City Cast Boise

In a landmark decision several years ago, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that when homeless shelters are full, Boise can’t punish unhoused people for sleeping outside. So, why are advocates reporting that the police are still ticketing homeless people? City Cast Boise podcast host Lindsay Van Allen is talking with Idaho Statesman reporter Rachel Spacek who’s dug into this question. Pl...

Boise likes to brag (with good reason) about our parks, with plenty of amenities for kids — and grownups who feel like kids. But which is the very best park of all? From BBQs to play structures, we’re diving into what makes these public spaces so beloved with Becca Bailey from Boise With Kids and Marissa Lovell with From Boise. Will your favorite park make the cut? Want some more Boise guides? Hea...

Idaho is at the center of a landmark case that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday. Depending on what the justices decide in Idaho v. United States, our abortion ban could change federal law. Today on City Cast Boise, reproductive rights reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris with States Newsroom is here to break down what this case is, how it could affect healthcare in our state, and the implic...

Injunction is the word of the week in Idaho. Today on City Cast Boise, we explain the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision enabling Idaho to enforce its ban on transgender healthcare for youth and what it means for Idahoans. We’re also breaking down why Boise was abuzz after three new billboards popped up. Plus, we’re weighing in on how a judge’s preliminary ruling will affect the Sierra Club’s Friday pr...

If you’ve lived in Idaho for any amount of time, you’ve been subjected to the never ending potato jokes, quips, and puns. But are these famous potatoes actually worth the hype? Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by travel and food influencer Katie Williams to guide us through the Boise Potato Trail with classic and surprising ways to enjoy Idaho’s official state vegetable.  What’s your favorite pota...

Republican lawmakers spent a lot of time and energy targeting LGBTQ Idahoans this past session. Host Lindsay Van Allen is breaking down what anti-trans bills are becoming law soon with Idaho Capital Sun reporter Mia Maldonado. From legal definitions of sex and gender, to pronoun use in public schools, to new limits on gender affirming care — there’s lots to sort out.  Want some more Boise news? He...

Boise found itself in the crosshairs of the Idaho legislature this past session. Lawmakers came for our renter protection laws and proposed a bill to completely restructure the Ada County Highway District. Reporter Jimmy Dawson with Boise State Public Radio is on the podcast today to break down what this all means for the city. Plus, we’ll chat about the legislature’s long contentious relationship...

Earth Day is coming up, and we’re celebrating early by revisiting a chat with a community member who is helping cut greenhouse gases one meal at a time. Julie D’Agostino is the founder of Rolling Tomato, and our executive producer Frankie Barnhill spoke with her about the nonprofit’s mission to make food waste obsolete.  Want some more good news about Boise? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter w...

Sine Die, finally! Host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are looking back on the 94 days it took the Idaho Legislature to get business done. Gov. Brad Little ended the session by signing into law Republican’s “harmful materials” library bill, despite strong community opposition. On the other hand, the state did pass a funding bill to fix crumbling schools. Plus, Lindsay sh...

We all know Idaho is the potato state. But who gets to own the tater tot origin story? Turns out, Oregon is claiming ownership over that fried snack. Executive producer Frankie Barnhill’s getting to the bottom of this spud story with Portland food writer Heather Arndt Anderson. Plus, Heather shares why Boise bar menus need to adopt “tatchos”. Want some more Boise food and culture news? Head over t...

All eyes are on the Ada County Courthouse today, as Chad Daybell’s murder trial begins almost one year after his wife Lori Vallow’s trial ended in a guilty verdict. The stakes are even higher for Daybell, with the death penalty on the line. His doomsday beliefs about zombies and demons allegedly led to the deaths of four people, including his stepchildren, whose bodies were found in Daybell’s back...

Online one-star reviews are a wild ride of insightful anecdotes, ridiculous rants, and chaotic haters. But that single star is the dread of every local business. Today, we’re poking fun at these reviews and sharing our love for some beloved Boise institutions. Host Lindsay Van Allen is challenging executive producer Frankie Barnhill and contributor Minerva Jayne to see who can guess these Boise ic...

