News published on Federal Newswire in August 2020

News Release: NEW ORLEANS, LA: All six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve as well as New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park will close beginning today on Aug. 23, 2020 at 12PM CST, due to the threat of Tropical Storm Laura and Tropical Storm Marco. No decision has been reached as to a reopening date.

Jazz Closed Due To Weather Events

News Release: NEW ORLEANS, LA: All six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve as well as New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park will close beginning today on Aug. 23, 2020 at 12PM CST, due to the threat of Tropical Storm Laura and Tropical Storm Marco. No decision has been reached as to a reopening date.

Everglades National Park reopens Monday, Dry Tortugas National Park remains closed for Tropical Storm Laura

News Release: HOMESTEAD, Fla. - On Monday, Aug. 24, Everglades National Park will return to regular park operations.

National Park Service notifies public of northern snakehead (invasive fish) caught in Upper Delaware River

News Release: A northern snakehead (Channa argus) was recently caught in the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River near Callicoon, NY. This is of great concern because these non-native invasive fish are predators that potentially threaten important native species and recreational fisheries in the Delaware River. These fish are native to Asia but have been showing up with increasing frequency in other parts of the world recently.

Saguaro National Park closes Manning Camp Campground due to Spud Rock and Mica Bowl Fires Burning in Rincon Mountains

News Release: Tucson, AZ - Due to the Mica Bowl and Spud Rock fires burning in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park has closed Manning Camp Campground in addition to the previously closed Spud Rock Campground as well as all trails on Mica Mountain east of the Arizona Trail to provide for public safety. The Arizona Trail remains open, however segments may be subject to short notice closure or hiker escort through the area, dependent upon fire activity.

Closed Areas in Florida Ahead of Intense Storms

News Release: Gulf Breeze, FL. - Gulf Islands National Seashore announces Florida day use areas will close on Sunday, Aug. 23, at 5:00 pm. A mandatory evacuation of the Fort Pickens campground will occur Monday Aug. 24, with all campers expected to leave the area by 10:00 am, in anticipation of intense winds...

House Passes Chairwoman Maloney’s “Delivering for America Act”

News Release: Washington, D.C. -Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act, introduced by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform in a bipartisan vote of 257-150. After a lengthy debate, 26 House Republicans voted in favor of the bill.

Proposed Fee Changes at Great Basin National Park

News Release: BAKER, NEVADA - Great Basin National Park is requesting public comment through the park’s website, social media, and a table at the Farmers Market to discuss proposed fee changes to take effect on Jan. 1, 2021 for cave tours, camping and the dump station.

Firefighters Rescued By Sonoma County Sheriff Helicopter

News Release: Point Reyes, CA - At approximately 8:01 pm on Aug. 21, 2020, two firefighters notified Woodward Fire communications their exit route was compromised by fire. The firefighters were able to make it to a ridge clearing about 75 yards from the active fire that cut off their exit route.

Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks modify operations for Tropical Storm Laura

News Release: HOMESTEAD, Fla. - On Sunday, August 23 at 5:00 pm, Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks will temporarily close park entrances and visitor facilities in preparation for Tropical Storm Laura for the safety of visitors and staff. Park concession-operated boat, ferry, and sea plane tours as well as services and rentals will also suspend operations by 5:00 pm Sunday.

Murray Criticizes President Trump for Peddling Dangerous Conspiracy Theory, Presses FDA for Transparency on COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatments

By DOL Newswire | Aug 22, 2020

News Release: (Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s tweet baselessly and falsely suggesting a conspiracy was slowing progress on COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

Dodge Reservoir campground temporarily closed due to Cold Springs Fire

News Release: SUSANVILLE, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed the Dodge Reservoir Campground in far northeast Lassen County to protect public safety as the W-5 Cold Springs Fire burns to the north. The closure will remain in effect until the fire no longer poses a danger. Details are available in the closure order: ww.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/ColdSpringFire_CampgroundClosure_22Aug20.pdf.

Jean Lafitte increases access to Barataria Preserve and Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery

News Release: New Orleans, LA - Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is increasing access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Comer: Facts Quickly Debunk Democrats’ USPS Conspiracy Theory

News Release: WASHINGTON - House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today delivered the following statement during House consideration of H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act, to debunk the Democrats’ baseless conspiracy theory. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.

Comer: Democrats’ USPS Conspiracy Theory Act is a $25 Billion Political Stunt

News Release: WASHINGTON - House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) issued the following statement after the House Democrats’ voted to make American taxpayers foot the bill for an unnecessary $25 billion bailout for the U.S. Postal Service and prevent it from making reforms to improve operations and efficiency.

Bizz Johnson Trail temporarily closed due to encroaching Sheep Fire

News Release: SUSANVILLE, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management is temporarily closing the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail to provide for firefighter access if needed to fight the Sheep Fire burning just south of Susanville. The closure extends from the Susanville Trailhead to the Devil’s Corral Trailhead and includes the Hobo Camp Day Use Area and the South Side Trail. Details are available in the closure order:.

Reclamation temporarily closes Natural Bridges Trail at New Melones Lake

News Release: SONORA, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation will temporarily close the Natural Bridges Trail at New Melones Lake beginning August 23 until further notice.

Stephen C. Anderson

By State Newswire | Aug 22, 2020

Release: Stephen C. Anderson is the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Communications and Information Policy in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. In this capacity, he leads development of international Internet, data, and privacy policies and related negotiations with foreign governments.

FAA Releases LaGuardia AirTrain Draft Environmental Review

By US DOT Newswire | Aug 22, 2020

News Release: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed LaGuardia Airport Access Improvement Project (AirTrain). The agency also opened a 45-day public comment period for the DEIS today. It ends on October 5, 2020.

New Postal Service Documents Show Nationwide Delays Far Worse Than Postal Service Has Acknowledged