Shutdown issues darken WH tree

Partial government shutdown complications will ensure the National Christmas Tree stays dark this holiday after a man climbed up in it, and damaged some of the lights, according to NBC4 TV in Washington. The tree is located on the Ellipse just south of the White House. U.S. Park Police had to negotiate with the unidentified man to get him down. The National Park Service announced over the weekend that the tree would stay dark during the holiday, and according to The Hill, because the shutdown has “complicated” its repair. The man was taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation, media reported. (Source: Time 12/23/18)