🌱 Shine A Light + Bottle School + Micron Announces Cuts

Welcome back, Boise! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Both federal and state employees will not be able to download TikTok on government-issued phones.
• Pull out the long johns and big coats as temperatures in Boise continue to drop.
• The Boise night sky was lit up by first responders just for the sake of children.

But first, today's weather:

Cold with a little snow. High: 27 Low: 23.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. The holiday is just not the same without lights and first responders from around the area gathered to make sure children at a local hospital enjoyed lights. KTVB-TV's Abby Davis was present along with first responders from about 10 different agencies at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital for 'Shine A Light.' Even Santa made an appearance on a ladder truck. (KTVB)
2. One of Boise's largest employers, Micron Technology has announced it will cut its workforce by 10 percent. BoiseDev editor Don Day reports the tech giant said job cuts would come through both voluntary employee departures, as well as layoffs. Bonus payments to employees for the fiscal year of 2023 will also be suspended. (boisedev)
3. A new school is going up in Guatemala due to some Boise residents. The Boise Weekly's Natalie Holsten explains the school is constructed of plastic bottles filled with inorganic trash and cost only $25,000 to build, financed by Boise workers. (boiseweekly)
4. It is cold in Boise. CBS2's Vasili Varlamos reports Boise is having problems getting out of the teens for a high and with the wind, the temperature feels like zero. The mountains around us are seeing -30 degrees and a winter weather advisory is in effect for the lower Treasure Valley, the upper Weiser River, and for Malheur County. (idahonews)
5. Idaho has already done it and it appears the federal government will follow soon. The IdahoCapitalSun's Jacob Fischler writes a ban on federal employees using TikTok on their government-issued phones is on track to become law after Congress included the provision in the year-end government funding bill released early Tuesday. Boise State University will block access to TikTok from university devices and nonstudent networks in response to Idaho's ban on the social media platform. You may wish to hide this story from the teenager in the house as U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, has introduced a bipartisan bill to ban TikTok from the country altogether. (idahocapitalsun)

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Today in Boise:

• With students out of school, take them down to the Discovery Center of Idaho for 'SLIME!: Stretch Your Imagination.' (10:00 AM)
• Grab the little one in the house and head to the Boise Public Library for Baby Stories & Play. (10:30 AM)

Special notice:

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile for two new series: Local Heroes and Star Student Athletes. The goal is to highlight heroes and star athletes in Boise!

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From my notebook:

• Boise Fire Department: "It was an honor to join first responder agencies from all across the Treasure Valley to “Shine a Light” for the kids at St Luke’s Children’s Hospital. Santa climbed Ladder 5, and hopefully we were able to bring a little holiday cheer." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Visit Boise: "Snow in the forecast makes us happy: @loeblifephotography #visitboise #boiseidaho #bogusbasin #winter #winteractivites #getoutside #thisisboise #exploreboise #visitidaho" (Visit Boise via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "A very cold morning. Coldest places were -23 F at Banner Summit, -19 F at Fairfield and -17 F at McCall Airport in #Idaho. In Oregon, Baker County was the coldest with stations outside the city seeing between -7 F and -15 F. #idwx #orwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "Allen Deitz, a longtime supporter, and volunteer at the Idaho Botanical Garden has been bringing delectable homemade treats with him for hardworking volunteers and staff at Winter Garden aGlow to enjoy. They look incredible!" (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Some of the most important pest control, pollination and seed dispersion work in the natural world happens at dusk and after dark — done by bats. Researchers are working to better understand and protect bats." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— John Braese

About me: Welcome to the Boise edition of patch.com. I am the community editor in this exciting endeavor for the Boise area. I was born and grew up in Boise, attending Bishop Kelly High School before graduating from Borah High School more than a few years ago. I have seen Boise grow substantially in the last few years, but still maintain my hometown appeal. I want to hear about what is important to you and the stories you wish to see on patch.com. Feel free to reach out to me via email at john.braese@patch.com or drop me a phone call or text at 208 954-9585.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boise Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com