Ruth Brown
@ruthbrownnews.bsky.social
Communications director for Idaho Voices for Children.
Reposted by Ruth Brown
The nonprofit Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy released a report Nov. 6 estimating that conforming to the personal and corporate tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could reduce Idaho revenue by an additional $284.4 million. #idleg #idpol
Idaho’s projected state budget deficit increases to $58.3 million • Idaho Capital Sun
“We will set a balanced budget,” Idaho Falls Rep. Wendy Horman said. "The constitution requires it. I am personally committed to it."
idahocapitalsun.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Reposted by Ruth Brown
SCOOP: Idaho’s health department quietly declined the entirety of its annual $1.5 million federal Title X funding in April, leaving patients statewide without any access to the family planning program.
One Idaho health district no longer offers contraception at all.
From me:
One Idaho health district no longer offers contraception at all.
From me:
While some states fight to restore Title X family planning funding, Idaho chooses to forfeit it
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare quietly declined the entirety of its annual $1.5 million federal Title X funding, leaving patients statewide without free and low-cost contraception and repr...
www.newsfromthestates.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:13 PM
SCOOP: Idaho’s health department quietly declined the entirety of its annual $1.5 million federal Title X funding in April, leaving patients statewide without any access to the family planning program.
One Idaho health district no longer offers contraception at all.
From me:
One Idaho health district no longer offers contraception at all.
From me:
Reposted by Ruth Brown
The USDA confirmed over the weekend it will not follow its own contingency plan — which the department has removed from its website — to tap into its multi-year contingency fund to cover food assistance for more than 42 million people for November.
Upcoming federal food assistance pause intensifies shutdown fight • Idaho Capital Sun
The U.S. Department of Agriculture doubled down on its position that food benefits through the program SNAP for November couldn't be paid.
idahocapitalsun.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:27 PM
The USDA confirmed over the weekend it will not follow its own contingency plan — which the department has removed from its website — to tap into its multi-year contingency fund to cover food assistance for more than 42 million people for November.
Reposted by Ruth Brown
Reposted by Ruth Brown
Idaho 988 Director Lee Flinn said in most cases, the minor hangs up because “they feel like they can’t do that.”
Idaho law requires teens to seek parental consent for suicide hotline
Idaho 988 Director Lee Flinn said in most cases, the minor hangs up because “they feel like they can’t do that.”
bit.ly
September 3, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Idaho 988 Director Lee Flinn said in most cases, the minor hangs up because “they feel like they can’t do that.”
Reposted by Ruth Brown
NEW: How Homeland Security’s “welfare checks” on migrant students have triggered fear and legal questions in Idaho.
Homeland Security’s ‘welfare’ check on Idaho migrant students raises school privacy questions
In other parts of the country, the welfare checks have resulted in children being taken out of their homes and put back into government custody
www.investigatewest.org
August 5, 2025 at 5:52 PM
NEW: How Homeland Security’s “welfare checks” on migrant students have triggered fear and legal questions in Idaho.
The State Public Defender’s Office has adopted a policy on minimum qualifications to be a capital qualified death penalty attorney, after a change in state law may increase the number of death penalty cases in Idaho. #idpol blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/07/30/s...
State Public Defense adopts policy on capital defense guidelines - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports The Idaho State Public Defender’s Office has adopted a policy on minimum qualifications to be a capital qualified death penalty attorney, after a change in state law may...
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
July 30, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The State Public Defender’s Office has adopted a policy on minimum qualifications to be a capital qualified death penalty attorney, after a change in state law may increase the number of death penalty cases in Idaho. #idpol blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/07/30/s...
@idahoreports.org is off the air in the summer, but we still keep tabs on a few key issues. Idaho's Voc Rehab is making progress toward addressing its waitlist this year #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/07/24/3...
3,000 Idahoans with disabilities on waitlist for Voc Rehab services - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports More than 3,000 Idahoans with disabilities await vocational rehabilitation services from the state, though the agency’s interim administrator reported this week that they...
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
July 24, 2025 at 5:28 PM
@idahoreports.org is off the air in the summer, but we still keep tabs on a few key issues. Idaho's Voc Rehab is making progress toward addressing its waitlist this year #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/07/24/3...
Reposted by Ruth Brown
This story by @audreydutton.bsky.social is incredible for many reasons, including that it contains someone willing to admit they were wrong: "Funke said the story of Betty Strong’s death needs to be told, even if it shows that he and Idaho County made mistakes" www.propublica.org/article/idah...
He Was Accused of Killing His Wife. Idaho’s Coroner System Let Clues Vanish After a Previous Wife’s Death.
