🌱 Foster Care Spending Increases + Greenbelt Foodie Destinations

Hi there, Boise. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and comfortable. High: 74 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories today in Boise:

1. Foster care spending in Idaho has increased nearly 13 percent over the past few years while the number of children in foster care has been on the decline. Because of the shortage of foster care homes, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says that 10-15 children stay in supervised short-term rentals in Idaho each night. The state also sends foster children as far away as Florida and Tennessee due to a lack of available homes. In 2022, a quarter of children in foster care were adopted and nearly 62 percent were reunited with parents/caregivers, which is the goal. This story is still developing. (Idaho News)
2. The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a summer job fair on Saturday, May 13 at the Galaxy Event Center at Wahooz Family Fun Zone in nearby Meridian. Employers are hoping to fill many positions including lifeguards, mechanics, veterinary techs, swim instructors, personal trainers, and more. There will be representatives from Treasure Valley YMCA, Bogus Basin Ski Resort, New Horizon Academy, and other businesses. The event is free and open to people 16 and older and will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Idaho Capital Sun)
3. Are you looking for some great food destinations to try along the Boise Greenbelt? The Boise River Greenbelt has grown in popularity over the last decade and offers a plethora of recreational activities. A Boise foodie Facebook group user asked about good places to eat along the Greenbelt, and here are a few of the suggestions: The Griddle at Reid Merrill Park in Eagle is famous for its hot cakes, omelets, and benedicts. Bardenay in Eagle is famous for its Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Caffe Luciano’s is a popular place to grab a cocktail and a more upscale lunch. See the full list here. (107.9 LITE FM)

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Today in Boise:

• School Age Fun At Library! At Hillcrest (4:30 PM)
• Taxes In Retirement Seminar At Library! At Hillcrest (6:30 PM)
• Party 101 With DJ Matt Bennett At Knitting Factory (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking to adopt a furry friend? Luna needs a home! She is recovering from a CBLO surgery, and due to medical needs and restricted mobility, she hasn’t shown her full personality yet.She is easy to harness up and enjoys her time out in the yard and eating treats. (Boise Bully Breed Rescue via Facebook)
• The Boise Bicycle Project is giving every mom 20 percent off their entire purchase May 10-14! That even includes pet moms! Stop by the shop and see their used bikes, parts, and accessories. (Boise Bicycle Project via Facebook)
• The Fairy and Gnome House Exhibit is now open, and the koi pond is uncovered at Idaho Botanical Garden! Plus, there is free admission on May 13 for the public opening of the Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser and free admission on May 14 for all mothers! (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Library! at Hillcrest (May 16)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.