National Park Service
Coverage of National Park Service in the Nexus archive.
- See the $6 million Lockheed-funded helipad the White House is getting to protect its lawn from Marine One
The White House is constructing a permanent granite helipad on the South Lawn, funded by Sikorsky Aircraft (a Lockheed Martin subsidiary), to accommodate newer, more powerful Marine One helicopters that damage the grass. President Trump stated the $5-6 million project will protect the lawn and noted Sikorsky's financial contribution due to underestimating the helicopters' power.
- Climber dies on route up east face of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park
A climber died on Kiener's Route up the east face of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. The route closed overnight and reopened after recovery operations, with a Teton Interagency Helitak crew assisting the National Park Service. The incident remains under investigation.
- DC experiences ‘Code Red’ air quality after massive fireworks display
Washington, DC, experienced 'Code Red' air quality after a 40-minute Fourth of July fireworks display organized by Freedom 250, a Trump-backed nonprofit. City officials warned of health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, as air quality briefly ranked among the worst globally. The event coincided with an extreme heat wave and thunderstorms, which officials hoped would help clear pollutants.
- Trump says he’s building a White House helipad for a new, more powerful Marine One
President Donald Trump announced the construction of a granite helipad on the White House South Lawn to accommodate new, more powerful Marine One helicopters. The project, privately funded by Sikorsky Aircraft (a Lockheed Martin subsidiary) at an estimated cost of $6 million, aims to address issues with the new helicopters damaging the grass. Construction crews had already begun work, including a UFC-built temporary arena for a 80th birthday event.
- Trump says he's building a White House helipad for a new, more powerful Marine One
President Trump announced the construction of a granite helipad on the White House South Lawn to accommodate new, more powerful Marine One helicopters. The project, privately funded by Sikorsky Aircraft (a Lockheed Martin subsidiary), aims to address issues with the helicopters' exhaust damaging the grass.
- Money for repairs to national parks going to D.C. beautification projects
About 400 National Park Service sites face a $24 billion maintenance backlog, but $90 million in park entry fees has been diverted to Washington D.C. beautification projects for the America 250 celebration under the Trump administration, according to The Washington Post.
- Trump shares news of 'crystal clear' Reflecting Pool, calls for vandalism suspect's arrest
President Donald Trump and the Interior Department announced success in clearing algae from the Lincoln Reflecting Pool using advanced nanobubbler technology. Trump shared photos of the pool on Truth Social and issued a 'Wanted' call for a vandalism suspect, referencing a former Olympian indicted in the case. The National Park Service is vacuuming algae, with the pool now described as 'crystal clear.'
- Trump shares news of 'crystal clear' Reflecting Pool, calls for vandalism suspect's arrest
President Donald Trump and the Interior Department announced success in clearing algae from the Lincoln Reflecting Pool using nanobubbler technology, with Trump urging public help to identify a vandalism suspect. The National Park Service is vacuuming dead algae, and Trump shared photos showing the pool's clear water and reflection of the Washington Monument.
- Activists look to keep the story of Washington’s slaves alive as thousands visit Independence Park for July 4 festivities
Activists in Philadelphia are advocating for the preservation of exhibits detailing the enslavement of nine people by President George Washington at the President’s House Site, which remains partially dismantled due to a legal battle initiated by the Trump administration. Visitors and activists criticized the removal of historical materials, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging this history amid Fourth of July celebrations.
- Washington DC’s Fourth of July parade canceled due to soaring temperature
Washington DC’s Fourth of July parade was canceled due to an extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service. The event, organized by the National Park Service, was scheduled for Saturday but was called off as high temperatures affected the east coast.
- Trump White House can reinstall its sanitized history of slavery at George Washington’s house, appeals court rules
A U.S. appeals court ruled that the Trump administration can reinstall interpretive panels at the site of George Washington’s home in Philadelphia, which critics argue downplay the history of slavery. The new panels, influenced by Trump’s 2025 executive order, focus on American achievements while omitting details like slave trade routes and critical headlines present in prior panels. The city of Philadelphia opposes the change and has filed a legal challenge.
- Smoke from fireworks adds a July Fourth health challenge for these groups
Smoke from fireworks on July Fourth poses health risks, particularly for individuals with asthma, emphysema, and other lung diseases, leading to emergency room visits. Dr. Bobby Mahajan of Inova Health System advises vulnerable groups to avoid smoke, wear masks, and have medication ready, noting that President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 fireworks display could contribute to increased particulate matter.
