Caldwell is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Since 2000, the city's population has almost tripled.

As new residents pour in, decisions have to be made about everything from where to build new housing and businesses to transportation to how land should be zoned and used.

These decisions are guided by a comprehensive plan that provides a long-term strategy for the future, and Caldwell is rewriting their master plan and asking for the public's help. Caldwell Planning & Zoning Director Robin Collins joined Idaho Matters to talk more.

Next week is the Fourth of July holiday weekend, which means lots of people will be hitting the road in anticipation of their favorite fireworks shows.

And while lower gas prices might make the drive more pleasant for some, people should keep in mind that temperatures will be on the rise, which can mean more hazards.

Matthew Conde, Public and Government Affairs Director with AAA Idaho, joined Idaho Matters to give drivers a few tips on how to stay safe in the heat.

Out in Southeast Boise, 11 cranes and hundreds of workers are building Micron's new computer chip fabrication plant.

The project itself is huge and will employ 4,000 construction workers. They're making their own concrete at the site and crushing tons of rock.

We wanted an update on the $15 billion expansion project, and it just so happens that BoiseDev.com just flew a drone over the construction to see what's up, so we invited Don Day, the founder and editor of BoiseDev.com, to join Idaho Matters.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, pharmacist Sabrina Sherwood was standing in her kitchen, trying to come up with a treat for her dog Rocky.

Rocky had allergies and couldn't tolerate commercial, store-bought treats, so Sabrina started cooking up peanut butter, applesauce and rice flour to find the perfect, preservative-free treat for her pup.

The treats were a hit, and after facing some healthcare burnout during the pandemic, Sabrina decided to start her own dog treat company called "Idaho Barkery," and now this Idaho entrepreneur is selling her treats all over Idaho and beyond. She joined Idaho Matters to talk more about her unique business journey.

This weekend, one historic home will be making a big move.

Built in 1895, the John C. Rice House has had many people pass through its door, serving first as a home and then as a parsonage and Sunday school until being left vacant.

Now, the Caldwell Housing Authority is breathing new life into the property, once again establishing the building as an important part of the community as it's relocated to a new part of town.

Mike Dittenber, executive director of the Caldwell Housing Authority, and project manager Carlos Gonzalez joined Idaho Matters to talk more about this effort.

As temperatures heat up, people are looking for ways to cool down and what better way to do that than on the Boise River. The river officially opens Thursday, June 27 for the 2024 float season.

Doug Holloway, Director of Boise Parks and Recreation, and Bonnie Shelton, Communication and Marketing Superintendent for Boise Parks and Recreation, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.

Dorothy Moon was reelected as Idaho's Republican Party chairwoman, the Gem State is using a new business system, certain areas of the state are at higher risk of wildfire and construction on the College of Western Idaho's new expansion is underway.

It’s Friday, which means it's time for our Reporter Roundtable when Idaho Matters gets you up to date on all the news that made headlines this past week.

Our journalist panel today:

Since last year, the number of people in Idaho experiencing food insecurity has increased by more than three percent, leaving over 200,000 Idahoans without enough to eat.

And as the price of groceries and living costs continues to remain high, it's likely that the problem is here to stay, at least for a little while. Which is why the Idaho Food Bank is working to help fill the gap.

Morgan Wilson, the Chief Development Officer for the Idaho Food Bank, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about this effort.

A diverse group of researchers led by the University of Idaho are coming together to study the effects that drought and fires have on forestland.

A $15 million grant from the National Science Foundation will create what's being called the Ember Institute to study the issue while also reaching out to underserved communities and people across the political spectrum.

Tara Hudiburg, principle investigator for Ember and professor in U of I's Department of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences, as well as Laurel Lynch, assistant professor in U of I's Department of Soil and Water Systems and Co-principle investigator on the Ember Project, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.

After nine years of hard work, Bruneau Dunes State Park south of Boise has been officially designated an International Dark Sky Park by Dark Sky International.

This very rare certification means the park's two telescopes and the landscape around them can take advantage of very dark night conditions to see far into space.

Greg Harman, a park ranger at Bruneau Dunes State Park, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.