Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
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.
Medical education plan heads to Little, Legislature
The document sets the table for an ongoing legislative debate over medical education — and how the state should spend millions of dollars to support Idaho students.
Critchfield lays out blueprint for a special education funding ‘bridge’
With her $50 million proposal on hold, the state superintendent wants to use existing funds to help schools serve high-needs special education students.