Monday Morning: Lots of News Today

First, a quick update: there's no news (yet) concerning our friend's missing brother-in-law. I will keep you posted.

* * * * *

Second, yesterday was the longest day of the year, in terms of daylight. Naturally enough, the skies clouded up overnight on Friday, and we've been socked in almost continuously, ever since. But what the heck ... at least it's not snowing, right?

* * * * *

Third: the wildfires are still burning to the north and south of us, but the northern fire is about 80% contained. The southern (Kenai) fire is only at about 20% containment, but far fewer homes are threatened, as the fire is burning in an unpopulated forest/wildlife refuge. Well, unpopulated by humans, anyway.

The Card Street Fire near Sterling is roughly one-fifth contained as a turn in weather conditions aids hundreds of firefighters on the ground and in the air, officials with the management team coordinating efforts against the blaze said Sunday.

There are over 2,000 firefighters now working around the clock to battle the flames. Over 1,100 of them are from the Lower 48, and we're grateful for their help.

* * * * *

Fourth: three more health insurers have pulled out of Alaska, leaving only two in the market. Thanks, Obamacare!

And oh yes, at least one of the remaining two companies has already announced a significant rate hike for this year.

* * * * *

And finally, do you recall that I recently mentioned how fake the various Alaska-based "reality" shows are?

The tip that launched an investigation into an Alaska reality TV family came from outside the state, Department of Revenue officials said Thursday.

Scott Stair, chief investigator for the department's criminal investigation unit, would not discuss in detail accusations that six members of the Brown family lied on Permanent Fund dividend applications.

Asked what application requirements the stars of "Alaskan Bush People" violated, Stair replied in an email. "They (the Browns) didn't meet the physical requirements for the PFD application between October 2009 and August 2012. That lead to false statements on the application."

I'd say, "Color me surprised." But why waste a crayon?