City Cast Boise

It's been a news-packed week, so host Lindsay Van Allen and producer Frankie Barnhill are here to break down the biggest local stories. They dive into the controversial ‘Hetero Awesome Fest' that raised more eyebrows than funds, thanks to a podcaster's racist remarks. And a Utah senator seems set on pushing through a deeply unpopular public land sale proposal, while Idaho's congressional delegation continues to catch flak for supporting “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Plus, Boise's first professional soccer team is finally unveiling their name and mascot! 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 June 27th episode: Visit Walla Walla Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all heard the rumors that Hidden Springs is allegedly a hotspot for swingers, so we're separating fact from fantasy. Candice Cook and Erik Zink with the ⁠Impulsive Duo⁠ join host Lindsay Van Allen to pull back the curtain on everything you've wondered about non-monogamy in the Treasure Valley. She asks the couple how they navigate jealousy, misconceptions, and what the upside-down pineapple truly means.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 June 26th episode: ⁠Visit Walla Walla⁠ Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info ⁠HERE⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision on trans rights has left many LGBTQ Idahoans wondering what the future holds, by exposing big questions about who gets to make deeply personal health care decisions. Jenna Damron from the ACLU of Idaho is breaking down what the decision means for trans kids in our state and what rights still exist after this ruling.   Looking for more info? Jenna recommends checking out this site for info on patient support after the ruling, which includes resources for trans youth.  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 June 25th episode:  Visit Walla Walla Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A proposal in Congress could force the sale of millions of acres of Idaho's public lands, including parts of the Boise Foothills and some of the state's most iconic peaks. That section of President Trump's tax and spending cut bill is being framed as an affordable housing fix, but it's not a guarantee that any of these acres would be used for housing—let alone affordable housing. Host Lindsay Van Allen is talking with Idaho Statesman opinion writer Bryan Clark to find out what could be lost if this bill passes.  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 June 24th episode: Visit Walla Walla Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a protester engaged with a drag queen named Cookie Pusss at Canyon County Pride earlier this month, it seemed at first like any other video of a protester heckling a queer person. Instead, the queen asked a question that was so disarming, it completely flipped the script and even went viral on social media. JD Hawley, aka Cookie Puss, is joining host Lindsay Van Allen to unpack what led up to the tasty question, how that curiosity led to connection with the protester, and whether this approach could be a way to build bridges in even the most hostile places. 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 June 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Walla Walla Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE.  Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what's happening in our communities. So Lindsay Van Allen and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn more about the sponsor of this June 20th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Table Rock cross is a familiar part of our skyline. But its origins are tangled in an era of fear and secrecy, when city leaders targeted and arrested gay men — just for existing. So to help us mark Pride Month, we're re-sharing a conversation our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter had with producer Frankie Barnhill — to peel back the curtain on this long forgotten scandal.  Want some more Boise history? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a regular deep dive into the stories that shaped our city.   Learn more about the sponsor of this June 18th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Driving in Boise feels like a constant whiplash between “after you” and “get out of my way!” So, what is behind all of this traffic chaos? Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by comedian and podcaster Matthew Melton and our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter to call out their most rage-inducing traffic gripes. From drivers being dangerously polite, to tailgaters on the connector, and Boiseans inability to manage a zipper merge — you might recognize these bad driver traits.  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 June 17th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a surprising development, the Idaho Democratic Party out-fundraised their Republican counterpart by a wide margin in 2024. Idaho Statesman reporter Sarah Cutler is sharing her reporting on fundraising gains in the party, and why rural districts are a new focus for them. Plus, how one Boise lawmaker with a legacy name is trying to reinvent the image of an Idaho Democrat. Want some more local political 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 June 16th episode:  Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday the 13th! So host Lindsay Van Allen is checking in with political scientist Charlie Hunt about President Trump's fresh endorsement of Gov. Little, even though Little hasn't announced whether he's running in 2026. And the Idaho State Police gets cozy with ICE, just as pro-immigrant protests are popping off around the country. Meanwhile, another housing report ranked Boise as one of the worst cities for affordability and access.  And we're hyping up the West Valley Humane Society as the nonprofit faces financial hardship. Plus, if you're looking for a way to escape reality — we've got just the place for you. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a restaurant in Caldwell where excellence simmers low and slow over an open fire. AMANO has redefined what is possible in the small town and is getting national attention for it, with James Beard Foundation nominations for four consecutive years. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by owners Salvador and Becca Alamilla to dive into what makes a meal there so magical, and how the restaurant's new location is both modern and rooted in Mexican tradition. