Good morning, Boise.

Ada County Commissioners recognized Boise Rescue Mission Ministries CEO Emeritus Rev.

Bill Roscoe with the Humanitarian Award on Wednesday for his compassionate service to the community — the award will honor future recipients who do life-changing work.

Zoo Boise will host Boo at the Zoo on Saturday, Oct.

24 and Sunday, Oct. 25 with a costume contest, candy stations, face painting, and special treats for the animals. Admission remains standard so families can join the fun without extra charges.

Roaring Springs waterpark will host its Spooky Light Show in the parking lot from Oct.

9-30, where families will enjoy over one million dazzling lights plus synchronized music in a drive-thru event. Tickets cost $29.99 per carload or $39.99 with a Spooky Party Pack.

Bluebird Social is hosting Oktoberfest today and Saturday with live music by The Dusty Shrimps & Redlight Challenge, along with food, drinks, and games at its venue on the Boise Greenbelt.

Tickets cost $11.18.

Freak Alley in downtown Boise, an outdoor mural gallery established in 2002, shows evolving art that reflects both its history and future.

Local artists can apply to add fresh works while visitors enjoy a walk along 8th and Bannock streets.

Families can enjoy the second Spooky Light Show from Oct.

9 to 30, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Roaring Springs parking lot, where glowing ghosts, sparkling skeletons and flashing spiders create a drive-through Halloween display. Tickets cost $29.99 per car (or $39.99 with a Party Pack).

25 Idaho sites have been approved for opportunity zone tax incentives that will boost job growth and economic development in rural and urban areas.

Tax incentives start Jan. 1, 2027 and last 10 years, letting investors defer capital gains taxes in low-income areas.

Boise State researchers use drones and machine learning to map recovering rangelands and track invasive species after wildfires disrupt plant communities.

The study said affordable RGB drone systems deliver comparable results to expensive models, offering accessible tools (with online data and methods) for future restoration.

Boise is experiencing fall temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the 50s, delaying the first frost expected on Sunday—meteorologists credit a high-pressure ridge and strong El Niño for the dry conditions forecast through Tuesday.

Idaho State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield announced she will not join KTVB’s upcoming debate, saying all three certified candidates should participate so voters can decide.

Her withdrawal follows a recent debate where fundraising thresholds excluded one candidate.

Four community groups will share $2.3 million in VA grants to support veteran suicide prevention starting Fiscal Year 2027—aiming to help veterans not in VA care and bridge service gaps across northern and southern Idaho.

Boise State will pay tribute to its 2007 Fiesta Bowl legacy by wearing throwback uniforms for its Pac-12 game against Utah State this weekend (featuring the classic logo and relics).

Fans can relive the iconic run as the team takes the field in an unmistakable style.