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

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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. 

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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.

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“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.

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Fire damages sheds, power lines near W. Idaho Ave in Ontario

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Fire damages sheds, power lines near W. Idaho Ave in Ontario


ONTARIO, Oregon — A fire in a lot near W. Idaho Ave and South Oregon Street in Ontario has visibly damaged sheds and power lines.

Idaho News 6 arrived at the scene Sunday morning at around 12 p.m., finding nearby sheds across a fence line scorched, but standing. Power lines appeared to be damaged in the blaze.

No fire, police, or EMS were still on scene, and there were no surrounding road closures.

Idaho News 6 has reached out to officials and is awaiting additional information.

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Volunteers camp out to take part in the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees

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Volunteers camp out to take part in the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees


ADRIAN, Oregon — The Friends of the Owyhee organized a clean-up in Malheur County in Oregon, and volunteers came out to pick up trash and get rid of abandoned campers.

“We had two abandoned RV’S and a camper that were abandoned out on public lands,” said Tim Davis, who runs the Friends of the Owyhee. “They were sitting there for upwards of a year, and it is really clear that it is hard to get rid of these.”

WATCH| Check out the video to see volunteers demolish a camper—

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Volunteers camp out for the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees

Davis worked with the local sheriff’s office and the BLM to remove the campers, but he found it difficult because there was no place to take these recreational vehicles. The Gambler 500, an off-road group, brought out some people to demolish a camper with an excavator.

“That is awesome to see the turnout with the army of volunteers we have today,” said Brian Arndt of the Gambler 500 group. “We are going to be able to get the camper all in the dumpster, get it cleaned down to the frame, and then everything that can be recycled will be recycled.”

Volunteers camped out on Succor Creek Road on Friday night so they could get an early start on Saturday. Many volunteers will camp out again on Saturday night and finish the clean-up on Sunday.

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“Malheur is the 12th largest county in the United States, and it’s 74 percent public land,” said Davis. “We have very few resources with the BLM; they are understaffed, they have one rec planner right now, so us, as public land owners, should be able to step up and keep this place clean.”

The campsite on Succor Creek Road

Lela Blizzard works as the lone recreational planner for the Vail District of the BLM, who says most sites have signs that say pack it in and pack it out. She says the BLM really needs the cooperation of the public because of how large it is, and she was happy to see how many volunteers showed up.

“I just want to tell them thank you because I know they are taking time out of their weekend to come out here to help us make sure the land continues to look nice for everyone who comes out to enjoy it,” said Blizzard.

Volunteers covered a lot of ground during this event

Griz Ward is one of the volunteers, and he enjoyed camping out, but he also would like to see people pick up after themselves. When it comes to outdoor recreation, it is so important to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

“If you come out here and play in the area, be respectful,” said Ward. “Pack it in and pack it out, leave no trace and do the right thing, or frankly, stay home.”

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The Succor Creek Clean-Up also received a lot of support from the Treasure Valley, as they got donations from the Ontario Sanitation Service with the dumpsters, Tates Rents with the excavator, and United with porta-potties for the campsite.

Send tips to Idaho Backroads neighborhood reporter Steve Dent

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No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend

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No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend


IDAHO — ‘No Kings 3’ protests will take place throughout Idaho on March 28, including in Boise and Twin Falls.

According to the Idaho 50501 Facebook page, there will be speakers & musicians playing at protests across the Treasure Valley.

Protests will take place in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, and other Idaho cities.

NoKings.org

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On March 28, Neighborhood Reporters Allie Triepke & Lorien Nettleton will bring coverage of the Boise & Twin Falls protests on Idaho News 6 at 10.





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