for the opening Friday say they’re hopeful their eventual nominee can beat incumbent Gov. Tim Walz. This is the evening MPR News update for Friday, May 13. Hosted by Nancy Lebens. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Activists say Minneapolis police asked 13-year-old boy for DNA
Deputy Chief Kathy Waite said there's nothing in the MPD policy manual that addresses juvenile DNA, and the department needs to "thoroughly research the subject" before implementing a policy.
Drama-free spring is finally here, with flowers
Stormy weather is gone. Comfortable days are here for today, the weekend and next week.
United States marks 1 million COVID deaths, 12,550 in Minnesota
Despite many cases going unreported due to at-home testing and asymptomatic cases, official reported case counts generally continue to rise, although at a slower pace than in recent weeks.
State Republican convention picks candidates for AG, elections chief
After a slow start Friday morning, thousands of Minnesota Republicans meeting in Rochester selected candidates for attorney general and secretary of state before going into recess.
Yes, you can get your kids to read this summer!
Summer is the perfect time to entice kids to find a good book. Kitty Felde, host and executive producer of the podcast “Book Club for Kids,” joins Kerri Miller to talk about how to get reluctant readers to pick up a book this summer. Plus, she has loads of book suggestions, for everything from graphic novels to books about history and scary stories.
Spring is here! What gardening questions do you have?
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two master gardeners about their tips for what to plant this spring, how to manage your lawn, and how to plant a climate-resilient garden.
Author Kelly Barnhill on her new kids book, 'The Ogress and the Orphans'
Fairy tales aren’t just for kids. They ask questions, reveal new paths, and help us find our way. Such is the case with Minneapolis author Kelly Barnhill’s new book for kids, “The Ogress and the Orphans.”
Sharing what you see outside could help research. Here's how to do that in 3 steps
From the songs of sparrows outside your apartment window to the purple crocuses bursting into bloom in a nearby park – all that nature you're observing could actually be helpful to scientists. Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a community scientist.
Spring temperatures set to return; weekend looks lovely
Calmer and beautiful weather sets in for the weekend following Thursday’s storms. Highs will be mainly in the 70s Friday with some 60s north and low 80s south.
After storms, a nice weekend
Quieter weather with dropping dew points and cooler temperatures for Friday into the weekend.
Minnesota Republicans gather Friday in Rochester for their state party convention amid a backdrop of discontent fueled by dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden, lingering anger over pandemic restrictions many felt went too far and a false sense that Donald Trump unfairly lost in 2020. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Photos: Spring wildflowers in southern Minnesota state parks
April’s cool, wet weather delayed the show — but spring wildflowers are now in full bloom across southern Minnesota. Two great places to view them are Nerstrand Big Woods and Carley state parks.
3 deaths reported as storms with hurricane-force winds rake Minnesota, South Dakota
More than 70,000 homes and businesses remained without power across the region early Friday as damage assessment and cleanup continued after a second night of storms ripped through eastern South Dakota and much of western and central Minnesota.
Álvarez HRs twice, Astros top Twins 5-0, win 10th straight
Luis Garcia and three relievers combined on a seven-hitter, Yordan Álvarez homered twice and Jeremy Peña capped a big day with three hits as the Houston Astros extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 5-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Binnington makes 25 saves, Blues win 5-1, eliminate Wild
Jordan Binnington made 25 saves and the St. Louis Blues beat the Minnesota Wild 5-1 in Game 6 to advance to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Comic: One Sioux chef's attempt to reclaim Native American cuisine
When it comes to North American cuisine, Indigenous foods don't typically come to mind. Chef Sean Sherman is changing that by serving food that celebrates and preserves his ancestors' Lakota cooking.
California just ran on 100% renewable energy, but fossil fuels aren't fading away yet
California broke its record for renewable energy when solar and wind provided enough to meet all consumer demand. At the time, natural gas power plants were still on, a necessity for the grid.
Lake Superior smelting tradition continues, despite new pollution concerns
Part fishing, part carnival, the annual spring smelt run always brings hordes of anglers to the shore of Lake Superior, hoping to fill buckets and coolers full of the small, silvery fish. But state officials recommend eating only one meal of smelt a month because of concerns over PFOS pollution. 
Distrust of election integrity unites GOP
As Minnesota Republicans gather in Rochester for their two-day state convention, candidates and delegates share a belief that stricter voting security measures are needed, even though there's no evidence of widespread voter fraud.
Wet spring slows planting for many Minnesota farmers
Planting for most Minnesota crops is well behind average because of wet conditions and cold soil temperatures. Warmer weather over the past week is helping to dry fields, but widespread rains continue and in many parts of the state farmers are waiting as prime planting time slips past.