Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Twin Falls’ shift to hybrid instruction draws criticism
A handful of parents showed up at Monday’s school board meeting to protest the move, the Twin Falls Times-News reported.
Caldwell bans Ammon Bundy from school grounds
The move comes 10 days after the political activist showed up at a high school football game and refused to wear a face mask. Police said they received threats against the school, and the game was canceled.
The complicated math of the West Ada recall campaign
What would it take to recall West Ada’s five trustees? Here’s a look at the process.
Audio: Reporter roundtable, 10.09.20
Miss the latest edition of the “Idaho Matters” Reporter Roundtable? Catch up here.
This week’s coronavirus trendline (10.09.20 edition)
Talking points: Idaho reports a one-week record for new cases, new K-12 cases doubled from last week, and the state’s COVID-19 death toll passes a grim milestone.
Idaho receives a $2.5 million federal grant for apprenticeship programs
The program is designed to fill holes in the workplace. The state surveyed Idaho businesses this summer, and 78 percent of respondents said they had tried to make a hire since the spring, Gov. Brad Little said Wednesday.
Idaho FAFSA application numbers continue to lag nationally
In 2020, 46.3 percent of Idaho high school seniors filled out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, according to a Las Vegas research firm. Only six states had a lower completion rate.
That number put Idaho ahead of only six other states, all in the West: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
U of I coronavirus cases continue to increase
The outbreak still seems to be centered on fraternity and sorority houses, university officials said Monday.
This week’s coronavirus trendline (10.02.20 edition)
The state has released its first numbers on coronavirus cases in the K-12 system. The numbers: at least 51 new cases in the past week, and at least 437 cases overall.
Colleges and universities receive another $6 million in coronavirus aid
The money could go into emergency student aid and mental health counseling, or infrastructure needed to meet the demands of the pandemic.