Good morning, Pocatello.

Hundreds of residents gathered on Saturday at the ICCU headquarters in Chubbuck to launch the Light the World Giving Machines initiative—designed to spread the spirit of Christmas and offer help to those in need.

The Pocatello Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council will host an Essential Needs Drive Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pocatello Police Department Substation on 800 Yellowstone Avenue near Fred Meyer — donations including food, snacks, toiletries, diapers, and other essentials will be collected for two local Little Free Pantries.

POCATELLO – The Idaho State College of Business will host its fourth annual Festival of Trees this weekend at the Stephens Performing Arts Center where 75 trees will be on display and attendees can join a silent auction and enjoy a TUBACHRISTMAS performance by local tuba players.

The event will support local charities and include special activities like a Children’s Royal Tea Party on Friday and Breakfast with Santa on Saturday.

5 Star Nutrition opened Saturday on Poleline Road next to Pizza Pie Cafe after GNC closed at Pine Ridge Mall, filling a gap for supplements and nutrition guidance—former GNC manager Kade Kendell, an American Falls native, now offers free InBody scans for personalized advice—bringing a fresh health option to local customers.

Jessica Kramer joined the ICONIC program at Land Lab Day — a free five week course funded by the Idaho Transportation Department — where she learned heavy equipment skills that began to set her on a new career path.

She, who is nearing the end of her sentence and now lives under supervision in east Boise, said the training helped her build a better life for herself and her fifteen year old daughter.

State senators questioned the oversight and funding of the Idaho Digital Learning Academy—arguing that the program’s dual-payment system wastes taxpayer money.

They suggested policy changes such as removing extra pay for in-class online courses and reevaluating the funding model to improve accountability.

The Forgotten Carols Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — Pocatello High School — Cost varies — Experience a heartwarming Christmas musical filled with laughter and touching melodies.

Omaha Mavericks vs. Idaho State Bengals

11 AM — Recreation & Wellness at Reed Gym — Cost info unavailable — Watch an exciting women's basketball game as the Mavericks face the Bengals.

ISCS Concert: Joy to the World

5:30-11:30 p.m. — L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive concert featuring the Idaho State-Civic Symphony.

Laughing All The Way Holiday Show

7 PM – 1 AM — Pocatello High School — Ticket information TBA — Celebrate the season with this sold-out yuletide extravaganza featuring comedy and cheer.

Kurt Bestor Christmas

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of the season with Utah’s favorite holiday concert featuring live music and festive humor.