Connect with us

Idaho

New library legislation sparks outrage and protests from Idaho Democrats – Local News 8

Published

on

New library legislation sparks outrage and protests from Idaho Democrats – Local News 8


POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—Idaho Democrats have launched a statewide day of protests in response to the new library bill that went into effect Monday morning.

Protestors have gathered outside of libraries across the state to protest the enactment of House Bill 710.

The law is intended to prevent minors from obtaining age inappropriate material. Under the new legislation, parents or children to take legal action if libraries don’t move the materials to a section designated for adults only.

If found at fault, the library must pay a mandatory $250 fine, and complainants can be awarded uncapped damages. 

Advertisement

State Democrats have called the law a “direct attack” on Idahoan freedoms.

“The library book bounty, passed by Republican politicians, is a direct attack on our freedom to make decisions for ourselves and our families,” said Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea. “We are standing up to protect our libraries from the book banners, support our librarians, and ensure that our children have access to a broad range of books that reflect diverse perspectives.”

As part of the day of action, Democrats say they are calling out the GOP legislators who voted for the bill. Local News 8 reached out to several state representatives for comment.

Representative Wendy Horman says the law defines “obscene” using the Miller test (A primary legal test established by the Supreme Court for determining whether a book or other form of expression is pornagraphic).

Horman denies claims by state Democrats that the law is the equivalent of a book ban. She believes the new legislation is necessary for keeping mature material out of the hands of minors.

Advertisement

“We’re not preventing parents if they want to go to the bookstore and buy these books to show their children or request, from the library,” said Horman. “Back in the day, pornography used to be in the checkout stands in grocery stores, and, there were laws passed that said you just need to put it behind the counter. And that’s the equivalent of what we’re asking here, is that children be protected from, materials that are obscene and inappropriate for their age. 

In the last five years, the number of challenged books in American libraries has risen exponentially.

In 2020, a total of 156 books were challenged. In 2023 that number rose to 4,240 according to the American Library Association.

For a full list of challenged and banned books, click HERE.

Advertisement



Source link

Idaho

Avista planned power outage rescheduled in Genesee

Published

on

Avista planned power outage rescheduled in Genesee


GENESSE – The Avista planned power outage for Friday, April 24 in Genesee has been cancelled and rescheduled due to weather. Approximately 337 Avista electric customers in Genesee will experience a planned power outage on Tuesday, April 28. The planned outage will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. 

All affected customers will be notified in advance. Traffic control will be in place from Laurel Street north of Chestnut Street.

During this time, Avista crews will be replacing aging infrastructure, including power poles and equipment, in the area. These updates are part of Avista’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of its infrastructure. 

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Idaho

11-year-old from Idaho competing for $20K, national spotlight – East Idaho News

Published

on

11-year-old from Idaho competing for K, national spotlight – East Idaho News


GARDEN CITY – A Boise-area girl is competing in the 2026 Junior Ranger Competition, and she needs your vote to advance.

Eleven-year-old Cali Lindsay of Garden City is currently in the top 10 in her age group. The first place contestant in each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will wrap on July 17.

The final round concludes on July 24. The winner will be awarded $20,000 and be featured on the cover of Ranger Rick Magazine. They’ll also win a trip with Jeff Corwin.

Cali’s mom, Emily Edginton, tells EastIdahoNews.com how the competition works.

Advertisement

“You’re allowed one free vote every 24 hours. People can also pay (to vote),” Edginton says. “The contestants have challenges every week to learn about animals and share what they’ve learned. People vote for the answer they like best. If you have enough votes, you move to the next round.”

Cali needs to secure enough votes by Thursday in order to advance to the next round.

The competition is a fundraiser for the National Wildlife Federation, the largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization in the United States.

Edginton says they recently moved to Idaho from San Bernardino, California. Her daughter acquired a love of wildlife living in Lytle Creek, a community near the San Gabriel Mountains and San Bernardino National Forest.

“She’s already like a junior ranger. We picked up trash (in the forest) for fun,” Edginton says. “We try to keep it clean because we get a lot of visitors up there in the summertime and they trash the place. It affects the animals.”

Advertisement

Edginton says they moved to Idaho in February to be closer to family.

She’s grateful her daughter can be part of what she feels is a great cause, and hopes to see her advance, and even win the tournament.

“It’s a good cause, plus it’s a learning experience,” says Edginton.

To vote for Cali or learn more, click here.

=htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading

Idaho

Idaho Fish and Game reminds humans not to touch wild baby animals

Published

on

Idaho Fish and Game reminds humans not to touch wild baby animals


JACKSON, Wyo. — Springtime conjures images of adorable baby animals. Unfortunately, sometimes well-meaning humans feel compelled to interfere with Mother Nature by “rescuing” baby animals who appear to be alone.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) issued a spring reminder discouraging people from intervening when they assume a wild animal is lost, abandoned or orphaned.

“While these folks typically mean well, the sad reality is they are often doing more damage than good when they intervene — and typically, mom was not far away to begin with,” IDFG shared in a press release.

“Here’s the hard truth,” the agency wrote. “Animal parents will periodically leave their young for an extended period of time for a myriad of reasons, whether it’s to search for food, to rest or to divert attention from their vulnerable offspring, especially if they sense danger. When it comes to wildlife babies, wildlife mothers know best.”

Advertisement

In short, in an encounter with a lone duckling, gosling, deer fawn, baby bird, red dog or moose calf, do not disturb it. Instead, contact the state’s wildlife agency to report it. In Jackson, call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at (307) 733-2321. In Idaho, reach IDFG at (208) 525-7290.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending