From trails to exhibits, parks aim to increase accessibility

Mammoth Cave National Park has upgraded a trail as part of a coordinated effort by the National Park Service to increase accessibility to disabled visitors
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A look at accessibility projects at 9 national parks

The National Park Service says nine parks across the U.S. have received more than $10 million in federal funding to design and build projects to make trails, buildings, waterways and camping more accessible to people with disabilities
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Branson mourns for 17 killed in sinking of packed duck boat

Branson mourns for 17 killed when packed duck boat capsizes and sinks in storm
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Duck boats linked to more than 40 deaths since 1999

Duck boats like the one that sank in Branson, Missouri, killing 17 people, have a long history of safety problems
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Disgusting flooding inundates S Carolina's coastal gem again

Heavy rain caused flooding overnight in South Carolina's largest city, prompting police in Charleston to ask people to not come downtown until flooding subsides
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New Jersey bans smoking on beaches and in parks, butt ...

New Jersey's governor signs a bill banning most smoking at public beaches and parks
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Ice Alaska gets 10 new board members

The organization that plans the World Ice Art Championship in Fairbanks has almost an entirely new slate of board members, including a resort owner and two out-of-state ice sculptors
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Owners may demolish pyramid home in Illinois after fire

An estimated $3 million in fire and water damage following a fire at a pyramid home in suburban Chicago may force the owners to knock the tourist attraction down
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Hawaii town hopes lava tourism will bring economic relief

A Hawaii community hurting from the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano are hoping local authorities will set up a spot for people to watch lava as a means to attract tourists
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AP Photos: Weeks later, Hawaii volcano gushes on

AP Photos: More than 2 months later, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is still gushing, billowing
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Hawaii businesses seek lava viewing site to reignite tourism

Some businesses on Hawaii's Big Island that have taken a hit since a volcano began erupting in a neighborhood there are asking authorities to set up a lava viewing site to help draw tourists
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Man sent to jail for Maui road rage encounter with tourist

A Hawaii man was sentenced to eight days in jail for a road rage encounter, resulting in damage to a car and a tourist getting punched last year
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Hawaii man sent to jail for Maui road rage encounter

A Hawaii man was sentenced to eight days in jail for a road rage encounter, resulting in damage to a car and a tourist getting punched last year
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AP Photos: Still going! Hawaii volcano thunders on

AP Photos: Global attention may wane and spike, but for people living on Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, the erupting lava is ever-present.
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1 dead as latest fire portends explosive Northwest season

A fast-moving grass fire fueled by gusting winds in the Pacific Northwest killed one person and forced dozens of households to evacuate as Oregon Gov. Kate Brown declared a state of emergency
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Storms, dead trees could hinder firefighting near Yosemite

A deadly forest fire kept spreading Wednesday west of Yosemite National Park, and erratic winds and trees killed by a historic California drought are expected to pose more problems for firefighters
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Study links air pollution to drop in national park visitors

A new study says visitors may be steering clear of some U.S. national parks or cutting their visits short because of air pollution
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Minnesota State Fair announces dozens of new attractions

The Minnesota State Fair has announced dozens of new attractions for the 2018 edition of the Great Minnesota Get-Together
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Hawaii lava boat tours continue after explosion, injuries

Hawaii tour boat operators plan to continue taking visitors to see lava, but will follow the Coast Guard's revised policy and stay farther away after an explosion caused molten rock to barrel through the roof of a vessel, injuring 23 people
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The Latest: California pilot killed in crash near Tahoe

Authorities have identified the 60-year-old pilot from suburban Sacramento who died in a small airplane crash near Lake Tahoe
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2 dead, 1 critical in small plane crash near Lake Tahoe

A small airplane crashed near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, killing the pilot and a passenger and critically injuring the only other person on board the single-engine aircraft.
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Hot weather hindering efforts against blaze near Yosemite

Hot and dry weather is hindering efforts to slow the growth of a wildfire near Yosemite National Park that killed a California firefighter
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Hawaiian monk seal named Rocky gives birth to 11th pup

A Hawaiian monk seal named Rocky has given birth to her 11th pup on a remote shoreline on Kauai
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Historical society unearths letters from President Cleveland

New Hampshire historical society discovers 13 boxes of business letters and handwritten messages from former President Grover Cleveland
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Hawaii volcano boat tours continue after lava injuries

Hawaii tour boat operators plan to continue taking visitors to see lava, but will follow the Coast Guard's revised policy and stay farther away after an explosion caused molten rock to barrel through the roof of a vessel, injuring 23 people
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Stranded woman drank water from moss after California crash

A self-described lucky beachcomber says her best find yet is a woman who survived a 250-foot car plunge off a cliff and a week stranded on a remote California beach
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Storied Route 66 hotel in Albuquerque set to reopen

