Good morning, Boise.

Community members will join an event at Eagle High School auditorium (574 N.

Park Ln.) from noon to 4 p.m. to learn about technology's effect on youth mental health and explore smartphone alternatives, parental controls and screen-free social connections. The event, inspired by a bestselling book, will feature expert speakers and workshops to help families and schools navigate the digital age.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital began selling 31,777 raffle tickets at $100 each for its 20th annual Dream Home contest—buyers have a chance to win a 2,100 sq. ft. home in the Oaklawn Community in Star built by Berkeley Building Co and valued at about $750,000.

Bonus prizes may be available—if buyers reserve by May 2, with the drawing set for June 11.

Today, Catholics from across Idaho gathered at St. Johns Cathedral in Boise to remember Pope Francis with a memorial mass led by Bishop Peter Christensen—Governor Brad Little ordered flags to be flown at half-mast until his funeral on Saturday.

Idaho State University's PA program reached its highest-ever ranking at 26 among US PA programs—up from 50—which qualifies it for the U.S. News Best Graduate Schools recognition and is delivered using advanced telepresence across three campuses; the university also secured a 10-year accreditation renewal while the legislature and institutional funds will support a new life sciences building on the Pocatello campus starting in August with completion planned for early 2027.

Northwest Nazarene University got an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality for its Teacher Preparation program in Elementary Mathematics, making it the only college in Idaho to earn this honor.

The review examined course materials and praised faculty like Professor Michelle Rowley + it shows the program is well set up to train future teachers.

Governor Little commissioned the USS Idaho when he welcomed its crew in Boise after it was christened on March 16 and launched on August 16—one of the first Virginia-class nuclear submarines with a magnetohydrodynamic drive for silent movement.

He also approved a commemorative Idaho license plate honoring its commissioning.

The City of Boise will host Medication Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at City Hall West to help residents safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications and prevent drug misuse (keeping harmful compounds out of water and landfills).

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.

Boise Police K9 Demonstration

12-1 p.m. — HUB 365 Thrift Store — Free entry — Watch police dogs in action and learn about K9 handling from Boise's finest.

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

1-4 p.m. — Château des Fleurs — Experience a delightful afternoon tea in honor of Mother's Day.

Monster Jam

1 PM — Ford Idaho Center — Check website for ticket prices — Experience high-octane thrills as top drivers and monster trucks compete in an adrenaline-fueled spectacular.