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Hey Boise, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Starch Madness extended, a Baby Bird Shower, and paint 3D prints + lots of fun things to do for free.

Quick money tip: 2025 was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%. Analysts expect the momentum to continue, making precious metals a smart way to protect your savings. Curious how it works? Check out AHG’s free investor guide.*

📰 In the news

Big crowds, bigger uncertainties ahead: The Big Sky Conference has extended its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments at Idaho Central Arena through 2031, keeping Starch Madness in Boise as leaders warn changes are coming — read the full story.

New arrivals and hands-on training: Zoo Boise welcomes new animal Clarice, Boise Fire is hosting four one-day Ignite bootcamps with summer bootcamp applications open March 1-31, and anglers are urged to keep, not release, walleye — read the full story.

New investments in Idaho healthcare: Saint Alphonsus plans major expansions in Nampa and north Meridian, with a new wing adding 64 hospital and ICU beds. Groundbreaking is in June, with completion expected fall 2028 — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Enjoy priority access to Filmfort events
• Dine and bid to support Wolves
• Join the Dutch oven river cook-off
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Midweek reset, anyone? When the to-do list mutinies, Spa Urbana brings you back to human with thoughtful massages, glow-boosting facials, and grounded vibes right in downtown. Friendly pros, zero fuss, and treatments that feel tailored — consider this your permission slip to actually exhale.

Zoomies, solved: When the couch zoomies hit, Together Treasure Valley Dog Island delivers room to romp—a 5.4-acre off-leash island with a swim-friendly pond, a fenced shy-dog zone, and plenty of shade and seating—so you can catch up with neighbors while your fur missile tires out.

Classic no-frills hang: Need a low-key spot that still feels like Boise? Cactus Bar keeps the vibes simple—cold beers, a throwback bar, a newly spruced-up patio, and the occasional bingo or cornhole night—making it an easy go-to when you want to skip the fuss and just catch up with people.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

The $1,300 mistake most Americans make every year: According to the National Financial Education Council, poor financial literacy costs the average American over a thousand dollars annually. That’s not investment losses. That’s money lost to bad decisions, missed strategies, and advice from people who may not always put your interests first. There’s a free way to fix that, and it starts with one question. Find out what it is →

$22k in interest (on a $30k balance): That’s what minimum payments cost you over 20 years. You’ll pay back nearly double what you borrowed, and your credit card company is counting on you not doing that math. Debt settlement programs negotiate balances down and get people out of debt in 2-4 years instead of 20. Learn more about how they work →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared five programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as “normal wear and tear,” and they’re 100% on you. We looked into solutions that fill that gap. Here’s what we found →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🐣 Baby Bird Shower @ Ruth Melichar Bird Center | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – The bird center’s throwing a free Baby Bird Shower with tours, raptor meet-and-greets with the Idaho Falconers’ Association, kids’ games, and a DIY feeder. Bring a registry gift for the raffle, learn injured-bird basics, and leave smugly helpful, like the seasoned local you are.

🎨 42nd Annual Capitol Rotunda Art Show: Artists’ Reception @ Idaho State Capitol | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – Nothing beats watercolors under the Capitol dome, meeting the artists, and letting the kids feel like curators. It is the Idaho Watercolor Society’s 50th year and the 42nd Rotunda show, free, with free refreshments, a Voters’ Choice ballot, and originals you can buy.

🎨 Art & Craft Time @ The Community Center | Saturday (3/21) at 1:30 PM – Art & Craft Time is turning third Saturdays into a Free for All, handing you the yarn, paint, and that glitter you pretend not to own. Come make something, chat with other grownups, and graze on snacks. It’s free, and yes, communal snack diplomacy encouraged.

🎸 Opal In Sky and more @ The Shredder | Saturday (3/21) at 7:00 PM – Craving some cathartic guitars that rattle the week out of your bones? Opal In Sky rolls into The Shredder with Villain Of The Story and Young Medicine, a loud, hooky lineup that remembers melody. All ages, so you can claim you brought the kids.

☔ Snowpack, Water and Drought: What’s Up with the Weather? @ Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology | Sunday (3/22) at 1:00 PM – Wondering why your snowblower retired while the foothills got rained on? Ron Abramovich, Idaho’s longtime snow whisperer, unpacks this winter’s snowpack, runoff timing, and what it means for our water, lawns, and river floats. Free for IMMG members and kids, 5 bucks otherwise, prereg required.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Boise report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 72°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 72. East northeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Northeast wind around 3 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 78°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 78. East southeast wind around 3 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

This house is wild

This half-acre Centennial home delivers foothills views, no rear neighbors, and a full RV garage. Inside, a great room opens to a covered patio, and the primary suite connects to the laundry. The chef’s kitchen adds an island, butler’s pantry with sink and dishwasher, and a walk-in pantry. Dry Creek Ranch amenities include courts, pool, and an 8,840 sf clubhouse.

Take a peek inside →