City Cast Boise

Molly Nota from Treasure Valley Reads is with us to talk about celebrating more than 20 years of being Boise’s favorite book club, and what it means to build connection through community reading. We learn why they chose this year’s book, and how newcomers and refugees enrich Boise’s vibrancy. And to learn more about why libraries are in the news, listen to our January conversation with Meridian Li...

We’re chatting about the local stories that caught our eye this week. First up, Host Emma Arnold asks Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice how Christian nationalism is showing up at the statehouse and in Idaho life. Plus, George tells us what it will take for Boise to get Amtrak train service, and why the City of Boise needs your train stories. And Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill has an updat...

We caught up with Boise trans rights advocate Eve Devitt to get her thoughts on a bill that seeks to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender kids just like her. She shares what it was like to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee, what she wishes lawmakers knew about gender-affirming care for minors, and her message of hope for young trans people in Idaho. Want some more Boise s...

Caldwell’s flag is one of the worst in the country, at least according to the North American Vexillological Association. But is Boise’s flag really any better? Our very own Evelyn Avitia is with Emma to explore what makes a bad flag and how one Idaho city went from worst to best with their design. (Bonus: Emma sings “Here We Have Idaho” to bring us home!) What do you think should be on Caldwell’s...

Getting a driver’s license should be a fun rite of passage, but undocumented Idahoans are unable to apply for one. So Poder of Idaho and ACLU of Idaho are lobbying Idaho lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow eligible undocumented immigrants to get a restricted driver’s license.  Rosseli Guerrero joins Emma to talk about how the Manejando Sin Miedo or Driving Without Fear campaign aims to provi...

Winter weather is here to stay for the next couple weeks at least. But on the bright side, this is the perfect time to enjoy Idaho’s favorite natural resource: hot springs! Awhile back Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill joined Host Emma Arnold to give you the skinny on pool protocol, current trends, and how not to love these local gems to death.  Can’t get enough of us?! We get it. Follow us on Twitte...

Lead producer Frankie Barnhill is with Emma to dig into this week’s news. They chat about the chaotic hearing for a bill criminalizing gender-affirming care for minors, a petition to remove the gag order around the Moscow murder trial, and why the City Council OK’ed two new housing developments — one at the old Armory and another by St. Al’s. Plus, they share their picks for the Boise Monopoly boa...

Being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean being alone! The Boise Weekly’s Minerva Jayne is here to share the best places to find all kinds of love in Boise. We get into best and worst V-Day experiences and why no matter the outcome, she absolutely loves love. Want more Boise Valentine’s Day inspo? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every week...

Whether you’re new to the city or feeling jaded and looking to rekindle the spark, City Cast Boise Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill and Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter are with Emma to write a Valentine’s Day card to Boise that will help you fall head over heels for the City of Trees. What’s got you feeling the love for Boise? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Hav...

Valentines-fanatic Jocelyn Robertson has you covered. Whether you forgot to make a reservation or just want to celebrate a quiet evening at home, she’s got the hacks to help you make February 14 memorable, romantic and even fun for the whole family. Need more Valentine’s inspo? We’ll have ideas in our Hey Boise newsletter, which hits inboxes every weekday at 6 a.m.

After thirty years as a journalist in Boise, Betsy Russell is retired and ready to hit the slopes. We talk about obstacles she faced as a woman working at the legislature, her work with Idahoans for Openness in Government, and a memorable story of hers on that changed Idaho prisons for the better. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the...

Campaign funds used for steak dinners, a junior high fight club and the bagel wars are heating up! Our Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter and Audio Producer Evelyn Avitia join Emma Arnold to talk through this week’s news— and it turns out they have some strong opinions on whether or not bagels should be used for sandwiches.  Have a favorite bagel shop? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 20...

Last week, students at Eagle High heckled and walked out during a speech made by Scott Yenor, a Boise State University professor known for promoting misogynistic, far-right beliefs. Boise’s political TikTok star SocialistlyAwkward took note of the moment and joins Host Emma Arnold to talk about community’s reaction and why she is proud of the Gen Z students.  Want some more Boise news? Head over t...

