Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
As the school year approaches, Idaho’s coronavirus surge accelerates
The state and its seven health districts reported more than 3,700 new cases last week, the largest seven-day increase since January.
Coronavirus case numbers continue to surge, passing a sobering milestone
Idaho reported its largest weekly increase in case numbers since mid-March — as health officials urge a cautious approach to the new school year.
The paper trail from Thursday’s task force meeting
Here’s what Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin had to say to Idaho’s teachers union. And what the state’s college and university presidents had to say to McGeachin’s task force.
Boise State updates fall plan, encourages universal mask usage
The state’s largest university is also encouraging students and staff to get vaccinated before fall semester.
McGeachin’s inbox: What she’s hearing on critical race theory and indoctrination
The bulk of emails to Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin say her indoctrination task force is an overdue and gutsy attempt to curb leftist teachings. Others dismiss the task force as misguided, pointless and politically driven.
Coronavirus case numbers continue surge — and more weekly trends
Here’s the latest look at the state’s coronavirus trends, as the new school year approaches.
Mapping Idaho vaccination rates and hotspots: It’s complicated
In some cases, counties with higher vaccination rates are seeing relatively low coronavirus case rates. But not always.
LCSC administrator faces backlash over social media posts
The Lewiston Tribune reported Wednesday on comments about the LGBT community, made by Logan Fowler, Lewis-Clark’s marketing and communications director. Fowler is also a pastor in a Lewiston church.
IEA: Record-setting surplus provides ‘golden opportunity’ for underfunded schools
“The record budget surplus should be directed to Idaho’s public schools, which continue to be under-resourced in a state that willingly ranks last in per-student funding,” union President Layne McInelly said Wednesday.
House Ethics Committee to hold hearing on Giddings
In June, Boise State Public Radio reported that Giddings faced an ethics investigation after she publicly shared personal information about “Jane Doe,” a 19-year-old House staffer who said she was sexually assaulted by then-Rep. Aaron Von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston.