Lawmakers plan to spend as little as one day in Juneau, as they meet Thursday for their third special session this year.
Transportation
Alaska Airlines profits despite pilot shortage, operational challenges
Alaska Airlines is still ironing out operational wrinkles following the acquisition of Virgin America last year. At the same time, its smaller, regional airline is still grappling with a pilot shortage.
‘Suspicious death’ reported on cruise ship in Southeast Alaska
Investigators were headed to Juneau early Wednesday after a “suspicious death” occurred on a cruise ship, according to the FBI Anchorage division. Staci Feger-Pellessier, an FBI spokeswoman, said the death happened aboard a Princess Cruises liner.
Late state budget delays fall-winter-spring ferry schedule
Alaskans have until the end of the month to tell the Marine Highway System what they think of its fall, winter and spring sailing plans.
Consultants estimate economic loss if Skagway can’t dock bigger ships
Skagway could miss out on $15 million to $30 million over 20 years if it doesn’t renovate its port for larger cruise ships, according to port consultants who delivered the message to residents last week.
Washington’s new, tougher distracted driving law takes effect Sunday
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said you can get a ticket for eating, sipping coffee, starting a video or grooming if a trooper sees you driving badly as a consequence.
Why isn’t Gastineau Channel navigable all the way through?
Curious Juneau examines why Gastineau Channel isn’t maintained as a through waterway. Instead most vessels have to take the long way around Douglas Island.
U.S. House passes King Cove Road bill
The Senate hasn’t passed the bill yet. Don Young hinted the Trump administration might not need new legislation to take action.
Alaska Airlines might reduce flights to Bethel this winter
Alaska Airlines might cut some of its flights between Bethel and Anchorage, just in time for the holidays. Management confirmed that their flight schedule will change a few weeks before Thanksgiving and remain in effect until a few days after New Year’s, but it’s still unclear what those changes will be.
Motor fuel tax stalls in a year of few bills
Lawmakers have passed fewer bills in 2017 than any year in the state’s history, but it seemed that Senate Bill 25 stood one of the best chances of passing.