Good morning, Boise.

North Italia, an Italian concept from the creators of The Cheesecake Factory, will open its first Idaho restaurant at The Village at Meridian on May 28 — replacing Twigs Bistro as renovations create a smaller dining area for the new space.

Judge Hippler ruled Friday that Bryan Kohberger’s defense can mention his autism only if he testifies and will not call an expert on his developmental coordination disorder, while the jury will hear witness Dylan Mortensen’s description of the suspect’s "bushy eyebrows" as the trial for four murder counts continues with new rulings expected on May 15.

On Friday, the judge ruled that a surviving roommate’s testimony describing an intruder with bushy eyebrows is admissible in the Kohberger trial and accepted expert evidence linking a Hyundai Elantra seen on surveillance near the scene.

The judge also limited the defense from introducing some mental health records—jury selection will begin in late July as prosecutors seek the death penalty for the accused.

The Idaho Transportation Department will activate an interim traffic signal next week at the junction of State Highway 55 — Banks Lowman Road — to improve safety and reduce wait times for drivers.

Crews are finishing installation of signal poles this week and planning a long-term widening project for the busy area.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said City Hall will keep a pride flag and a Donate Life flag even though House Bill 96 bans non‐official flags, noting the law is unclear (it does not specify removal steps) after Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador asked for their compliance.

She added that a proposed planning and zoning code change will let the city council review permits again and that police are visiting smoke and vape shops to explain drug paraphernalia laws (to address public safety) while keeping their other duties.

Richard Hunter—known as Elle Blue Nouveau—had a serious heart attack on April 2 and was put on life support until April 4; by April 16 he improved steadily though his family still faces extensive medical bills.

Yelp recently ranked Pollos y Mariscos El Guero in Nampa as Idaho's best seafood restaurant with authentic coastal-style Mexican dishes.

The restaurant serves specialties like ceviche, crab-stuffed jalapenos and its house dish Medusa—fried octopus and shrimp in a secret sauce—that have earned it a 4.4-star rating.

Idaho Steelheads Playoff Home Game

5:59-9:59 p.m. — Idaho Central Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement as the Idaho Steelheads compete in their playoff series.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

2 PM - 12 AM — Morrison Center — Tickets required — Experience an unforgettable fusion of rock and classical hits in a candle-lit atmosphere.

Performance of The Servant of Two Masters

7 PM — Trailhead — $20 — Enjoy a comedic play by Carlo Goldoni directed by Chris Canfield.

S2 Pickleball Classic

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — S2 Pickleball — Registration varies — Participate in exciting pickleball matches and elevate your skills in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Shade City Brewfest

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Idaho Botanical Garden — Ticketed event — Celebrate Idaho’s beer scene and sustainability at this community-focused brewfest.

Off-Season Stories

5-7 p.m. — Hap Hap Lounge — Free entry — Engage in captivating storytelling sessions and enjoy the local arts scene.

NW/MET 2025 Conference

April 29 – May 2, 5 PM — Boise State University — Registration required — Dive into the latest AV and IT innovations for higher education with hands-on training and networking.

Joywave Concert in Boise

1 PM — Treefort Music Hall — $56+ — Catch the energetic performance of Joywave alongside Little Image in a vibrant venue.

Michael Blaustein Live Performance

4:30-6:00 p.m. — The Egyptian Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of laughter with stand-up comedian Michael Blaustein on his Taste Me tour.

State of the Art Chamber Music Performance

2-4 p.m. — MING Studios — Open to all ages — Experience innovative chamber music exploring identity and place through the lens of living composers.