Mountains yes, Ellis Island no: Some US parks open, some not
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK – The snowy mountains and frozen lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park are still accessible to visitors, despite the federal government shutdown.
But across the country in New York, the nation’s most famous monuments to immigration – the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – were closed Saturday.
The National Park Service oversees both natural wonders and historic landmarks across the nation. The park service’s parent agency, the Interior Department, had vowed to keep as many parks and public lands open as possible during the shutdown, which began at midnight Friday on the East Coast.
But by mid-day Saturday, the pattern was spotty.
The USS Constitution, the 220-year-old warship anchored at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, was open, but Boston’s Bunker Hill Monument was closed.
Colorado lawmakers advance bill to tackle Colorado’s prison capacity issues
Marianne Goodland
marianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 13 hours ago
As lawmakers move the 2026–27 state budget toward completion, they are intensifying efforts to address overcrowding and capacity challenges within the Department of Corrections and related agencies—issues that have contributed to increased spending in the budget. The state Senate on...
Colorado justices, lawyers speak with rural students through outreach program
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 13 hours ago
Members of the Colorado Supreme Court appeared before students from eight rural schools on Thursday to hear a pair of cases, field questions, and mark the first time the state’s newest justice participated in the long-running program. “I had such...
Democrats want Colorado colleges to provide medication abortion
Marissa Ventrelli
marissa.ventrelli@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 10 hours ago
A bill proposing to require Colorado colleges and universities to provide abortion medication services cleared a legislative committee on Thursday. Advocates said the measure — which exempts religious-based institutions but applies to public, private, and community colleges — will improve...
Trump ‘in discussions’ with IRS to cut deal in tax record lawsuit
Brady Knox, Washington Examiner
brady.knox.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 11 hours ago
President Donald Trump is in talks with the Internal Revenue Service to strike a deal over the release of his tax records. The news was revealed in a legal filing, where his legal team said they were in “discussions” with...
Governor’s wildlife commission picks face pushback ahead of Colorado Senate hearing
Marianne Goodland
marianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 11 hours ago
Colorado’s largest coalition of hunters, anglers, and wildlife conservation groups is urging state lawmakers to reject two of Gov. Jared Polis’ latest nominees to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, setting up a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Agriculture...
Colorado justices skeptical of snowboarder’s bid to revive injury lawsuit after signing new waiver
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 12 hours ago
The Colorado Supreme Court seemed to agree on Thursday that a plaintiff is not entitled to continue his snowboarding injury lawsuit because he purchased another pass in the middle of litigation that released all past legal claims. “It says you’re...
Colorado Supreme Court appears OK with revised ‘reasonable doubt’ instruction
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 17 hours ago
The Colorado Supreme Court appeared largely comfortable on Thursday with the recently revised definition of “reasonable doubt” that is now part of the template jury instructions for criminal cases. To date, multiple Court of Appeals decisions have endorsed the constitutionality...
Senate passes 10-day extension of federal surveillance powers without debate
Hailey Bullis, Washington Examiner
hailey.bullis.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 13 hours ago
The Senate unanimously passed a 10-day extension of the federal government’s power to surveil individuals suspected of being national security threats without debate on Friday. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) brought the measure to the floor during a brief...
Ex‑Bronco Montee Ball backs push at Colorado Capitol for stronger concussion protocols
Marissa Ventrelli
marissa.ventrelli@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 12 hours ago
Amid rising worries about the long‑term effects of head injuries in youth sports, a Colorado committee began reviewing legislation that would tighten concussion protocols and expand mental health awareness among coaches. Senate Bill 060 would require youth sports coaches to...
Colorado drivers, mad about rising gas prices, may turn midterm election ire on Republicans
Callie Patteson, Washington Examiner
callie.patteson.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 10 hours ago
WELD COUNTY, Colorado — The touch-and-go race for House control in the Nov. 3 midterm elections could very well be decided in places like this wind-swept stretch of Interstate 25. Specifically, at gas stations in this rapidly growing area north...
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