There’s no denying the Treasure Valley is growing, and so is the demand for luxury homes. These over the top mansions have fountains, basketball courts and even 25 car garages. But where are these luxury listings located, and who is buying them? Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger gives host Lindsay Van Allen the low down on this exclusive market. Want some more Boise real estate and housing...

Boise is clearly in retrograde this week. Our Hey Boise newsletter editor, Blake Hunter, joins host Lindsay Van Allen to break down the Sierra Club’s lawsuit against Boise claiming they are squashing amplified free speech during protests. Meanwhile, Boise State University defends a far-right professor, also citing free speech. Plus, is the legislative session actually over or not? Want some more B...

Record high temperatures have been testing Treasure Valley gardens, resulting in the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommending changes to what we plant, and when. Master gardener Gretchen Anderson joins host Lindsay Van Allen to tell us what these changes mean for your green thumb. Plus, she has fresh tips on what you should be planting now.  Have a gardening question? Let us know and we’ll try...

For most people, TikTok is a fun way to waste a little time — but this wildly popular app has been life-changing for people in our community. City Cast Boise’s Lindsay Van Allen was able to use it to build a platform that landed her dream job as our podcast host. Today, Lindsay’s talking with local TikToker Sami Alvi, who has created an essential side hustle on the app to supplement her income. As...

The economy is really weird right now. What’s that mean for local makers and artists? Executive producer Frankie Barnhill is checking in with Jenny Miller, the owner of The Lost and Found shop on Vista. She takes us inside her gift shop for a look at her upcycled clothes, funky earrings and crafted headbands. Plus, she shares how arts and craft nights have become a core part of her business.  Want...

Happy April! Farmers markets in Boise (both the one on the Grove Plaza and the one on Shoreline Drive) and in Meridian are back, spring cleaning is in and garage sales are trending. Also: allergies have officially kicked into high gear as the city blooms. Host Lindsay Van Allen is swapping April recommendations with Boisean and Vulture critic Nick Quah. What are you looking forward to this month?...

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week. City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen is talking with Hey Boise’s newsletter editor Blake Hunter about the racist harassment the University of Utah women’s basketball team faced in Coeur d’Alene, and the closure of Saltzer Health clinics and what this means for Boise. Plus, how much do you need to make to buy a home in 2024? Want some more...

The legislature recently changed the state’s liquor laws, claiming the changes would help small businesses. But Will Hay, co-owner of Spacebar Arcade, joins host Lindsay Van Allen to explain why the new laws could actually mean lights out for locally owned bars around Boise. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday mor...

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean is on the show today, sharing her thoughts on some new, high-profile luxury apartments going up in downtown. Host Lindsay Van Allen asks for an update on how the zoning code implementation is going, and why McLean says child care is a top economic priority for her office. Plus, what’s up with those big climate goals? We find out. Want some more Boise news? Head over to ou...

A Boise hospital shooting, an inmate escape, a cross-state fugitive chase, and two tragic, possibly linked homicides in North Idaho. A lot has happened since last week with an Idaho story that’s grabbed national attention. What do we know, and what happens next? KTVB investigative reporter Morgan Romero is here with the facts.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where...

What does inviting 14 strangers into your home every weekend look like? Under The Table’s Adan David joins executive producer Frankie Barnhill to tell us how his experimental supper club is building community and reinventing the dining experience. Plus, he shares his go-to hosting rules.  Want some more Boise food news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get regular food and dining...

It’s Friday! City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen is talking with Hey Boise’s newsletter editor Blake Hunter about the stories of the week. They’re chatting about an update on the initiative push for open primaries, an old Greenbelt condo proposal that might be making a comeback in the luxury housing market, and how they’re navigating Treefort Music Fest. Want some more Boise news? Head over to...

Tiny homes are a viral sensation on social media. But, did you know that they are actually illegal in Boise? Host Lindsay Van Allen is speaking with Bart Cochran, founder of the non-profit LEAP. The group is using these illegal homes as a strategy to create more affordable housing.  Want some more Boise housing news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a debrief on what’s happen...