Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Achilles launches independent run for U.S. Senate
Achilles, of Boise, had served in the Legislature since 2024, and chaired the Democrats’ nine-member caucus in 2025. He will challenge three-term U.S. Sen. Jim Risch.
Boise State provost leaves for Florida post
Provost John Buckwalter’s departure is the second high-level shakeup at Boise State in the past week.
Top Boise State administrator follows Tromp to Vermont
Alicia Estey served on the Boise School Board for three years and worked at Boise State for nearly 20 years. She served in several capacities on campus, but also was a central figure in the Big City Coffee controversy.
Labrador urges Supreme Court to take up Idaho transgender athletics ban
The women and girls who are missing out on medals, podium spots, and opportunities to compete in their own sports deserve answers sooner rather than later,” according to a brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Senate approves rural schools funding bill
The Secure Rural Schools bill now goes to the House. In 2024, Idaho received $22.8 million from the program, including nearly $7 million for schools.
Boise State seeks dismissal of whistleblower lawsuit
Friday’s motion represents the university’s first formal response to a $2.5 million filed by Lisa Gardner, Boise State’s former executive director for alumni relations.
Cattle, sage-grouse can coexist on same lands, U of I researchers say
“These findings suggest that responsible public land grazing can continue without harming sage-grouse,” a University of Idaho professor says.
Idaho ranks No. 15 on national study on child well-being
But that’s an aggregate score, based on 16 metrics used by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Digging deeper, Idaho’s scores landed all over the map.
Labrador hires outside attorney for Boise State whistleblower lawsuit
Joan Callahan, a Boise attorney, will represent Boise State administrators in a $2.5 million civil lawsuit. It’s unclear why Attorney General Raúl Labrador outsourced the case.
BYU-Idaho reports enrollment increase
Fueled by an apparent boost in online enrollment, Brigham Young University-Idaho has reported an increase in spring student numbers.