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City Cast Boise

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency

, it remains an illness that many people contract regularly, and acquiring treatment can be expensive and difficult to navigate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer 

, a common treatment medication that typically costs upward of $1,400, which means you can get it for free or at a discounted price. Here’s what you need to know.

 to help fight COVID-19 infections. It works by keeping the virus from multiplying in your body. The company ran a clinical trial with over 2,000 people infected with COVID-19 and says that 

the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86%

 that are taken orally twice daily for a total of five days. There is also a reduced dose for individuals with kidney disease. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the dosage and pack that is best for you.

You first need to get a prescription for Paxlovid from your doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can sign up for the free or reduced-cost medication option 

, or by calling 1-877-219-7225. You’ll need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you need assistance filling out the information, a local pharmacist should be able to help you.

Can You Get Paxlovid if You’re Uninsured?

Yes. The Paxcess program allows individuals without insurance, as well as those covered by Medicaid or Medicare, to get Paxlovid for free.

There might be a small cost if you have health insurance through a commercial provider, but it’s worth signing up through Paxcess, as it could help drastically reduce the cost of Paxlovid.

Paxlovid helps fight COVID-19, but it can be expensive. Here’s how to get it for free or at a reduced cost in Boise.

How To Get COVID-19 Treatment Paxlovid for Free

How to Get Paxlovid for Free in Boise

Tips and tricks for living your best Boise life, by locals, for locals.

Boise Life Hacks

This may feel early, but with this weather, I think we’re all ready to dream up some garden plans.

City Cast Boise has a few primers this season, all of which can impact your gardening plans:

Idaho’s drought and wet, cold winter could mean for Boise

And if you’re not a gardener, don’t worry — there are still 

To start off, there are a lot of options: raised beds give easier access to plants and control over their environment. But should you be planting seeds exclusively, or using starts? What should you be planting, and when? Some of these questions can only be answered through experience, but here’s how to avoid some easy mistakes.

really handy chart for when plants like to be planted

. Because of how cold it’s been lately, go with the later dates on the date ranges.

 It’s still cold, and just too early for a lot of plants to thrive, especially if you’re planting outside. You can be planting carrots, peas, onions, and potatoes outside right now, though.

 Planting indoors in a controlled environment and then transplanting them outdoors will give some crops a head start. Those include tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower. Note: root crops (beets, radishes, etc.) always prefer direct-sowing (being planted directly in the ground).

Like all plants, be wary of overwatering.

 Rather than guessing or sticking to a timeframe, check the soil’s moisture level, and then 

For folks who don’t have a garden, space for one, or otherwise want to spend time in one, what are some community gardens Boiseans can get involved with?

Urban Almanac: Garden Planning

Get to know the natural side of Boise: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Boise Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

This article was written by City Cast Newsletter Editor Natalia Aldana.

, and our doggos aren’t slowing down anytime soon. As the mom of an energetic hound, I know how challenging the stifling summer heat can be for my girl who really just wants to have fun (queue Cyndi Lauper, please). But rising temperatures and smoky air make it difficult for our furry family members to be safe and happy in the summer heat.

So since controlling the weather or healing Mother Nature tomorrow aren’t viable options, what’s a pup parent to do? Here are some tips and tricks for navigating the Boise summatime with your best pal.

The day or night before your next walk, check the weather for what period will be hottest and plan your dog’s walks for before and after. Keep a chart or guide handy to help you assess 

. On these hot days, limit exercise and walk in areas with plenty of shade. And, how long is too long to keep them outdoors? 

Different breeds have different capacities

Cement and hot asphalt can be painful and discomforting for their paws. If you have to go out, do a quick spot check by placing your hand on the cement. This also applies to any other surface they’re on, from dirt to sand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for theirs. Try to get them to shaded paths. You can also apply a 

🙅 Never, Ever, Leave Your Dog in the Car

Temperatures in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, and your 

pet can quickly suffer a range of issues from brain damage to suffocation.

cracking a window doesn’t keep dogs safe.

 was rewritten with clearer definitions of animal cruelty in 2021. Led by former city councilmember TJ Thomson, the ordinance includes a 

 The clause allows bystanders to break a car window to rescue an overheating animal without the risk of liability if they first call 911 and check if the car is unlocked.

Most breeds are built to conserve heat rather than dissipate. Heat strokes are a common problem for pets in warm weather, especially for brachycephalic dogs (those with short noses and snouts), dogs that are overweight, have thick coats, or have respiratory problems.

One of the best ways to avoid this is to always have fresh water on hand. Bring a water bottle with you, ideally one that insulates and keeps water chilled. 

Some other great supplies to have on hand

 include battery-operated fans, spray bottles, frozen chew toys, cooling vests or wet towels, dog-safe sunscreen, and unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution or coconut water. You can also 

Your local parks are also a great resource. Research which 

parks in the Boise area have water fountains

water play areas to help your dog stay cool and hydrated.

