City Cast Boise

We’re rounding up the news of the week, starting with a new parental medical consent law that just went into effect. Host Lindsay Van Allen and our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter are discussing how this policy could be dangerous for sexual assault survivors in Idaho. We also chat about the Roman Catholic Diocese going toe-to-toe with the Boise City Council on a controversial North End de...

School starts next week in the Boise and West Ada School Districts, and this year parents are spending an average of $700 per child to get them ready for school! Nearly half of these families are sacrificing necessities to try and afford to get their kids back to the classroom. So, host Lindsay Van Allen is getting advice from local couponing legend Heather Wheeler, co-founder of Krazy Coupon Lady...

There are so many local businesses and insider spots in Boise to celebrate. But despite their popularity, it seems like no one is immune to the rantings found in a 1-start online review. So host Lindsay Van Allen is poking fun at some of the funniest things reviewers have written about Boise institutions with contributor Minerva Jayne and executive producer Frankie Barnhill. Buckle up, it’s going...

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean is on the podcast explaining why she chose Chris Dennison of the Tucson Police Department to be Boise’s next police chief. The city’s two highest profile offices — mayor and police chief — caused each other grief during McLean’s first term. So how did she make her decision, and will Dennison be able to repair rifts between the department, the city and the community? Host...

Homelessness is a persistent and growing struggle for Boise. Between a new deadline to wind down funding for temporary housing, and a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows criminalization of outdoor camping — there are a lot of challenges we need to overcome. Plus, will a new, larger shelter be built in time to keep our most vulnerable residents off the street? Interfaith Sanctuary’s Executive D...

We’re rounding up the news of the week with Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice. We’re digging in to a federal report on the deadly airport hangar collapse earlier this year, and asking whether a meat-free world could mean less wildfire smoke in the Treasure Valley. Plus, host Lindsay Van Allen gets a must-see movie suggestion from George.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Bo...

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Boise community.  August is here, and we have your ultimate guide to maximize the last weeks of summer. From a new festival in Meridian, to an iconic small town rodeo, to an indoor dance party celebrating Brat girl summer, and the Western Idaho Fair — our team has your...

Buying a starter home in Boise continues to be tough for so many people, even years after our real estate market exploded. But there’s another side to this red hot housing market: the luxury homes going for millions of dollars. So what exactly does seven figures buy you in the Treasure Valley? We’re re-visiting our conversation with Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger, who gives us a peak in...

Boise’s lucky: Not every city can boast about hiking trails just a few minutes from downtown. But for beginners, getting into hiking can be intimidating! Colton Gerhart is with the Boise Trails Challenge, and he’s joining us to share his recommendations. Colton has a trail in mind for every level and every season — plus, he shares his insider tips on getting those killer views.  Want some more Boi...

Human trafficking has become a hot button issue throughout the country. But a bombshell investigation revealed that a local safe house was allegedly committing Medicaid fraud. And, survivors say they were not provided services they needed. Investigate West reporter Wilson Criscione spoke with our host, Lindsay Van Allen about who was benefitting financially and why survivors said that being at the...

We’re rounding out the week with news that has a lot of the Treasure Valley fired up. Host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill discuss the new City of Boise budget and what it means for your property taxes, and reactions to our first-ever forced power outage. Plus, we’ve got a cost effective way to build your own air purifier to help combat our terrible air quality.  Want to...

The San Inazio festival kicks off tomorrow on the Basque Block. So, we’re getting insider tips from festival chairman Joseba Criswell at the Basque Center. He shares the forgotten history of this Basque celebration with host Lindsay Van Allen, which started at a park in the 1930s. He also discloses the location of a secret, underground handball court. And, he teaches us some helpful phrases to hel...

Our city is home to some pretty incredible athletes, some of whom will soon be able to add “Olympian” to their resume. With the Paris Olympics officially kicking off this Friday, who are these hometown competitors? Our executive producer Frankie Barnhill has the lowdown on four local athletes you‘re going to want to cheer for. Plus, a local celebration at JUMP to mark the opening ceremonies.  Want...

