Federal court rules against Gov. Noem’s 2021 request for fireworks at Mount Rushmore

A federal court handed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem a loss Wednesday. The 8^th circuit court declared Governor Noem’s lawsuit against the Biden administration seeking to launch fireworks at Mount Rushmore on the 4^th of July 2021 a quote “issue of the past.” The court also denied allegations made by Noem the decision was done arbitrary and capriciously. According to the court there is long standing precedent to deny fireworks at Mount Rushmore including fire hazards, visitor safety, water contamination and objections from local Native American tribes.