Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Russell is a reporter for The Spokesman-Review in the Idaho department. She covers Idaho news from the state capitol in Boise.
Contact Betsy
- Email: bzrussell@gmail.com
- Phone: 208-336-2854
- Fax: 800-760-3806
Recent stories by Betsy
-
Sali seeks new license plates that include ‘In God We Trust’
February 9, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – Former Idaho U.S. Rep. Bill Sali persuaded an Idaho House committee Wednesday to introduce a bill to fund his new nonprofit organization, the “American Heritage Foundation,” through a …
-
Former Idaho rep’s bill would fund his new nonprofit
February 8, 2012 in Idaho Former Idaho Congressman Bill Sali persuaded an Idaho House committee today to introduce a bill to fund his new nonprofit organization, the “American Heritage Foundation,” through a new specialty license … 3
-
Eye on Boise: E-cigarette bill opponent saw smoke, mirrors
February 5, 2012 in Idaho on Page B2 BOISE – A St. Maries legislator raised fears about a “nanny state” when the Idaho House considered legislation this week to ban the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes to children, but …
-
Hammond says he won’t run for Senate re-election
February 3, 2012 in Idaho on Page A7 BOISE – Sen. Jim Hammond won’t seek a fourth term in the Idaho state Senate and instead will apply for the upcoming opening for president at North Idaho College, along …
-
Higher speed limit won’t advance
February 3, 2012 in Idaho on Page A6 BOISE – On a 5-4 vote, an Idaho Senate committee Thursday killed legislation to allow big trucks to drive 75 mph on the state’s freeways, just like cars. Senate Transportation …
-
Panel rejects expanded college boards
February 3, 2012 in Idaho on Page A7 BOISE – Idaho’s three community colleges strongly oppose legislation that would expand their boards of directors and impose new residency rules on the additional members. After hearing from representatives of …
-

Idaho Rep. Henderson, 89, pushes economic development
February 2, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – Idaho Rep. Frank Henderson, who at 89 is the oldest member of the Idaho Legislature, is pushing legislation this year he says will directly create dozens of jobs … 1
-
Idaho House votes to ask for third federal judge
January 31, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – Idaho’s House of Representatives agreed Monday to ask Congress for a long-needed third federal judge, but only after some Republican members said they wouldn’t support asking a Democratic …
-
Eye on Boise: Deadline’s too tight to get health insurance exchange set up, Otter says
January 29, 2012 in Idaho on Page B3 BOISE – Idaho Gov. Butch Otter told the Idaho Press Club last week that he’s all but given up on establishing a state-run health insurance exchange, unless the federal government … 1
-
Idaho redistricting commission adopts new plan
January 28, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – After just two days of deliberations, Idaho’s citizen redistricting commission adopted a new legislative district plan late Friday – one that doesn’t land North Idaho Sens. Shawn Keough, …
-

Vote expected Monday on lake level
January 27, 2012 in Idaho on Page A1 Folks who live on North Idaho’s Cocolalla Lake, fish its waters and enjoy its seasons feel strongly about protecting its peaceful waters, year in and year out. They’ve mobilized to … 3
-
Court won’t hear redistricting appeal
January 26, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – The Idaho Supreme Court stepped in Wednesday and halted two top GOP leaders’ power play over redistricting that was threatening to delay the state’s primary election. The court …
-

Bell makes NIC budget pitch in Boise
January 25, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – North Idaho College has seen its funding burden shift more and more to its students as government spending falls and tuition and fees climb, college President Priscilla Bell …
-
ID Republican group seeks to privatize liquor sales
January 24, 2012 in Idaho on Page A1 BOISE – An offshoot of one of Kootenai County’s numerous Republican clubs filed a statewide initiative Monday to privatize liquor sales in Idaho. The move is separate from one that … 2
-
Eye on Boise: Medicaid cuts’ impact coming clear
January 22, 2012 in Idaho on Page B3 BOISE – Idaho’s former state chief economist Mike Ferguson estimates that the $35 million in state funds cut from Medicaid this year – which with federal matching funds adds up … 1
-
Tea partyers to challenge 3 veteran Idaho GOP legislators
January 22, 2012 in Idaho on Page B3 BOISE – A trio of tea party sympathizers is challenging three longtime GOP incumbents in North Idaho’s legislative District 1, as Idaho gears up for its first closed Republican primary … 2
-
Idaho high court overturns redistricting, may delay primary
January 19, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – Idaho’s Supreme Court overturned the state’s new legislative redistricting plan Wednesday, ordering a citizen commission back to work and throwing into doubt the state’s schedule for its May …
-
Idaho bill calls for speed-limit change
January 18, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – Big trucks could drive 75 mph on Idaho’s freeways, just like cars, under legislation introduced in the state Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday at the behest of its chairman, …
-
Democrats list key ethics proposals
January 18, 2012 in Idaho on Page A6 BOISE – Minority Democrats in the Idaho Legislature announced three new ethics reform proposals Tuesday and called on Republicans to work with them on the bills – and the Republicans …
-
Idaho grocers seek to ease food stamp rush
January 17, 2012 in Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – Idaho’s grocery stores are putting up $100,000 of their own money and asking state lawmakers to change back to multiday distribution of food stamps each month, saying the …
Recent photos by Betsy
Recent videos by Betsy
-
Idaho Capitol Tour
July 10, 2009 in Idaho Reporter Betsy Z. Russell narrates a series of photos she took on a tour of the under-renovation Idaho Capitol building July 10, 2009.

Spokane7

WSU Text-to-Win Contest
Enter to win tickets to see Adam Carolla at the Knitting Factory
EWU Text-to-Win Contest