A volcano on Alaska’s Aleutian Islands sent up an ash cloud today which prompted scientists to increase the alert level for commercial air traffic.

A US federal judge dismissed prosecutors’ argument that a BP subsidiary violated its probation after an oil spill because of another spill on Alaska’s North Slope.

Oil production in Alaska has long been a concern for environmental campaigners although companies insist safety and the eco-issues are prioritised above profits.

Mark Shenk, Bloomberg

ARTEFACTS found in a hillside along the Savannah River indicate that modern humans inhabited North America as long as 50,000 years ago, a discovery that challenges long-held theories on the migration of our ancient ancestors.