Happening in Boise

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.

Happening in Boise: Silent Classrooms, River Stabbings, and Why Everyone's Moving Here

Welcome to Happening in Boise, the podcast where we navigate the rising rents, endless traffic, and occasional absurdity of life in the Treasure Valley. This week, Mark and Joleen dive into the headlines that actually matter--from the "Horseshoe Bend Knife Fight" legal saga and the mandatory 60 seconds of silence coming to Idaho schools to a record-breaking meeting between the world's tallest and shortest dogs. We explore Boise's new status as the nation's most "magnetic" real estate market, break down the sell-out success of Athletic Club Boise, and weigh in on whether the city really needs another high-end champagne room or just more loaded potatoes at the upcoming Spud Daddy. Balanced with local insights and a healthy dose of skepticism, this episode covers State Street construction nightmares, Mother's Day planning, and the "Idaho Gives" campaign to help you stay informed while you're stuck behind a tractor on Chinden. Join us for a candid look at the growth, the politics, and the beautiful chaos of the Boise metro area--just try to keep your Subaru on the road while you listen.

Happening in Boise: Governors, Glassware, and Grumpy Sheep

In this episode of Happening in Boise, Mark and Joleen break down a week in the Treasure Valley that oscillates between the solemn and the surreal, starting with a look at the political legacy of former Governor Dirk Kempthorne and the long-overdue compensation movement for Idaho's Downwinders. We dive into the logistics of the Anderson Ranch Dam expansion--raising the wall six feet to accommodate our ever-growing population--and provide a warning about the "biblical" return of cannibalistic Mormon Crickets to Owyhee County. From the 2,500-sheep traffic jam on Highway 55 to Boise Brewing's silver medal at the World Beer Cup, we balance the hard news of the Parma Fire levy struggle with the high-octane energy of the Boise State Spring Game and the Idaho Steelheads' playoff push. Whether you're navigating the volatile spring weather, hunting for vinyl on Record Store Day, or just hoping to win the St. Jude Dream Home raffle to survive the local housing market, this episode offers a witty yet grounded briefing on the unique chaos of Idaho life.

Happening in Boise: Mustangs, Musicals, and Massive Gas Bills

Join Mark and Joleen on Happening in Boise as they navigate the shifting landscape of the Treasure Valley for the week of April 20, 2026. This episode provides a grounded look at the reality of $4.30 gas prices and the strict "Run and Done" law impacting local drivers, while also addressing the growing pains of school districts facing a massive student influx. Whether you are looking for a review of downtown's Little Pearl Oyster Bar, a forecast for the unpredictable spring weather, or a preview of *Les Misérables* at the Morrison Center, this update covers the essential headlines with a touch of local skepticism. From the "orange cone" takeover on Fairview Avenue to the high-stakes standoff in the North End real estate market, we deliver a balanced perspective on the news, culture, and construction projects shaping the city we call home.