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Happening in Pocatello keeps locals informed with a weekly rundown of the city’s biggest news, events, crime reports, sports highlights, school district updates, weather, traffic issues, and restaurant talk. Hosts Mark and Joline bring a raw, critical edge that cuts through the noise and makes staying informed unexpectedly fun.
MARK: Welcome to Happening in Pocatello for Monday, August 31st, 2026. I'm Mark.
JOLEEN: And I'm Joleen. Today we've got the scoop on early morning flights returning to the airport and a new nonprofit aiming to bridge the gap in our community.
MARK: Let's get right into the news.
JOLEEN: We're starting off with some actually useful news for once, especially if you're tired of driving two and a half hours to Salt Lake just to catch a flight that doesn't cost your firstborn child. The city just announced that early morning flights are officially returning to the Pocatello Regional Airport. Starting October 2nd, we're looking at a 6:04 a.m. departure to Salt Lake City. Honestly, it's about time we stopped treating our airport like a decorative landmark and started using it as a transportation hub again.
MARK: It's a nice thought, Joleen, but let's be real about what a 6:00 a.m. flight actually means. To catch that, you've gotta be at the airport by what, 5:00 a.m.? That means waking up at 4:00, which is a time of day that shouldn't exist for anyone who isn't a dairy farmer or a marathon runner. I'm sure the three business consultants in town are thrilled, but for the rest of us, it's just another opportunity to be exhausted in a different zip code. SkyWest is running it under the Delta Connection banner, so at least you'll get some tiny pretzels for your trouble.
JOLEEN: Oh, stop being such a buzzkill. It's nearly a daily flight, and it's a huge win for the Gate City. Think about the convenience of not having to navigate Malad Pass in a blizzard just to get to a hub. We've been begging for more consistent service, and this is a step in the right direction. It's better than the alternative, which is basically just watching the tumbleweeds roll across the runway. If we want the city to grow, we've gotta have the infrastructure, even if it means you have to set an alarm before the sun comes up.
MARK: I'll believe the 'growth' when I see more than one gate being used at the same time without the building's foundation screaming in agony. But fine, it's a win for the people who actually have places to go. Speaking of people and places, there's a new nonprofit in town that's trying to make Pocatello feel a bit more like a community and less like a collection of people waiting for the train to pass on Benton Street. It's a fresh organization focused on 'community connection,' which is a fancy way of saying they want us to actually talk to each other.
JOLEEN: It's actually really sweet, Mark. The whole goal is to foster relationships and support local initiatives that bring people together. In a world where everyone's just staring at their phones or yelling at each other on community Facebook groups about whether that loud noise was a firework or a gunshot, we could use a little more face-to-face time. They're looking to host events and create spaces where neighbors can actually be neighbors. It's the kind of thing that makes Pocatello special, despite your best efforts to make us sound like a desolate wasteland.
MARK: I don't make it sound like a wasteland; I just appreciate the quiet. If this nonprofit can figure out how to get people to stop parking their oversized trucks across two sidewalks, then I'm all in. But seriously, community connection is great until you realize your neighbor wants to talk to you about their essential oil business for three hours. I hope they focus on something tangible, like maybe helping people navigate the absolute shit-show that is local road construction. That would be a connection we could all get behind.
JOLEEN: You're just impossible. Moving on to some heavier news, we've got a report of a suspicious death that's currently under investigation. Police were called out to a neighborhood here in Pocatello this morning, Monday, August 31st, after a man was found dead. They haven't released a ton of details yet, but the area was taped off for a good chunk of the morning. It's definitely putting a damper on the start of the week for the folks living nearby. We're keeping an eye on it as the investigators do their thing.
MARK: It's always 'suspicious' until they decide it's not, but it's never a good sign when the yellow tape comes out before breakfast. The police are being tight-lipped, as usual, probably because they're still trying to figure out if it was foul play or just a very unfortunate set of circumstances. It's a grim reminder that even in a place where the biggest scandal is usually a zoning dispute, real life still hits hard. We'll see if they have more to say by the time the evening news rolls around, but for now, it's just a lot of questions and a very somber neighborhood.
JOLEEN: It really is. Switching gears to something a bit more routine but still stressful for a lot of people: the schools. We're officially through the first few days of the new academic year for District 25. The buses are back on the road, which means I've already seen three people almost get tickets for blowing past the stop arms. Seriously, people, it's not that hard. The lights are red, the sign is out, and the kids are small. Just stop the damn car for thirty seconds. Your commute isn't more important than a second-grader's safety.
