A New York Times story about the Hualapai Tribe of Arizona and its legal battle with the operator of the Grand Canyon Skywalk has become one of the most popular on the paper's web site.

Yesterday, when the story was published, it was ranked in the middle of the most e-mailed articles in the paper's National section. Today, it's ranked number one.

The story's popularity underscores the high stakes in the battle. Both sides have hired big-name attorneys -- Paul Charlton, a former U.S. Attorney for Arizona, for the tribe and Troy Eid, a former U.S. Attorney from Colorado, for developer David Jin.

At issue are millions of dollars in tourism revenue. According to the Times, more than 600,000 people visited the reservation last year, up from 150,000 prior to Skywalk's opening.

Jin says the tribe is trying to take over the popular attraction. A tribal council member confirmed that eminent domain proceedings might be utilized.

Get the Story:
Majestic Views, Ancient Culture and a Profit Fight (The New York Times 4/24)
Northern Arizona tribal chairman removed in recall (AP 4/22)

Related Stories:
Operator of Grand Canyon Skywalk battles Hualapai Tribe (4/14)