Heath Druzin from the Extremely American podcast gives us a vibe check on the far-right. We get into Ammon Bundy’s most recent court troubles, news that a leader of a far-right lobbying group doesn’t actually LIVE in Idaho, and why far-right activists are more scared of civil litigation than criminal. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to...

Sydney Kidd with the Idaho Press is here to give us the lowdown on some major small town drama. She recently reported on how Kuna went from an accidental double booking of rodeo events, to death threats — in what felt like less than eight seconds. Later in the show: the Kuna City Council is considering offering a livestream of city meetings. The only other city in Ada County that doesn’t already s...

We’re talking with Alex Jangard from the Boise Maker Shop about the joys of making your own stuff. From pens, to charcuterie boards, and tables, he’s here to convince us that anyone can build something with the right tools and a strong, supportive community.  Want some more Boise community stories? Subscribe to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get fresh tips on how to get connected every week...

Are Idaho lawmakers scared of young people? Is Boise State’s budget at risk after a rough presentation at the statehouse? Is voting on a ballot initiative going to get a lot harder? And what’s the best local meal you’ve eaten, and was it cooked by one of these James Beard nominated chefs? We’ve got some questions after a big week in news. Boise State Public Radio Reporter Jimmy Dawson and Hey Bois...

We’re talking with Meridian Library Director Nick Grove about going viral for pushing back against censorship and harassment at a recent Meridian Library Meeting. We get into the safety precautions Nick’s family has had to take, the compassion he has for people in his community living in fear and hate, and why he told the crowd that day that he would not be bullied, period. Plus, Boise Mayor Laure...

It can be a real struggle to rent in the Treasure Valley, even though home prices have started to go down. For Nicolette Clark, finding her $850 unit in Nampa two years ago was a lucky break — until her landlord turned off the heat during a winter cold snap. Now, she’s sharing her story with some red flags to look for before signing your next lease.  Plus, Clark tells us why she thinks “informal e...

It’s a new year and a new you, but are you still drinking the same old coffee? Host Emma Arnold is talking Boise coffee shops with Producer Evelyn Avitia and Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter. They talk best communities, best specialty coffees, and which shops left us considering a switch to water.  So what are you drinking? Want to rant or rave about our hot coffee takes? Let us know by se...

Today, our producer Evelyn Avitia gives us a tour of Caldwell while sharing her favorite local eats and go-to spots, and talks about her experience growing up in the Caldwell School District. Recently, students at Caldwell High School led a ‘Brown Pride’ rally. In a viral TikTok, the students stated it is a display of pride in their heritage. Want more community news and events? Head over to our H...

It’s been a busy week in Boise, so we’re chatting about the local stories that mattered most. Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill is catching you up with help from Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice and our Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter.  We break down the two abortion bills introduced at the legislature this week, the abrupt and unintentional departure of Lisa Sánchez from Boise Cit...

Drag shows are the new target of conservative politicians in Idaho. There’s a good chance that a ban on all public drag performances will surface at the legislature soon, after the Idaho Family Policy Center made it a priority after Boise’s Pride Festival in September 2022. So today, we’re chatting with drag performer Maliha Gemini, who has a message for Republican lawmakers.  What do you think ab...

If you’re ditching the hangover and trying Dry January, you should know about Sober 'N Boise. The sober movement is organized by Veronica Schmidt with the goal of building and supporting a sober curious community. So today, she helps us navigate the city without the pressures of drinking, with tips for planning a night out and finding the best mocktails around. Want some more Boise news? Head over...

Clark Corbin from the Idaho Capital Sun is here to tell us about how getting into Idaho’s winter sports is a great way to keep the legislative session blues away. We talk getting started with a low-key yurt adventure, staying safe, and why you shouldn’t wait until summer to enjoy the mountains. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the ci...