 Play their favorite game inside, practice new tricks or commands, schedule a playdate with another pup, and even consider a stroll through your local pet store (the City Cast Boise crew recommends 

Even with your best efforts, dogs can still become dehydrated which can lead to heatstroke. Some of the common symptoms include panting, dry nose and gums, thick saliva, lethargy, and sunken eyes. Here’s a great explainer of 

If a summer storm or wildfire could take out the power in your home, 

create a disaster plan to keep your pets safe.

Here are some tips and tricks for navigating the Boise summatime with your best pal.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Boise Heat

Boise *loves* dogs. But how dog-friendly are we really? We’re finding out during our Dog Days of Boise series. 

Dog Days of Boise

For at least the next month and half, we’ll all be talking about the heat. With temperatures likely to go above triple digits off and on for weeks, this is an important time to 

estimated half of Americans who die from heat-related causes

 every year are without homes. The lack of access to cool spaces, water, and treatment for heat stroke and exhaustion is fatal.

And two factors make it more than probable that more people will continue dying without significant change: Summers are getting hotter due to climate change, and more people go without housing every year.

Boise’s in a unique position. We’re small enough, with few enough people chronically unhoused, to build a practice of ensuring that as few people die of heat-related deaths as possible. Here are some ways we can move toward that goal:

The responsibility to keep our community healthy is a shared one, and thanks to incredible work from mutual aid organizations, the wheel is already working.

 from community members and distributes food, survival gear, clothes, and more every Monday at 5 p.m. at Rhodes Skate Park. Look at what they’re asking for, and offer what you can.

Boise Kitchen Collective offers free home cooked meals

 to anyone who needs them at Rhodes Skate Park, on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. They also ask for support and donations beyond meal-makers.

 does the same in Lloyd Square in Nampa every Monday at 5:30 p.m.

It’s amazing what a conversation can do — if you see someone in the heat outside for a long time, ask them what they might need. If you can get them water, do that; better yet, if you work at a business with a lobby or have an empty couch, offer them a space to get out of the grueling heat, even just for a couple hours.

Keep some frozen water bottles (or even popsicles) at home or at your office, and bring them with you when you go outside. Lowering internal body temperature can help fight off the worst of the dangers posed by heat.

Prepare and keep “Summer Lovin’ Kits”

 to hand out. These kits are recommended by the folks at Interfaith Sanctuary, and include anything you also might need on an outing in the heat: a hat, sandals or flip flops, sunscreen, sunglasses, reusable water bottles, and more.

For at least the next month and half, we’ll all be talking about the heat. With temperatures likely to go above triple digits off and on for weeks, this is an important time to make sure our unhoused neighbors are able to stay cool and hydrated.

How to Help Unhoused Boiseans in the Heat

How to Help Unhoused Neighbors in the Heat

What Boiseans have been wondering. We break down why things in Boise are the way they are and how they work.


Boise, Explained

Part gripes and part utility, here are water conservation tips from your neighbors.

for companies that love to irrigate concrete:

“The most irritating are the little grass strips on commercial property. Water always over sprays onto sidewalks. And why are commercial properties allowed by the city to plant grass? This is a desert!”

 points out that grass really doesn’t make much sense at all:

“Grass is SUCH a waste of water and it makes me very upset to see perfectly green grass at so many peoples’ homes in a climate like ours.”

 that she trusted a local landscaper to choose the right drip irrigation system, but that they overshot what was necessary for their clay-like soil, which can’t soak up water as quickly as other soils.

“I'll say that for water conservation, it's important to use the appropriate irrigation equipment for our area … So, don’t be like us; do your homework.”

“I think we should address our toilet usage at home! Yellow is mellow and brown is down! Flush less water down the drain!”

“I lived in North Texas during a severe drought and one of the things I did to conserve water was put a five-gallon bucket in the shower. Once it was full, I watered my shrubs and trees with it.”

Urban Almanac: Water Conservation Tips

, it’s still high, meaning that almost everything is costing more these days. And due to a range of factors — from what some call simple corporate greed to complex chains of reactions — the costs of services required to live in the Treasure Valley are also going up.

companies are all looking to raise their prices

. They vary based on commercial, governmental, or residential status, but we’re just focusing on residences for today. Here’s the breakdown:

⛽ Intermountain Gas implemented an increase of 

16.6% in February, which equates to $8.58 per month

Intermountain is now seeking a different kind of increase

Veolia, Boise’s main water servicer, has requested

📈 Some of these might get reduced, but if they all went through as-is, the 

average Boise residence will be paying $29.42 more per month 

on utilities. That could come as soon as June.

So what’s next? Each of these requests are in different steps of their approval processes, but have to go 

through the Public Utilities Commission first

. Veolia’s has probably been the most unpopular, but there are opportunities for public testimony on each that we’ll keep you updated on.

