City Cast Boise

All eyes are on the statehouse in downtown Boise as lawmakers aim to wrap up the legislative session this week. But did you know that we actually stole the state’s seat of political power from Lewiston? We’re re-sharing our December chat with Boise State Public Radio’s James Dawson about why some North Idahoans are still feeling a little testy about this historical heist. Want some more Boise stor...

The crocuses are coming out and the robins are back, so we’re ready to get serious about spring gardening! Master Gardener Gretchen Anderson is here to tell us what to plant now and what to wait on. Plus, we get the dirt on the “Shafer Butte rule”. Have more questions or tips about gardening in Boise? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise gardening inspo...

The race for the next Boise mayor is officially on, the Meridian Library District gets a major boost from the public, and the legislative session is inching closer to an end. It’s been a busy week in local politics, so Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill’s getting up to speed with George Prentice from Boise State Public Radio. Plus, George makes us jealous talking about the upcoming Sun Valley Film Fes...

They say that the truth is out there. Could it be in Idaho? If it is, Jim Millard could be among the first to know. He’s in charge of the Idaho chapter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), which investigates unidentified flying objects. Jim tells Host Emma Arnold why we regularly top the list of states with the most reported sightings — some of which MUFON can’t explain.  Seen something unknown in t...

Treefort Music Fest starts today in downtown, and organizers are expecting a record number of attendees over the five-day event. This year there’s more going on than ever, including…a wedding?! Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill’s talking with Treefort superfan Jenny Hefner about why she and her fiancé are inviting festival-goers to celebrate their love this Saturday. Plus, she shares insider tips on...

It’s been a few months since Bryan Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania for the alleged murder of four University of Idaho students. What do we know about the case against the former Washington State University student, and what’s still a mystery? KTVB’s Alexandra Duggan is here to give us the latest on this story, including details on the planned demolition of the house where the tragedy occurr...

Just in time for spring break, we’re talking Boise nightlife! The scene has changed a lot in recent years, and Host Emma Arnold is trying to keep up. Luckily, our new friend Mateo from 103.5 KISS FM knows the hottest spots to hit. Whether you’re looking for a rowdy night out, a killer dance floor, or a chill evening — he’ll help you enjoy the best night out in Boise.  What are your go-to spots for...

Attacks on a local reporter, Ada County says “nope” to homelessness relief funds, a bill that could cause problems for Boise cyclists surfaces, and ya’ll really want a train to SLC! Those are just a few of the topics on this week’s news chatter episode, featuring City Cast Boise Host Emma Arnold, contributor Heath Druzin, and Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill.  Have a thought to share on this week’s...

What’s Boise’s reputation to outsiders? What stereotypes are totally bogus, and which are actually true? We’re finding out with City Cast CEO and non-Boisean David Plotz. Back in December, David asked City Cast Boise Host Emma Arnold and Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill a bunch of questions about perceptions on the City of Trees. From militia membership to blue turf gatekeeping, there’s lots of myth...

This legislative session has been a lot, but at least it’s just about done. Or is it? Boise State Public Radio’s James Dawson is here to check in with us about when we can expect lawmakers to head home, what’s holding things up, and which proposals, if any, Gov. Brad Little might veto.  And with the forecast bringing some sunny days later this week, you might be itching to hit the trails. Here’s a...

Looking for the best corned beef and cabbage this St. Patrick’s Day? Minerva Jayne is here with her picks for the best Irish fare in town. She shares her choice for the most authentic Guinness pour in Boise, and makes a really good case for a family-run Meridian pub. Because this week, everyone in the Treasure Valley is at least a little Irish.  For more ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, check...

Creepy clowns, Chinese tunnels, and the Boise curse. Citizen historian Graham McBride is here to walk us through our city’s best urban legends and myths. How did cockroaches invade Borah High School, and what’s in the basement of Boise High? What’s up with the spell jars out at Fort Boise Cemetery, and was there really a murder at the Linden Murder House? And are the Bogus Basin trolls real?  Have...

We’re talking about the stories that stuck with us this week. From Boise’s embattled police department wanting to grow, to why the city kicked out a mobile billboard promoting abortion pill access, to whether Idaho should ditch daylight saving time — there’s lots to cover. Plus: we get George Prentice’s Oscar picks ahead of the Sunday award show. Have a strong opinion about the time change? What a...

