What closes and what keeps running in a federal government shutdown
A government shutdown is looming but not every federal office will close completely. Some critical services will continue as employees work without pay.
national parks
The Second Biggest Disaster at Mount Vesuvius
Like an increasing number of national parks in the United States, Mount Vesuvius has begun rationing access with a quota system. The system has had some problems.
The federal government is planning to phase out single-use plastics at national parks
More than 300 million tons of plastic are produced in the U.S. each year, with 14 million of them ending up in the ocean, according to the Department of Interior.
Hudson Canyon, a giant underwater chasm, could be the newest national marine sanctuary
The site — comparable in size to the Grand Canyon — is about a hundred miles off the coast of New York City. It's home to a number of sensitive species including sperm whales and sea turtles.
A new program in Canada gives doctors the option of prescribing national park visits
And the best part? The annual passes are free.
An Explosion In Visitors Is Threatening The Very Things National Parks Try To Protect
Growing crowds at America's national parks have prompted some of them to allow entry by reserved tickets only. Arches National Park in Utah may be next, and there's renewed controversy over that step.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vandalized With 'Black Lives Don't Matter' Sign
A black bear skin was also left draped on a park entrance in Tennessee. Investigators are offering a reward for information on the incident, which a ranger called "particularly egregious."
Yellowstone National Park Set To Reopen — But With Caveats
There is growing economic pressure to reopen national parks and ease travel restrictions even as many states are still seeing a rise in coronavirus cases.
National Parks Trying To Get A Handle On E-Bikes
Electric assisted bicycles are on trails in the national parks. Enthusiasts think that's a great thing, but some traditional riders and environmentalists see big problems ahead.
Interior Restaffs Some Wildlife Refuges During Shutdown
Furloughed staff will return to 38 protected sites around the country. Critics are panning the move as a way to avoid bad optics during the political tussle.