Kevin’s blog

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

Otter and Balukoff: Yup, they’ve voted

Idaho Education News looked into the voting records of Gov. Butch Otter and challenger A.J. Balukoff. See how they compare.

The Ybarra catchphrase winner? Wait for it …

Sherri Ybarra says she has winners in her campaign catchphrase competition. But she hasn’t announced the winners yet.

Pocatello superintendent announces retirement

Mary Vagner was at the heart of controversy when a teacher and coach was fired over a risqué Facebook photo.

Mountain Home superintendent to retire

Trustees accepted Tim McMurtrey’s resignation Tuesday, then named Deputy Superintendent James Gilbert as his successor.

AP: Educator in Balukoff ads hasn’t voted either

Shoshone School Superintendent Rob Waite hasn’t voted in his five years in Idaho, the Associated Press reported Friday.

A student election dispute in Declo

A would-be candidate for student body president says she was the victim of gender and religious discrimination. The ACLU has taken on the case.

Video: Making the Grade, 10.15.14

This week’s topics: Nampa’s budget turnaround, election polls and fundraising and Sherri Ybarra’s voting record.

Otter: Syringa has no claim for damages in broadband deal

Gov. Butch Otter also defended the decision to hire outside counsel in the broadband lawsuit, at a reported cost of more than $750,000.

The voting record story: what Ybarra had to say

Sherri Ybarra said she is running for the full-time state superintendent’s post, in part, to make up for her sporadic record of voting.

Balukoff: Otter displays ‘incompetence’ on broadband deal

The Democratic challenger says Gov. Butch Otter needs to “come clean” on the contested school broadband contract.