What is the point of making national parks more accessible if they aren't sustainable? In 2025 alone, the United States National Park System recorded 323 million recreational visits. However, as visits increased, there weren't enough staff to sustain such a system. Since Trump took office, it was reported that by mid-2025 the administration had dismissed nearly 1,000 NPS employees as part of a wave of far-reaching federal layoffs, all under the promise of "saving money."
Read MoreAfter Democrat and Republican Senators were unable to agree on health policy, the federal government was driven to a shutdown on Oct. 1. The issue at hand relates to the cost of premiums for healthcare plans individuals purchase through the Affordable Care Act. The enhanced tax credits for these premiums are set to expire at the end of the year and have been a major factor at play in keeping ACA plans affordable for the millions of people who rely on them.
Democrats voted against Republican’s proposed short-term funding bill for a few different reasons, one of the main ones being because it did not include an extension for these enhanced tax credits. This issue will impact the more than 24 million Americans who don’t get health insurance through jobs and public programs like Medicare or Medicaid, but instead buy it through the ACA.
Read MoreSpending time outside is one of the best parts of summer. Whether you’re hiking, camping or simply relaxing in a park, it offers a break from screens, schedules and stress. But how you use these spaces matters, and right now, they need your attention.
Read MoreSelling public land might sound like a quick way to make a buck, but it’s a deal with long-term costs we can’t afford. These lands aren’t just empty stretches of dirt; they’re wild spaces, community treasures, and a shared legacy for future generations. Handing them over to private hands risks losing access, harming ecosystems, and shrinking the commons we all rely on. To learn why selling public land is a bad idea and why keeping it public matters more than ever, keep reading.
Read MoreAs summer unfolds and millions of Americans flock to our nation’s parks for hiking, camping, and reconnecting with nature, there's an unseen crisis quietly developing behind the trees and trails. A wave of ranger layoffs is leaving these treasured landscapes with fewer guardians than ever before. From Yellowstone to the Smoky Mountains, staff reductions mean fewer people to manage crowds, maintain trails and protect wildlife. At the same time, park attendance is surging, a perfect storm that threatens the health and beauty of our public lands. Without adequate staff to manage the influx of visitors, the integrity of our parks is at risk.
Read MoreAs the sun shines longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and experience the natural beauty of the United States. From serene forest paths to challenging mountain ascents, here are ten remarkable trails that offer a chance to reconnect with nature this season.
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