Happening in Boise

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"...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

On this episode of Happening in Boise, Mark and Joleen navigate the chaotic intersection of local news and spring fever in the Treasure Valley for the week of April 13, 2026. We dive into the looming tax deadline and the Idaho Tax Commission's "drive-thru for disappointment," while finding a silver lining in the return of the Capital City Public Market and the academic success of Boise's U.S. Presidential Scholars. The team provides critical updates on a tragic Meridian motorcycle accident and breaks down the latest Idaho legislative funding for schools. Foodies can get the scoop on new culinary hotspots like...

In this episode of Happening in Boise for April 6, 2026, Mark and Joleen break down the reality of life in the Treasure Valley, where a three-cent drop in gas prices is a win and the wind still dictates your hairstyle. We dive into the latest local headlines, including the KTVJ signal upgrade, the fallout from bathroom law protests at the Idaho Capitol, and an upcoming visit from the Petito family to address domestic violence awareness following recent tragedies in Canyon County. As the city expands, we analyze the Boise School District's ambitious ten-year facility roadmap and the booming downtown food...

Navigate the shifting tides of the Treasure Valley with Happening in Boise, your essential guide to the news and culture of Idaho's capital. In this episode, we dive into the "No Kings 3" protests that brought thousands to the Capitol steps, the legislative fallout from the controversial "potty police" bathroom bill, and a rare moment of bipartisan unity regarding school safety reporting. Beyond the political dome, we tackle the frustrations of Boise's "false spring" and the nation's worst allergy season while highlighting the rise of professional soccer at the newly remodeled Expo Idaho stadium. From the latest spikes in foothills...

Navigating a Monday in the Treasure Valley requires a thick skin and a full tank of gas, and Mark and Joleen are here to help you through both. This episode of Happening in Boise dives into the immediate impact of global tensions on local gas pumps and mortgage rates, contrasting Micron's record profits with the ongoing struggles of the Boise housing market. The hosts break down the latest legislative shifts regarding accessory dwelling units and healthcare lawsuits, alongside local crime updates and the Boise School District's Whitney Pool project. Beyond the headlines, you'll find a spotlight on the local...

Welcome to Happening in Boise, your unfiltered guide to the Treasure Valley's headlines, headaches, and hidden gems. In this episode, Mark and Joleen break down the latest legislative "circus" at the Idaho Statehouse, the controversial push for armed "sentinels" in West Ada schools, and a bizarre shotgun incident in Mountain Home that has the community on edge. We dive into the data behind Boise's shift toward a "balanced" real estate market, navigate the record-breaking March heatwave, and discuss why navigating Eagle Road traffic has officially become an extreme sport. From Boise State's tournament heartbreak and the Idaho Steelheads' consistency...

Happening in Boise returns to navigate a week of grey slush and even greasier headlines, starting with the 11% layoffs at Scentsy and the "ferocious" legislative battle over Medicaid expansion currently shaking up Idaho politics. Hosts Mark and Joleen dive into the chaos of the Meridian ambulance ramming, the latest developments in the Boise School District's bathroom lawsuits, and the reality of an Ada County housing market now dominated by Washington transplants. Between reviews of downtown's newest "Victorian orphan-named" restaurants and tips on where to find the best hot dogs in Garden City, we cover everything from Boise State's Mountain...

Trade the scripted smiles of local news anchors for the unvarnished reality of the Treasure Valley on this episode of Happening in Boise. For March 3, 2026, hosts Mark and Joleen tackle a packed agenda, starting with a look at the offensive "circus" at the Idaho Statehouse and the escalating gas tax war between House Speaker Mike Moyle and our neighbors in Utah. The duo breaks down the controversial hiring of Marcus Myers in the Kuna School District, provides a somber legal update on the horrific Melba attempted murder case, and debates whether the 57-year-old sourdough starter at The Wylder is...

Join Mark and Joleen on Happening in Boise as they navigate the growing pains of the Treasure Valley with a healthy dose of skepticism and a side of dry humor. This week, the duo dives into the Idaho Legislature's latest budget maneuvers and their impact on National Guard tuition, alongside a troubling trend of DUI incidents involving patrol cars in Nampa. They break down the February 2026 real estate data--where "strategic normalization" still feels like a stretch for the average buyer--and celebrate local success stories like Boise High's own Olympic star, Sammy Smith. From reviewing new dining spots like Pig...

Welcome to Happening in Boise, where hosts Mark and Joleen navigate the unique chaos of the Treasure Valley with a mix of grounded reporting and just enough cynicism to survive the morning commute. In this episode, we tackle the North End's "feathered insurgency" as aggressive urban turkeys hold mail carriers hostage, alongside the bizarre fallout of a condo shooting on North Carlsbad Way that left neighbors literally underwater. We shift to more serious ground with an update on the federal lawsuit facing the West Ada School District over inclusive classroom posters, while also checking the pulse of the cooling...

