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Good afternoon. It’s Friday, May 8.

In today's newsletter:

More than a quarter of students have disenrolled from Alaska’s only state-run boarding school. People disagree on the cause, but students in Sitka say they’re hoping for better.
The Alaska Senate passed an operating budget bill that includes a $1,000 dividend along with a $150 energy relief check contingent on war-driven oil prices.
After vetoing the Legislature’s election reform bill last week, Gov. Mike Dunleavy requested a do-over with a largely similar elections bill that includes a new signature verification process.

There might not be much sun, but there's plenty of comedy, music and other events to get you through this weekend around Anchorage. From a Mother's Day celebration to the Anchorage Bike Rodeo, check out some of this weekend's highlights here.

Anchorage weather

It's mostly cloudy today with a high around 48 degrees, and there's a chance of scattered rain showers. Looking ahead to the weekend, we can expect rain on Saturday, and the forecast calls for a chance of it on Sunday as well. Daytime temperatures will hover in the low 50s.

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

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Mt. Edgecumbe High School has seen a year of student exits, staff turnover and disrepair. What comes next? →

Almost everyone agrees it's been an unusual year at the state-run boarding school, which students have been leaving at an alarming rate. In recent months, the school’s public struggles have attracted legislative hearings, visits from lawmakers and statewide media coverage. There’s less agreement on what’s to blame.

Alaska Senate adopts spending plan with $1,000 dividend and $150 energy relief, sending it to House →

The House is set to vote in the coming days on whether to agree to changes made to the spending plan by the Senate, which include reduced one-time funding for Alaska schools, leaving more room for spending on infrastructure maintenance.

Gov. Dunleavy introduces new elections bill days after vetoing last version →

The new election reform bill introduced by the governor would delay implementation until after the November general election.

Alaska corrections department settles inmate death lawsuit for $500,000 →

A lawsuit against the Department of Corrections on behalf of a Wasilla man who died by suicide in a Palmer jail in 2022 has ended with the state offering to pay the family $500,000, while not admitting fault or liability.

Alaska air carriers warn of price hikes, service cuts amid surging fuel costs without federal intervention →

The state's rural air carriers say soaring fuel prices could result in reduced services or increased prices unless federal officials step in and help offset the unexpected expense.

State investigation reveals April bear attack on 2 JBER soldiers occurred near a den →

The soldiers, who were seriously injured, have been released from the hospital but are on leave and receiving “ongoing medical care,” the 11th Airborne Division said.

More from the ADN

Body found inside burned trailer in remote Mat-Su area outside fire response area, troopers say →

Education secretary visits Mat-Su schools during 50-state history tour →

Republicans seize momentum in redistricting battle for House seats ahead of midterm elections →

U.S. fires on and disables 2 more Iranian tankers as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz →

Pentagon begins releasing new files on UFOs and says the public can draw its own conclusions →

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