Mary Shea

Back in April, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed HB 710 into law. Now libraries around the state are feeling the impact, and so are the families they serve.

POCATELLO — A group that includes some state lawmakers from southeast Idaho is planning to rally at a Pocatello library to show their support for librarians.
Sen. James Ruchti and Rep. Nate Roberts, both D-Pocatello, and Mary Shea, a candidate for House seat 29A, will be joining with other concerned citizens in front of the Marshall Public Library on Monday

It’s conventional wisdom for a reason: the idea that Idaho’s real legislative election transpires in May, making November an afterthought.

Two Pocatello attorneys will face each other again on Nov. 5 in a rematch for House seat A in District 29 — one of few districts in Idaho with mixed representation from Democrats and Republicans.

POCATELLO — Displaying colorful signs displaying the words “Libraries — the cornerstone of democracy” and “A great library has something in it to offend everyone”, protestors of the “harmful materials” bill assembled in front of the Marshall Public Library on Monday evening to voice their discontent.

This 2024 Idaho state legislative session has been historic. First, last month the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Moyle, received a unanimous vote of confidence on the floor. A few hours later, the House Majority leader Rep. Megan Blanksma, the first woman Majority leader ever elected in Idaho, was removed following a closed-door caucus of the majority party. No reason has been stated publicly, but there have been widespread assumptions that Rep. Blanksma’s removal from her position is tied to her disagreement with the new 2024 budget process spearheaded by legislators who lean hard to the right.