Parks and citizenship
If you’re planning to visit one of the 11 most popular national parks in the U.S., staff might ask a question that could be disquieting: Are you an American citizen? A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior said that the question is being posed only to confirm whether the visitor will have to pay a hefty nonresident fee. The Trump administration said in November that beginning Jan. 1 it would implement “America-first” entry fee policies. “U.S. residents will continue to enjoy affordable pricing, while nonresidents will pay a higher rate to help support the care and maintenance of America’s parks,” according to the announcement. “National Park Service staff are not checking immigration status, citizenship, or residency beyond what is necessary to confirm eligibility for a specific entrance fee or pass,” said Elizabeth Peace, spokesperson for the Department of the Interior.
Los Angeles Times
No Real ID? $45 fee
Travelers who show up to airport security without a Real ID will soon face a new option, and a new cost. Beginning Feb. 1, the Transportation Security Administration will launch TSA ConfirmID, a $45 identity-verification alternative. TSA officials said the service is intended to allow noncompliant travelers to complete extra identity checks and still board their flights. “TSA ConfirmID will be an option for travelers that do not bring a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to the TSA checkpoint and still want to fly,” said senior official Adam Stahl. “Impacted travelers will have the option to pay $45 and use the TSA ConfirmID process. This fee ensures that noncompliant travelers, not taxpayers, cover the cost of processing travelers without acceptable IDs.”
Tribune News Service
Big Sky gets bigger
Big Sky Resort’s unofficial motto has long been “big thrills, low frills.” No longer. The Montana ski resort’s ambitious, decadelong Big Sky 2025 vision plan culminates this season with the debut of the world’s fastest 10-person gondola. All the on-piste investments, including the renovation of two slopeside lodges and the addition of 20 new lifts, have attracted top-tier hotel brands like Montage and One&Only. The latter just opened its first resort in North America, the One&Only Moonlight Basin, with 92 rooms and suites, plus free-standing cabins designed by architect Olson Kundig. A heated gondola links the resort directly with the family-friendly Madison Base areas. When you’ve swooshed through enough of them, there’s a sprawling hydrotherapy circuit at the 17,000-square-foot spa. From $2,100.
Bloomberg News
Disney’s Star Wars pivot
Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is turning back the clock. The land will no longer be primarily set in the time period of the recent “Star Wars” sequels. That means Kylo Ren will be out, while “classic” characters such as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia will make their way into the fictional galactic town of Black Spire Outpost. The changes mark a significant tweak from the intent of the land, which was designed as an active, play-focused area. Guests heard radio broadcasts and chatter, as the goal was to make Black Spire Outpost feel rugged and lived-in. Disneyland will soon broadcast composer John Williams’ “Star Wars” orchestrations throughout the area. The changes are set to fully take effect by April 29.
Los Angeles Times
