Good morning, Boise.

Idaho’s largest holiday toy drive is underway with Newstalk KBOI’s Nate Shelman leading efforts to bring joy to local kids.

Community members may drop off new, unwrapped toys and bikes at Sportsman’s Warehouse from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. until December 9 — all donations will stay in Idaho for families in need.

The Boise Hawks launched their annual Winter Warmth Drive to help local residents stay warm by inviting fans to donate winter items in exchange for a free General Admission ticket to Opening Night 2026.

Donations of new or gently used items can be dropped off at the Hawks Front Office at Memorial Stadium — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Jan. 9.

Local residents say Idaho is full of fun activities — from river floats to pumpkin patches — even though a national ranking rated it 33 for recreation and 35 for nightlife, sparking anger among locals who believe the state deserves a higher rank.

The rankings claim Idaho is less fun despite its year-round events that prove otherwise.

Junkyard Jeans is a vintage denim store on Broadway Ave. in Boise that became the only clothing store in Idaho named on the NYT 50 Best Clothing Stores List—founded nearly 30 years ago by Eric Schrader—showing its unique style and long local history.

Forbes dropped Idaho billionaire Frank VanderSloot from its 400 Richest People list for 2025, ending his presence after appearing in 2024.

The business owner, best known for founding Melaleuca — a health and wellness company active in cattle and radio ventures— is no longer on the list.

Snowpack levels are at record lows at Bogus Basin, with many sites showing the lowest readings in 20 to 40 years and values that are the lowest since 1999—new snow is expected this Thursday.

The Idaho Capitol building in Boise is adorned with Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias, and garland.

The building is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers free viewing.

Boise State will host the Mountain West Championship game on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Albertsons Stadium where the team, coming off a comeback win over Utah State, will aim to mark its 15th consecutive sellout—additional tickets may be available after Tuesday evening.

Former Idaho Vandals coach Jason Eck has been named Mountain West Coach of the Year for leading New Mexico's Lobos to a 9-3 record and bowl eligibility—his turnaround marks a rare first-season success for the team.

Boise State football had eight players named to the All-Mountain West teams plus three players earned honorable mentions as the Broncos secured strong individual honors this season.

First-team honorees were offensive linemen Kage Casey and Mason Randolph, safety Ty Benefield, and cornerback A’Marion McCoy while running back Dylan Riley, defensive lineman Braxton Fely, EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan, and cornerback Jeremiah Earby were selected to the second team.

Atreyu Live Concert

6-8 p.m. — Treefort Music Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the camaraderie and musical prowess of the band Atreyu as they perform live.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

7-8 p.m. — Morrison Center — Tickets required — Experience the beloved holiday classic brought to life by the Boise State Theatre Arts Program.

MJ The Musical

1:00 – 2:30 PM — Morrison Center — $57.64 — Experience the magic of Michael Jackson in a spectacular musical performance.

Afrosonics: A Global Music Experience

6-9 p.m. — Treefort Music Hall — From $19.98 — Experience a vibrant mix of cultures through music performed by an eclectic international ensemble.

ISA & IJAA Annual Conference 2025

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. — Boise Centre — Registration required — Attend to network with law enforcement and jail administrators at Idaho's premier conference.

Boise State vs. Duquesne Men's Basketball

7-8:30 p.m. — ExtraMile Arena — Ticket prices vary — A thrilling college basketball matchup between the Boise State Broncos and Duquesne Dukes.

Candlelight Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

8:45-9:45 p.m. — The Egyptian Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting music of Fleetwood Mac illuminated by candlelight.

Ho Ho House Party

9 p.m. – 2 a.m. — Hap Hap Lounge — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with live music and painting in a festive atmosphere.

Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Egyptian Theatre, Boise, ID — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of Midwest-inspired comedy with the viral sensation Charlie Berens.

Creators Collective

12:30-2:00 p.m. — Danny Peterson Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Explore a vibrant theater event showcasing local creativity in Boise.