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 more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every ...
Feb 26, 2025•26 min
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 getting dragged. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a chea...
Feb 25, 2025•24 min
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 statehouse from Boise State Public Radio political reporter Jimmy Dawson. And if Lindsay had her way, whi...
Feb 24, 2025•27 min
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 schools to display the Ten Commandments. If you’re interested in Charlie’s pick of the week, here’s ...
Feb 21, 2025•32 min
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 news stories? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a guide to the city every weekda...
Feb 20, 2025•25 min
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 caught in limbo and the agencies scrambling to support them. Plus, what would a permanent pause in rese...
Feb 19, 2025•26 min
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 Nouveau Tango’s Empanadas Lemon Tree Bar Gernika Bombay Grill Nahm Thai & Burmese Cuisine Cafe Sorrent...
Feb 18, 2025•21 min
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 and cozy, sweet treat. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll ...
Feb 14, 2025•29 min
Love is in the air and the Treasure Valley is full of date night magic — if you know where to look. Host Lindsay Van Allen is chatting with local content creator McKenzie Joyner about the romantic date nights our city has to offer, just in time for Valentine’s Day. They’re spilling the secrets on swoon-worthy restaurants, unique date ideas to impress, and hidden gems that are sure to set the mood any time of year. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get ...
Feb 13, 2025•18 min
Late last year, bird flu was confirmed in wild birds in the Treasure Valley. So how worried should Boiseans be about catching it? This isn’t your typical seasonal flu, and scientists are keeping a close eye on it — even though there haven’t been any confirmed human cases in our state. Dr. Christine Hahn is Idaho’s state epidemiologist and the division of public health’s medical director. She is talking with host Lindsay Van Allen about what makes this virus different, who’s at risk, and how to p...
Feb 12, 2025•19 min
Pam Hemphill traveled to Washington D.C. to storm the U.S. Capitol for President Trump on Jan. 6, 2021 — now she’s refusing his pardon. We’re talking to Boise’s own ‘ex-MAGA granny’ about how she went from a diehard supporter to a harsh critic of the Republican leader and his movement. Pam’s telling host Lindsay Van Allen what changed her mind, why she thinks MAGA is dangerous, and who she wants to apologize to for her role on Jan. 6. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newslet...
Feb 11, 2025•20 min
We’re back with more chatter from the Idaho State Capitol, starting with a divisive bill that would require Bible readings in public schools. Meanwhile, two bills aim to gut Medicaid expansion, despite voters’ support of the program. Plus, what’s up with Boise Democrats crossing party lines on key issues like school choice and taxes? The Legislature keeps doing the most, so Boise State Public Radio’s Jimmy Dawson and host Lindsay Van Allen are helping us understand what’s happening. Want some mo...
Feb 10, 2025•27 min
National and local news collided once again this week in Boise, so host Lindsay Van Allen and comedian Brittany Hargis are here to make sense of the headlines. President Trump’s push to kill the Department of Education has us wondering if Idaho is ready to foot the bill — or if our students will be the ones paying the price. And, the state’s book ban is facing a lawsuit from major publishers — could this mean redemption for the tiny Donnelly library that became adults only? Plus, we’re sharing o...
Feb 07, 2025•27 min
Winter nights call for something warm, hearty, and delivered. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter and producer Evelyn Avitia to highlight their takeout favorites. They’re talking go-to spots for a cozy night in and local hidden gems that deserve more love. Plus, the best and worst types of food for delivery — because not everything survives that ride home. Restaurants mentioned: Red Fort Cuisine of India Fiesta Chicken Be Thai Tarbush Kitchen Boise Nahm T...
Feb 06, 2025•27 min
As federal and state immigration policies tighten, ACLU of Idaho campaign strategist Ruby Mendez-Mota and our host Lindsay Van Allen and examine how ICE operates. They discuss where raids could happen in our community, and what undocumented Idahoans need to know about their rights. Plus, for allies looking to help — we’re breaking down what real support looks like in this moment. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every week...
Feb 05, 2025•25 min
Local In-N-Out restaurants have been flipping burgers and opinions for months now. But is it a must-visit for burger lovers, or just another traffic nightmare served animal style? Last week, the third In-N-Out location opened in Nampa so we’re revisiting our debate with local devotee Matthew Melton to see whether this restaurant is actually lives up to the high expectations. Are you a fan of In-N-Out? Let us know your thoughts by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise...
Feb 04, 2025•22 min
The Idaho Legislature’s headed into its fifth week in the session, and the pace of new bills is speeding up. So host Lindsay Van Allen is breaking down some of the top issues you need to know with Boise State Public Radio reporter James Dawson. They’re dissecting two different approaches to immigration enforcement, and why reforming our state’s ballot initiative process continues to be a hot topic. Plus, does Anthony Fauci still live rent free in some lawmakers’ heads? Want some more Boise news?...
