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An Alabama man who spent more than 40 years behind bars speaks out, Florida natural habitats are disappearing, and spring allergies hit hard in Connecticut.

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After another campus shooting, President Trump says people, not guns, are the issue. Alaska Sen. Murkowski says Republicans fear Trump's retaliation, and voting rights groups sound the alarm over an executive order on elections.

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Money meant for schools in timber country is uncertain as Congress fails to reauthorize a rural program, farmers and others will see federal dollars for energy projects unlocked, and DOGE cuts threaten plant species needed for U.S. food security.

Sierra Club sues DOGE over mass firings

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Monday, March 17, 2025   

The Sierra Club predicts big problems at national parks such as Yosemite and Sequoia this summer because the Trump administration is slashing federal funding and firing federal employees.

The club has sued the Department of Government Efficiency. On Thursday, judges in two similar suits ordered the feds to reinstate the workers.

Gloria D. Smith, Environmental Law Program managing attorney for the Sierra Club, said the nonprofit's suit is unaffected.

"We're very pleased that the courts are holding, and we fully support this judge's well-reasoned decision holding DOGE accountable," Smith emphasized. "But it remains to be seen whether or not the Trump administration will follow court orders."

One of the other lawsuits challenging the layoffs was brought by employee unions and the other by 20 Democratic attorneys general. The temporary restraining orders require the Trump administration to reinstate tens of thousands of probationary workers, many of whom were fired citing allegedly poor performance, without evidence.

The Trump administration insists the reduction in force is necessary to cut costs and has already filed appeals in those two cases. Smith pointed out if the employees do not go back to work soon, national parks could be plagued by long entrance lines, trash, dirty bathrooms or worse.

"The trails are likely to not be maintained," Smith noted. "There's a good chance that campgrounds will not be cleaned up and cared for. There's a lot of work that goes into making a park presentable and safe for the high season when millions and millions of people visit."

The administration has authorized the Park Service to hire 7,700 seasonal workers for the summer.

Disclosure: The Sierra Club contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, Environment, and Environmental Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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