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year's college graduates are stepping into a tough job market, with recession rumors, AI-filtered interviews, and plenty of listings but few callbacks. So how are graduates feeling right now? Boise State University graduate Giselle Vega joins host Lindsay Van Allen to explain how she is navigating her job hunt, and why she's looking for work in other states. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's an art to navigating the Boise Farmers Market, and we're letting you in on the secrets. From pre-order hacks, to things you need to grab before they sell out, to reasons to get in a long line — market executive director Amber Beierle is sharing her insider tips with host Lindsay Van Allen. Plus, we're chatting about what this beloved weekly ritual reveals about our city's changing identity. Come say hi to Lindsay and the rest of the City Cast Boise team this Saturday, June 14! We'll be at 1500 Shoreline Drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab a City Cast Boise sticker and tell us what you love (or hate) about our community.  For more on the Boise Farmers Market, check out their new video series.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a teacher's sign was deemed too political by the West Ada School District, Renaissance High School student Jeremiah Brenot decided he couldn't remain silent — even if it meant risking his diploma. Today, he joins host Lindsay Van Allen to explain what pushed him to go off-script at graduation, why he challenged the administration, and what he hopes other students took away from his bold stance. For more on this story, listen to our interview with teacher Sarah Inama who resigned her West Ada position after the controversy.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back with another edition of our Friday news roundup. Executive producer Frankie Barnhill joins host Lindsay Van Allen to discuss how federal budget cuts are already affecting our outdoor recreation options, with forest ranger stations closing just as summer begins to heat up. Then, they untangle Boise Pride rumors by setting the record straight on what's actually canceled and what folks can expect in September. Plus, come meet Lindsay this weekend at Canyon County Pride!  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canyon County Pride is back, and it's bigger and bolder than in 2024. But after a year where LGBTQ rights have been under fire, this year's event is more than just a party. Executive Director Tom Wheeler joins host Lindsay Van Allen to give us a look inside how this year's festival is growing and evolving. They talk about safety, acceptance, and what it means to celebrate queer joy in a conservative stronghold.  Celebrate Canyon County Pride on Sunday, June 8 at Nampa's Lakeview Park!  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wolves were wiped out in Idaho nearly a century ago, then controversially reintroduced in the 1990s. Now, they are thriving — but the battle over the animal's future is fiercer than ever. So host Lindsay Van Allen is digging into the political and cultural divides around wolves with the hosts of a new podcast called “Howl”. Reporters Heath Druzin and Clark Corbin are helping us understand what it means to share the Mountain West with these creatures, and who gets to decide their fate. Follow “Howl” here or wherever you listen to podcasts. And mark your calendars for Clark and Heath's June 17 event featuring some of the people involved in wolf reintroduction 30 year ago.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forget fiscal constraint and local control: Idaho's new wave of conservative lawmakers are pushing conspiracies and government overreach. Consultant Gregory Graf joins host Lindsay Van Allen to explain his viral, blistering critique of the state's far-right political machine. Because if banning vaccines, bullying librarians, and punishing dissent is the new conservative playbook — what exactly are they conserving?   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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Inama hung the poster intending to welcome every student to her West Ada School District classroom. Instead, when she was told to take the sign down by school administrators, it ignited a national firestorm. Now, the Meridian teacher is reflecting on the controversy she never wanted, and what spurred her to resign. What's next for her? Host Lindsay Van Allen is finding out.   Thanks to Brigade Screen Printing (who made the “Everyone is Welcome Here” t-shirt) for helping us out.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before we head into the hot weekend, we're taking a look at the local stories you need to know with Boise State Public Radio's George Prentice. First up: Idaho hit pause on all executions, but just to prep for our firing squad future. Next, host Lindsay Van Allen gets the inside scoop from George on his final interview with Boise State University President Marlene Tromp, and they speculate about who might get the top job next. Plus, summer movie nights return to Meridian, bringing the perfect excuse to lounge under the stars. 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 May 30th episode:  Savor Idaho 2025 Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June in the Treasure Valley is stacked with good vibes and even better plans. Host Lindsay Van Allen and contributor Matthew Melton are here to help you make the most out of the month — from free riverside karaoke to joyful Pride celebrations and wild history tours. Plus, throw in a beloved restaurant reopening and a tasty new find, and you've got a month full of reasons to get out and explore. 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 June in Boise, check out our Hey Boise newsletter for recommendations every weekday morning.  Learn more about the sponsor of this May 29th episode: Savor Idaho 2025 Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is back for a second season. And while it's entertaining to watch these women fight for views, brand deals, and MomTok's survival — are they also showcasing some of Mormonism's most uncomfortable truths? We're re-sharing a chat our host Lindsay Van Allen had with City Cast Salt Lake's Ali Vallarta to find out. 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 May 28th episode:  Savor Idaho 2025 Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valley Regional Transit is one of the only public transit systems with zero dedicated annual funding from the state. So, how does it operate with such limited funding — and what would it take to make riding the bus more popular? Host Lindsay Van Allen finds out in her conversation with VRT CEO Elaine Clegg. They dive into what last year's route changes have meant for riders, why the City of Nampa is on the fence about funding, and how innovation is key to keeping things rolling.  