Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
House speaker clips Thompson’s wings
Rep. Jeff Thompson, an Idaho Falls Republican and possible state superintendent’s candidate, is told to taper off on his taxpayer-financed travel.
Balukoff, Marley to run on ticket
Bert Marley, a former Idaho Education Association official, makes his run for lieutenant governor official. He will run on the Democratic Party ticket, alongside gubernatorial hopeful A.J. Balukoff.
Butch Otter meets the press, Storified
Gov. Butch Otter fields questions about a troubled Idaho school broadband project, pay raises — and much more. Here’s a rundown.
A Common Core reaction bill?
Sen. Russ Fulcher wants the Legislature to approve, by law, any future multistate agreements on testing, standards or data collection.
Boise trustee running for House
Troy Rohn is seeking the House seat now held by Rep. Holli Woodings, a fellow Boise Democrat now running for secretary of state.
Luna will not replace chief deputy
The Education Department will parcel out several responsibilities — including managing the rollout of the Schoolnet instructional management system.
Broadband: State could be forced to pay feds
Funding for a statewide broadband program could be in indefinite “limbo,” as a federal contractor reviews the state’s contract. If the feds find the contract null and void, the state could be on the hook for nearly $13.5 million.
Yes, there IS a permanent record …
No, kids, it wasn’t a bluff after all. And here’s the language to prove it.
Balukoff: End ‘race to the bottom’
In a new fundraising email, Democratic gubernatorial candidate A.J. Balukoff ripped Gov. Butch Otter’s plan to put another $35 million into the public schools rainy-day account. “It’s raining and the roofs are leaking.”
T.F. council grounds canyon jump
Twin Falls city officials have denied a Texas motorcycle stuntman’s bid to jump the Snake River Canyon. The state has already received $943,000 for the September stunt — with proceeds earmarked for K-12.