America: Independent, Wild, & Free

249 looks good on you, girl.

Jul 06, 2025

Good afternoon,

For you newbies out there, welcome to a special Sunday edition of Outsider on the Inside. I hope this dispatch from in and around the nation’s capital on underreported topics finds you well.

If you’re just discovering my musings, here’s a backgrounder and make sure we’re connected on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Quick Thoughts

Support and follow the work of IWF’s Center for Energy and Conservation today if you haven’t already.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is now law.

Gear up for American250.

The U.S. will increase National Park entry fees for international visitors, per the newly-created Make America Beautiful Commission.

DOGE should restore funding for TakeMeFishing, an initiative funded by Dingell-Johnson (fishing and boating excise taxes) funds.

Here’s how to help those impacted by the Camp Mystic, TX floods.

That’s it for the week. Stay tuned for next Friday!

Independence Day Thoughts

I can’t remember a more relaxing Independence Day in recent memory.

American flags everywhere I turned. Light traffic conditions around the D.C. metro area. Low humidity. Major legislation my work weighed in on signed into law. All was calm in the world, except for the Debbie Downers who tried to ruin July of 4th celebrations.

I walked nearly nine miles (20,000+ steps), spent time with some dear friends in Occoquan, Alexandria, and Arlington, and saw fireworks displays to my heart’s desire. I can’t wait for America250 celebrations to kick off soon.

And I finalized my summer vacation plans. I can’t wait to share where I’m headed to later this summer. Happy camper here!

I hope your Independence Day was relaxing, too. Thanks for reading!