State Government

Some state senators are expressing concern about the projected shortfall in funding Alaska’s public employee pensions. But those who manage the pension funds say the shortfall will likely remain manageable.

Douglas resident Sara Hannan has filed a letter of intent to run for Alaska House District 33. That’s the seat currently held by Democratic Rep. Sam Kito III.

Haines community members crowded into the school gym to pay their respects to an Alaska civil rights icon: Feb. 16 is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists discovered “concerning levels” of the pesticide Penta in soils around power poles running through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

A new possibility to fill the seat emerged. The Republican Party advanced retired Palmer small business owner Vicki Wallner to replace Braund as one of three nominees.

Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott said Juneau is not behaving like a good neighbor. During a Wednesday speech to the Southeast Conference Mid Session Summit, he lambasted officials for trying to annex parts of nearby Admiralty Island.

Soldotna Republican Sen. Peter Micciche said the rejection was based on Walker not following the traditional process.

The Alaska Department of Administration is moving more state workers into the State Office Building. Commissioner Leslie Ridle tells KTOO that means the state will need more downtown parking for its downtown workforce.

Industry representatives are telling Southeast leaders they need to oppose the Stand for Salmon initiative and related legislation.

They said in a letter to Walker that it would unfair to either confirm or reject Walker’s appointment of Randall Kowalke to replace Dunleavy.