Unmasking Students + Batt's Book + Shakespeare

The Boise Daily is here and ready for anxious news readers today. West Ada students will have one less reason to complain regarding returning to school as the mask requirement has been lifted. A former governor has put pen to paper regarding his views on today's political climate and pinball lovers can rejoice as an iconic game is in Boise. Take a look at what the Boise Daily has to offer and subscribe today.

Taking a look at the weather today:

• Thursday: Clear throughout the day. Temps: High of 92° & low of 62°.

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Patch Pick: Students can prepare for school next fall without having to purchase new masks. Nic Streng, reporter for IdEdNews breaks the news the West Ada school board voted Tuesday to remove the mask requirement. Families will have the option to continue wearing masks in the fall. (IdEdNews)

Here are the top 5 stories for today:

1. At age 94, former Idaho Governor Phil Batt can add author to his list of life achievements now. The idahopress reports on a recent book signing by Batt, offering readers a chance to meet the author of "Lucky: The Wit and Wisdom of Governor Phil Batt." (idahopress)

2. For those wishing to remember the old days, Tracy Bringhurst of the Boise Weekly tells of where to find an iconic pinball game in Boise. The Wizard of Oz pinball machine is ready for players hoping for a high score at the low cost of only $1. (boiseweekly)

3. Don Nelson of KIVI spent some time with Governor Brad Little on his ranch in Emmett. Walking around the ranch, Little talks of the recent legislative session, his relationship with Janice McGeachin, and family obligations. (KIVI)

4. The City of Boise is asking you to approve a loan for $1.15 billion in order to upgrade and make repairs to the city's water treatment facilities. Margaret Carmel of BoiseDev reports residents would see a 53 percent rate hike if voters approve the request. (BoiseDev)

5. Grab the picnic basket and prepare for a summer at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. KTVB staff report the outdoor theater will return to full capacity this summer and tickets will be on sale Monday. (KTVB)

Boise Fact of the Day: According to bargames101, the best pinball game to play is the 1992 edition of The Addams Family.

Boise Community Calendar:

- The Boise Zoning Code Rewrite Citywide Advisory Committee will meet Thursday starting at 3 p.m. Citizens are invited to participate virtually using this link. The agenda for the meeting can be found here.

- Boise Parks and Recreation is hosting a virtual neighborhood meeting to discuss proposed annexation and land use map amendment of city-owned and Boise Independent School District properties. These parcels are generally located south of Victory Road, between Raymond Street and Maple Grove Road. The Boise Independent School District property includes the Administration, West Junior High and Dennis Technical Education Center property. The undeveloped property located directly south of these parcels is the undeveloped city-owned Murgoitio parcel. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and the link to join the meeting can be found here.

- Buddy DeVore & Bernie Reilly will be playing at the brand new Sturman's Smokeshop in Garden City on Thursday from 6-9 p.m.

- Join us Thursday evening for live, original music with Travelin' Miles at Barbarian Brewing. Travelin' Miles is a "one-man-suitcase" band. A solo act, utilizing guitar, banjo, harmonica and a homemade suitcase percussion kit. He records and performs his own original material, as well as a wide and diverse collection of ballads, Blues, Country, Folk, and Rockabilly songs. He also performs with Honey Bear in their jug band duo. This adds washtub bass, jews harp, washboard, and saw to the mix. This is open only to those 21 and older.

The Boise Daily is always looking for sponsors and those wanting to keep the news free for all.

- John

About me: With the growth of collegiate sports, I miss the old University of Idaho/Boise State University rivalries. Parents today miss the joy of having the house invaded by six or seven college students, home for the weekend and the game.