Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Bair steps away from Senate; VanOrden to return to Legislature
The co-chair of the powerful Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee is taking a leave of absence to deal with family issues, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press reported. Julie VanOrden will take his place.
Holiday week coronavirus numbers suggest a continued improvement
New case numbers and hospitalizations appeared to decrease again last week — but the Thanksgiving week reports are almost certainly incomplete.
Wasden will seek re-election, joins crowded A.G.’s primary
The state’s longest-serving attorney general says he will seek a sixth term.
As hospital restrictions ease, coronavirus case rates continue to fall
On Monday, the state lifted crisis standards of care at hospitals in 39 of Idaho’s 44 counties.
Labrador enters attorney general’s race
The former congressman is the third Republican to join the race. Incumbent Republican Lawrence Wasden has been silent on his 2022 plans.
Case rates fall, move toward pre-delta variant levels
Other metrics showed improvement last week, as the latest coronavirus surge eases.
Election notes: The Trump endorsement, and a legislative election rematch
With the 2022 political season heating up, heading into the May party primaries and the November general election, senior reporter Kevin Richert will write a periodic roundup on campaign news. Here’s the first installment.
Coronavirus case numbers continue to recede; hospitalizations also decrease
New cases among 5- to 17-year-olds have fallen by more than 50% since late September, when rates reached a pandemic peak.
Coronavirus case surge shows new signs of slowing
New case numbers appeared to slow sharply last week — across all age groups, and among school-age children as well.
Boise State seeks dismissal of Big City Coffee lawsuit
Boise State maintains it never forced Big City Coffee off campus, and instead tried to walk a fine line over the business owner’s vocal support of law enforcement. “Boise State refused to favor one viewpoint at the expense of another,” the university’s attorneys said.