🌱 Good Water Year + No Student ID + Rape Victim Lawsuit

Hello all. It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in the community today, including:

• The identities of a murder/suicide incident at an Eagle credit union have been released by authorities.
• Albertsons and Kroger are putting big money into and hiring lobbying firms in an attempt to join together.
• If you irrigate or enjoy boating at Lucky Peak, the water outlook is looking good.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and chilly. High: 48 Low: 26.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Boise? Partner with the Boise Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. The Ada County Coroner has released the names of those involved in an Eagle shooting. KIVI-TV staff report 38-year-old Michael Lugaresi shot and killed his wife, 36-year-old Brittany Lugaresi, at the Westmark Credit Union in Eagle. The Meridian couple was in the midst of a divorce involving minor children with an April trial date scheduled. (kivi)
2. Our upcoming water year is looking impressive. Capital Press reporter Carol Ryan Dumas reports some areas around the state are reporting near-record snow depths and many basins are reporting well above normal precipitation this winter. The outlook for the Boise River Basin looks good. (capitalpress)
3. A bill eliminating student IDs as an acceptable form of identification to vote in Idaho is heading to the governor's desk. The IdahoCapitalSun's Clark Corbin reports the Idaho Senate voted Thursday to take away student IDs from the list of acceptable forms of identification at the polls. A concealed weapon permit remains acceptable. The article also includes a listing of other bills this session related to voting. (idahocapitalsun)
4. A former rape victim has filed a federal lawsuit against two former Idaho legislators. KTVB-TV's Alexandra Duggan reports the suit alleges Aaron von Ehlinger and Priscilla Giddings violated the victim's First Amendment rights. Von Ehlinger was sentenced to 20 years in prison in August of 2022 for raping the victim, a former statehouse intern. According to the suit, Giddings publicly released information identifying the victim and accused the victim of being "under the influence of drugs" to law enforcement. (ktvb)
5. Local grocery chain Albertsons and Kroger really want to be together. BoiseDev editor Don Day reports the two companies have signed a deal with a prominent lobbying group and have spent more than $3 million on lobbying costs, triple what was spent last year. Kroger is attempting to purchase Albertsons at a cost of $24 billion. (boisedev)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Boise Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Boise Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Boise:

• The District III Orchestra Solo and Ensemble Festival continues Saturday at Meridian High School. (8:00 AM)
• Zoo Boise hosts Preschool Zoo Saturday morning, an event designed for preschoolers and their parents. (10:00 AM)
• The Idaho State Museum hosts Family Second Saturday with this week looking at Idaho innovators. (Noon)
• If you have a ticket, the Idaho Humane Society Night at the Idaho Steelheads game takes place Saturday. This event is sold out. (7:00 PM)
• The Egyptian Theatre presents the 17th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour Saturday evening. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise Police Department: "In Boise, so often it’s our partnerships that make us proud. Yesterday BPD awarded Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services Shelter Director Maranda Jay for helping investigators stop a traveling group of criminals." (Boise Police Department via Facebook)
• Boise Fire Department: "A busy day on the training grounds! The recruits are working through vertical vent drills. Firefighters strategically cut a hole in the roof of a burning building to allow heat and smoke to escape." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: " Officially, #Boise hit a record 13 consecutive days of a trace or more of snowfall. Snow was observed at 1205 AM at the airport breaking the previous record of 12 set in 1933. #IDwx #ORwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Downtown Boise: "We're Hiring for a new membership & outreach manager! Our current membership & outreach manager (MOM), Andre Womack has decided to take advantage of a rare opportunity with Visit Idaho." (Downtown Boise via Instagram)
• Zoo Boise: "Would you trade lunch with warthog Vinnie? (Just don't pig out!) Warthogs need this energy to escape potential predators in the wild. You know when they're running because they stick their tail straight up in the air and can reach 34 mph." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (March 14)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com