🌱 No Extradition Fight + Star's Star + Happy Pictures

Hey, everybody! It's me, John Braese, your host of the Daily. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town, including...

• In video form, take a look back at 2022.
• Two schools in Idaho are combining online learning with teacher led classes at a central location.
• The suspect in the murder of four University of Idaho students will not fight returning to the state to face charges.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 41 Low: 22.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. The suspect arrested in connection with the murder of four University of Idaho students will not fight returning to Idaho. The Moscow-Pullman Daily News carries a story released by the Associated Press writing Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old Ph.D. student and teaching assistant in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Washington State University, plans to waive an extradition hearing so he can be quickly brought to Idaho to face murder charges, his defense attorney said Saturday. (dnews)
2. It is typical for news organizations to take Jan. 1 to look back at the previous year. KTVB-TV's Joe Parrish does just that in a 12-minute video, reviewing some of the stories that impacted Boise and the rest of Idaho. (KTVB)
3. If watching a giant potato usher in the New Year was not your style, the City of Star decided to welcome a new tradition of it's own. KIVI-TV's Christinna Bautista reports Boise's neighbor has started the New Year with a giant star lighting up the night as part of the city's 25th anniversary. (KIVI)
4. Two Idaho communities are attempting combine a unique blend of a micro-school and a ‘pandemic pod’ in what is the first of its type in the country. IdahoEdNews reporter Adam Bruno introduces the concept of learning societies, a pilot program based on lessons learned during the pandemic. The pandemic showed some students thrive learning online, but the demands of parents monitoring daily lessons were taxing. The new program combines online with students gather under adult supervision and spend much of their day working independently on their computers. (idahoednews)
5. News is not made by reporters or politicians or those in authority. The best news is made by readers. LITE-FM's Michelle Heart recently asked readers to "send in a photo from 2022 where they were completely happy and nothing else mattered at that moment." Readers responded and take a look at 45 images in Boise that is just plain "happy." (liteonline)

Today in Boise:

• The Idaho Humane Society is closed on New Year's Day. (12:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Boise Parks and Recreation: "One of our favorite traditions — the #BoiseParks Top Nine!🪩✨ We love seeing Boise’s parks, trails and events through your lens. Here’s to another year filled with exploration, recreation and joy." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Those traveling along I-84 through Baker County or Highway 95 north of Weiser will encounter snow covered roads overnight. Check the latest road conditions at 511.idaho.gov or tripcheck.com #orwx #idwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Boise Fire Department: "Engine 4 - B shift crew to the rescue of this furry friend today! The dog was trapped in a hole it had dug under the sidewalk while also being twisted around his cable. Firefighters worked quickly to dig out and rescue the scared pup." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "We've already raised $110,000 to build the red pandas a new and larger home, which will allow Zoo Boise to house multiple pairs with their young. The current exhibit is one of the oldest exhibits in the zoo." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Little Theater: "Trivia Time: How old is Boise Little Theater's building? Comment your answer below! #boiselittletheater #boise #idaho #history #community #littletheater #boisetheater #theater #buildings #oldbuilding #old #theaternerd #oldest #historic." (Boise Little Theater via Instagram)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Our podcast Women's Work, hosted by Ashley Ahearn, made The Atlantic's list of The 35 Best Podcasts of 2022!" (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "Call to Artists! This is your reminder to submit ideas for the 2023 Land Art Exhibit. Up to 10 artists may be selected to be featured in the Garden this spring." (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Boise Art Museum: "BAM will be closed tomorrow, January 1, in observance of the new year, and we are closed on Mondays. Visit us again on Tuesday, January 3, for regular hours from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/hours-admission/" (Boise Art Museum via Instagram)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Most Boise Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, January 2. Idaho IceWorld and Zoo Boise will be open usual hours on Monday. All parks, trails, cemeteries and the Boise River Greenbelt are open on New Year’s Day." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another 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 Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com