Kevin’s blog

Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.

Preseason? CWI begins shopping for an athletic director

Idaho’s largest community college does not compete in sports. However, the school began advertising last month for an athletic director, BoiseDev reported last week.

Idaho colleges may face new foreign competition for international students

As international students reconsider attending colleges in the United States, other English-speaking nations “are delighted to welcome” them, said David Douglass, president of The College of Idaho.

U of I professor receives $10 million award in defamation case

A TikTok influencer falsely connected the history professor Rebecca Scofield with the November 2022 slayings of four University of Idaho students.

BYU-Idaho reports winter enrollment increases

On-campus enrollment is up by more than 5% from last winter. Overall enrollment is up by a whopping 22%, due to a surge in online student numbers.

Politico article spotlights Little-Trump education nexus

This week, the national political news site highlighted the way Gov. Brad Little and other GOP governors are tailoring his education message to align with the White House.

Labrador names new solicitor general

Michael Zarian has been Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s deputy solicitor general since January 2024. Zarian has played a key role in Idaho’s 2025 private education tax credit law.

In Wyoming, campus politics sparks a push for deep budget cuts

It’s a familiar scenario: Republican legislators in a cash-rich Western state are looking to slash higher education funding. In this case, though, Idaho is not the battleground.

UPDATED: Hawkins to chair House Education, as Pickett joins GOP leadership

Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood, served as House Education vice chairman in 2025, frequently aligning with hardline conservatives on the divided panel.

Tanner takes position as JFAC co-chair

The move comes as the Legislature’s budget committee is staring at shortfalls this year and next year.

Moyle offers JFAC chairman’s spot to a member of his leadership team

The House speaker offered a vacant Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee chair’s spot to Rep. Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, Idaho Public Television reported Wednesday. Tanner was noncommittal Wednesday evening.