A seminal Albuquerque motel along the historic Route 66 is set to reopen after an $18 million upgrade
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9 animals dead after jaguar escape at New Orleans zoo

Officials at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans say nine animals have died after being attacked by a jaguar that escaped its enclosure
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Glacier National Park lifts tent camping restrictions

Glacier National Park officials have lifted tent camping restrictions enacted last month after a grizzly bear became accustomed to people
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Lava crashes through roof of Hawaii tour boat, injuring 23

Hawaii officials say an explosion caused by lava oozing into the ocean sent molten rock crashing through the roof of a tour boat off the Big Island, injuring 23 people
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The Latest: Woman transported to Honolulu after lava injury

The U.S. Geological Survey says explosions of varying sizes happen whenever 2,000-degree lava enters much colder seawater
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The Latest: Topography, volume of lava factors in explosion

The U.S. Geological Survey says explosions of varying sizes happen whenever 2,000-degree lava enters much colder seawater
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The Latest: Safety investigators eye firefighter death

California workplace safety officials are investigating the death of a firefighter who was killed while battling a wildfire near Yosemite National Park
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The Latest: Wildfire smoke polluting central California air

Officials say smoke from a forest fire near Yosemite National Park is affecting air quality in central California
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Family sues over deadly resort cabin fire that killed 4

A wrongful death lawsuit says a fireplace inside an Idaho rental resort cabin exploded, causing the death of four people
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The Latest: Woman has major leg trauma after lava hits boat

Hawaii officials say a 20-year-old woman has major leg trauma after an explosion sent lava flying through the roof of a tour boat off the Big Island
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The Latest: Zoo cites break in steel cable barrier in escape

Officials at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans say a break in a stainless-steel cable barrier may have provided enough space for a jaguar to escape its enclosure over the weekend
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Lava flies through roof of Hawaii tour boat, injuring 13

Hawaii officials say an explosion sent lava flying through the roof of a tour boat off the Big Island, injuring at least 13 people
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CEO-in-waiting talks about Spirit Airlines' future

Spirit Airlines, known for long fares and high complaints, is about to get a new CEO
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Smoke blankets Yosemite park but trails and lodges are open

A deadly wildfire near Yosemite National Park has shrouded the popular destination in smoke, but tourists could still use all trails, campgrounds, lodges and restaurants
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Texas ranch shows President Johnson's struggles and triumphs

LBJ Ranch in Texas, where President Lyndon Johnson was born, lived and died, tells the story of his struggles, triumphs and power
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Deadly fire near Yosemite National Park doubles in size

A deadly wildfire burning near the west end of Yosemite National Park doubled in size overnight
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Woman survived 7 days after driving off California cliff

Authorities say a couple on a camping trip came upon a missing Oregon woman who survived nearly a week after her car went over a cliff in coastal California
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C'est la vie: Canadians still visiting US despite trade flap

The United States and Canada may be engaged in an escalating trade war, angering Canadians, but it doesn't seem to be having an impact on tourism this summer
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Firefighter killed in wildfire near Yosemite National Park

Officials say a second-generation California firefighter who was using a bulldozer to prevent a wildfire from spreading was killed Saturday near Yosemite National Park
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The Latest: Firefighter died in bulldozer near Yosemite

Officials say a firefighter killed while battling a wildfire near Yosemite National Park was driving a bulldozer and trying to prevent the fire from spreading
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The Latest: Utah residents help neighbors after flooding

Residents of several southwestern Utah communities are helping their neighbors clean up their properties after flooding from heavy rain
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Yellowstone National Park continues to improve cell service

Yellowstone National Park is moving ahead with plans to improve cellular service despite criticism from some that it
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The Latest: Firefighter killed fighting blaze near Yosemite

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention says a firefighter has been killed while battling a wildfire near Yosemite National Park
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Highway reopens in Zion National Park after storm closure

A highway through Zion National Park on southern Utah has reopened after being closed due to mud and debris from a heavy rainstorm
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2nd suit seeks to keep former weapons plant closed to public

A Colorado town near a former nuclear weapons plant has filed suit to keep part of the site from opening to the public as a wildlife refuge
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The Latest: Floods force hundreds to reschedule camping trip

Heavy flooding in an Arizona canyon with towering blue-green waterfalls means people with coveted camping spots will have to reschedule their trips
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Rail tunnel project scrambling as funding deadline looms

A $13 billion project to build a new rail tunnel into New York is scrambling to stay in the running for key federal funding as a July 14 deadline looms
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Benches, trees, caves provide respite in Arizona flood

A popular campground at the base of famous waterfalls near the Grand Canyon was inundated by a flash flood that sent tourists seeking higher ground in trees and caves.
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Fire restrictions to be lifted at Grand Canyon National Park

