🌱 Donation Drive For Abuse Survivors + Ex-Police Capt. Investigation

Hello, hello. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Boise Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine and very warm. High: 84 Low: 54.

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Here are the top four stories in Boise today:

1. The Fresh Start for Families Drive is happening this Friday. The one-day-only event, which benefits The Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA), will be held at the Idaho Power Building. Donators are asked to bring household items that the WCA will use to provide safety, support, and education to domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors in the area. (Idaho News)
2. One artist erased the pain of antisemitic graffiti with their art. A mural titled "E Pluribus Unum" was dedicated at Boise's Anne Frank Memorial recently, located inside the Eighth Street Tunnel. The mural, designed by artist Addie Boswell, features faces and symbols meant to promote unity and inclusivity. It is intended to be a visual representation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (Idaho Press)
3. According to a Gasbuddy report, gas prices in Boise have remained unchanged. While some states have seen an increase in gasoline prices, the national average has shown minimal change overall. (KTVB.com)
4. An independent investigation into a former Boise Police Captain's alleged racist agenda, which ran out of funding amounting to approximately $500,000, is soon expected to release its findings, according to Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. McLean discussed the investigation, her decision to appoint Ron Winegar as the full-time police chief, and the withdrawal of funding by Ada County Commissioners for housing homeless individuals at a downtown Boise hotel. The article does not provide further details on the investigation's results or any implications. (Boise State Public Radio)

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Today in Boise:

• Lunch & Learn: Improv To Improve Your Game At Boise Metro Chamber (12:00 PM)
• Crafternoons In The Library At Butte Room, Library! At Hillcrest (3:00 PM)
• Idaho Firewise Garden Guided Tour At 2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Monday, a vehicle-bicycle crash occurred at the intersection of Eagle Rd. and McMillan Rd., resulting in life-threatening injuries to the adult female bicyclist. The intersection was closed in all directions as officers worked to clear the scene and investigate the crash, causing major traffic delays. (Boise Police Department via Facebook)
• Today (May 17) through May 21 in Boise, you can enjoy live music at Green Acres Food Truck Park. Other events include Downtown Plays pop-up at Cherie Buckner Webb Park (taking place today), International Museum Day at Idaho State Museum on May 20, WaterShed Weekend Birthday Bash celebration at The WaterShed on May 20, and various activities such as the WalkAbout Boise Historic Walking Tour, Boise Phil: A Sea of Sound at Morrison Center, Boise Farmers Market, and Capital City Public Market at The Grove Plaza on May 20. (Visit Boise via Instagram)
• Ann Morrison Park is soon unveiling a new, high-tech water feature with an interactive fountain and customizable lighting for infinite color schemes. The grand opening and dedication of the fountain will take place on May 31 at 4:00 p.m., promising a summer of fun for kids and families with programmed shows and water play. (Boise Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.