Alaska’s ferry system is running only six of its nine available ships; two have been laid up for mechanical work, and the oceangoing ferry Kennicott has been sidelined because there aren’t enough trained crew to operate it.
Transportation
Bush pilot Jim Tweto’s plane struck tree before deadly crash near Shaktoolik, NTSB says
Tweto was known nationwide for his appearances on the Discovery TV show “Flying Wild Alaska.”
Prince Rupert mayor reflects on what else was lost as ferry service declined
In the past, ferries between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan ran so often that high schoolers could make a quick trip over to play basketball.
Canceled trips and no refunds: Passport delays are derailing travelers
In March, the State Department said the standard processing time for a new or renewed passport can take up to 13 weeks. But many passport seekers are finding that the wait is well beyond that.
Skagway rail workers vote ‘overwhelmingly’ to authorize strike
The strike won’t happen right away, but the union says negotiations are “in limbo” after a negotiating session over the holiday weekend failed to resolve what they describe as a 6-year dispute over compensation, staffing and safety.
2 dead, 3 survive after plane crashes near Old Harbor
The plane was operated by Kodiak-based Vertigo Air.
Plans for the Juneau-Douglas second crossing gain momentum with new federal funding
The City and Borough of Juneau has received $16.5 million in federal funding to complete final designs for a second Juneau-Douglas crossing.
Yamaha will stop selling snowmachines in North America
The company said it aimed to grow its business through more environmentally friendly motors
Bethel, a place where cars come to die, will host its first auto show
Without links to the U.S. road system, it takes longer for cars to find their way to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
US pedestrian deaths reach a 40-year high
The number of pedestrians killed by drivers has been climbing for over a decade. Experts say some solutions are within reach.