The Juneau Police Department’s deputy chief is being promoted to the top job. Ed Mercer will replace outgoing chief Bryce Johnson at the end of July.
Government
Feds agree to shore up Alaska’s insurance market
The U.S. Health & Human Services Department has given the green light to the State of Alaska’s reinsurance program, which lowers costs for people who buy their own health insurance.
Wrangell, workers reach new contract agreement
Wrangell has a new agreement with its unionized workers. If approved by the Borough Assembly, it will end three years of sometimes acrimonious talks over wages and benefits.
Gustavus city council reinstates fired librarian after mayor quits
Turmoil continues at Gustavus city hall following mayor’s resignation and departure of both administrative employees. City Council reinstates longtime librarian fired by mayor.
Peratrovich dollar coin will either have her likeness or a symbolic Tlingit raven
The 2020 dollar coin honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich will either have a literal image of the Alaska Native civil rights leader on it, or a Raven holding a key — a symbol of her Tlingit Raven moiety and her role in agitating for an anti-discrimination law.
Kodiak Pacific Spaceport Complex participates in missile defense test
Kodiak Island’s rocket launch facility was one of the players in a missile defense test this week. The Alaska Aerospace Corporation is in a multi-year agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency for a maximum of $80.4 million, according to Alaska Aerospace CEO Craig Campbell.
Emails show Trump Jr. knew Russia was working to support Trump campaign
“This is obviously very high level and sensitive information but is part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump,” said one email.
Murkowski speaks with constituents about health care during Senate recess
Wrangell got some national attention on the Fourth of July, but it wasn’t for its parade.. It was because of a visit from U.S. Senate Lisa Murkowski. She was one of just four of the Senate’s 52 Republicans to make a public appearance during the national holiday. Longtime Alaska journalist Julia O’Malley covered Murkowski’s Wrangell…
From Anchorage, Walker tells lawmakers to get back to Juneau
During a press conference in Anchorage, Governor pushes sustainable fiscal plan and state gasline project.
Update: Someone may want to buy the ferry Taku, but they need more time
Someone is interested in buying the retired ferry Taku. As a result, the Alaska Marine Highway System is giving interested parties an extra month to submit bids.