This unending heat wave has us sweltering, so our City Cast Boise team is digging in to our favorite cold and icy treats from around the Treasure Valley. From where to get the best frozen mangonadas, the fluffiest shaved ice, and the most delicious ice cream in the area — we have your sweet tooth covered. Plus, we’re sharing our insider secret treats that we’ve been gatekeeping. Spots mentioned: T...

It’s notoriously difficult to get successful traction on voter initiatives. So, we’re talking with Luke Mayville, co-founder of Reclaim Idaho. His group just managed to get the Open Primaries Initiative on the November ballot. Luke explains to host Lindsay Van Allen why over 97,000 Idahoans signed on, and why he thinks people want more of a say in our local elections.  Want some more Boise news? H...

The heat‘s not the only thing rising in the Treasure Valley: eviction filings jumped significantly, according to a new report. Our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter joins host Lindsay Van Allen to discuss what this means after the city council announced plans to spend $436,000 more on temporary hotel housing for families — but with a one-year time limit. Plus, a local company is booming aft...

Boise is not getting away from the heat anytime soon, but if you’re looking to cool down host Lindsay Van Allen has a decade’s worth of tricks to take on a day at Roaring Springs Water Park. From when the lines are shortest, to the lowdown on their new cocktail menu, she’s sharing her essential tips. Want some more local tips on how to embrace the heat? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where...

With the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the Idaho abortion ban case, folks have been left wondering what reproductive care they can expect if they have an emergency. States Newsroom reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris is with host Lindsay Van Allen to break down what you need to know about the ruling and what healthcare is available now. Plus, do we still have one of the most restrictive bans in the coun...

Mark your calendars: it’s food festival season. From Basque croquetas, to small town huckleberry milkshakes, to southern comfort dishes — our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter breaks down where you can try some of the most delicious food in our region. Plus, they’ve got your insider tips and can’t miss activities for each summer festival. For more on the history of the Boise Soul Food Festi...

This week, 32 Idaho delegates are attending the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Many of them are supporters of the far-right leadership in the state GOP party. So host Lindsay Van Allen is checking-in with longtime Republican leader Tom Luna about the deep rifts in the local party — which were clearly visible at their convention earlier this summer.  Want some more Boise news? Head ov...

The news this week is almost as hot as the weather, so Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice is here to break down the stories you need to know. We’re talking about the three finalists for Boise Police Chief, a sharp increase in Idahoans traveling to Montana for abortions, plus host Lindsay Van Allen shares her delicious tip to stay cool through this brutal heatwave.  Want some more Boise new...

It’s a scorching hot thirsty Thursday, so what better way to beat the heat than with some ice cold ‘dirty sodas’? Salt Lake City-based Deseret News features writer Meg Walter joins us to break down the history and culture of this sugary Utah phenomena, which has taken hold in the Treasure Valley. From the best syrup combos to cream and even candy, host Lindsay Van Allen is exploring this growing B...

It’s likely going to be another record-breaking day as the heat wave that’s gripped the West continues it’s hold on the Treasure Valley. We could see temperatures as high as 111 degrees — which puts us in league with Phoenix. National Weather Service meteorologist Jay Breidenbach is here to tell us when the excessive heat warning will end and how you can keep cool and safe while it’s here.  Here’s...

What are the essential rules to surviving — and even thriving — in Boise? From fashion choices, to how to talk about politics, it can feel like there’s a secret recipe to success here. So we’re re-sharing the cheat code. Host Lindsay Van Allen builds your local survival guide with contributor Nick Quah and our own Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter.  Want some more Boise insider tips? Head o...

The Harris Ranch development has been in progress for nearly two decades. Why does this area keep making the news? As Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger explains to host Lindsay Van Allen, part of it has to do with a “let growth pay for growth” strategy that has some residents feeling over-taxed. Nick gets us up to speed on a lawsuit over those taxes. Plus, we chat about some high price tag...