SD Gov Battles Biden Over Fireworks At Mt. Rushmore

Axios reports:

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) will continue her efforts to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at Mount Rushmore despite the Biden administration’s refusal to grant her request.

Why it matters: Noem’s push to ensure the fireworks comes amid a number of concerns about coronavirus spread, wildfires and tribal sovereignty — the monument is carved into land sacred to the Lakota Sioux.

What they’re saying: Noem will do “everything in her ability” to move forward with her plan, the governor’s Communications Director Ian Fury said in a statement to Axios.

Read the full article.

.@govkristinoem‘s efforts come amid concerns about COVID, wildfires & tribal sovereignty—the monument is carved into land sacred to the Lakota Sioux.@NatlParkService told Noem last week many tribal partners “expressly oppose fireworks at the Memorial.” https://t.co/glp3h4E3Ka

— Shawna Chen (@shawnarchen) March 15, 2021