Idaho
Today is the Gem State’s 133rd anniversary of statehood
Idaho turns 133 years old today, celebrating its addition to the union by then-President Benjamin Harrison on July 3, 1890.
At the time, the 43rd state had just over 88,000 residents, dwarfed by the nearly 2 million who now call Idaho home.
Idaho may be celebrating a 133rd anniversary today, but its history extends past that timeline. Idaho existed as a territory since 1863, established by President Lincoln amid the American Civil War. At the time, the state was a vital part of the expansion of the transcontinental railroad.
Idaho territory was considered for statehood after Governor Edward Stevenson called a constitutional convention in 1889 which was approved by voters in the territory later that year. Governor Stevenson was the first Idahoan appointed to the role, and the only ever Democrat to hold the position.
The state was home to gold, silver, and a vast array of valuable minerals which resulted in the nickname of the Gem State.
Idaho State Historical Society
If you’re looking to learn more about Idaho’s history over these 133 years, the Idaho State Museum is the perfect place to start. You can find information on their exhibits on the Idaho State Historical Society website.
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Idaho
Missing 12-year-old girl returns home – East Idaho News
![Missing 12-year-old girl returns home – East Idaho News](https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets.eastidahonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/449726396_794823542785603_3701199615997528025_n.jpg)
UPDATE
The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office reports the girl has returned home.
ORIGINAL STORY
BLACKFOOT – The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in finding a 12-year-old who ran away.
Dorothy Nunez left her home around 6 p.m. Monday on a blue BMX-style bike from the area of 1550 North. She was riding toward the river near 715 East, according to the sheriff’s office.
Dorothy has shoulder length blonde hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black dress that is long in the back with cut off sleeves.
Anyone with information on Dortothy’s whereabouts is asked to call the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 785-1234.
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Idaho
New library legislation sparks outrage and protests from Idaho Democrats – Local News 8
![New library legislation sparks outrage and protests from Idaho Democrats – Local News 8](https://localnews8.b-cdn.net/2024/07/062524-6P-LIBRARY-PKGQ.mp4.00_00_13_09.Still001.jpg)
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.
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.
“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.
Idaho
Idaho Transportation Department seeks feedback on draft seven-year transportation plan
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years through 2031. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments July 1-31.
Transportation projects included in the draft ITIP range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of new guardrail. Projects are located throughout Idaho’s 44 counties and involve all modes of transportation. Project selection is determined through technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.
Visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map to learn about projects and submit a comment through the portal.
This draft ITIP shows plans for $6.9 billion in funding, including $200 million dedicated to pavements and $100 million dedicated to bridges each year.
Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney confirmed, “With the growth of traffic accelerating the need for improvements and the impacts of inflating costs since 2020, the added annual investment in highway pavement and bridge repairs proposed in this draft ITIP plan will provide the Idaho Transportation Board effective options to consider looking ahead for Idaho.”
Comments can be emailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov, recorded at 208-334-8063 or mailed to:
ITIP – Comments
Attn: Abby Peterson
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
Paper copies of the ITIP will be available at regional offices and provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-4455.
All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent by September.
After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October.
Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP includes the prioritized needs of Idaho’s communities.
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