In one of the largest expansions of the National Park System in decades, a nearly 1,700-page bill to fund the Defense Department carries amendments to add roughly a half-dozen units to the park system and add acres to others. But the measure also raises concerns over whether Congress is micro-managing National Park Service decisions when it comes to wildlife management under the Endangered Species Act, and how donors to the system should be recognized.

Every Civil War battlefield has plenty of stories to tell, and on the evening of April 12, 2014, Vicksburg National Military Park will give visitors a chance to "meet some of the historical personalities that shaped the story of the struggle for Vicksburg." Reservations are needed for the free candlelight walk along the park tour road.

The National Park Service is preparing a foundation document to guide planning and management of Vicksburg National Military Park, and is seeking public input on the document.

One-hundred-and-fifty years ago, the USS Cairo was sunk by Confederate forces on December 12. To mark that event, Vicksburg National Military Park will have a special commemoration on Saturday.