The City and Borough of Juneau and the University of Alaska Southeast have inked a deal to share a former federal marine lab on Auke Bay. The former NOAA facility has been largely shuttered since federal scientists moved to the larger Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute on Lena Point.
Government
Potential initiatives would enshrine Medicaid expansion, ACA provisions in state law
One initiative would require insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions. It also would allow parents to cover their children until they turn 26.
Confederate statues were built to further a ‘white supremacist future’
President Trump hasn’t mentioned it as he’s defended the memorabilia over the past week, but historians say the statues were originally built to send a clear message to black Americans.
Boston right-wing ‘free speech’ rally dwarfed by counterprotesters
Thousands of counterprotesters gathered in Boston Common to meet the rally participants, who said they have no connection to those who perpetrated violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, last week.
Alaska class ferry Tazlina on track at Ketchikan shipyard
The Tazlina is the first of two new Alaska Class ferries that the Ketchikan Vigor Alaska shipyard is building for the state. Its two halves are complete and welded together, and shipyard workers are busy getting interior spaces done.
Fall-winter-spring ferry bookings begin
The Alaska Marine Highway is taking reservations for October through April sailings. The schedule changed so the Matanuska can get new engines.
Feds say Alaska ferry system violates family leave act
The U.S. Department of Labor says the state ferry system is violating the Family and Medical Leave Act. It’s filed a civil complaint in federal court.
Oil company sues over Alaska’s beleaguered cash-for-credits program
Formerly bankrupt Miller Energy Resources and its subsidiaries want cash-credit payments its owed, frozen until lawsuit is resolved.
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority moves to clear Juneau homeless camp
The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority wants a homeless camp on one of its downtown properties cleared by September 5. The city is working with social care agencies to find alternatives for the dozen people camped there.
Public invited to Glacier Valley Fire Station open house, free rides on trucks
Capital City Fire/Rescue officials say FAA grants covered most of the $2.6 million cost of remodeling the Glacier Valley Fire Station and a brand-new $740,000 ARFF truck.