"Columbus Day: Controversy, Closure, and the Importance to America"

Today is Columbus Day, a federal holiday in the United States that recognizes Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. However, the holiday has become controversial due to its association with the colonization of the Americas and displacement of indigenous people. Some states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. Federal offices, banks, and the U.S. Post Office are closed, while UPS, FedEx, restaurants, malls, movie theaters, and national parks remain open. Garbage and recycling collection may be on an altered schedule.