City Cast Boise

Host Lindsay Van Allen and friend of the show Ashley Townend are diving into the week’s biggest stories. Idaho’s Medicaid expansion is once again in the crosshairs, as the legislative DOGE task force scrambles to deal with our budget shortfall. At the same time, our state has earned an unsettling distinction of having one of the highest rates of uninsured children in the country.  And if you’re looking for a break, we’re looking forward to a local cider festival and a new BCT play featuring another friend of the show.   Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

We heard rumors about Hemlock’s alleged $80 baked potato — and we had to know more. Our Hey Boise’s newsletter editor Blake Hunter and host Lindsay Van Allen are just a couple of Idaho kids who grew up on russets, so they made reservations to see what kind of culinary magic or madness would make a tater cost that much. The local restaurant, which opened in the spring on the ground floor of the Inn at 500, made quite the impression with their fine dining style spud.  Want some more Boise food news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

With the leaves turning and the evenings getting darker, the fall season has officially cast its spell over the Treasure Valley. Host Lindsay Van Allen, producer Evelyn Avitia, and From Boise’s Marissa Lovell gathered the can’t-miss events and treats to make your October magical. From pumpkin patch activities at Jordan’s Garden Center, to Fright Nights at the Idaho Penitentiary, and tasty seasonal treats at Lowe Family Farmstead— you’ll have a packed calendar this month. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Boise community.  For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Boise, check out Hey Boise’s take on what to do this month.  And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

Around town, it feels like everyone knows someone who was recently laid off or is struggling to find a good job. But Idaho and Boise’s unemployment rates remain low, even compared to other states, and wages have increased. So, where’s the disconnect? Host Lindsay Van Allen and our executive producer Frankie Barnhill are digging into the numbers, to find out what they can — and can’t — tell us about Boise’s job market.  Be sure to check out job search resources from the Idaho Department of Labor. What’s been your experience looking for a good job in Boise? Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE.

What happens when a political party built on small government becomes obsessed with control? In Idaho, that shift is turning Republicans against libraries, public health, and even fellow Republicans. We’re re-sharing a June conversation host Lindsay Van Allen had with Greg Graf, a lifelong conservative who says the party’s gone too far.   Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

From a high-profile lawsuit to stop the state’s controversial school voucher law, to a troubling study about Idaho’s water system, KTVB’s Brian Holmes and host Lindsay Van Allen have plenty to talk about on this Friday’s news roundup.  Plus: Lindsay recommends checking out a wellness festival this weekend at JUMP. And Brian tells us about Bogus Basin Road’s cattle grate upgrade. (What will the trolls think?) Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 26th episode:  Flyinvet Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

Boise might be known for its casual, laid-back style, but that doesn’t mean our city’s fashion scene falls flat. Local wardrobe stylist Laura Tully is joining host Lindsay Van Allen to help us understand Boise’s evolving fashion scene, and provide her go-to styling tips so you can tap into your personal style to build an authentic wardrobe this fall season. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 25th episode: Flyinvet Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

Sometimes the best seat in the house isn’t in the stadium; it’s at your favorite sports bar! And luckily, Boise has some fantastic places to soak up that game-day energy and enjoy killer menus. Today we’re resharing a conversation where 103.5 KISS FM’s Mateo and host Lindsay Van Allen round up the best of the best spots to cheer for your team this season.  Spots mentioned:  Taphouse Pub & Eatery Parrilla Grill The Shed The Curb Bar and Grill Mulligans  Cactus Bar  The Silly Birch The Refuge Restaurant and Lounge Brixx Craft House Lost Grove Brewing Your Backyard - not a bar, just your actual backyard!  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 24th episode: Flyinvet Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

In 2020, Idaho made headlines as the first state to ban transgender women from women’s sports. The ban sparked a five-year legal battle led by Boise State student-athlete Lindsay Hecox that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, Hecox is removing herself from the case — but is this the end of the story? Boise State Public Radio reporter and contributor James Dawson has been following the story since it began, and is here to help us understand how Idaho’s ban became the blueprint for anti-trans athlete policies nationally.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 23rd episode: Flyinvet Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, online comments from Treasure Valley residents led to doxxing and firings. With national leaders blurring the line between criticism and illegal speech, host Lindsay Van Allen is speaking with Seth Ashley, who leads the Communications Department at Boise State University. He’s helping us understand what speech is truly protected in Idaho, what’s free speech — and what’s not. Plus, we get a mini-lesson in media literacy.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 22nd episode:  Flyinvet Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