Feb 03, 2025•26 min
What would happen if a bunch of federal workers in Boise resigned? That’s one of the questions on tap in this week’s local news roundup, with host Lindsay Van Allen and our executive producer Frankie Barnhill. They’re dissecting how the Trump Administration’s chaotic freeze on federal grants threw everything from housing to education for a loop in Idaho. And, we mark 10 years since the “Add the Words” public hearing at the statehouse. Need a break from the news? Lindsay has her eye on a snowy fo...
Jan 31, 2025•30 min
We’re setting our sights on February in Boise, with a must-do guide to fill your social calendar. There’s live theater to check out (both big and medium-sized productions), hot pozole soup to indulge in, book clubs to join, and Galentine’s parties to plan! Plus, host Lindsay Van Allen, producer Evelyn Avitia and our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter have ideas to help you brave the outdoors and embrace the winter season. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for y...
Jan 30, 2025•33 min
Idaho’s marijuana laws are some of the strictest in the nation, and it’s costing us — not just in lost tax revenue. We’re exploring the political and cultural roadblocks that are maintaining Idaho’s weed prohibition, despite public support for decriminalization. Could a 2026 ballot initiative be the solution? 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 January 29th episode: ...
Jan 29, 2025•22 min
From cold plunges to IV therapies, Boise has no shortage of health trends. Why do some of these trends take hold? Today, host Lindsay Van Allen is exploring what wellness really means for our community with Marissa Shuppard from Body Balancing Physical Therapy and Nikki MacGregor founder of The GOL Network. Plus, we learn some simple ways to incorporate balance into our busy schedules. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/...
Jan 28, 2025•22 min
City of Boise officials have been focused on increasing affordable housing, as our community’s growth has pushed out even some middle-income earners. But with everything from interest rates to labor shortages in their way last year — how was the city able to add 250 homes at Boise budgets — and is it enough? Nicki Olivier Hellenkamp is the city’s Director of Housing and Homelessness Policy, and is here to explain. Plus, she and host Lindsay Van Allen chat about why this year’s affordable housing...
Jan 27, 2025•28 min
It’s Friday and host Lindsay Van Allen is joined again by Boise State political scientist Charlie Hunt to chat about theweek’s biggest stories. They’re diving into the fallout from Trump’s Jan. 6th pardons, including the impact of a local ‘ex-MAGA granny’ who refuses to be pardoned. Then they crunch the numbers on a proposed pay raise for state employees and judges — could it be a move that makes Idaho more competitive? Plus, the different ways to build your community from city council chats to ...
Jan 24, 2025•31 min
Boise’s music scene is buzzing, even in the dead of winter — as Under the Trees is kicking off the city’s first-ever winter electronic music festival on Saturday. Host Lindsay Van Allen and local DJ Dr. Thomas Posen are chatting about how this genre is carving out a space in local venues, the challenges of planning a festival in the cold, and why it’s worth hitting play on something new. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city ev...
Jan 23, 2025•18 min
The temps are hovering around freezing all week but we’ve got just the thing to keep you cozy: soup season! We’re revisiting our guide to Boise’s best bowls featuring rich broths, stews, and all the local favorites. Contributor Minerva Jayne and our executive producer Frankie Barnhill have a cooked up a list of hot and hearty spots you won’t want to miss. 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 a...
Jan 22, 2025•22 min
The private school choice debate is heating up at the Capitol in Boise. Today on the podcast, Idaho Ed News reporter Ryan Suppe joins host Lindsay Van Allen to break down this widely disputed proposal. He helps us understand what to watch for in the school choice bills this session, where the money would come from, and what it could mean for students who don’t attend private school. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every w...
Jan 21, 2025•25 min
Host Lindsay Van Allen and producer Frankie Barnhill are rounding up the news with some proposals that raised eyebrows at City Hall and the Idaho Legislature this week. In Boise, the City Council is weighing a new liquor permit option for festivals in city parks. And state lawmakers are considering a Texas-style immigration bill that could come with costly litigation if it passes. Plus, what should be on Boise’s next official city flag? The city wants to know, and so do we! Want some more Boise ...
Jan 17, 2025•29 min
With the U.S. TikTok ban deadline quickly approaching on January 19th, we’re revisiting our chat with Boise creator Sami Alvi. She built a thriving side hustle on the platform to supplement her local restaurant jobs. Our host Lindsay Van Allen also has a significant following on the popular app, so the two are discussing what it could mean for the Treasure Valley if the ban goes through. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city ev...
Jan 16, 2025•16 min
Global companies are betting big on the Treasure Valley, sparking a surge of commercial growth. While these large developments are bringing jobs, they’re also driving up construction costs and straining our tight housing market. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger to dive into the impacts of this growth and what it means for Boise’s future. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every we...
Jan 15, 2025•19 min
If the post-holiday blues are starting to settle in, don’t stress! Host Lindsay Van Allen and local content creator Katie Williams are here with a winter bucket list to help you savor the season. From the best cozy food, to tips for staying active, plus the must-see local snowy landscapes — we’ll help you make the most of winter in 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. Interested in advertising wit...
Jan 14, 2025•19 min
