City Cast Boise

Loving a city deeply means you’re allowed to dislike some things about it, so we’re back with a Mother’s Day edition of our Hater’s Guide to Boise. Our pal and contributor Graham McBride tells us where he would take his beloved mother-in-law, even though those places are definitely not his vibe.  What’s something lots of people love in Boise but you’re anti? Let us know by sending us a voicemail o...

There’s an elementary school in North Idaho where kids wear coats in class because the heat doesn’t work well. Teachers struggle to teach on a campus with broken technology, and administrators battle a faulty plumbing system. Idaho Statesman reporter Becca Savransky’s new investigative piece with ProPublica on the worst funded public school system in the country is jaw-dropping. Host Emma Arnold l...

Before you soak up the sun this weekend, catch up on the local stories of the week! Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice is sifting through the headlines you might have missed with host Emma Arnold. They dig into the recent violation of the Idaho Open Meeting Law by the Ada County Library Board, new flight destination possibilities at the Boise airport, plus George fills us in on some must w...

With over 45,000 Instagram followers, Natalie Plummer from Hello Meridian has a lot of influence, but she’s not super stoked about the label “influencer.” She’s telling Emma about her favorite local hangouts, and her take on the cultural differences between Boise and Meridian. Plus, Natalie tells us why sometimes she wishes she could throw her phone right out the window!  Want more of Natalie? Be...

It wasn’t that long ago that Kuna was a quiet one street farm town. But these days, it’s one of the fastest growing places in the country. KTVB’s Justin Corr is here to tell us how the Boise suburb is dealing with the perks and pains of exponential growth. What’s your experience with growth in Kuna? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise metro news? Head...

Boiseans love to hike the foothills with our dogs this time of year. But with some recent stories about pets being attacked by coyotes, it’s a good reminder that we’re sharing space with some intelligent but wild creatures. Our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter has tips on the dos —and really bigs don’ts — of coyote safety. Do you have a coyote story to share? Let us know by sending us a vo...

Boise’s vibe could change significantly if the city’s new zoning code proposal goes through. Some say it will bring more affordable housing and lively neighborhood cafes, and could reduce the need for folks to drive as much. But others are worried Boise won’t be recognizable anymore, and could actually take away from existing affordable housing. Idaho Statesman reporter Ian Max Stevenson is breaki...

April snow wasn’t the only news of the week, so host Emma Arnold and lead producer Frankie Barnhill are digging into the stories behind the headlines. They’re talking updates in the Vallow trial and juror mental health, ground-breaking for the new Interfaith Sanctuary, plus we’ve got the best practices and places to hunt morel mushrooms this season.  What’s your take on the news of the week? Let u...

Cannabis dispensaries in Ontario, Ore. generated more than $100 million sales last year, and it’s no secret that most of that cash came from Boise. In today’s 420-inspired conversation, Frankie and Emma caught up with a local stoner about what it’s like to make the hour-long commute to Oregon for legal weed, and why he and other cannabis users think it’s well worth the risk.  What do you think — s...

In the second episode of our “weed week” coverage, Host Emma Arnold is chatting with Alicia Miller, the co-owner of The Honey Pot CBD. The Boise shop might seem like a risky small business investment given Idaho’s strong anti-weed laws, but that’s the point. Alicia is on a quest to end the stigma around marijuana in Idaho, one customer at a time.  Have you tried CBD? How do you use it? Let us know...

Diners Drive-Ins and Dives host Guy Fieri has been giving Boise some major love in his latest Food Network season. But although our empanadas are to die for and our burgers are delish…there’s one thing we’re missing: late night diners. Recently, I spoke with local reporter and busy grad student Margaret Carmel about why our diner scene leaves her craving more.  What do you think about Boise late n...

Idaho has the strictest anti-weed laws in the country, and is one of just twelve states where medical marijuana is illegal. Joe Evans from Kind Idaho wants to change that. Host Emma Arnold is chatting with him about the push to get medical marijuana on the 2024 ballot, and Joe shares how his libertarian politics influence his activism.  Are you among the 68% of Idahoans who want to see medical mar...