It was a busy week in local news, so Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice joins host Lindsay Van Allen to break down what you need to know. First up: Idaho leaders took part in a secretive trip to Israel, raising questions about influence and transparency as attacks escalate in Gaza. Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) wants to bulk up its Boise office, signaling a heavier hand in local enforcement. And on a lighter note, we’re heading into pumpkin patch and corn maze season, and remembering Robert Redford’s connection to Boise.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 19th episode:  Flyinvet Visit Walla Walla And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

Home sales have slowed to a crawl across the Treasure Valley, leaving buyers skittish and sellers frustrated. Meanwhile, uncertainty in the economy and shaky jobs numbers are adding fuel to the fire. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by HomeFound Group realtor Michael Miller to unpack what this moment means for prices, and where there might be an opportunity for anyone still hoping to land a home. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 18th episode: Flyinvet Visit Walla Walla And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

The Treasure Valley’s traffic is a chaotic mix of painful politeness, sudden aggression, and unpredictability as our roads keep getting busier. Today, we’re resharing a conversation where host Lindsay Van Allen, comedian Matthew Melton, and our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter got honest and a little petty about the local driving habits we just can’t stand. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 17th episode: Flyinvet Visit Walla Walla Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

For years, West Boise residents have asked for something that many other neighborhoods take for granted: a library of their own. Now, residents like Mark Salisbury are working to make it happen. Host Lindsay Van Allen is speaking with the Citizens for a Library organizer about the price tag, the politics, and the pressure the group is ready to apply if the answer is no. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 16th episode: Flyinvet Visit Walla Walla And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

If autumn in the Treasure Valley feels hotter than you remember, you’re not imagining it. Our region is warming, and that means ripple effects for our health, recreation, and more. But is this weird weather or proof of a bigger climate shift? Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Climate Central researcher Kaitlyn Trudeau to explain what the data shows and what it would take to slow the trend.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 15th episode: Flyinvet Visit Walla Walla And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

This Friday, our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter joins host Lindsay Van Allen to discuss how the Big Beautiful Bill will strip local refugees of vital benefits, leaving big questions about who will fill the gap. Meanwhile, the Meridian City Council shut down plans for a second In-N-Out location. And our team is still feeling inspired by the community we connected with at Pride and our first City Cast Boise Neighbors event last weekend. Plus, we talk about the local reaction to the killing of right-wing organizer Charlie Kirk in Utah. From a violent fight at a Wednesday night vigil at the state capitol, to the firing of a West Ada School District employee after she posted a video about Kirk’s assassination — we’re keeping tabs on how this national news story is affecting our community. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 12th episode: Flyinvet Summit Innovation Huel - Use code BOISE for 15% off And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

Whether you crave them saucy, spicy, or perfectly crispy, the Treasure Valley has no shortage of chicken wing spots. Just in time for Boise State football season, contributor Matthew Melton joins host Lindsay Van Allen to put our favorites to the test. We found three strong contenders, but who truly has the best wings in town? Our wing restaurant finalists: The Shed Taphouse Han's Chimaek Want some more Boise food guides? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 10th episode:  Flyinvet Summit Innovation Huel - Use code BOISE for 15% off And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

Before our city became the family-friendly capital we enjoy, it was a rowdy western town fueled by gamblers, fortune-seekers, and scandals. In this rerun conversation, IdaHistory founder Mark Iverson is testing host Lindsay Van Allen’s knowledge of the wild stories lurking in Boise’s past. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 10th episode: Flyinvet Summit Innovation Huel - Use code BOISE for 15% off Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

In Idaho, Californians are blamed for just about everything—from unsustainable growth to traffic to anything that’s changing. City Cast Boise neighbor Diana Parker joins host Lindsay Van Allen to flip the perspective and share what this anti-Californian sentiment looks like from the other side. Plus, they dig into what it's like to settle in Boise while being cast as the scapegoat. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 9th episode: Flyinvet Summit Innovation Huel - Use code BOISE for 15% off Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.

The Treasure Valley has been talking about commuter rail for decades, but with record growth and increased traffic, there's a new sense of urgency. Could this finally be the moment Boise gets on board? Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Idaho Statesman reporter Rose Evans to explain how realistic the proposal is.   Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 8th episode:  Flyinvet Summit Innovation Huel - Use code BOISE for 15% off Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.