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Today's sponsor:

Good afternoon. It’s Thursday, May 8.

In today's newsletter:

The Alaska Senate approved a lean state operating budget ahead of final negotiations expected with the House. The Senate's budget includes a $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend.
Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance has proposed new criminal penalties for people who start unauthorized fires in the municipality, part of what the administration says is an effort to protect the city from high wildfire risk.
Alaska lawmakers approved a measure intended to raise new state revenue for reading initiatives and career and technical education by applying state corporate income tax on out-of-state businesses that operate online.

With the arrival of spring, it can be tempting for gardeners to get seeds in the ground right away. But, as gardening writer Jeff Lowenfels reminds us in his latest column, we also have to contend with soil temperatures. Find his tips for ensuring successful seed germination here.

Anchorage weather

It's mostly cloudy today with a slight chance of isolated rain showers and a high of 53 degrees. We should see mostly sunny skies on Friday and through the weekend, while daytime temperatures hover in the mid- to high 50s.

Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today.

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Alaska Senate approves austere budget with $1,000 PFD ahead of final negotiations →

The Senate's budget also includes $172 million for a one-time school funding boost, in case a permanent increase is not approved this year.

Bicycling mentorship program Anchorage GRIT aims to instill confidence in girls →

GRIT, which stands for Girls Riding Into Tomorrow, is a middle school bicycle mentorship program for girls in Anchorage that aims to empower young women to ride safely and confidently. This spring, 18 young riders are learning those lessons as part of the six-week program.

LaFrance proposes new criminal penalties for unauthorized fires in Anchorage →

The proposed ordinance would make it a misdemeanor to start unauthorized fires on public or private land during fire season, to start fires on public roads or sidewalks, or to start any fires in violation of a burn ban.

Legislature approves income tax on out-of-state businesses operating online →

Effectively, the measure would tax companies that do business in Alaska, instead of just those that have a physical presence in Alaska, lawmakers said. Thirty-six other states have adopted similar tax rules.

Citing federal uncertainty, 2 major tribal groups rejoin Alaska Federation of Natives →

The federation said that it welcomed back the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, based in Juneau and representing more than 35,000 tribal citizens, and the Tanana Chiefs Conference, based in Fairbanks and representing 42 villages.

Alaska Senate advances measure requiring greater oversight of oil and gas tax data →

Since 2019, the Alaska Department of Revenue has declined to provide the Legislature’s auditor with oil and gas tax data in the format requested.

Homer woman gets almost 70 years in prison for killing man who picked her up from jail →

Sarah Dayan was convicted of murder and numerous other charges in the death of 57-year-old Soldotna resident Keith Huss, the man who served as her third-party guardian.

More from the ADN

Mat-Su to weigh all-day phone ban for students across district →

Robert Prevost, first American pope, will take the name Leo XIV →

Trump designates Thursday as a day for the U.S. to celebrate victory in WWII. Here’s what it means. →

House Republicans are backing off some Medicaid cuts as report shows millions of people would lose health care →

Trump withdraws original choice for surgeon general and taps a wellness influencer close to RFK Jr. →

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