Kevin’s blog

Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.

No splash for cash: West Ada foundation cancels water park fundraiser

West Ada’s education foundation announced the fundraiser in an email Monday — and the response, in traditional and social media, came quickly.

A work-from-home Legislature? State could use federal money for tech upgrades

The $1.24 million could allow some — or all — of the state’s 105 legislators to work remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.

Audio: This week’s Reporter Roundtable

Miss this week’s Reporter Roundtable on Boise State Public Radio? Catch up here.

This week’s coronavirus trendline (7.10.20 edition)

As discussions over school reopening intensify, Idaho reported a one-week peak in new coronavirus cases — for the third successive week.

Appeals court sides with Reclaim Idaho on K-12 initiative

Thursday’s ruling could clear the way for Reclaim Idaho to resume its push for a $170 million K-12 funding initiative. A U.S. Supreme Court appeal remains possible.

Coronavirus: Amid another case record, Central District Health discusses outbreak

Despite the sharp increase in cases, St. Luke’s Health System chief medical officer James Souza held out hope for reopening schools in the fall, if school officials plan ahead. “It’s about proximity and the air that we share.”

New budget year, new budget cuts: Little orders 5 percent reductions

For K-12 — which represents nearly half of the overall state budget — these cuts have been in the winds for weeks. Gov. Brad Little in May told educators to brace for a 5 percent reduction.

Boise State reopens campus to some employees

Reopening the workplace — at least partially — is a precursor to reopening Boise State University to students in seven weeks.

This week’s coronavirus trendline (7.3.20 edition)

For the second successive week, Idaho has reported a record spike in coronavirus cases. The state also reported a one-day peak in new cases Friday — for the second time this week.