Clayton Strong had a history of domestic unrest in two marriages. The women’s families say a more thorough investigation of Betty Strong’s death in Idaho might have saved the life of his next wife, Sh...
www.propublica.org
July 16, 2025 at 1:49 PM
This story by @audreydutton.bsky.social is incredible for many reasons, including that it contains someone willing to admit they were wrong: "Funke said the story of Betty Strong’s death needs to be told, even if it shows that he and Idaho County made mistakes" www.propublica.org/article/idah...
Reposted by Ruth Brown
It’s been more than 30 days since a hearing in a conflict over the language of a proposed 2026 reproductive rights ballot initiative, but with no decision yet from the Idaho Supreme Court, the group leading the push to restore abortion access in Idaho says the delay is hurting organizing efforts.
No decision yet from Idaho Supreme Court leaves abortion ballot initiative group in the lurch • Idaho Capital Sun
It’s been more than 30 days since an Idaho Supreme Court hearing over the language of a 2026 reproductive rights ballot initiative.
idahocapitalsun.com
June 5, 2025 at 2:27 PM
It’s been more than 30 days since a hearing in a conflict over the language of a proposed 2026 reproductive rights ballot initiative, but with no decision yet from the Idaho Supreme Court, the group leading the push to restore abortion access in Idaho says the delay is hurting organizing efforts.
Reposted by Ruth Brown
Starting June 1, the private health insurance companies running Idaho Medicaid and Medicare’s plans will change to Molina Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare.
Are you dually enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare? Here's what to know on Idaho switching contractors • Idaho Capital Sun
Starting June 1, the companies running Idaho Medicaid and Medicare’s plans will change to Molina Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare.
idahocapitalsun.com
May 29, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Starting June 1, the private health insurance companies running Idaho Medicaid and Medicare’s plans will change to Molina Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare.
Details on how IDOC carries out the executions are left to the director. So, there's still a lot we don't know about what kind of firing squad would be used #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/05/27/i...
IDOC pauses all executions to build firing squad chamber - Idaho Reports
by Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports The Idaho Department of Correction has put a pause on
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
May 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Details on how IDOC carries out the executions are left to the director. So, there's still a lot we don't know about what kind of firing squad would be used #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/05/27/i...
NEW: Prosecutors won’t necessarily seek the death penalty as punishment against every person who is charged with lewd conduct with a minor under 12, but the defense attorneys will have an obligation to begin preparing as if it were. #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/05/09/d...
Demand for capital defense attorneys may soon skyrocket in Idaho - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports Earlier this year, Idaho Legislators passed a bill to allow
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
May 9, 2025 at 7:46 PM
NEW: Prosecutors won’t necessarily seek the death penalty as punishment against every person who is charged with lewd conduct with a minor under 12, but the defense attorneys will have an obligation to begin preparing as if it were. #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/05/09/d...
Reposted by Ruth Brown
Bolter's widow and family withdrew their support after I contacted them on Tuesday to see if they knew about Samuel Ferrell's criminal history
Tobin Bolter family disavows new nonprofit — its leader has a long criminal past
The president of a newly formed nonprofit honoring an Ada County Sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty last year has an extensive criminal record and multiple accusations of refusing to pay debt...
www.boisestatepublicradio.org
April 16, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Bolter's widow and family withdrew their support after I contacted them on Tuesday to see if they knew about Samuel Ferrell's criminal history
Reposted by Ruth Brown
Measles cases are on track to reach a 34-year high as vaccine hesitancy spreads and funding cuts imperil state responses.
via @stateline.org
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/some...
via @stateline.org
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/some...
Some measles response plans crash to a halt after Trump cuts
Cities and states fighting a historic measles outbreak find themselves undermined by the Trump administration as they struggle to provide crucial vaccinations and overcome disinformation. As of this w...
www.newsfromthestates.com
April 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Measles cases are on track to reach a 34-year high as vaccine hesitancy spreads and funding cuts imperil state responses.
via @stateline.org
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/some...
via @stateline.org
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/some...
As we look at what the Legislature did this year, you can also look at what didn't get done. The House never took up the parental rights bill fixes. #IDLeg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/04/04/c...
Changes to parental rights law not taken up in House - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports A fix to health care availability for children without parental
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
April 4, 2025 at 9:04 PM
As we look at what the Legislature did this year, you can also look at what didn't get done. The House never took up the parental rights bill fixes. #IDLeg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/04/04/c...
Two competing versions of a bill called the Idaho Medical Freedom Act are floating through the statehouse as of Wednesday, and it’s unclear which one might make it through both chambers. #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/04/02/t...
Two versions of new medical freedom act still alive after Gov’s veto - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports Two competing versions of a bill called the Idaho Medical
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
April 2, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Two competing versions of a bill called the Idaho Medical Freedom Act are floating through the statehouse as of Wednesday, and it’s unclear which one might make it through both chambers. #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/04/02/t...
