🌱 No Airport Masks + Cheatgrass Warning + Von Ehlinger Rape Trial

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Let's start today off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in Boise.

Welcome to Wednesday edition of the Boise Daily. A decision by a Florida judge may impact your travel plans, and spring in Boise translates to time to start checking the paws of your faithful companion for cheatgrass. We offer you the latest on the local housing market, and update you on a really long hike by a Boise couple. Finally, a former state representative will face charges of rape as scheduled.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy most of the time. High: 64 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. A decision by a Florida judge means masks are now optional if you are heading to the Boise Airport. KIVI-TV's Meredith Spelbring explains passengers are urged to check with their airlines as carriers can mandate masks on flights. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)
2. For this next story, I can speak from experience as I paid the bill last summer after a paw infection occurred with my dog due to cheat grass. KTVB-TV's Andrew Baertlein reports local veterinarians are warning cheatgrass, an invasive species common in the Boise Foothills, can cause serious injury to pets and in some cases, death. (KTVB.com)
3. Boise Patch continues to provide you the latest on the housing market and the newest homes available for you to find your dream house. (Boise Patch)
4. A Boise couple is 80 miles into a 2,650 mile trek and CBS2's Ariana Pyper provides an update on how the hike is progressing. Coby and Mercedes Hoch are in the early stages of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. (Idaho News)
5. A former Idaho representative accused of rape will go to trial as scheduled. The Idaho Capital Sun's Kelcie Mosely-Morris writes Aaron Von Ehlinger's request to have his trial postponed was denied and the trial will start April 26. Von Ehlinger, 39, is accused of raping a 19-year-old legislative intern in March 2021 and he pleaded not guilty, stating the sex was consensual. (idahocapitalsun)

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Today in Boise:

• Boise State University is celebrating Earth Day with a sustainability tour and everyone is invited. (Noon)
• The Downtown Family YMCA will be holding a job fair, preparing for all the summer activities. (2 p.m.)
• Capital High School varsity softball will be at Centennial High School on Wednesday. (5 p.m.)
• The Garden City Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a hearing Wednesday evening. (6:30 p.m.)
• The Idaho Chapter of the Sierra Club sponsors Salmon Recovery Movie Night on Wednesday. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "The recent April precipitation has helped increase the water content in the mountain snowpack. Several locations are climb back close to normal. More precipitation is expected again on Thursday." (Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Trails are drying out after last week’s wild weather and the wildflowers are starting to pop. These views are from Buena Vista Trail in Hillside to Hollow Reserve. This is a special time of year in the Boise Foothills." (Instagram)
• BOISE FARMERS MARKET: "Come and gather up your favorite spring flavors at the Boise Farmers Market! The link to our newsletter is in our bio! #boisefarmersmarket #midtownboise #buylocal #farmersmarketcommunity #thisisboise #boiselife" (Instagram)
• Boise State Public Radio: "The Mountain West has some of the highest gun ownership rates in the nation — and some of the least restrictive gun laws. New research suggests those high rates come with big risks." (Facebook)
• Radio Boise: "You still have a chance to win two zipline passes to the 2023 @treefortfest. For just $10 a pop, you can score a chance to hop to the front of any line and catch all the tunes at next year’s fest." (Instagram)

Loving the Boise Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business featured in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at john.braese@patch.com

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.