City Cast Boise

We’re back with another edition of our Friday news roundup, with plenty to chat about. Idaho lawmakers are pushing two bills that would make it harder for Boise to address homelessness — one criminalizing sleeping outside and the other blocking shelter expansion. Meanwhile, Boise State President Marlene Tromp is heading to the University of Vermont, leaving big questions about the future of Idaho’...

From our trails to our rivers, Idaho’s public lands define us. But now they’re at risk, according to Conservation Voters for Idaho Executive Director Alexis Pickering. Federal employees tasked with managing our national forests and rangelands have been fired ahead of the busy summer recreation season, and a lawsuit from Utah threatens their sale. And what about the Trump Administration’s proposal...

Who says you have to stay out until 3 a.m. to have a good time at Treefort Music Fest next week? Not us, and definitely not our lower backs. So we’ve got your elder millennial’s guide to make the most of the festival without burning out. Local podcaster and performer Matthew Melton is sharing his insider tips to do Treefort smarter, not harder — because we’re not ready to retire from the fun just...

One of Nampa’s biggest development battles just took a surprising turn. After major community pushback, the local family behind the proposal for 189 new homes unveiled an updated plan that not only addresses concerns, but also honors their Japanese-American heritage. What does this growth mean for Nampa and how does it compare to Boise’s growing pains? Want some more Boise news? Head over to our H...

Major policy shifts are on the table this week in the Idaho Legislature. Boise State Public Radio’s James Dawson joins host Lindsay Van Allen to talk about a bill that could upend medical training for Idaho students by pulling us out of WWAMI. Meanwhile, the legislature passed a new constitutional amendment that would take the power to legalize marijuana away from voters. And if Lindsay were to ha...

Big money, big controversy, and big spring plans — we’ve got it all on this week’s Friday news roundup. Political scientist Charlie Hunt joins host Lindsay Van Allen to discuss how concerned we should be about President Trump’s attack on the CHIPS Act, and what it might mean for Micron. Then, they question why a West Ada teacher was told to take down “welcome” posters in her classroom. Plus, we’re...

Idaho’s abortion ban is pushing doctors to the brink, and Boise-based St. Luke’s says enough is enough. The hospital system is taking a stand in court, challenging the laws it says puts patients’ lives at risk. But why are they the only hospital system in the country willing to take on this fight? States Newsroom national reproductive rights reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris joins host Lindsay Van Al...

National economic news this week is a little scary, but thankfully — Boise still has cheap places to grab a hearty meal. So we’re re-sharing our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter’s inside scoop on $10 meals that your budget will love. And yes, you might still have a couple bucks left to tip! You just have to know where to look.  Want some more Boise food recommendations and news? Head over...

Idaho’s literacy rates took a hit during the pandemic, and years later, our students are still struggling to get back to pre-COVID reading levels. These lower literacy rates put our kids at a greater risk for struggles in education, employment, and even the criminal justice system. One solution? Reading at home with parents and guardians. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by United Way of Treasure...

The Idaho Legislature is making some high-stakes decisions and Boise State Public Radio’s James Dawson is joining host Lindsay Van Allen to dissect what could happen next. A proposal that would make the firing squad the state’s go-to execution method is on the governor’s desk. Meanwhile, Governor Little signed a $253 million income tax bill, warning it could strain the state’s budget. And while th...

Idahoans are calling, emailing, and protesting — but are lawmakers listening? KTVB’s Brian Holmes joins host Lindsay Van Allen this week to discuss how Governor Brad Little ignored a wave of public opposition and signed a school choice tax credit bill. Meanwhile, grassroots protests are ramping up at the Capitol as part of the national 50501 movement. Plus, we’re laughing about a patriotic Canadia...

Idaho lawmakers are taking aim at WWAMI, the decades-old program that helps Gem State students become doctors. With our state already facing the worst doctor shortage in the country, this proposal could make things even worse — especially in rural areas. Opponents of the bill say it’s driven more by politics than policy. Dr. Andrea Christopher joins host Lindsay Van Allen to dig into what the fall...