- Trump administration’s interpretation of slavery under George Washington can be reinstalled
An appeals court ruled that the Trump administration can reinstall interpretive panels at President George Washington’s home in Philadelphia, replacing ones from 2010 that detailed enslaved people living there. The new panels align with an executive order prioritizing narratives about American achievements over critical discussions of slavery, though they still include some information on slavery and its history.
- Court says the US can install historical panels at the site of Washington’s Philadelphia home
An appeals court ruled that the US government can reinstall historical panels at the site of President George Washington’s Philadelphia home, which focus on slavery. The decision allows panels designed to replace earlier ones removed under an executive order that prohibited information 'disparaging' Americans. Philadelphia opposes the installation, arguing it undermines a historically significant story.
- Court says the US can install historical panels at the site of Washington’s Philadelphia home
An appeals court allowed the Trump administration to reinstall historical panels at the site of George Washington’s Philadelphia home, replacing earlier panels that detailed slavery. The ruling permits panels focusing on American achievements, following an executive order opposing content that 'disparages' Americans. Philadelphia, which sued over the removal of the prior panels, seeks to block the new installation.
- Washington Post throws cold water on DC fireworks with report of ‘hazardous air pollution’
The Washington Post reports that fireworks for President Donald Trump's July Fourth celebration in Washington D.C. could cause hazardous air pollution with PM2.5 levels reaching 600-1,200 micrograms per cubic meter around the National Mall. Internal National Park Service documents warn of 'very unhealthy' conditions, advising attendees to use N95 masks and avoid prolonged exposure due to respiratory and cardiovascular risks.
- Former Olympic canoeist indicted by a grand jury after arrest at the Reflecting Pool
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was indicted by a grand jury in Washington, DC, after being arrested for reaching into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He faces a felony charge of property destruction over $1,000 for allegedly damaging the pool's lining material. The pool, recently renovated under President Trump's project, reopened last month but faced issues like algae and peeling paint.
- The Needle: Mall Fireworks Will Poison the Air, Trump Still Trying to Force His Name on Kennedy Center, Trump Made $2.2 Billion in a Year, Small Towns Can’t Afford 250th Parties, and FBI Wants to Criminalize Graffiti
The Mall fireworks display is expected to generate hazardous PM2.5 pollution, affecting public health. Trump's legal team seeks to rename the Kennedy Center after him, citing fundraising claims. Trump reportedly earned $2.2 billion in his first year in office, largely from crypto ventures. Small towns lack funds for 250th anniversary celebrations due to redirected federal spending. The FBI suggests anti-capitalist graffiti could indicate extremist activity.
- See inside Thomas Edison's New Jersey lab, where some of America's biggest inventions took shape
Thomas Edison's laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey, opened in 1887 and served as his primary workspace for 45 years. There, he and his team developed the first motion-picture camera, alkaline storage batteries, and other influential inventions. The site is now preserved as Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
- ‘A sanitized view of America’: inside Trump’s campaign to erase US history from national parks
Critics argue the Trump administration is erasing and altering historical records in national parks by removing signs. The article highlights the case of Mammoth Cave, where Materson 'Mat' Bransford, an enslaved person, was exploited for his work exploring the cave, which later became a national park.
- 'Full suppression': As wildfires worsen, Trump administration revives policy to stomp out all fires quickly
Three U.S. government firefighters died in a Colorado wildfire as the Trump administration revived a policy to rapidly suppress all fires, creating a new federal fire service by consolidating personnel from four Interior Department agencies. Critics argue the 'full suppression' approach contradicts long-standing strategies that used controlled burns to mitigate wildfire risks.
- As wildfires worsen, Trump administration revives discredited policy to stomp out all fires quickly
The Trump administration has revived a discredited policy of quickly extinguishing all wildfires, highlighted by the deaths of three U.S. government firefighters in a Colorado wildfire. The new federal Wildland Fire Service, created without congressional approval, consolidates personnel from four Interior Department agencies, causing operational confusion. Critics argue the 'full suppression' approach contradicts long-standing strategies of using controlled burns to mitigate risks from climate-driven blazes.
- Celebrating July 4th in DC? Officials say even experienced locals need a plan
Officials in Washington, D.C., warn that the July 4th celebration on the National Mall will be larger and more secure this year due to the 250th anniversary, with increased barriers, security screenings, and fewer entry points. Fireworks are scheduled for 10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., followed by free late-night Metro rides until 2 a.m. Residents near Anacostia Park are also advised of fireworks and closures.
- Trump says his renovation plans for a golf course will have Washington hosting a ‘major’ tournament
President Donald Trump claims his redevelopment of the East Potomac Golf Links will enable it to host major golf tournaments, despite ongoing legal challenges and environmental concerns. The project involves criticism of the course's current condition and a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. Trump also toured updates to Lafayette Park and criticized Janeese Lewis George, the Democratic primary winner for Washington mayor, as a 'Communist.'
