News--it's not good

First you've got the Department of the Interior deciding--against all protocol--to put the President's face on their season passes. A lot of legal experts think this won't fly, but when has that ever stopped Donald Trump?

https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/trump-national-park-pass-illegal-21224048.php

And then there is the need to offer free entry into our national parks on his birthday--while eliminating from MLK day and Juneteenth. Those are both national holidays that most people get off from work, Trump's birthday is not, so this should save the NPS lots of money.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/national-parks/2025/12/05/national-parks-free-entry-days-2026/87631147007/

Meanwhile, sad news from Mt. Whitney, where a hiker is missing for three weeks and presumed dead.

https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/mount-whitney-missing-hiker-3-weeks-winter-storm-21225959.php

I hope 2026 brings more joy to your life.