Four years after 9/11, New York is back
Four years after 9/11, New York is back — Four years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks crippled the city’s travel and tourism industry, visitors once again love New York. The Big Apple is completing a record summer, with hotels fuller and pricier than ever. (USA Today)
How can we help with the challenge ahead — It is almost four years since 9/11 and more than a week since Hurricane Katrina. You tell me whether America has fully and honestly dealt with either. You tell me if we’ve even tried.I will be at Ground Zero on Sunday because I can’t think of where else I should be. (The Brancatelli File)
U.S. report cites gap in air crew security training — Four years after the Sept. 11 hijackings, gaps still remain in the oversight of flight and cabin crew security training aboard commercial airlines despite recent improvements by homeland security officials, a government report said Thursday. (Reuters)
Ophelia weakens to tropical storm, drifts off Florida coast — Hurricane Ophelia weakened to a tropical storm and began drifting away from Florida’s northeast coast early Friday, but that may not be the end of it for the peninsula, Georgia or the Carolinas. (AP)
How Katrina impacts Gulf Coast travel — It may seem insensitive to think about vacation plans in the wake of the disaster wrought by Hurricane Katrina. But looked at another way, tourists are the economic lifeblood of many of the Gulf Coast communities that have been so cruelly inundated by water and whipped by winds. (The Washington Post)
Amtrak said to be planning a big fare rise — Amtrak is preparing to announce a significant increase in fares that will push up the monthly cost of commuting for thousands of train riders in the Northeast by as much as 50 percent, according to railroad industry officials, commuter advocates and Congressional staff members. (The New York Times)
Northwest talks on, but circumstances ‘changed’ — Negotiators for Northwest Airlines and its 4,500 striking mechanics resumed talks Thursday under a management threat that strikers will be permanently replaced if no deal is reached by Tuesday. Chances of a deal appear slim. (USA Today)
After buying surge, demand for gasoline eases — Hello, tipping point? Drivers’ demand for gasoline appears to have downshifted since Hurricane Katrina sent pump prices soaring above $3 a gallon across much of the nation. (Los Angeles Times)
Boeing may pay to avoid prosecution:WSJ — Boeing Co. is negotiating a settlement in which the aircraft maker could pay up to $500 million to the U.S. government and avoid prosecution in two federal probes, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. (Reuters)
Sin City offers reprieve for Katrina rescuers — Leaving hell behind in Louisiana, New Orleans paramedic Keeley Williams has five days to lose herself amid the welcoming drone of the city’s slot machines. The 39-year-old who lost everything to Hurricane Katrina is one of a few dozen first responders granted a moment’s reprieve in Las Vegas this week, all expenses paid with help from local businesses and the Red Cross. (AP)
Gulfport-Biloxi airport: ‘We are back’ — Northwest Airlines flight 889 touched down Thursday morning at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, sending an important message to the rest of the country. “You can now access the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We are back,” airport assistant director Ken Spirito said with pride. (Sun Herald)
Car rental coverage can be as useful as a fifth wheel — Feel run down by aggressive sales pitches for insurance at the car-rental counter? You’re not alone. Thousands of people rent cars, but many will pay more than they need for policies covering everything from car damage to stolen items. (Courier Post)
BAA weathers Heathrow meal strike — UK airports operator BAA reported a 0.5% annual rise in passenger traffic in August, but the Gate Gourmet catering row hit business at Heathrow. (BBC News)
Ophelia regains hurricane strength off Florida coast — Ophelia regained hurricane strength late Friday as the storm continues to spin off the Florida coast. The storm might head back toward land next week, experts said. (AP)
Airline losses could hit $10b in 2005 — U.S. airline losses in 2005 could reach $10 billion due mainly to soaring fuel prices made worse by Hurricane Katrina, the industry’s chief trade group estimated Friday. (Reuters)
‘Price Is Right’ rerun offers New Orleans trip — CBS is apologizing for something embarrassing that happened on “The Price Is Right.” The grand prize offered during the rerun was a trip to New Orleans. (AP)
John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.