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 May 27th episode: Savor Idaho 2025 Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pride Month is around the corner, but one of Idaho's biggest health systems is making a quiet and controversial shift. Our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter joins host Lindsay Van Allen with the scoop on an internal memo that reveals why St. Luke's decided not to raise the inclusive Pride flag this year, even as the City of Boise stands firm. And, we're breaking down local election results on everything from libraries to ambulances. Plus, our favorite ideas for soaking up the sunny Memorial Day weekend.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 May 23rd episode: Savor Idaho 2025Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE.Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, Idaho quietly denied thousands of children the special education services that parents said they deserved, until a group of determined mothers decided to take a stand. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Decoding Dyslexia Idaho founder Robin Zikmund, and special education consultant Ashley Brittain. They explain how our state resisted reform and why parents had to take their fight all the way to the federal government.   Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the Arts & Entertainment section here.  Learn more about the sponsor of this May 22nd episode: Savor Idaho 2025 Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With everything getting more expensive, we wanted to know if it's still feasible to have fun in Boise on a budget. Our City Cast Boise team had $50 and one mission: to have the best day possible. While some of us splurged early, others hunted for deals — but was $50 enough for a great day in the City of Trees? Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the Arts & Entertainment section here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Homes in Boise ⁠⁠have been⁠⁠⁠⁠ getting smaller⁠⁠ — but is that a sign of progress or just another form of shrinkflation? We're revisiting our conversation about this ongoing trend with Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger. From zoning code changes to shifting lifestyles — what could these downsized houses mean for affordability in our city?  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our ⁠⁠Hey Boise newsletter⁠⁠ where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the ⁠⁠Arts & Entertainment section here⁠⁠.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've been named one of the best communities to raise a family, but are we actually creating a place our kids want to live? Boise City Council just launched a Youth Roadmap survey to find out. City Council member Jimmy Hallyburton joins host Lindsay Van Allen to explore how it could shape community initiatives for years to come and whether young people will really get a say in our future. Here's the Youth Roadmap survey. City officials are asking that teens, parents, community members, and even younger kids offer their input and suggestions.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to our city every weekday morning. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the Arts & Entertainment section here.  Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We made it to Friday, and host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by political scientist Charlie Hunt to dig into the week's biggest local stories. Congressman Mike Simpson is making moves on public land protection, but can a bipartisan caucus hold back big development plans? And the Greater Boise Auditorium District elections could shape our city's event scene. Plus, Meridian is unveiling a new ninja course designed to make sure a little girl's dream lives on in a powerful way. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the Arts & Entertainment section here.  Learn more about the sponsor of this May 16th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boiseans take great pride in our state's iconic outdoor scenery, but host Lindsay Van Allen learns that not everyone is a fan. So, today on the show, Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter and contributor Rachel Spacek are taking a hike through the silliest one-star reviews of Idaho's most beloved outdoor locations and trying to guess where the complainers were. Do these critics have legit grievances, or were they expecting luxury in the Foothills? We learned Lower Hulls Gulch Trail does follow an odd/even separation of use strategy. Click here to learn more. Also, here's the article and podcast episode about Table Rock Cross that we mention in 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. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the Arts & Entertainment section here.  Learn more about the sponsor of this May 15th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Great Recession hit in 2008, Boisean Heather Wheeler turned clipping coupons into a big-time business, founding The Krazy Coupon Lady. Now, Heather is joining host Lindsay Van Allen with advice for weathering whatever's coming next. We're learning how to tell a real deal from a gimmick, what Gen Z can learn from millennials who weathered the last recession, and how to upgrade your coupon game in 2025.   Want some more Boise insider info? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the Arts & Entertainment section here.  Learn more about the sponsor of this May 14th episode:  Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off  Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring might just be the Foothills' finest season, if you know where to look. Luckily for us, contributor Heath Druzin has helpful insider tips to get you outside. He joins host Lindsay Van Allen to talk about the best hiking trails, where to find the blooming wildflowers, and what you need to know about trail safety and etiquette. Plus, he reveals a secret trail that has been gate-kept until today.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the Arts & Entertainment section here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 13th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildfire season is just around the corner. And even though the Foothills are still green, fire seasons are getting longer, hotter, and more dangerous. