U.S. Department of the Interior

Under new federal operating plans for the Colorado River, Coloradans' share of water is set not to change for at least two years. While Upper Basin states including Colorado face no mandatory cuts, Lower Basin states like Arizona, California, and Nevada must collectively reduce their supply by 1.25 million acre-feet annually. These rules guide how the major reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, will operate.

Donald Trump's failed renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool led to algae problems, which he falsely attributed to vandals. Federal prosecutors initially charged David Hearn with vandalism, but later dropped the case after determining the issues stemmed from poor contractor work. The article highlights concerns about the Trump administration's potential misuse of federal prosecutors to target perceived enemies.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is drained and awaiting repairs as a dispute within the Trump administration emerges. President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reject U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's assertion that contractors caused the pool's damage.

A fourth wildland firefighter, Nathan Matthews, died from burn injuries sustained during a burnover incident on the Knowles Fire in western Colorado. Three other firefighters died at the scene, and an investigation continues into the incident.

The Trump administration removed an exhibit at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia that highlighted George Washington’s enslavement of individuals, including Ona Judge. A new exhibit, installed by the National Park Service, emphasizes Washington’s anti-slavery views and posthumous emancipation, which critics argue distorts history by downplaying his active role in slavery.

A fourth wildland firefighter, Nathan Matthews, died from injuries sustained in a burnover incident on the Knowles Fire in western Colorado. Three other firefighters died at the scene, and a serious accident investigation is ongoing.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer deployed a Taser at a gas station on the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation, causing a fire that injured Chuck Coyl with burns and nerve damage. Cellphone video showed the confrontation, where the officer claimed Coyl was uncooperative 'for having committed a crime,' and a use-of-force expert criticized the escalation as unwarranted. The Department of the Interior confirmed the Taser deployment but declined further comment pending review.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer deployed a Taser at an Arizona gas station, causing a fire that resulted in a man's first- and second-degree burns and nerve damage. The incident, captured on video, involved a confrontation between the officer and Chuck Coyl, who claimed he was not charged and criticized the use of force. A law enforcement expert questioned the officer's de-escalation and safety protocols near flammable environments.

A bear in rural New Mexico climbed a utility pole and was captured on video before reportedly dying from electrocution. The U.S. Department of the Interior shared the footage with a humorous comment about energy dominance, while wildlife experts noted bears may climb poles to escape perceived threats.

A D.C. Superior Court judge urged the Trump administration to preserve sections of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool damaged by a Maryland man to ensure the defense can examine the evidence. The judge warned that failing to maintain the site could harm the trial, as the defense argues the government altered the evidence by draining and repairing the pool.

A D.C. Superior Court judge urged the Trump administration to preserve the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to ensure access for defense experts in a case against David Hearn, a Maryland man accused of damaging it. The judge warned that altering the pool before the defense examines it could harm the trial, and a readiness hearing is scheduled for September 11.

US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that a white supremacist group's July 4 rally in Washington did not violate laws due to free speech protections. The Patriot Front members marched through the capital, and Burgum acknowledged their ideology but emphasized the event's legality under free speech.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum attributed the reflecting pool's issues to vandals, citing photographic evidence of damaged rubber linings. At least seven individuals, including former Olympian David Hearn, have been arrested for allegedly defacing the pool, which was part of a Trump-era renovation project. Burgum dismissed claims of motorcade-related damage, stating the vehicles were lighter and the rubber lining was not yet installed.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is 'all gone' following a $14.6 million renovation that previously caused muddy green water. The algae issue was a temporary problem during the pool's refilling process.

White House budget director Russell Vought testified before a U.S. House panel advocating for a 13.3% increase in funding for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to modernize systems and expand staff, while proposing cuts to domestic agencies like Agriculture and Health and Human Services. The Trump administration's 2027 budget requests a $1.5 trillion defense budget and a 10% reduction in non-defense spending.

Three wildland firefighters were killed after deploying emergency shelters during a wildfire near the Utah-Colorado border. Their deaths have raised concerns about the shelters' outdated design and effectiveness, similar to past tragedies like the Yarnell Hill Fire and South Canyon Fire in 1994.

Three wildland firefighters were killed while battling a wildfire near the Utah-Colorado border after deploying emergency shelters, reigniting concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the equipment. The incident echoes past tragedies like the Yarnell Hill Fire and South Canyon Fire, where firefighters also perished despite using shelters. Critics highlight the outdated design of the shelters and question their reliability in extreme conditions.

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced the names of firefighters who died battling wildfires in Mesa County, Colorado. Two additional firefighters were injured and are receiving medical care. They were responding to the Knowles and Gore Fires.

