Kevin’s blog

Ammon Bundy joins governor’s race

Bundy will seek the Republican nomination. State GOP chairman Tom Luna has disavowed the right-wing activist.

Coming Friday: A conversation with Bert Glandon

Join us every Friday for Kevin Richert’s podcast.

Oregon higher ed task force would focus on underrepresented students

The move at the Oregon statehouse comes as conservative Idaho lawmakers have actively criticized diversity and inclusion efforts on campus.

K-12 case numbers slowed significantly in 2021, according to final state report

The dropoff in case numbers coincided with the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. K-12 teachers and staffers were among the first Idahoans who were eligible to receive the vaccine.

Coronavirus trendline, 6.11.21: Vaccination numbers show signs of an uptick

Another encouraging metric: Only 3.9 percent of coronavirus tests came back positive, the lowest rate since June 2020.

Statesman: Legislator made complaint about diversity and ethics class

In a March 15 email, interim provost Tony Roark said Boise State was suspending its University Foundations 200 class, “pending an investigation of serious allegations of classroom misconduct conveyed to (President Marlene) Tromp by a legislator.”

Reclaim Idaho begins gathering signatures on K-12 initiative

But the group might put this campaign on hold — depending on what happens with its lawsuit challenging Idaho’s new initiative law.

Coronavirus trendline, 6.4.21: New case numbers approach a one-year low

For the first time in almost a year, Idaho has reported fewer than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the week.

Idaho State spells out plan to absorb state budget cuts

Idaho State University will use a hiring slowdown and dip into reserves to absorb a $500,000 state budget cut, the Idaho State Journal reported Wednesday.

K-12 case numbers continue to decrease

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported at least 63 K-12 cases for an eight-day period ending Monday. That’s a decrease from 79 cases the preceding week.