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Idaho Statesman reporter Sarah Cutler, who breaks down what could happen when a major fire hits, what to do when it does, and whether Boise residents and insurance systems are truly prepared. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Help us win “Best Podcast” in the Boise Weekly's annual Best of Boise awards! Vote for us in the Arts & Entertainment section here.  Learn more about the sponsor of this May 12th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, so host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are diving into the week's biggest local stories. First, they chat through the Boise City Council's decision to make the Pride flag an official city flag, sparking heated conversations and making national news. Then, they remind us about the May 20 library board elections, which are becoming the next front in Idaho's culture wars. And to head into the weekend, we're celebrating the warm weekend forecast on a beloved restaurant's brand new patio.  For more on what will be on your May 20 ballot, check out our Hey Boise article. And here's where to early vote through Friday, May 16.  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 May 9th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYBOISE for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a certain beauty culture that has been expected in LDS circles in Utah for generations, but do those ideals actually have the same influence in Boise? Host Lindsay Van Allen and ex-Mormon Quincy Phillips are sharing their experience handling the pressure to be perfect. From MomTok to modesty, they unpack how Mormonism shaped their idea of what's beautiful in Idaho — and whether it's really different than the standards in Utah. 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 May 8th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're thinking about a home remodel soon, tariffs could be changing your timeline — and your budget. So, we're checking in with a Treasure Valley-based contractor about what's going on at these job sites. Mary Peters is the CEO of Sasquatch Contracting, and she's sharing which home projects are most at risk of sticker shock, and some surprising intel about what raw home materials are still made in the U.S. Plus, she shares insider tips for avoiding tariff price hikes during your remodel.  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 May 7th episode:  Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a great Boise park? From relaxing hangouts to playground romps, parks in our city are top-notch. But besides the popular Camel's Back and Ann Morrison Parks — there are some secret green spaces you need to check out. So, to celebrate spring, we're resharing our top five park rankings with Becca Bailey from Boise With Kids and Marissa Lovell with From Boise. We're talking BBQ setups, ideal playgrounds, the best places to picnic or play volleyball — and the best places to enjoy a beer in a park.  Want some more Boise recommendations? 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 May 6th episode:  Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYBOISE for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Old homes are coming down all over the city, with new denser housing often filling their place. But Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger is here to talk about something invisible and dangerous that may be stirred up during demolition: asbestos. Contractors are worried about it, and other states in our region regulate it. So host Lindsay Van Allen wants to know — why is Idaho ignoring it? 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 May 5th episode:Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTInterested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE.Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back with another Friday news download, starting with a story about Cybertrucks in the Treasure Valley. Owners of the Tesla vehicles are being shamed, and the trucks are being vandalized. Is it justified backlash against Elon Musk and the Trump Administration, or does it cross the line? Meanwhile, state lawmakers quietly ended public pool inspections, raising questions about summer safety. And Idaho Gives is closing out strong, while a local foundation helps students thanks to… the Hokey Pokey. KTVB's Brian Holmes joins host Lindsay Van Allen, this week, to break down the latest Treasure Valley stories. 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 May 2nd episode:  Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYBOISE for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's officially May, and it might be Boise at its best. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by producer Evelyn Avitia and contributor Matthew Melton to bring you a guide this month packed with experiences that will make you fall in love with this city all over again. From how to take advantage of the spring weather, to a late evening market for the night owls, and can't-miss Treasure Valley festivals — we've got you covered. Click here to purchase your Taste of Wine Festival ticket!  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.  Want some more intel on May in Boise? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get fresh recommendations every weekday morning.  Learn more about the sponsor of this May 1st episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First came the parking meters in downtown Caldwell, then came the outrage from local residents. The City of Caldwell's Mayor Jarom Wagoner and four council members are facing a recall effort that's exposing deep divisions over policing, growth, and trust in city leadership. Producer Evelyn Avitia joins host Lindsay Van Allen to break down who is behind the push, and what it would take to succeed.  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 April 30th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a year of relentless political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in Idaho, just existing as a trans or nonbinary person can feel exhausting. Trans Joy Boise co-founders Preston Pacey and Bonnie Violet Quintana are joining host Lindsay Van Allen to show how, even in the face of cruel policies and attacks, there's a local movement happening toward connection, joy, and resilience.  Want some more Boise stories and conversation? 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 April 29th episode:  Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYBOISE for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices