SUMMARY: Uncle Sam, the iconic personification of the U.S. government, was inspired by a real man named Sam Wilson, a meatpacker from Troy, New York, born in 1766. His barrels labeled “U.S.” led locals to joke it stood for “Uncle Sam,” birthing the legend. Helen Painter of Conway, Arkansas, is a direct descendant, a fact confirmed in 2015 through genealogy research by MyHeritage. Helen’s family now actively honors their ancestor, with Helen speaking at celebrations in Troy each Independence Day. She reflects on the enduring patriotism inspired by Sam Wilson, while her son, Troy, a nearly 30-year Navy veteran, proudly displays Uncle Sam imagery.

An Arkansas family is sharing their experiences as descendants of America’s mascot.

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SUMMARY: President Trump plans to sign the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4th, following its passage by Congress in a 218-214 vote. The bill, described by Trump as a major victory, extends his 2017 tax cuts, increases the child tax credit, boosts border security, immigration enforcement, and defense spending, and eliminates taxes on tips and overtime pay. President Trump celebrated the win during a speech at the Iowa State Fair. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Trump’s role in negotiations, while Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the bill for cutting social programs like SNAP and Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office projects a $3 trillion deficit increase.

After months of intense debate on Capitol Hill, President Trump is planning to sign the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which was passed by Congress yesterday.

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SUMMARY: Cities like Rogers and Bentonville are increasingly adopting roundabouts to manage growing traffic. Officials highlight that roundabouts are safer, reducing severe crashes by up to 82%, and more efficient, allowing slower but smoother traffic flow. Unlike traffic signals, roundabouts remain operational during power outages, as seen after last year’s tornado. Rogers has expanded from a few roundabouts to over two dozen in a decade. Despite safety benefits, some residents express concerns about property impacts and unfamiliarity with roundabout use. Public feedback on a proposed roundabout at a busy Benton County intersection is open until July 11, with more planned ahead.

Could roundabouts become more common than red lights?

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