Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Kristen Brengel's title. (11:38 a.m. PST, Oct. 28, 2024) Clarification: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Trump's budget proposal. (12:22 a.m. PST, Oct. 28, 2024)

Public lands and national parks are set to be one of the many issues Americans are paying attention to this election cycle and a new scorecard looks at how Arizona lawmakers fared in supporting things such as national park funding, conservation, preservation and wildlife protection.

The National Parks Action Fund's 2024 Congressional Scorecard only evaluated members of the House of Representatives, as the Senate did not take any votes on parks this session.

Kevin Dahl, a member of the Tucson City Council, said he sees partisan politics playing a big role in the issues that matter to voters.

"National parks, of many issues, can be something that most everybody can support," Dahl contended. "I've worked with Republicans in supporting national parks. There is no reason why it can't be a bipartisan, nonpartisan effort."

Dahl added the scorecard is a tool all voters should look at before casting their ballot. All of Arizona's GOP House members, except Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., received failing grades. The Democratic members of Congress all received A's.

Dahl wants our national parks to be prioritized and wants to let voters know because a park has a certain designation, it does not mean it is being adequately cared for. He argued in order to support national parks, we must support elected officials who do so as well.

Kristen Brengel, executive director of National Parks Action, said polling consistently shows nearly all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, want national parks to receive the appropriate funding they need. She noted in 2017, the Trump administration aimed to cut national park funding by 13%. But Trump's budget proposal did not move through Congress. Brengel fears similar proposals could be brought up again.

"This is why it is so important to hold members of Congress accountable," Brengel stressed. "And to have their constituents see what grade they got and push them, in the next Congress, to do better and to be more 'pro-park.'"

Parks have seen a 14% increase in visitation over the last five years, while the park system has seen a 14% reduction in staffing, according to the association.

Brengel emphasized National Parks are an integral part of American values. She wants voters to consider how their values line up with members of Congress and make their voices heard.



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With the Independence Day holiday weekend here, North Dakotans might be out at parades, fireworks shows and barbecues. However, new polling indicates that many Americans are struggling to feel optimistic about the state of the country.

A new Gallup survey shows 58% of U.S. adults say they're proud to be an American. While there are some partisan splits, the overall percentage is a record low for the annual poll question.

Barbara Headrick, president of the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, said it's not surprising, given the sharp divides between the two major parties. But she feels there's something else at play.

"There is still an after effect, I believe, from the pandemic from that separation from each other that we had," she said.

That the pandemic was so politicized is another complicating factor that prevented the country from healing, Headrick said, adding that it's understandable some Americans are very concerned about various rights being taken away. However, she noted the U.S. has deep flaws throughout its history, and there are still many more rights afforded today than in past decades.

If heated rhetoric clouding U.S. politics has got you down, Headrick said, you can still show American pride through actions.

"Find a way to love your country by making it better," she said.

Headrick said it can involve showing support for civil workers or volunteering at a local homeless or animal shelter. She added that expressing pride through elections doesn't just involve voting, noting that there are opportunities to stay informed about how your local government is addressing pressing issues, such as affordable housing.


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A new Indiana law, starting today, allows school board candidates to list their political affiliation on the ballot.

Candidates may choose to register with a political party, as independents or not disclose any affiliation. Those who do not select will have a blank space next to their name and straight-ticket voting will not apply to school board races. Those opposed to the new law said it injects unnecessary politics into a role traditionally focused on education.

Leslie Jacobs, a school board member for the Fayette County School Corporation in Connersville, is against the new law.

"In my 10 years, I couldn't tell you the political leanings of anybody on my board. Never comes up," Jacobs explained. "Our discussions are purely about educational opportunities, picking a superintendent, looking at budget."

She warned requiring party labels might discourage qualified candidates from running. Supporters of the new law said it increases transparency.

Jennifer Blackburn, a school board member for the East Allen County Schools near Fort Wayne, also opposes the new law.

"The scenario that there are four candidates potentially running and three are Democrat, one is a Republican -- this last school board election -- none of us were opposed," Blackburn pointed out. "As big as our county is, there are not a lot of people running."

The law will first affect school board elections in November.


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A three-part online training series on how to run for office and govern effectively begins Monday, designed for people running at any level of government office in Western states, including Wyoming.

The training is part of the Grassroots Democracy Program under the Western Organization of Resource Councils, a group organizing in rural parts of the West and includes Wyoming's Powder River Basin Resource Council.

Gwen Lachelt, political director for the group, said the series will help answer a broad range of questions.

"Everything from, 'Am I ready to run for office? How do I organize my campaign?' To, 'how do I govern, and how can I be an effective elected official?'" Lachelt explained.

As of Friday, Lachelt noted about 50 people had signed up for the training. Registration is still open until the event starts Monday at 5:30 p.m. MT.

Lachelt added she is seeing a lot of interest in running for office from people of all age groups and all backgrounds. She emphasized the group hopes to connect with Westerners who care about natural resources.

"Our goal is to build a bench of elected officials across our regions who will champion democracy and also work to protect the West's land, air, and water," Lachelt stressed.

Guest speakers at the event include Rep. Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, who is the House Minority Leader, and Kevin Williams, a board member of Colorado's Delta-Montrose Electric Association.


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