Stay ahead of the curve with Happening in Boise, your essential source for the news and nonsense defining the Treasure Valley. In this episode, hosts Mark and Joleen tackle the serious E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk in Ada County and break down the Idaho Supreme Court's landmark ruling on the $50 million private school tax credit. Beyond the headlines, we expose a heartless new phone scam targeting local pet owners and celebrate a massive road win for Boise State basketball alongside the Idaho Steelheads' incredible winning streak. From the "sophisticated" wine dinners of the North End to the...

Join Mark and Joleen on Happening in Boise, your weekly guide to the chaos and charm of the Treasure Valley. This week, we unpack the latest head-scratching bills from the Idaho legislature, from a ban on candy for food stamps to extra penalties for criminals who cover their faces. We also break down the details of a wild weekend shooting and high-speed chase on State Street and the city council's controversial approval of the massive 3,500-home Murio Farms development. Plus, we lament the addition of another roundabout with the $21 million Eckert Road Bridge rebuild and dissect the latest in...

Welcome to Happening in Boise, the only local podcast that knows the inversion layer is at least 10% smugness from all those 'Best Places to Live' lists. Join your hosts, Mark and Joleen, for a weekly deep dive into the city of trees, where we celebrate the good, mock the absurd, and complain about the traffic. This week, we're popping the (moderately-priced) champagne for the Boise food scene's major glow-up with multiple James Beard Award nominations, and we're in absolute awe of the Boise High grad skiing her way into the Olympics. But it's not all gold medals and gourmet...

Your weekly dose of essential Boise news, served with a side of realistic despair. This week, we dive into the Idaho Statehouse, where lawmakers are 'sitting heavy' on a budget surplus while simultaneously proposing Medicaid cuts and rolling out a new school voucher program ripe for misuse. We also cover the Boise School District's bureaucratic search for a new superintendent, the shockingly stable housing market, and why Boise's rental prices are suddenly in a freefall. Plus, we review the new, ridiculously expensive El Gaucho steakhouse, lament the I-84 construction nightmare at the Garrity exit, and recap a tough road...

Your essential audio guide to Boise, Idaho, even when you can't see the city through the soupy inversion. This week, hosts Mark and Joleen dissect the Idaho Legislature's new session and Governor Little's 'ENDURING IDAHO' budget-tightening plan. We break down the sudden retirement of the Boise School District Superintendent after less than two years and question if dropping mortgage rates can make a dent in a real estate market featuring million-dollar condos. Plus, get a review of the new late-night taco spot Toros Tacos, updates on Boise State basketball and Idaho Steelheads hockey, and a full analysis of the...

Welcome to Happening in Boise, your essential guide to navigating life in the City of Trees. We kick off 2026 by breaking down the new Idaho laws that just took effect, from healthcare and taxes to free speech, and look ahead to the state legislature's session and a looming budget fight. We also cover the grim details of a fatal pedestrian collision on State Street, an update in a high-profile Boise School District criminal case, and whether a new Garden City taco spot, Rosa, is worth the hype. Plus, we recap a triple-overtime heartbreaker for Boise State basketball, a chippy...

Wrapping up 2025, Joleen and Mark dive into the final dose of Boise news you need to know for the year. This week, we unpack the classic local drama of a developer suing the city over a new Foothills trail and explore a truly bizarre crime story involving a parolee, a gym, and an unexpected organ donation. We also question the hefty superintendent salaries in the Boise and West Ada school districts, review the must-try street tacos at Fiesta Chicken, and get you ready for local sports with updates on Boise State basketball and the Idaho Steelheads. Plus, get the...

Welcome to Happening in Boise, your essential guide to navigating the news and events of the Treasure Valley. This week, we're bracing for the New Year by breaking down the upcoming Idaho Power rate hike and what it means for your wallet. We also dissect the highs and lows of local sports, from Boise State football's tough LA Bowl loss to a massive 7-1 victory for the Idaho Steelheads. Plus, we'll help you survive the holiday week with a guide to New Year's Eve events like the Idaho Potato Drop, a look at the latest updates from the Boise...

Tune into 'Happening in Boise' with Mark and Joleen, your essential (and often cynical) guide to the City of Trees. We cut through the noise (and perpetual construction) to deliver the real local scoop, covering everything from concerning Boise School District settlements and shocking employee arrests to Boise State Broncos recruiting wins and the Idaho Steelheads' guaranteed brawls. Get the unfiltered truth on Boise headlines, navigate the baffling real estate market, decode ACHD road construction updates, and discover new restaurants like Terroir Bistro. Whether you're looking for unique weekend events—from farmers markets and wellness fairs to Ballet Idaho's 'N...

Brace yourself, Boise! Mark and Joleen are back on *Happening in Boise*, kicking off a brutally cold December week (think single digits, freezing toes, and maybe enough snow to 'shut down' the city) with their signature blend of raw takes and biting wit. This episode, they're digging into the controversial West Ada School District 'Campus Sentinels' plan – armed guards and panic buttons in schools – alongside a major meth and fentanyl bust, the devastating New Plymouth barn fire, and disturbing news about a food delivery predator. But it’s not all grim: celebrate the Boise State Broncos as Mountain West Champi...