Boise Briefing: Big Brother Austin; Zoom election; Boise, CA?

Today's Boise Briefing has an array of stories starting with a look at a city much like Boise just a decade ago. Austin, Texas looked much like Boise just years ago, but like Boise, went through a growth spurt. A Boise neighborhood is splitting apart after a Zoom election and a couple have been charged in the horrific death of a 9-year old boy. Superintendent candidates are named for the largest school district in Idaho while the question if California is invading Boise is discussed.

Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. You can also download our free Patch mobile app on Android or iPhone.

1. Boise is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. Just a short time ago, Austin, TX was the quiet, capital city with students and homeowners sharing the streets. In 1996, Austin had a population of 720,000. That number ballooned to 2.11 million in 2021. BoiseDev examines if Boise can learn from Austin's mistakes and correct decisions in this well written story of painful growth.

2. Zoom meetings have invaded our lives since the pandemic took over. Meetings, school classes, and family gatherings have occured online. The North End Neighborhood Association even held an election via the online service and, according to the Idaho Press, the results of the election have now divided the quiet Boise neighborhood.

3. Emrik Osuna died Sept 1. Now his father and stepmother face first-degree murder charges stemming from video showing forced exercise, starvation and physical beatings per a story on KTVB-TV. The two weeks of video footage from a nanny cam are crucial to a case with the final day exposing a 9-year old child- bruised, covered in vomit and without a heartbeat- lying on the living room floor.

4. The West Ada School District, the largest in the state, has announced the seven finalists for the vacant superintendent position. IdEdNews.org takes a look at those wanting to lead the district after the resignation of Mary Ann Ranells.

5. Housing prices continue to explode and finding a rental in Boise is impossible. Many blame the housing crisis in the capital city for those relocating from California moving in. But is that really the cause of our problems? The Idaho Capital Sun takes a look at the numbers of Californians moving in and if they are bringing the problems plaguing us.

Stay connected! Like Boise Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Boise Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of our latest sponsors? Email any and all inquiries to me at john.braese@patch.com.