Boise is stoked about the potential of Amtrak’s Pioneer Route coming back. The old train ran until 1997 from Salt Lake to Boise, and on to Portland and Seattle. With Boise’s Mayor McLean and city government flirting with Salt Lake partners to bring the train back — and federal Amtrak funding up for grabs — could passenger trains chug out of the Boise Depot once again?  Emma and Frankie are talking...

The Meridian Library has been under fire from Christian Nationalists for months, and it’s about to get even uglier. Director Nick Grove is with us to talk about the upcoming public hearing to dissolve the Meridian Library District, and he explains that if it passes, it would mean scrapping everything at all four locations: computers, books, even the shelves.  Want some more Boise news? Head over t...

We’re the first to say how much we love Boise, but it’s not perfect. So today, Host Emma Arnold’s favorite haters Julia Green and Frankie Barnhill are here to break down the best spots in Boise to take someone for a bad time.  Where would you take your nemesis in Boise or the Treasure Valley? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise intel? Head over to our...

If you’re a renter in Idaho, you’re less protected from fees than if you leased a storage unit. In some cases, people have to pay $500 dollars for being one day late on rent. State Sen. Ali Rabe wants to change that. She’s here to tell us why her bill that would limit how much a landlord can charge in fees has both bipartisan support, and the green light from landlords.  What do you think about re...

We made it to another Friday, Boise! Scott McIntosh with the Idaho Statesman is chatting with host Emma Arnold and lead producer Frankie Barnhill about the stories behind the headlines. They’re talking Scott’s recent piece on fringe politics, pro-militia proposals, the latest on a restricted driver’s license bill, and a potential drag and burlesque ban. Plus, apparently there are some pretty mixed...

It’s our first time having royalty on the show! Caldwell teen Kylie Welch was recently crowned the 2023 National Miss Voice for Autism. She and her mom Debbie are with us today to talk rodeos, representing the autistic community, and how she plans to spread awareness and acceptance during her reign. You can help Kylie travel the country promoting her story here.  Want some more Treasure Valley sto...

Recycling in Boise can be confusing, but we’ve got your back! From “wishcycling,” to what to do with those crinkly plastic water bottles and pizza boxes, we’re setting the record straight. We’re sorting through what can and can’t get tossed in the big blue bin, and asking the question — how full is our landfill? We recommend keeping these printables from the City of Boise handy. Still have more qu...

James Bond, acid lakes, scalded skinnydippers, and coffee coffee coffee. Filmed right here in Wallace Idaho, “Dante’s Peak” is an eruption of disaster movie cliches and over-the-top local extras. So why do Emma and Frankie still kind of love it?  What movie with an Idaho connection should we rewatch together next? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. And each day this week,...

Boise’s music scene has long been our city’s pride and joy but it hasn’t been an easy few years. Andrew Martin of Up is the Down is The and the Boise Phil is with Emma to talk about the health of the Boise music scene and why these days, some of Boise’s biggest bands are choosing to book smaller gigs.  Want to check out Andrew’s music live? He and his band are playing Treefort Music Fest in March....

We’re chatting about the local stories of the week, featuring Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill’s with Host Emma Arnold. We look into a new bill that aims to bring back firing squads, and why local animal shelters are running low on food and high on dogs. Plus, Guy Fieri came to town! And with snow in the forecast again this weekend, we share a Boise Pro Tip or two about winter driving.  Can’t get en...

The Greater Idaho movement seems to be picking up steam with Idaho lawmakers. But how likely is it that our border will actually move west? KTVB’s Brian Holmes is with Emma to walk us through the many pitfalls and punchlines surrounding a proposal to absorb Eastern Oregon into Idaho. What do you think about the Greater Idaho map? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want so...

Egg prices are through the roof, and that’s got a lot of us asking: should we get inflation chickens? Backyard poultry educator and author Gretchen Anderson is here to talk us through the dos and don’ts of backyard chickens. Plus, she shares why Boise and the Treasure Valley is a friendly place to hatch your plans.  Want to learn even more from Gretchen? Check out her Facebook page for info on her...