|
Subscribe | Get featured
Hi Boise, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Wetlands habitat restoration, NIH-funded movement and breathing research hub, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and more.
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Wetlands habitat restoration underway: Boise is tackling invasive roses at Hulls Gulch Reserve this winter to reduce wildfire fuels, with work finishing in February and more than 120 native shrubs to be planted afterward — learn about methods and timeline.
NIH backs integrated research center: Boise State researchers were awarded $8 million to build hub for movement and breathing research, refurbishing the former aquatic center and uniting labs to study injuries, wildfire smoke, and aging — see what’s planned for the center.
Sweet sips and treats: Vietnamese boba and coffee spot Mr. Tea celebrated its grand opening in Boise Jan. 24 to 25, serving bubble waffles, fruit and milk teas, and Vietnamese coffee on State Street — see what’s on the menu.
New steps to boost safety: Months after the familiar left turn at State and Eagle was made illegal, GPS still directs drivers to do it. ACHD plans LED signage and signal tweaks to cut confusion — get details on planned changes.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
🫶 We got your back
Big-stage breakthrough within reach: Two former Boise State Broncos are headed to the Super Bowl. DeMarcus Lawrence and George Holani will play Sunday, February 8 as Seattle faces New England. A win would give each his first ring and add to Boise State’s small Super Bowl ring club. Read the full story.
New community sports initiative: Horseshoe Collective and Top Tier Lessons are launching Horseshoe Camps, letting Boise State student-athletes lead Boise youth clinics. Coming up are a one-day volleyball camp on Presidents Day, a three-day soccer camp during Spring Break, and one-day football camps March 19 to 20. Logistics are handled by Horseshoe Collective. Check out the full lineup.
Score secondhand gems: Refresh your closet without guilt at Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Store – Main Street, where dig-worthy racks hold clothes, books, and home goods, and every find supports local youth programs. Perfect for a quick lunchtime browse or a low-key weekend rummage, it’s an easy win for your budget and conscience.
Sushi night upgrade: Yoi Tomo Sushi & Grill delivers the classics and an all-you-can-eat option, with a la carte favorites for variety. Perfect for date night or that friends-who-order-too-much crew, your chopsticks will stay busy… probably longer than the conversation.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
|
📆 Around town this weekend
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.
🧘 Deep Winter Yin + Live Harp @ Zen Riot | Friday (2/6) at 6:00 PM – Deep winter got you moving like molasses? This cozy yin class pairs slow, propped stretches with live harp from Louise van der Eijk of the Meridian Symphony, focusing on those kidney and bladder meridians. Float out mellow, renewed, and tea-warmed, so bring a cup.
🚲 FEM Night – Femme Empowered Mechanics @ Boise Bicycle Project | Friday (2/6) at 6:00 PM – Got a bike that squeaks louder than downtown on a Friday? Roll in with your bike to BBP’s FEM Night, a free wrench and social for women, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive cyclists. Learn repairs, bring a dish and drink, and snag Portland Design Works swag.
🏺 Family Clay Night @ Catalyst Arts Collaborative | Friday (2/6) at 6:00 PM – Friday nights mean trading screen time for wheel time. Drop the kids, or jump in, as Casey Gurr gives all levels guidance on the pottery wheel, with tools, wheels, and firing included. Ages 8 and up, pieces ready in a couple weeks, pre-registration required, $40.
🛍 Eat Drink Shop Market @ The Warehouse Food Hall | Saturday (2/7) at 10:30 AM – Do your Saturday right and wander through a local market full of farmers, makers, and artisans. Fresh produce, handmade finds, and those little treasures you pretend you stumbled on, all in one spot. Free to browse, better to linger, Saturdays through March.
🇮 India Nite @ Boise State University Special Events Center | Saturday (2/7) at 4:00 PM – Trade your usual routine for a vibrant swing through the Indian Subcontinent at AID Boise India Nite. Expect folk dances, storytelling songs, and enough color to make your living room rug jealous. Cultural immersion, zero jet lag, and probably better beats than your gym playlist.
💎 Basic Wire Wrapping Class @ Catalyst Arts Collaborative | Saturday (2/7) at 4:00 PM – Hands itching for a screen-free win? Learn to wire wrap a stone cabochon into a legit pendant in this beginner-friendly class, supplies included, or bring that rock you picked up by the river. Ages 15+, $40, first Saturdays. Pre-register: https://www.catalystartscollaborative.com/service-page/basic-wire-wrapping-class-1st-sat-4pm
🎬 Wild & Scenic Film Festival 2026 @ The Egyptian Theatre | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – If you prefer your action with trail maps, popcorn, and a silent auction, this 10-year celebration with Idaho Sierra Club is your speed. Short films on community action, conservation, and inclusive outdoor joy, plus prizes from local favorites. Come early, feel good, go inspired.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Boise report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 59°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind around 2 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 58°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind around 3 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
This house is wild
Set in Dry Creek Ranch at the base of the Boise foothills, this Parade Home features the most popular plan and a 45-foot-deep RV garage. A vaulted great room showcases expansive windows. The main-level primary suite pampers with soaking tub and tiled shower. A secret room, loft, and reading nook add charm. Bosch appliances, Gemstone lighting, and central vac elevate.
Take a peek inside →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|