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Idaho House passes latest 'library porn' bill

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Idaho House passes latest 'library porn' bill


House lawmakers have once again passed a bill targeting quote “obscene” materials in Idaho’s public and private libraries.

Both community libraries, as well as those in public and private schools, would be forced to move a book within 30 days to an adults-only section after receiving a complaint. If they don’t, they’d be subject to a civil lawsuit.

Opponents argue school libraries don’t always have an adults-only section since most students are under 18, resulting in a de facto ban on certain books.

“You can hop on Facebook Marketplace and buy a $25 used bookshelf and that’s not going to hurt any library,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jaron Crane (R-Nampa). “You can use the checkout desk itself – go right behind it, put the books right there.”

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Rep. Kenny Wroten (R-Nampa), who opposes the bill, said the issue is being pushed by “culture warriors” attacking libraries. He compared them to gun control advocates pushing firearm bans to stem mass shootings.

“And we know it’s not the guns that are the problem. And these books are not being handed to kids,” he said.

Far more Republicans, though, support the bill, like Rep. Dale Hawkins (R-Fernwood).

“If we care about our kids, the simple moving of materials is the fix,” Hawkins said.

The bill now goes to the Senate, which already voted down a less restrictive version earlier this year.

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Democrats teamed up with far-right Republicans in opposing it, though for different reasons. It either didn’t go far enough or still went too far in their opinions.

Copyright 2024 Boise State Public Radio





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Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran

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Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran


On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.

RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds

President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.

RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress

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Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”

Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”

“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.

However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.

Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.

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“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”





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Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

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Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8


POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.

According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.

The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.

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One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:

“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”

There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.

Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules


Idaho takes pride in being a no-THC zone. Unlike our neighbors on all sides, the Gem State has taken a firm stance not to legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use for years. This opposition long extended to the legalization of hemp, a plant relative of marijuana with far lower levels of the intoxicating chemical […]



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