National

The Senate is back for its brief autumn session, but no one expects the majority Republican body to move forward with the confirmation of Merrick Garland, President Obama's pick for the court vacancy.

Congress returns Tuesday after a seven week recess and will face an end of September deadline to fund the government and prevent a shutdown. Lawmakers will also have to decide how to fund efforts to combat the spread of Zika. And all of this must be done in an election year where some Congress members face tough re-election battles of their own.

The shutdown affects some 35,000 students and more than 8,000 employees in 38 states. ITT Technical Institutes blamed the Education Department, which recently imposed financial sanctions.

The U.S. Forest Service says the growing popularity of the Conundrum Hot Springs near Aspen, Colo., is threatening the fragile ecosystem, and they're starting to crack down.