Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
K-12 coronavirus cases increase slightly
The state reported at least 108 K-12 coronavirus cases last week. Since mid-February, the schools have averaged about 97 cases weekly.
Coronavirus trendline, 4.16.21: Weekly case numbers fall to a 10-month low
The dropoff in statewide case numbers comes as the state passed a somber milestone, 13 months into the pandemic. On Tuesday, Idaho recorded its 2,000th COVID-19 death.
Education Week: Idaho, seven other states consider limiting instruction of sexism, racism
The bills use language similar to an executive order from President Trump — since rescinded by President Biden — to ban diversity and bias training in federal government offices, Sarah Schwartz of Education Week reported.
State Board to discuss higher education fees Wednesday
The state’s four-year schools froze tuition and fees for 2020-21. Presidents have tied the prospect of another freeze to the higher education budget that comes out of the Legislature.
New K-12 coronavirus cases drop somewhat
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported at least 99 K-12 cases for a seven-day period ending Sunday, down from 111 new cases the previous week.
Full-day kindergarten bill dead for 2021 session
“It’s lost its momentum, is the best way to describe it at this point,” House Education Chairman Lance Clow told Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press last week.
Coronavirus trendline, 4.9.21: Case numbers remain stable, vaccination numbers rebound
While new case numbers were virtually unchanged overall, case numbers for preschool- and school-aged children increased rapidly. And the state passed a vaccination milestone; more than 500,000 Idahoans have received at least one vaccine.
K-12 coronavirus numbers climb again after spring break
The week-to-week increase was a steep 56 percent. Even so, K-12 cases closely mirror numbers from two weeks ago, and remain far below the peak from the fall.
Coronavirus trendline, 4.2.21: Vaccination numbers slow, infection rate remains stagnant
The state administered 77,431 vaccines in the past week — but that represents a 17 percent dropoff from last week’s record vaccination rate.
U of I, Boise State push for student COVID vaccines
Under new, relaxed local guidelines, the vaccines should be readily available to students at the University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University.