1. ARCTIC DRILLING:
Coastal towns eager for ports as ice melts, ocean traffic picks up
NOME, Alaska -- As the only U.S. port near the Bering Strait, Nome is becoming a regular stop for ships traveling in the Arctic each summer as higher temperatures keep the North Pole waters ice-free for longer periods. Now Nome and other coastal communities in Alaska want to expand their ports to capitalize on the expected Arctic oil development, long-haul cargo vessels, military traffic and access to cheaper goods.