Happening in Boise

Happening in Boise: Rats, Rulings, and Rooftops

Join Mark and Joleen on Happening in Boise for a deep dive into the local headlines you actually care about, from the high-stakes federal trials over Idaho's abortion and bathroom laws to the absolute absurdity of a local hoarding case involving freezer-dwelling "street rats." This week, we're dissecting the "mathematical trap" of the Boise real estate market, evaluating the city's $1.5 million move for affordable housing near the mall, and mourning a tragic recovery mission at the Payette River. Whether we're discussing the opening of Spitfire Tacos, the heat-radiating benches at a Boise Hawks game, or the eternal "performance art" of construction on State Street, we provide a balanced yet cynical look at life in the Treasure Valley. Stay informed on the upcoming 94-degree heatwave, the latest dining trends in Eagle and Nampa, and why your neighborhood orange cones are officially winning the war on progress--all while we collectively wait in line for that twenty-dollar taco.

Happening in Boise: River Ramps, Micron Lords, and the Meridian Exodus

Join Joleen and Mark for the June 1, 2026, edition of Happening in Boise, your unfiltered guide to navigating life in the Treasure Valley's beautiful, expensive simulation. This episode tackles a chaotic weekend on Highway 55 where "extreme river retrieval" became an accidental local sport, alongside a deep dive into Micron's massive $50 billion expansion and its "city-sized" impact on Southeast Boise. We provide essential updates on the Nampa gang shooting sentencings and the Boise School District's summer initiatives, while tracking the local restaurant exodus toward Meridian's growing food scene. From Boise State's inaugural Pac-12 kickoff times to the "Micron Effect" driving median home prices over $522,000, we deliver a balanced yet sharp look at the headlines actually shaping Idaho. Stay tuned for a reality check on I-84 construction and a sunny weather forecast, because while the valley is a work in progress, at least the coffee--and our commentary--is worth the price of admission.

Happening in Boise: Rooftop Rejections and May Snowflakes

This week on Happening in Boise, Mark and Joleen break down the headlines with their trademark mix of grounded reporting and a healthy dose of local skepticism. From the Idaho Statesman journalists walking off the job to the absurdity of a Memorial Day snowstorm that ruined everyone's gardening plans, we explore the reality of living in a Treasure Valley that feels increasingly like an expensive hallucination. We cover the somber news of recent holiday weekend accidents and the Payette River stabbing updates before diving into the "refined" world of Boise's newest rooftop bars and the Boise School District's struggle with declining enrollment. Whether you're interested in the Boise Hawks rebranding as "Battle Beavers," the upcoming Greek Food Festival, or just need a realistic look at the $490,000 median home price, this episode serves as your essential guide to navigating life in Idaho's capital. Join us as we explore the "emerging metro" of Boise--where the rent is high, the weather is bipolar, and the only thing more certain than road construction is a twenty-five dollar Wagyu burger.

Happening in Boise: Jet Crashes, Free Rides, and the Wind from Hell

Welcome to Happening in Boise, your source for the local news that matters, delivered with a healthy dose of skepticism and just enough edge to keep things interesting. In this episode, Mark and Joleen unpack a chaotic weekend featuring a mid-air collision at the Mountain Home air show, 60-mph wind gusts that turned trash cans into migratory birds, and the latest burglary to keep the city "spicy." We're also diving into the "Youth Ride Free" bus program, the high-stakes game of Monopoly that is the May 2026 real estate market, and whether the Michelin-star prices at The Avery are worth the mortgage payment. Whether you're looking for the scoop on the Boise Hawks' opening night or trying to navigate the orange-cone nightmare on State Street, join us for a balanced yet cynical look at the City of Trees--because surviving a Boise spring requires a good hoodie and an even better sense of humor.

Happening in Boise: May 11, 2026 Edition

Welcome to Happening in Boise, the podcast documenting our city's rapid evolution into the "next Austin"--a transition that often feels like a slow-motion car crash you can't help but watch. In this episode, Mark and Joleen break down the Boise Centre's ambitious multi-sport expansion and a significant milestone for the Boise Police Department, who have reached 18 months without a lethal shooting. We dive into the Boise School District's long-term planning amidst declining enrollment, the arrival of Seattle-based "Cactus" in the old BoDo P.F. Chang's spot, and the disappointing playoff exit for the Steelheads. As the Ada County median home price hits a staggering $654,000, we explore the reality of a housing market that feels more like a fever dream than a local economy. From navigating the construction "IQ tests" on Linder Road to a preview of the Idaho Potato Marathon and the 208 Night Market, join us for a grounded yet candid look at the growth, grit, and "grey shipping container" architecture reshaping the City of Trees.