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.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, renovated under Trump's urging with a projected cost of $1.9 million, has turned green with algae despite claims of a 50-year waterproof coating. The project's cost ballooned to $15 million, and Democratic lawmakers are investigating potential conflicts of interest in no-bid contracts awarded to firms linked to Trump and his associates.

A federal appeals court ruled the Trump administration can replace exhibits on slavery at the President’s House in Philadelphia. The city and advocacy groups had sued to block the removal of historical signage, but a Third Circuit Court panel dismissed an injunction requiring their reinstatement, stating the city lacks authority to curate the exhibits.

A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump's executive order to remove educational information from national parks and museums sets a 'dangerous precedent of censorship' and ordered the government to restore the removed content. The judge, Angel Kelley, granted a preliminary injunction against the Department of the Interior, requiring the restoration of interpretive materials by July 4 to ensure 'our shared history be honestly told.'

A Biden-appointed federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore exhibits and materials at national parks that highlight slavery, climate change, and other topics after they were removed under a directive targeting displays deemed disparaging to America. The judge issued a preliminary injunction requiring the administration to reverse the changes, while the Interior Department criticized the ruling and plans to appeal.

A Biden-appointed federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore exhibits and materials at national parks that address slavery, climate change, and other topics after they were removed under a directive targeting displays deemed disparaging to America. The judge issued a preliminary injunction requiring the administration to reverse changes and halt further removals during legal challenges.

President Trump's renovation projects in Washington, D.C., including the 'Great Reflecting Pool,' 'Independence Arch,' and 'White House State Ballroom,' have prompted lawsuits from nonprofit organizations such as The Cultural Landscape Foundation, Public Citizen, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Critics argue the projects are wasteful and unnecessary, with legal challenges targeting the U.S. Department of the Interior and National Park Service.

A federal appeals court in Philadelphia is reviewing a case over the removal of slavery exhibits at the President’s House historical site. The U.S. Department of the Interior and the city argue over whether the National Park Service’s removal of the exhibits violated agreements and historical site purposes. The case involves a 2006 city-federal agreement, a 1950 congressional agreement, and a 2021 Trump-era executive order cited for the removal.

Seven states, including New York, are suing the U.S. Department of the Interior over its agreement with TotalEnergies to pay private energy firms to abandon U.S. offshore wind projects. The lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s efforts to incentivize companies to exit renewable energy initiatives.

An Obama-appointed judge temporarily blocked the National Park Service from removing an anti-Trump '86 47' flag near the National Mall, as progressive group Accountability Now USA claimed First Amendment rights. The Department of the Interior criticized the decision, calling it an example of 'undecency' and arguing it should not be tolerated, while the judge ruled the flag's message was ambiguous without violent symbols.

U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio and Summer Lee introduced a three-bill package to hold mine owners accountable for environmental damage from abandoned mines. The legislation aims to address 'zombie mines' polluting waterways and follows a reduction in federal funding for mine reclamation in Pennsylvania.

Lee Mendelson Film Productions is suing the U.S. Department of the Interior for allegedly using iconic Peanuts music without authorization in social media posts and a video game. The lawsuit centers on the unauthorized use of the jazzy tunes associated with the beloved cartoon franchise.

The Trump administration blocked two permitted U.S. wind energy projects, redirecting funds to oil and gas investments. The Department of the Interior cited promoting energy security and affordability as the rationale for the decision.

The Trump administration is financially incentivizing companies to abandon offshore wind projects. This move reflects a policy shift away from renewable energy development.

Dirk Kempthorne, a Republican, served as mayor of Boise, U.S. Senator, Idaho governor until 2006, and later as U.S. Interior Secretary before his death at 74. He was a prominent political figure in Idaho and national politics.

Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho governor and U.S. Interior Secretary, died at 74 after battling colon cancer. Known for his public service and family devotion, he played key roles in environmental policy and the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation of U.S. citizens and allies.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the installation of a new 'American flag blue' floor in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, sharing updates and a photo of the ongoing renovations. He expressed gratitude to President Donald J. Trump for his support.

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is leading the Democratic primary race for New Mexico governor, according to a new Emerson College Polling/KRQE News 13 survey showing 40% support among primary voters. Haaland, a former Democratic lawmaker, joined the Biden administration to oversee the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the construction of President Trump's proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The project, to be built on Columbia Island in the National Park Service's Memorial Circle, received approval from the commission.

Plans submitted by the U.S. Department of the Interior propose a 250-foot triumphal arch for Donald Trump, which would surpass the 99-foot Lincoln Memorial across the Potomac River. The project highlights a significant size comparison between the two structures.