Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up:

Big check: Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield pledges $5.7 million to improve access to care in rural Alaska.

Mischievous ravens: We don’t love the damage they’re causing, but who can resist these smart, swaggering birds?

Charter chip-in: Air charter companies step up to provide flights in and out of Dutch Harbor in the short term.

Thumbs down:

Ski fans: Much anticipated ski lift in Hatcher Pass delays opening due to chairlift challenges.

Elk hunters: Domestic elk make an escape, partially shut down elk hunting in Kodiak.

Malaspina: Fifty-six-year-old ferry removed from service, return date is unknown.

– Sarah Erkmann Ward, Blueprint Alaska