Some people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but our host Lindsay Van Allen says it’s the most delicious! Luckily, our very own Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter has your guide to the best breakfast sandwiches around town. They break down the freshest, most portable, and most underrated local spots — so you know exactly where to go when you’re craving a tasty morning bit...

Usually, city government social media pages aren’t funny. But the City of Boise’s social media team has cracked the internet code, turning PSAs about scooters, composting, and sewer-clogging “fatbergs” into viral gold. Host Lindsay Van Allen is talking with Elizabeth Kidd and Taylor Nash — two of the masterminds behind the city’s Instagram and TikTok accounts. We’re finding out about how they use...

Our housing market is brutal, and everyone’s looking for someone to blame. Are short-term rentals the villain driving prices up and pushing locals out? We’re revisiting our conversation with KTVB’s Justin Corr. He explains to host Lindsay Van Allen the impact of out-of-state investors and the complex forces shaping our housing crisis.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newslett...

Idaho has dominated the news cycle, making major headlines across the country. So host Lindsay Van Allen and comedienne Brittany Hargis are here to break down the week’s most notable stories. They begin with how a North Idaho woman being dragged out of a Coeur d’Alene town hall has raised major questions about free speech, then react to a Boise CEO resigning after performing a Nazi salute at a com...

The spring season is teasing its arrival and we’re ready! In this episode, contributor Matthew Melton gets us in the Treefort Music Fest spirit by sharing his tips to make the most of the festival while attending free events. We’re also joined by our very own Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter who recommends fresh spring eats! Host Lindsay Van Allen also shares what events she’s anticipating...

Our rent isn’t just rising due to demand, it’s being manipulated by algorithms. But Boise Democratic Rep. Todd Achilles wants to ban AI-driven price-fixing, a behind-the-scenes tool that’s been driving up prices. We’re breaking down how this technology has pushed rent sky-high, which local companies are using it, and whether this bill could finally bring some relief to Boise renters.  Want some mo...

Even the most beloved Boise institutions aren’t safe from the wrath of one-star reviews. From petty complaints to full blown rants, host Lindsay Van Allen is reading some of the funniest online reviews. But will executive producer Frankie Barnhill and contributor Minerva Jayne be able to figure out which iconic spot is getting roasted? Listen to see if you can guess which local favorites are getti...

A bill that school choice advocates in the legislature have championed just needs Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s signature to become law, after getting a boost from President Donald Trump. What does this mean for public education? Meanwhile, a bill that could leave thousands of Idahoans without health care is gaining traction. Host Lindsay Van Allen is getting the latest on what’s happening at the state...

Federal job cuts arrived this week, so we’re sorting through what we know and don’t know about how the layoffs will affect Boiseans. Host Lindsay Van Allen is chatting with political scientist Charlie Hunt about what Elon Musk is probably getting wrong about public land workers. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are making moves that could ban Pride flags from government buildings, while trying to force...

Christian nationalism keeps making headlines, but it’s not the only way faith shows up in Idaho politics. Progressive ministers like Rev. Sara LaWall from the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship are using their voices to fight for liberal policies at the statehouse. But are lawmakers listening? We’re exploring how LaWall keeps the faith against daunting odds.  Want some more Boise culture and...

Boise has welcomed refugees for decades, but President Trump’s Jan. 21 executive order abruptly halted our resettlement program. So where are things now? Moses Mukengezi was resettled with his family in 2007, and he’s talking about his story alongside Holly Beech from the Idaho Office for Refugees. Host Lindsay Van Allen is finding out the pause means on the local level — both for the families cau...

February has our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter tapping into their go-to comfort meals. Today on the podcast, they’re telling host Lindsay Van Allen the best restaurants to beat cabin fever fatigue. From well-loved classics to hidden gems — we’ve got you covered. Plus, which meal do they crown as the king of comfort food?  Restaurants mentioned: Mount Everest Momo Cafe Pho Real Pho Nouve...

Big bills, big storms, and big noise — this week’s news is anything but quiet. Host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill dissect the impact of a bill that would let Idaho medical workers deny patients treatment based on personal beliefs. Meanwhile, a battle over pickleball has escalated to a $1.6 million tort claim against the City of Boise. Plus, we’ve got a snow day prayer a...