Good morning, Nampa.

Amid the government shutdown, the Idaho Foodbank is ramping up volunteer shifts and making extra food purchases to distribute to pantries statewide—aiming to assist communities facing rising food insecurity.

Nampa is preparing for the holiday season by relocating a 60-foot spruce from Tim and Bonnie Torgerson's home on Locust Lane to the historic train depot.

Officials said the tree lighting ceremony will take place on November 29 at 6 p.m.—after which the spruce will be turned into mulch for parks and trails.

On Tuesday, hundreds of veterans attended the monthly Kilroy Coffee Klatch at the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa—each showing pride in their service.

Idaho company Terravata is using drones to release helpful insects on farms to control harmful spider mites, with each drone load covering about 10 acres.

The technology treats up to 300 acres daily — the company partners with insectaries to source the predatory insects.

Nampa School District voters approved a $16.8 million, two-year supplemental levy yesterday to maintain teacher staffing and student programs — the vote passed with 52% and will lower homeowner costs from about $63 to $40 per $100,000 of value — district leaders said.

Idaho residents have the highest debt-to-income ratio in the country — each household carries about $2 in debt for every $1 of income.

Federal Reserve data show that the influx of new residents is driving up home prices and mortgages, a trend that will continue as younger families move in.

The Idaho Water Resource Board approved 20 Telemetry and Monitoring grants totaling $1,258,459 for surface water and groundwater districts in the Eastern Snake Plain region—using state funds after federal funds did not come through at a special meeting on Friday.

The board also opened a new application period for State Flood Management Grants with about $539,000 available—applications are due by Jan. 2, 2026.

Communities nationwide face a housing crisis that leaves many households without affordable rentals—Idaho ranks among the worst.

Boise’s Director of Housing and Homelessness Policy, Nicki Olivier Hellenkamp, said rising interest rates and high construction costs are key factors, and efforts to address the issue are underway.

Niccole Blaze and Friends Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Swirl Wine Shop & Lounge — Cost Info — Enjoy smooth tunes from Blaze and Friends with delicious wine and great vibes.

Writing Cinematic Scenes Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Boise Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your storytelling skills in this interactive writing workshop with Kim Cross.

Nampa Gun Show

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Ford Idaho Center — Cost varies — Explore handcrafted collectibles, historical treasures, and outdoor gear at this family-friendly event.

Nampa Pumpkin Spice 5K

8:00-10:30 a.m. — Gem Prep: Nampa Charter School — Entry fee applies — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive 5K run or walk and enjoy the autumn spirit.

Ridgevue Freshman Basketball Game vs. Skyview

4:30-5:45 p.m. — Ridgevue High School — Free entry — Catch the excitement of the Ridgevue freshman basketball team as they face off against Skyview in a home non-conference game.

A Christmas Carol

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Nampa Civic Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the transformative tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as he learns the true meaning of Christmas.