Big Island Now Daily Briefing for May 8, 2026

Welcome to the BigIslandNow.com daily brief. Today, a landmark artificial intelligence safety bill is headed to the governor’s desk, setting new consumer protections for minors and mental health users. Police are renewing their plea for information on a fisherman who vanished more than a year ago. A school bus used for students with disabilities was stolen from Ocean View, and authorities are looking for additional suspects. And there’s a feel-good story: a legendary humpback whale known as “Big Mama” has returned to the Salish Sea after wintering in Hawaiʻi. Plus, we have all the ways to celebrate Mom this weekend.