The Idaho Senate did not attempt to overturn Gov. Brad Little’s first veto of 2025 to block Senate Bill 1023 on “medical freedom,” instead introducing a new version of the bill late on Monday. #IDleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/31/s...
Senate introduces new medical freedom bill after Governor’s veto - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports The Idaho Senate did not attempt to overturn Gov. Brad
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
March 31, 2025 at 11:57 PM
The Idaho Senate did not attempt to overturn Gov. Brad Little’s first veto of 2025 to block Senate Bill 1023 on “medical freedom,” instead introducing a new version of the bill late on Monday. #IDleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/31/s...
Reposted by Ruth Brown
Little said he signed the bill “because heinous sex crimes against children destroy lives, and the perpetrators deserve the ultimate punishment.” #idleg #idpol
Idaho governor signs into law child sex abuse death penalty bill, despite U.S. Supreme Court ruling • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Legislature widely passed the child sex abuse death penalty bill, with only five votes against in the Senate and none in the House.
idahocapitalsun.com
March 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Senate State Affairs introduced a bill to amend the Idaho Parental Rights Act, which passed in 2024, after the original law left some health care providers with concerns that juveniles couldn’t receive rape kit exams without parental consent #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/26/c...
Committee introduces proposed changes to 2024 parental rights law - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports The Senate State Affairs Committee on Wednesday introduced a bill
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
March 26, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Senate State Affairs introduced a bill to amend the Idaho Parental Rights Act, which passed in 2024, after the original law left some health care providers with concerns that juveniles couldn’t receive rape kit exams without parental consent #idleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/26/c...
The State Public Defender’s Office’s enhancement budget narrowly made it out of the state budgeting committee on Monday, with a 6-4 vote from the Senate members and a 6-4 vote from the House members for its $32.3 million budget. blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/24/b... #IDleg
Budget committee narrowly passes public defense budget - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports The State Public Defender’s Office’s enhancement budget narrowly made it
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
March 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
The State Public Defender’s Office’s enhancement budget narrowly made it out of the state budgeting committee on Monday, with a 6-4 vote from the Senate members and a 6-4 vote from the House members for its $32.3 million budget. blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/24/b... #IDleg
Reposted by Ruth Brown
Under Idaho’s abortion ban, a physician may provide an abortion if it’s to “prevent the death of the pregnant woman.” However, physicians have said this wording does not make it clear if they can provide an abortion to prevent detrimental health outcomes, such as the loss of future fertility. #idleg
North Idaho legislators bring bill to add health exceptions to state’s abortion ban • Idaho Capital Sun
Two North Idaho legislators introduced a bill to the Senate State Affairs Committee to add health exceptions to Idaho’s abortion ban.
idahocapitalsun.com
March 21, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Under Idaho’s abortion ban, a physician may provide an abortion if it’s to “prevent the death of the pregnant woman.” However, physicians have said this wording does not make it clear if they can provide an abortion to prevent detrimental health outcomes, such as the loss of future fertility. #idleg
“There simply aren’t enough capital qualified attorneys in the state to handle the number of cases,” Martinez said.
Hundreds of lewd conduct with a child cases are filed every year in Idaho. #IDleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/19/s...
Hundreds of lewd conduct with a child cases are filed every year in Idaho. #IDleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/19/s...
Senate committee advances death penalty bill for lewd conduct cases - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee passed a bill Wednesday
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
March 19, 2025 at 11:08 PM
“There simply aren’t enough capital qualified attorneys in the state to handle the number of cases,” Martinez said.
Hundreds of lewd conduct with a child cases are filed every year in Idaho. #IDleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/19/s...
Hundreds of lewd conduct with a child cases are filed every year in Idaho. #IDleg blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/19/s...
This bill passed the House less than a week after Gov. Brad Little signed a new law that makes Idaho the only state in the country to use the firing squad as its primary method of execution. blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/17/h... #idleg
House advances bill to make lewd conduct with child 12 or under punishable by death - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports The Idaho House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Monday
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
March 17, 2025 at 11:01 PM
This bill passed the House less than a week after Gov. Brad Little signed a new law that makes Idaho the only state in the country to use the firing squad as its primary method of execution. blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/17/h... #idleg
“Most people in this room believe in pro-life,” said Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls. “Life begins at conception, and you’re going to deny prenatal care to someone who was conceived in the United States?” #IDLEG blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/17/h...
House advances bill to revoke public services for undocumented people - Idaho Reports
By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports The Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill on Monday
blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org
March 17, 2025 at 7:17 PM
“Most people in this room believe in pro-life,” said Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls. “Life begins at conception, and you’re going to deny prenatal care to someone who was conceived in the United States?” #IDLEG blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2025/03/17/h...