City Cast Boise

The holidays are here, but what if your family isn’t around? Whether you’re navigating estrangement or simply can’t be with loved ones, this time of year can still be filled with magic and meaning. Host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are exploring how to beat the loneliness, ways to find unexpected joy, and create traditions that are uniquely yours. Want some more Boise...

Happy Friday! Host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are breaking down the news of the week, starting with a push to mandate the Bible be read in public schools. Will Idahoans like being forced to mix church and state in this way? And the Boise Airport is now 100% powered by clean energy, so we’re checking in on the city’s big climate goals. Plus, we’re chatting about a cos...

We’re sharing our favorite spots in the Treasure Valley to make holiday shopping merry and meaningful. Natalie Plummer from the Boise Bubble podcast and Hello Meridian joins host Lindsay Van Allen to help you deck the halls with gifts from Boise’s local businesses! Whether you’re shopping for a picky tween or a friend who loves self-care, our local gift guide has ideas for all your loved ones.  Wa...

The holiday season is here, which means you may be on the hook to entertain guests! But don’t stress — host Lindsay Van Allen and lifestyle influencer Rosie Piper have the ultimate visitor’s guide to Boise that’s perfect for impressing out-of-towners. From local eats to iconic sites, you’ll be able to craft a holiday itinerary they won’t forget. Learn more about the sponsor of this November 20th e...

Whether you‘re feeling deflated by the recent election results — or you’ve been struggling to figure out how to get involved in the community, we have you covered. Host Lindsay Van Allen and Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter are exploring the different ways to make Boise a better place based on what your neighbors need right now. From mutual aid to school board meetings, there’s so many way...

The Idaho Legislature recently revamped the state’s public defender system, which led to a flurry of resignations from experienced attorneys. Now, there’s concerns that folks might end up sitting in jail longer than they should, waiting for representation. Will the newly formed State Public Defender’s Office be able to hire enough new lawyers to defend our constitutional rights? Ruth Brown from Id...

We’re examining what happened to the downtown YMCA project and why so much of it has been abandoned. Could it be the next Boise Hole? And we’re looking at what can only be the weaponized incompetence of the attorney general’s office in one of the state’s abortion ban lawsuits. Plus, we’ve got some subversive and holiday cheer picks of the week. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise...

Gov. Brad Little and State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield are pushing Idaho schools to restrict cellphones in classrooms, and are even offering districts money to ban them. Some Treasure Valley schools have already instituted cell phone bans, meant to keep kids focused in the classroom. But do these bans remove a harmful distraction, or do they stop kids from accessing a helpful tool? Want some...

With election results beginning to settle, the question on everyone’s mind is: what will a second Trump presidency mean for Boise? From mass deportation, to the downstream effects of tariffs on Idaho farmers and abortion bans, host Lindsay Van Allen and Boise State University political scientist Charlie Hunt are sifting through which of campaign promises are likely — and unlikely — to affect our c...

Let’s be real: we’re probably all doomscrolling too much. And one of the best cures for this is getting outside! Late autumn camping can actually be one of the best times to set up a tent under the stars in Idaho — if you know how to do it. That’s why we’re resharing host Lindsay Van Allen’s conversation with contributor Heath Druzin, who has expert insider tips on the places to go, gear you need,...

The new Idaho law banning certain books was pitched as a way to “protect kids” by the legislature. But in Eagle, it’s adults who are being restricted from accessing reading materials. Idaho Library Association’s Molly Nota joins host Lindsay Van Allen to break down what’s next now that two library board members have been removed by the Eagle City Council, leaving the library board without a quorum...

For this Friday news roundup, host Lindsay Van Allen and Boise State Public Radio’s Jimmy Dawson are digging further in to statewide election results. Idaho had a significant red wave this week, with several legislative seats flipping from Democrats to Republicans during a year of record turnout. We’re processing Prop 1’s decisive failure, and wondering what a new addition to the state constitutio...

With the election and its implications still fresh on everyone’s minds, we’re talking with two political scientists about some of the biggest national and local political scandals in recent history. Jaci Kettler and Charlie Hunt both teach at Boise State University and are the co-hosts of the new “Scandalized” podcast. They’re digging into salacious tales of the past — from Rod Blagojevich to Mark...

The polls closed just a few hours ago, but the results are already changing how our city, state, and nation will look in the coming years. Host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are diving into who won, what changed, and what it means for Boise. Want some more Boise election news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get even more intel on who won and what it...

For the first time in over three decades, the Idaho Democratic Party is running a candidate in every legislative district in the state. In rural districts where Republicans have dominated, this is especially notable. Lauren Necochea is the state party chair, and she’s talking with our host Lindsay Van Allen about the Democrats’ new strategy. Could they actually flip some Republican seats this elec...

With all the recent growth in the Treasure Valley, our roads are busier than ever. So what’s the Ada County Highway District doing to help with the congestion? Today, executive producer Frankie Barnhill and Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger dig into ACHD’s new 5-year plan to find out what it could mean for your daily commute. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter...

This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Boise. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pi...

Happy Friday! Host Lindsay Van Allen and Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice are chatting about the big news of the week. They’re looking at the rising financial impact of a lawsuit against the City of Boise. Then they’re diving into the far-right PragerU curriculum that could soon show up in our schools. Plus, they’re prepping for Election Day with essential tips — and sharing a thrilling...

November in Boise means crisp days on the Greenbelt, delicious local food at farm-to-table restaurants, and the beginning of the holiday season. We’ve curated a list of must-do activities to get the most out of Boise this month, including insider tips to shop local and some genius hacks for making Thanksgiving meal planning simple. Plus, did we find best chai in the valley?  If you're new here, we...

Have you heard of the Boise Murder House? The 1910 home in South Boise has been the subject of local urban legends and ghostly tales for decades. But according to Mark Iverson from IdaHistory, the true story of this notorious home is even more sinister than the eerie rumors.  Want some more true local stories? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter, where you’ll get a rundown of what’s going on in...

Why are Idahoans moving to other states? From the rising cost of living in Boise, realtor Tom Wheeler and host Lindsay Van Allen explore some of the factors fueling this trend — from the rising cost of living in Boise, to the shifting political landscape — and what it could mean for our state. Plus, we look at the role and responsibility realtors have in setting the tone for a community.  But it’s...

We all know Californians have been moving to Idaho in droves for many years now. But why, exactly? Is it our conservative state politics, our outdoor recreation options, or our lower cost of living? Host Lindsay Van Allen is speaking with local realtor Michelene Cromwell, to really dig into what’s drawing Californians to the Gem State. We’re exploring its impact on our local community, especially...

It was another news-packed week, so we’re rounding up what you need to know. From a shocking story about the real impact of Idaho’s new ‘parental consent’ law to whether wearing a MAGA hat at a polling place counts as electioneering, host Lindsay Van Allen and Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice are getting us up to speed. Plus, Lindsay recommends a new movie coming to the Flicks, and Georg...

With the Nov. 5 election coming up, we’re digging into another hyper-local race you need to know about. Today, we’re talking transportation — specifically, a rematch between Alexis Pickering and Rebecca Arnold for a seat on the Ada County Highway District Commission. This District 2 campaign touches on safety, bike lanes, growing traffic concerns, and what the role of ACHD should be. Idaho Statesm...

Nothing stirs up controversy quite like a new In-N-Out Burger in Idaho. Are they a delicious burger joint, that’s a sign of growth, or a parking lot clogging nuisance, that just shows how much Californians have changed Idaho? As the new location by the mall prepares to open, host Lindsay Van Allen is debating its pros and cons with Boisean and In-N-Out fan Matthew Melton. What do you think about I...