JUNEAU — A bill introduced Monday in the Alaska Senate would define “medically necessary” abortions as those needed to avoid serious risk to a woman’s life or physical health.

JUNEAU — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to issue a final report this year on the impacts of large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay region, regional director Dennis McLerran said.

McLerran spoke Tuesday to the Alaska Forum on the Environment in Anchorage. In his prepared remarks, he said the EPA plans to release a revised draft report this spring for public comment and additional peer review. The EPA said it will consider the additional input as it prepares its final report.

JUNEAU — State officials are looking at ways to lower the growth of Alaska’s health care costs, including an alternate retiree plan and developing an employee wellness program.

The path the state is on isn’t sustainable, Administration Commissioner Becky Hultberg and Health Commissioner Bill Streur told the House Finance Committee on Monday. Streur said he believes something can and must be done to address the issue.

The Alaska Republican Party has a new leader, after a tumultuous year that saw GOP gains in the legislature but a fight over direction of the party.

Kasilof resident Debbie Brown will succeed Randy Ruedrich as chairman, Ruedrich said Friday.

Brown was elected vice chair during a boisterous state convention last year, when Ron Paul supporters and other non-establishment party members made their presence known. Russ Millette was elected chairman and was set to take office Friday, but party leaders meeting in Anchorage voted instead late Thursday to oust him.