Northeast South Dakota News

Our founding fathers made history by declaring independence from Britain. On Friday—Independence Day—the United States celebrates 249 years since the declaration that established a nation of freedom and strength.

Mount Rushmore, located in the heart of America, represents these core principles. Fireworks will return next year to light up the sky above the monument in celebration of 250 years of the country.

A new legislative proposal has been introduced called the Protection of Women in Sports at Military Academies Act. This act aims to prohibit biological men from competing in women’s sports at military service academies. Riley Gaines supports this initiative, emphasizing that "the United States military service academies should set the example for fairness and integrity." The focus is on maintaining military readiness rather than engaging with radical gender policies.

House and Senate Republicans have collaborated to pass what they refer to as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which has reached President Trump's desk. The bill seeks to prevent what would be the largest tax increase for American families in U.S. history, secure the southern border, and manage government spending more effectively.

The bill also includes measures aimed at strengthening welfare programs like SNAP and Medicaid, ensuring benefits are available for those most in need. This includes enforcing work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents as a way to preserve program integrity.

Other components of the bill include investments in air traffic control systems, boosting agricultural trade, supporting American farmers, and enhancing domestic production of energy and critical minerals. While not perfect, proponents argue it provides relief by implementing no tax on tips or overtime and offering tax cuts for seniors while preventing a near 25% tax hike at year's end.