🌱 Amtrak Hopes + Boise Man Federally Indicted + Lonely Garden City

Hey, everybody! It's me, John Braese, your host of the Daily. Let's get this weekend started off right with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• If you wish to vote in a Republican primary and are a member of another party, you will need to wait 12 months before marking a ballot.
• A new restaurant is opening in Boise for those craving octopus and seaweed salad.
• If officials pull it off, you will be able to jump on a train for trip to see Jazz play.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy, a shower; mild. High: 50 Low: 35.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. The Boise Depot may be more than a spot for wedding photos. KTVB-TV's Andrew Baertlein writes Boise city officials are gathering support from neighbor cities in an attempt to bring Amtrak service back to the valley. The federal government has earmarked $66 billion to improve train systems across the United States. Boise is hoping to reestablish service to Salt Lake City. (KTVB.com)
2. If you change political parties, you will need to wait 12 months to vote in the Republican primary. That is the new rule as reported by idahocapitalsun's Kelcie Mosely-Morris after the Republican state central committee met in Twin Falls. A vote to remove the Idaho Young Republicans, the College Republicans and the Idaho Federation of Republican Women as voting members of the Idaho Republican's Party's executive board was tabled until next summer. (idahocapitalsun)
3. A Boise man has received a federal indictment against him for hate crimes. CBS2 news staff report Matthew Alan Lehigh was charged after attempting to injure two people by driving his car at them. The indictment states the incident was motivated by the sexual orientation of the victims. (idahonews)
4. Boise just does not have enough restaurants to grab octopus. BoiseDev editor Don Day reports that will soon change as Nara Ramen & Izakaya is set to open at Bown Crossing in SE Boise. Takoyako ocotpus will join sweet tempura shrimp, edamame, gyoza potstickers, and a seaweed salad at the new eatery. (boisedev.com)
5. Garden City is a lonely place. That is not the opinion of Boise Patch, but according to an article written by LITE-FM's Michelle Heart, a recent study published by ChamberOfCommerce.org lists Boise's neighbor as the loneliest place for both males and females in all of Idaho. (liteonline)

Today in Boise:

• Saturday is the day for Preschool Zoo at Zoo Boise. (10:00 AM)
• If that one member of the family is just not behaving, Saturday is the day for a Basic Obedience Class. (2:00 PM)
• The Tree City Chamber Players will hold a winter recital Saturday. (3:00 PM)
• The Jayden DeLuca Foundation Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball kicks off Saturday at Boise Centre. (3:30 PM)
• The Idaho Steelheads host the Utah Grizzlies Saturday at the Idaho Central Arena. (7:10 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "@broncospirit will represent Boise State this weekend as they compete at the UCA College Cheer Nationals at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The Boise State Spirit Squad will perform co-ed game day and traditional routines." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "The West Coast has been receiving significant rain and snow this season, thanks to a very active Pacific Jet Stream during this La Niña winter. The 'river' of moisture from the Pacific Ocean is referred to as an atmospheric river." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Our favorite Magellanic penguin couple: is Jimmy trying to photobomb Rose's closeup?" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Weekly: "It’s gonna be all over the place and we can hardly wait. Read full story at boiseweekly.com" (Boise Weekly via Instagram)
• Radio Boise: "Here's the first Top 10 of the New Year!" (Radio Boise via Instagram)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "For those who haven't already heard: Anni Jack is now IBG's full-time Education Program Coordinator! Anni will focus on creating learning opportunities outside of traditional school time for youth and curating our adult classes." (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— John Braese

About me: Welcome to the Boise edition of patch.com. I am the community editor in this exciting endeavor for the Boise area. I was born and grew up in Boise, attending Bishop Kelly High School before graduating from Borah High School more than a few years ago. I have seen Boise grow substantially in the last few years, but still maintain my hometown appeal. I want to hear about what is important to you and the stories you wish to see on patch.com. Feel free to reach out to me via email at john.braese@patch.com or drop me a phone call or text at 208 954-9585.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boise Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com