BOZEMAN, MT. – Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced the Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement and Tourism Act, legislation that would designate nearly 100 miles of the Madison and Gallatin Rivers and select tributaries as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

The designations include approximately 42 miles of the Madison River from the confluence of Cabin Creek downstream to the point at which the river leaves Bureau of Land Management land, roughly one mile north of the confluence of Cherry Creek, and approximately 39.5 miles of the Gallatin River from the Yellowstone National Park boundary downstream to the confluence of Spanish Creek. It would also include 4.6 miles of Hyalite Creek from the Gallatin Range downstream to the Grotto Falls Trailhead, 7.3 miles of Cabin Creek from its headwaters in the Madison Range downstream to above the fish barrier, and 5.1 miles of the Middle Fork of Cabin Creek from its source in the Madison Range downstream to its confluence with Cabin Creek.

Bipartisan resolutions of support for the designation passed unanimously in both Madison and Gallatin County Commissions, underscoring its broad, bipartisan local backing.

“Striking the right balance between conservation and multiple use of our resources is the Montana way. These rivers support everything from family farms to fly shops, ranchers to rafters, and literally power our community,” said Rep. Zinke. “Madison and Gallatin Counties both rely on these waters for irrigation and energy, but also for the outdoor recreation economy that fuels small businesses and draws visitors from around the world. This bill strikes the right balance between preserving what we treasure, maintaining access for recreation, and ensuring continued operation of the existing dams on the river.”

In 1968, Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to "preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations." This bill amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to permanently protect key stretches of the Gallatin and Madison Rivers and tributaries Hyalite Creek and Cabin Creek while explicitly maintaining public access, allowing for emergency response, and preserving existing water rights and dam operations. Importantly, the legislation ensures that landowners’ rights are respected, and no land will be acquired without the owner's consent. Congressman Zinke worked closely with local stakeholders, including county commissioners, conservation groups, local outfitters, private landowners, and Northwestern Energy, to draft the legislation.   more...

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has issued an opinion warning that the Johnson County Board of Commissioners exceeded its authority with a resolution to renew a public safety sales tax to fund mental health and emergency medical services.

“The ballot proposition is not within the scope of the Board’s authority…and any measures that exceed the Board’s authority are null and void,” the Attorney General’s opinion reads.

The opinion warns that a court would find the resolution null and void.

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New directive elevates review of wind and solar projects, ends subsidies under One Big Beautiful Bill Act

WASHINGTON — In line with President Donald J. Trump’s Energy Dominance agenda, the Department of the Interior is ending preferential treatment for unreliable, subsidy-dependent wind and solar energy. The move follows the signing of Executive Order 14315, Ending Market Distorting Subsidies for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources, and implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

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WASHINGTON — Last week, when House Republicans passed President Trump’s signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill, they codified into law 28 executive actions taken by President Trump.

“President Trump has done more to improve the lives of working Americans in the last six months than almost anyone could have imagined,” said Speaker Johnson. “He has repaired Joe Biden’s damage and kickstarted America’s new Golden Age. To help accomplish the mission, Congress has cemented President Trump’s agenda by passing the Administration’s signature legislation—the One Big Beautiful Bill. In this historic act, Republicans included 28 of President Trump’s top executive actions – now codifying some of the most significant America First priorities.”

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President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill — now the law of the land — is a sweeping legislative triumph that combines the largest tax cuts in history with landmark investments in America’s future and defense. From No Tax on Social Security for millions of seniors to permanent relief for small businesses and historic funding for national security, this bill unleashes economic prosperity and empowers every American while strengthening our nation’s defenses and boldly looking to the future.

MustReadAlaska.com: Big Beautiful Icebreakers are Alaska wins, as Russia and China work together to gain foothold in Arctic

“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, includes a historic investment in US Arctic security, totaling nearly $9 billion for icebreakers that may put America back in charge of the frozen frontier.

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President Donald J. Trump officially signed The One Big Beautiful Bill into law — a once-in-a-generation piece of legislation that makes good on his campaign promises and puts America First.

Here’s what this means for everyday Americans:

The largest tax cut in history for middle- and working-class Americans

According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the tax bill will most benefit workers and families making less than $50,000 per year.

Bigger paychecks of $10,000+ more in annual take-home pay for families.

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