Kevin’s blog

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

Legislative auditors urge investigation of child care grant program

They want a civil and criminal probe into the federally funded program. The head of the Department of Health and Welfare denies all wrongdoing.

State endowment generates a record payout for K-12

The payout will come to slightly more than $63 million — a small piece of the overall K-12 funding puzzle.

New details, and a fast rewrite: the U of I updates its Phoenix messaging

In one case, the University of Idaho rewrote its page of “frequently asked questions,” days after an Idaho Education News story refuted the university’s facts.

U of I fundraising tails off from record-setting pace

However, the $57.5 million appears to keep the U of I on pace toward a multiyear, $500 million fundraising goal.

CWI adds a new trustee

Gary Smith, a former Boise City Council member and aide to Dirk Kempthorne, was sworn in Tuesday.

Who’s on Critchfield’s school funding committee?

The committee that could help rewrite Idaho’s school funding formula includes a dozen legislators, several prominent education lobbyists and three district superintendents.

When did Idaho drop its American Library Association membership — and why?

The decision came only a few months ago — and appeared to have little to do with politics.

ISU hopes to hire new president by year’s end

The fast-track search would eliminate the need for an interim president. Current President Kevin Satterlee is retiring Dec. 31.

NewU University president: Branding snafu has caused marketplace ‘confusion’

“As the founder and president of NewU University, I will vigorously defend its interests when we are harmed,” Stratsi Kulinski told Idaho Education News Tuesday.

Hardliners urge libraries to sever ties with national organization

The controversy stems from a since-deleted tweet from American Library Association President Emily Drabinski, a Boise High School graduate, in which she described herself as a “Marxist lesbian.”