With monsoon storms significantly lowering the fire danger risk, fire restrictions are being lifted at the entire Grand Canyon National Park. Park officials say the stage 2 restrictions are scheduled to be lifted at 8 a.m
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Replacement of Grand Canyon Village lodging complex proposed

Federal officials want to demolish and rebuild an aging lodging complex at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
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New photo exhibit of WWI battlefields opening in NYC park

A new outdoor photography exhibit featuring contemporary images of European battlefields where American soldiers fought a century ago is opening in New York City
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The Latest: Tourists flown out of Arizona canyon after flood

Tribe says all tourists caught in flash flood in Arizona canyon have been flown out
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Appeals court decision makes it hard to sue TSA screeners

A federal appeals court says TSA screeners can't be sued over alleged abuse because they aren't law-enforcement officers
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US watchdog criticizes FAA oversight of American Airlines

Government investigator says an FAA inspector was too cozy with American Airlines and didn't act on safety concerns
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Palace of the Governors to close for 6 months for upgrades

The Palace of the Governors in heart of Santa Fe's historic district is scheduled to close for six months as part of an ongoing restoration project
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UT flash floods, rockfalls close parts of Zion National Park

Flash floods in southern Utah have closed several roads and trails at Zion National Park
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Scenic Colorado railroad plans to resume full service

A scenic railroad that runs through the southwestern Colorado mountains is planning to resume coal-fired steam engine service after shutting down last month because of fire restrictions
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Alaska plane survivor: 'For those wondering I'm alive'

A woman who survived a plane crash in Alaska says she's thankful to be alive
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Detroit businesses do well despite water advisories

Business owners around Detroit Lake say summer tourism is business as usual despite several water advisories issued in the area in recent months
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Alaska plane survivor: 'Thankful that I am alive'

A woman who survived a plane crash Tuesday in southeast Alaska says she's thankful to be alive
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Non-certified need not apply to dive with sharks in Oklahoma

One brave open water certified diver will get the chance to wear a 45-pound chain mail suit and join bull sharks in a huge Oklahoma Aquarium tank
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Show tells backstory of icons like Rushmore, Lady Liberty

Geoffrey Baer's '10 That Changed America' gives the real story behind iconic sites like Mount Rushmore and Statue of Liberty
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11 rescued after plane crashes on Alaska island

Authorities say all 11 people aboard a plane that crashed in mountainous terrain on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska have been rescued
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Hawaii governor to veto expansion of state's hotel tax

Hawaii Gov. David Ige plans to veto legislation that would expand the state's hotel tax
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Coast Guard: All 11 rescued from crashed plane in Alaska

Authorities say all 11 people aboard a plane that crashed in mountainous terrain on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska have been rescued
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Man accused of yelling, causing plane to land pleads guilty

Washington state man accused of screaming on a flight and causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Oklahoma pleads guilty to federal assault charge
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NTSB quizzes officials on deadly Washington train wreck

Federal investigators are hearing from witnesses as it looks into last year's Amtrak train derailment south of Seattle that killed three people and injured dozens
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American Airlines says it's getting rid of plastic straws

American Airlines says it will stop using plastic straws and stir sticks in lounges and on planes
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Washington man pleads guilty after Oklahoma flight diversion

A Washington man accused of screaming aboard an airliner and forcing it to make an emergency landing in Oklahoma has pleaded guilty to a federal assault charge
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Injured hiker rescued from cave in northern Arizona

Nearly two-dozen firefighters and other emergency personnel rescued an injured hiker who couldn't walk out of a mile-long cave in northern Arizona
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Heat hampers search for tourist missing in California desert

Authorities say the search for a Virginia woman whose husband was found dead in Southern California's Mojave Desert has been hampered by heat so extreme that the ground temperature reached 165 degrees
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Florida: Excessive speed caused roller coaster derailment

Investigators say excessive speed caused a roller coaster to derail at a Florida boardwalk
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Vandals hit Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge with graffiti

An advocacy group for southwest Oklahoma's Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is asking visitors to be vigilant looking out for vandals
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Mount Washburn trail in Yellowstone closes Thursday

The Mount Washburn trails and trailhead parking areas in Yellowstone National Park will be closed for the summer, beginning Thursday
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Los Angeles subways to phase out infamous fabric seat covers

The Los Angeles County Metro system plans to phase out subway fabric seat coverings that often conceal nasty hazards
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It's a beautiful day in Pennsylvania on Mister Rogers' trail

It's a beautiful day on the Mister Rogers' trail in Pittsburgh and Latrobe, Pennsylvania
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Rent a tent: Startup matches landowners with campers

A land-sharing startup called Tentrr matches landowners looking for extra cash with vacationers yearning for solitude under the stars
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