The case shows how it’s become common for polar bears to disrupt village life in Kaktovik, which sits on an island at the edge of the Beaufort Sea. As climate change melts sea ice and drives the bears ashore, residents say they’ve been under increasing stress.
"Ralph Beistline"
Attorneys argue for listing bearded seals as threatened
A federal government attorney says Alaska’s bearded seals deserve to be listed as a threatened species because of climate warming’s effect on their sea ice habitat.
Ninth Circuit denies Big Thorne injunction
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has denied an emergency motion for an injunction that would have delayed the Big Thorne Timber Sale pending an appeal of a lower-court ruling.
USFS celebrates Big Thorne decision as environmental groups weigh options
A court decision allowing the Big Thorne timber sale will help speed changes in Tongass logging. But opponents say it will damage other Southeast Alaska industries.
Big Thorne Timber Sale lawsuit dismissed
Alaska U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline granted summary judgment on Friday in favor of the defendants, and rejected every argument brought forward by the plaintiffs.
Coast Guard shooter to serve four consecutive life terms
63-year-old James Wells was sentenced today to four consecutive life sentences for a double murder at the Kodiak Coast Guard Base two years ago.
Alaska couple admits to planning judge’s murder
An Alaska couple has admitted to buying a gun, silencer and hand grenades, and having maps to a federal judge’s homes, in what prosecutors say was a murder plot that developed from a dispute over paying taxes.