Stories from May 8, 2026

U.S. Senator and past presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar says she wouldn't have run for Minnesota governor if she was contemplating another presidential run. And a preliminary report from federal investigators says a pilot radioed “abort” and started turning shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport last month... before the plane crashed, killing both people aboard.
Lynx start season under historic new WNBA contract
MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with Sloane Martin, the television voice of the Minnesota Lynx and a national TV play-by-play broadcaster for the Big Ten Network, NBC and FOX, about the new contract and the upcoming season.
Passing showers early Saturday and a slightly cooler weekend
A disturbance and cool front will touch off a few showers late tonight into early Saturday followed by slightly cooler air for the weekend. Warmer temps still on track next week.
‘The power of truth:’ How high school students reported on the ICE surge in their front yard 
Student journalists at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis witnessed federal agents shove staffers and students and deploy pepper spray on school grounds last January. That inspired them to report stories of how that event and the ICE surge impacted their colleagues and communities.
Hantavirus expert says risk to Minnesotans is low
Headlines about the outbreak echo the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. But Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist Leah Bauck tells MPR News it’s very different from COVID and hantavirus remains rare in Minnesota.
Politics Friday: Amy Klobuchar lays out plans in her DFL governor's campaign
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is putting some definition around her campaign for Minnesota governor a few months after entering the race to replace DFL Gov. Tim Walz. Meanwhile, some longtime lawmakers prepare to exit the state Capitol.
May starts off colder than normal
May saw some frost across portions of the state, just ahead of a warmup.
Family matters when it comes to books
Our theme this week is all about family: novelists who mine their own histories for inspiration, authors who use storytelling as a kind of open therapy, writers who uncover and then share their family secrets.
Morning Announcements for May 8
These are the Morning Announcements for Friday, May 8. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
NTSB: Pilot radioed 'abort' shortly before plane crashed near Crystal Airport, killing 2
Federal investigators report that a pilot radioed “abort, abort” and started turning shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport last month before the plane crashed, killing North Dakota lawmaker Liz Conmy and her partner.
A stretch of Highway 12 in the western Twin Cities will be closed again this weekend. That closure runs between Interstate 494 in Minnetonka and Central Avenue in Wayzata. It begins at 10 p.m. Friday and runs through 5 a.m. Monday. Traffic will be detoured to Highway 55.
Cyberattack hits Canvas system used by thousands of schools as finals loom
A system used by thousands of schools and universities — including the University of Minnesota — went offline Thursday during a cyberattack, creating chaos as students tried to study for finals and underscoring education’s dependence on technology.
Above-normal temperatures for most Friday; red flag warning
Temperatures will warm to near 70 degrees in southern Minnesota Friday. A disturbance and cool front will deliver a few showers Friday night into Saturday.
The Vikings agree to a 1-year deal with receiver Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings agreed to one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings to give the team a needed third option at receiver. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said the deal could be worth up to $13 million.
Maggie Flaherty, Hayley Scamurra score 24 seconds apart as Victoire beat Frost 2-1 in PWHL playoffs
Maggie Flaherty and Hayley Scamurra scored 24 seconds apart early in the second period, Ann-Renée Desbiens made 27 saves, and the Montreal Victoire beat the Minnesota Frost 2-1 in the PWHL playoffs.
City officials say Owatonna needs new police, fire stations. Distrustful residents are pushing back
City officials in Owatonna say their police and fire stations are out of date and in disrepair. But their $65 million proposal to build new ones is getting pushback from residents who want a say in the process.
Minnesota lawmakers considering whether to allow plug-in or 'balcony' solar power
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill to allow homeowners to install small-scale “plug-in” or “balcony” solar systems. There’s a growing movement for them nationwide. But there are safety concerns.