Calculating How Much Your Utility Bill Might Increase

What's being decided in Boise City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Boise City Council.

Local Government, and How to Play a Part

Local Civics

talked about recycling here and on City Cast Boise

. But did you know that the City of Boise, like most communities, actually composts much more than it recycles? Or at least, that’s based on pounds of matter, but we’ll get into that another time.

The composting program has been up and running for six years now, and the 

 says that it diverts about a third of the waste from Boise residences from going into landfills.

That’s key, because the Ada County landfill does have limited space, and we really don’t want to have to create another landfill. Plus, composting is a community-wide way of reusing food materials, because anyone who uses the city’s composting program can get free compost at two different sites: the Idaho Botanical Garden and the 

Soon, I’m going to write a deep dive into composting with help from the experts. But first, here are some helpful links:

Here’s the city’s digital sorting guide

 for what you can put in your composting bin.

 to learn how and when you can get your recycling and composting picked up.

write in with your questions that those links didn’t answer

, or what you’ve always wanted to know about composting. I’ll do my best to answer any questions I get and share those answers with other readers.

Composting 101

 has gradually had more and more green things for sale. We’re still nowhere near the peak of produce season, but 

City Cast Boise contributor Jocelyn Robertson says

“There’s still plenty to buy, and we’ll just have to see how the rest of the spring proceeds to see if we’re going to have a great crop season this year,” she said.

here’s how to make the most of what our farmers markets are serving

There are hearty greens like spinach, baby kale, miner’s lettuce, and lots of alliums like green onions and garlic in abundance.

You can catch some root vegetables like carrots and turnips that have overwintered, but those will be running out soon, to be replaced by fresh ones planted this year. Watch out for radishes and you’ll know the ball is rolling.

Here are some specific products Jocelyn recommends:

Lee Family Farms has “garlic the size of your head.”

“Phenomenal” corn tortillas from Tamales Nelly

Ferb’s Fabulous Fungi, with a great supply of mushrooms like oysters, shiitakes, trumpets, and lion’s manes.

Various meats — bison, beef, and pork are all available right now.

Plus, EGGS! Jocelyn and Emma say not to “waste” them in cakes … I disagree.

I’d also recommend grabbing some herb and vegetable starters. Getting to take something home to grow, even if it’s in a little pot on a windowsill, is a 

A final word of advice: try to go with a meal plan so you don’t end up buying something gorgeous that you have no real use for. And if you feel yourself getting swooned by something not on your list, try to make sure it’s a versatile ingredient that could go in multiple dishes, so it doesn’t just go bad in your fridge.

Happy shopping! Go celebrate the bounty our local farmers have been growing.

What to Get at the Farmers Market in Early Spring

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Boise. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Boise Food & Drink

Food & Drink

As temperatures dip into the single digits every night, we’re all feeling the 

 on the way. There are lots of ways to help out unhoused Boiseans as winter picks up, but a good place to start is the 

. They’re a group of multiple organizations (that you’ve probably already heard of) that puts out calls to action, along with a ton of information on:

They’re recommending ways to get creative with support this winter, including holding fundraisers with groups you’re already part of, donating to organizations, and taking direct actions to support people.

Another good way to do the latter is by 

, which puts out weekly requests from people experiencing homelessness for survival gear like tents and tarps, sleeping bags, and warm clothing.

How to Help Those Experiencing Homelessness in Boise This Winter

Make Boise better, one neighbor at a time. Find volunteering opportunities, ways to get involved and give back, and more.

Help Your Boise Neighbors

Help Your Neighbors

If you’ve ever worked in the food industry, you probably know how frustrating it can be to throw away perfectly good food at the end of the day. Luckily, 

 that picks up donated foods from establishments like restaurants, grocery stores, and hospitals, and distributes it around the valley.

Some of the groups and organizations they distribute to regularly are the Good Samaritan Home, the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, Valor Pointe, and various schools, particularly focusing on ones that need more fresh, nutritious food.

So if you work somewhere that you think could give food to Rolling Tomato, reach out to them! You can also volunteer to distribute food, assist with social media, or recruit new food donors. And lastly, you can always give a financial donation.


Reduce food waste by giving that food to people who need it.


local life hacks

How to Get Paxlovid for Free in Boise

Urban Almanac: Garden Planning

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Boise Heat

Latest articles

How to Get Paxlovid for Free in Boise

Urban Almanac: Garden Planning

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Boise Heat

How to Help Unhoused Neighbors in the Heat

Urban Almanac: Water Conservation Tips

Calculating How Much Your Utility Bill Might Increase

Composting 101

Latest articles

How to Help Unhoused Neighbors in the Heat

Urban Almanac: Water Conservation Tips

Calculating How Much Your Utility Bill Might Increase

Composting 101

What to Get at the Farmers Market in Early Spring

How to Help Those Experiencing Homelessness in Boise This Winter

Help Your Neighbors Reduce Food Waste