Senate Democrats have rejected Gov. Sarah Palin’s appointment of Tim Grussendorf to Juneau’s lone Senate seat. It is now up to Palin to make another appointment within 10 days, with the possible advice of Juneau Democratic leaders.

The Alaska Senate approved a $9 billion operating budget despite warnings from minority members that the state’s savings accounts could be depleted soon if spending is not reined in.

Alaska legislators on Wednesday cheered House Majority Leader Kyle Johansen, R-Ketchikan, when he denounced the federal government and the prosecution of former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens after federal prosecutors moved to dismiss corruption charges against Stevens.

Juneau residents may not find out who, besides Gov. Sarah Palin, is responsible for who represents the city in the Alaska Senate.

JUNEAU – After hours of public hearings and testimony from state officials, Alaska legislators said they are not finding the strings that Gov. Sarah Palin said were attached to the federal stimulus funds that could come to Alaska.

The 2009 Yukon River Quest had 78 teams registered as of this past weekend, and the push is on to fill all 100 available team slots before the April 15 registration deadline.

UPCOMING EVENTS

DIVISION 1 W L

Having just completed its second consecutive run to the NCAA Division II Final Four, the University of Alaska-Anchorage women’s basketball team was tabbed No. 3 in the final USA Today/ESPN D-II Top 25 poll, released Tuesday.

GIRDWOOD – The podium for the giant slalom at the 2009 U.S. Alpine Championships looked a lot like it did last year.