Our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter is with host Emma Arnold digging into the week’s news. They’re talking “righteous rage” tweets, grown-up apologies, and a new lawsuit from a former city council member. Plus, City Cast Boise’s having a party to celebrate Emma’s new comedy album coming out April 28, and you’re invited!  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter whe...

The Boise Farmers Market just started back up and if you’re like us, you’ve been craving a nice sunny Saturday morning shop, but what to get? What’s in season and what should we make? Lucky for us, Jocelyn Robertson is here to share some of her favorite farmer’s market finds, including garlic the size of your head.  For info on all the markets around the Treasure Valley, our pals at From Boise hav...

Boise plant mom LalasJungle has created a thriving community around her love for indoor plants with over 20,000 followers on Instagram. Lala tells Host Emma Arnold how her new obsession has led her to own over 200 plants and shares which plants you should get if you’ve loved them to death in the past. Let us know your favorite plant shop by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some m...

Michael Devitt is pretty cynical about Idaho these days. He’s the father of a transgender teen in Boise who’s stood up to the legislature’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. After Gov. Brad Little signed the bill into law, Michael and his family aren’t sure they can stay in the state they love and have lived in for years. As a medical provider himself, he’s reflecting with host Emma Arnold...

Today’s the first day after jury selection in the case of Lori Vallow. She’s charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and grand theft in connection with the death of her two children JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. This is a super complicated and often disturbing story that’s been in national headlines since 2019, with lots of twists and turns. KTVB’s “Inside the Courtroom” host Andrea Dearden is h...

It’s been a jam-packed week of news, so we’re breaking down the stories that stuck with us. Host Emma Arnold and lead producer Frankie Barnhill are getting the scoop on the final moments of the legislative session from contributor Jimmy Dawson. We’re talking out-sized influence of far-right groups, how we made national news (again), and why Antiques Roadshow in Boise is so delightful.  Plus: Emma’...

Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo Idaho has been sharing the art of Mexican folk dancing in Idaho for 20 years. But in 2020, Director Monique Michel made the difficult decision to close her studio, teaching classes in parks, garages and on Zoom. Now, the company is celebrating the grand opening of a dream studio in Boise. And despite the obstacles thrown her way, Monique shares how she worked to brin...

If you’ve ever had a close encounter of the goose kind, you know they can be real jerks. Our Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter is here to tell us why our geese are extra salty right now, and how to share the city with our Canadian friends without getting a wing to the face. Have you had a close encounter with a Boise goose? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want s...

Idaho politicians are targeting libraries and considering book bans, but plenty of Boiseans have rallied to support free access to books. One famous name in this effort? Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Doerr. The novelist — whose recent book centers around libraries — spoke with Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill last fall. They talk about learning civic duty through borrowing public property, a...

It’s been a long, snowy and cold winter in Boise, so we’re ready to make the most of spring! Host Emma Arnold is chatting with Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter and Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill about our favorite springtime activities. We have takes on the best picnic spots, the prettiest blooms and where to be on Boise’s first 60-degree Saturday. What spring thing are you most excited ab...

All eyes are on the statehouse, as Idaho lawmakers hustle to wrap up the 2023 session. Things sped up quickly this week with a brand new bill that Republicans say will give doctors cover for giving life saving abortion care. Meanwhile, a bill that would define helping a minor get an abortion out of state as “human trafficking” made national headlines. And the Meridian Library District is safe, aft...

It’s been a cold and snowy March. But what does that really mean for Boise’s water supply? Our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter is here to talk about how that extra snow and rain could impact our reservoirs, and whether we’re finally going to be out of our multi-year drought.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every w...

Everyone’s talking about it, so we had to know: is that Idaho Potato Malted Milkshake & Fries ice cream actually good? The City Cast Boise crew is taste testing it today so you can decide whether it’s worth the $12 a pint to purchase online. Plus, we decide what Boise-inspired flavor Van Leeuwen should make next.  What do you think — would you try the milkshake and fries ice cream? Let us know wha...