- Trump says his renovation plans for a golf course will have Washington hosting a 'major' tournament
President Donald Trump claims his renovation of the East Potomac Golf Links will enable it to host major tournaments like the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. The project faces a lawsuit and involves toxic debris from White House demolition. Trump also criticized the course's condition and toured updates to Lafayette Park and a planned arch, while meeting Janeese Lewis George, a mayoral candidate he labeled a 'Communist.'
- Trump says his renovation plans for a golf course will have Washington hosting a 'major' tournament
President Donald Trump stated his renovation plans for the East Potomac Golf Links would allow it to host major tournaments like the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. The project faces a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, and toxic debris from White House demolition has been found on the site. Trump also toured updates to Lafayette Park and met with mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George, whom he labeled a 'Communist.'
- This Week in South Florida: Daniella Levine Cava
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava discussed plans to transfer the decommissioned Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention facility site to the National Park Service and to take the Fisher Island fuel depot by eminent domain during her interview on This Week in South Florida with host Glenna Milberg.
- Trump axed a Black history exhibit. Former park rangers are teaching it anyway.
A Black history exhibit at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park was removed by the Trump administration following an executive order to 'restore truth and sanity to American history.' Former park rangers, including Elizabeth Kerwin, are organizing teach-ins and events to preserve and share the country's diverse history despite the removal.
- 12-year-old injured by bison in Yellowstone National Park
A 12-year-old was injured by a bison at Yellowstone National Park near Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge, on June 26 around 9:15 a.m. The child was hospitalized, but their condition remains undisclosed.
- A Reflecting Pool that has long enticed visitors now gains police scrutiny under Trump
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, historically a public space for various activities, now faces increased police scrutiny following President Donald Trump's claims of vandalism damaging its new liner. A man was arrested after touching peeling paint on the pool, and fencing was added near the area, attributed to July Fourth preparations.
- A Reflecting Pool that has long enticed visitors now gains police scrutiny under Trump
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, historically a relaxed site for visitors, now faces increased police scrutiny under President Trump after claims of vandalism damaged its new liner. A man was arrested for touching peeling paint, prompting added fencing and surveillance, while the pool's historical role as a gathering space contrasts with current security measures.
- A Reflecting Pool that has long enticed visitors now gains police scrutiny under Trump
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, historically a site of public access and cultural significance, now faces increased police scrutiny and security measures under President Trump. Reports of damage to the pool's liner led to arrests and patrols, with the administration citing preparation for July Fourth celebrations as a reason for added fencing.
- Trump’s Peeling Green Gift to America
Donald Trump's renovation project for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted in a green-algae-riddled, over-budget failure, with the involved firm Greenwater Services and Trump's public outbursts on Truth Social. The National Park Service alleges deliberate damage to the pool's liner, while Trump claims multiple arrests and citations for vandalism.
- A White House Makeover, Brought to You by Struggling National Parks
President Trump ordered a costly White House pathway replacement using taxpayer funds diverted from National Parks, with the National Park Service spending $689,232 on the project. This shift of funds has led to canceled repairs and budget cuts at parks like Yellowstone, Acadia, and Gunnison, as the National Capital Region's spending increased by 92%.
- The Lincoln Memorial should be green with envy: This reflecting pool stayed clear
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has faced algae issues and maintenance challenges, while the smaller Capitol Reflecting Pool, managed by the Architect of the Capitol, remains clear through regular draining and repairs. The Trump administration's recent renovations at the Lincoln Memorial, including a rubberized coating, have drawn scrutiny amid concerns over dead ducks and maintenance practices.
- Reflecting Pool liner cut with sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says
The National Park Service reported that the Reflecting Pool's liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor. Earlier in the week, Donald Trump blamed vandals for a 300-foot gash in the pool and accused someone of adding fertilizer to the water.
- Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says
The National Park Service reported that the liner of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor, damaging the foam sealant from a $16 million rehabilitation project.
- Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, damaging a $16 million rehabilitation project. The National Park Service and Interior Department reported multiple incidents, including thrown fence posts and recurring vandalism, with seven arrests and police reports. President Trump and officials blamed vandals for the damage, though details remain unclear.
- News Wrap: NPS official claims Reflecting Pool liner cut
A National Park Service official stated the Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a knife or razor. A federal judge halted President Trump's executive order on regulating mail-in voting and creating a federal voter list. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.'
- Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says
A National Park Service official reported that the liner at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut. The damage was caused by a sharp knife or razor, according to the agency.