Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
State inaction clears path for Big City Coffee lawsuit against Boise State
The tort claim sought damages of more than $10 million, stemming from a short-lived campus coffee shop. The state had 90 days to respond.
Audio: Talking about this week’s ‘Missing Students’ series
Hear more about this week’s in-depth series on higher education’s enrollment crisis.
Ammon Bundy joins governor’s race
Bundy will seek the Republican nomination. State GOP chairman Tom Luna has disavowed the right-wing activist.
Coming Friday: A conversation with Bert Glandon
Join us every Friday for Kevin Richert’s podcast.
Oregon higher ed task force would focus on underrepresented students
The move at the Oregon statehouse comes as conservative Idaho lawmakers have actively criticized diversity and inclusion efforts on campus.
K-12 case numbers slowed significantly in 2021, according to final state report
The dropoff in case numbers coincided with the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. K-12 teachers and staffers were among the first Idahoans who were eligible to receive the vaccine.
Coronavirus trendline, 6.11.21: Vaccination numbers show signs of an uptick
Another encouraging metric: Only 3.9 percent of coronavirus tests came back positive, the lowest rate since June 2020.
Statesman: Legislator made complaint about diversity and ethics class
In a March 15 email, interim provost Tony Roark said Boise State was suspending its University Foundations 200 class, “pending an investigation of serious allegations of classroom misconduct conveyed to (President Marlene) Tromp by a legislator.”
Reclaim Idaho begins gathering signatures on K-12 initiative
But the group might put this campaign on hold — depending on what happens with its lawsuit challenging Idaho’s new initiative law.
Coronavirus trendline, 6.4.21: New case numbers approach a one-year low
For the first time in almost a year, Idaho has reported fewer than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the week.