Episodes

  • School Choice Clears Senate, Medicaid in Danger, Plus Free Speech Fights

    School Choice Clears Senate, Medicaid in Danger, Plus Free Speech Fights
    Feb 24 2025
    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, which bill from on tap would she sign into law? 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 February 24th episode: Inn at 500 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
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    27 mins
  • DOGE Cuts Hit Idaho, Ten Commandments in Schools, and a Library Victory

    DOGE Cuts Hit Idaho, Ten Commandments in Schools, and a Library Victory
    Feb 21 2025
    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 more info on the City of Boise’s Pollinator Posse. 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 February 21st episode: Inn at 500 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
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    32 mins
  • Is Religion in Idaho Politics Actually a Good Thing?

    Is Religion in Idaho Politics Actually a Good Thing?
    Feb 20 2025
    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 weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this February 20th episode: Inn at 500 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
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    25 mins
  • Trump Stopped Boise’s Refugee Program. Now What?

    Trump Stopped Boise’s Refugee Program. Now What?
    Feb 19 2025
    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 resettlement mean for Boise’s identity? Here’s more information on the lawsuit that was filed in federal court in Seattle seeking to reverse the Trump administration’s refugee resettlement order. 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 February 19th episode: Inn at 500 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
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    26 mins
  • Cozy Restaurants You’ll Wish You’d Discovered Sooner

    Cozy Restaurants You’ll Wish You’d Discovered Sooner
    Feb 18 2025
    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 Sorrento 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 February 18th episode: Inn at 500 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
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    21 mins
  • $1.6 Million Pickleball Claim, Doctors Could Refuse Care, and Snow Day Prayers

    $1.6 Million Pickleball Claim, Doctors Could Refuse Care, and Snow Day Prayers
    Feb 14 2025
    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 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
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    29 mins
  • The Most Romantic Boise Date Ideas

    The Most Romantic Boise Date Ideas
    Feb 13 2025
    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 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
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    18 mins
  • Why Scientists Are Watching Idaho’s Bird Flu Closely

    Why Scientists Are Watching Idaho’s Bird Flu Closely
    Feb 12 2025
    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 protect yourself. Come across a sick wild bird? Idaho Fish and Game is collecting reports of sick wildlife here. 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
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    19 mins