MARK: The annual tradition of 'forgetting how to drive near a yellow bus' is in full swing. It's fascinating, really. People see a school bus and their brains just short-circuit. But beyond the traffic hazards, the district seems to be settling in. Highland is still dealing with its rebuild, and everyone's just trying to remember their locker combinations and which teachers are the easy graders. I don't miss those days at all. The only thing worse than being a student is being a parent of a student who forgot their lunch for the third day in a row.
JOLEEN: It's a lot of moving parts, that's for sure. And hey, for the older kids, it's about finding that balance between academics and the social chaos of high school. I saw a group of Highland kids at the park the other day looking absolutely exhausted, and we're only a week in. Just wait until the midterms hit and the 'I'm over it' sentiment really sets in. But for now, the energy is high, the backpacks are heavy, and the parents are mostly just happy to have a few hours of peace and quiet during the day.
MARK: Peace and quiet is a myth, Joleen. It just gets replaced by the anxiety of checking PowerSchool every five minutes to see if your kid failed a pop quiz on the first day. Speaking of things that actually matter, let's talk about food. I know you've been wanting to mention Himalayan Flavor. They've been doing something pretty significant lately that goes beyond just serving up curry.
JOLEEN: I love that place so much, and not just because their momos are literally to die for. They've been actively raising money to help victims of the massive flooding in Nepal. Over 500 people have died over there, and the owners of Himalayan Flavor aren't just sitting back; they're using their business to send aid. It's such a great example of a local business keeping their roots while being a vital part of our community here. You can go in, get an incredible meal, and know that some of that money is actually helping people in a desperate situation.
MARK: It's a rare case of 'eating your feelings' actually doing some good in the world. Usually, when I eat my feelings, it just ends with a stomachache and regret. But Himalayan Flavor is solid. The food is consistently good, which is more than I can say for some of the other spots that have opened and closed in this town faster than a garage door. It's nice to see them succeeding and staying focused on something bigger than just their bottom line. I'll give them credit; it's a classy move.
JOLEEN: It's more than classy, Mark, it's essential. When you have a platform, you use it. I'm definitely planning on heading there this week. Nothing beats their chicken tikka masala, especially when the weather starts to get that slight autumn edge to it. Plus, the staff there is always so welcoming. It feels like eating in someone's home, if that person happened to be a world-class chef who didn't mind you asking for extra naan every five minutes.
MARK: Extra naan is the only way to live. But let's pivot to sports, because I know you've got feelings about the Highland game. The Rams had a rough outing this past Friday, August 28th. They went up against Box Elder and... well, they came up short. The final score was 31 to 19. It wasn't exactly the dominant performance the fans were hoping for at the ICCU field, but hey, that's football. You can't win them all, even if the town acts like the world is ending when the Rams lose.
JOLEEN: Ugh, don't even get me started. It was a tough game to watch. Box Elder just seemed to have an answer for everything Highland threw at them. Brody Jones, Cedric Mitchell, and Kona Baldwin were named players of the game, which is a nice consolation prize, I guess, but I'm sure they'd rather have the 'W'. The Rams are usually so clinical, but they just couldn't find their rhythm. They've got some work to do before the next one if they want to keep that championship momentum from last year alive. The pressure is definitely on.
MARK: The pressure is always on Highland. It's the curse of being the big dog in the kennel. Everyone's gunning for you. Meanwhile, over at Idaho State, the Bengals are staying busy. The volleyball team went one-and-one on their opening day of the Shocker Classic this past Friday. They beat some people, they lost to some people... it's the circle of life in college sports. And the soccer team managed a 3-to-3 draw against UNLV on Thursday at Davis Field. A draw is basically the sporting equivalent of a 'participation trophy' for both sides, but at least they didn't lose.
JOLEEN: A draw against UNLV is actually pretty respectable, Mark! UNLV isn't exactly a bunch of amateurs. The Bengals showed a lot of heart coming back to level that score. It's good to see the fall sports season in full swing. There's just a different energy on campus when the games start. And don't forget about Billy Butler, the former Major League All-Star and Idaho Falls Chukars legend. He's officially been hired as the hitting coach for the ISU softball program. That's a huge get for the university. Having that kind of professional experience in the dugout is going to be massive for those girls.
MARK: 'Country Breakfast' in Pocatello. I didn't see that one coming. I'm sure the hitting stats will go up, assuming he can teach them how to crush a ball like he used to. It's a smart move by the athletic department. It brings some name recognition and hopefully some actual results. Lord knows our local sports scene could use a bit of a boost after that Highland loss. I'm just waiting for the day they hire a coach to teach people how to park at the games without taking up three spots. That's the real skill we need in this town.
JOLEEN: You and your parking obsession! Speaking of things that are a mess, let's talk about road construction. I know, I know, it's everyone's favorite topic. The city has confirmed that the Johnny Creek sewer expansion project is still rolling along. They're saying it'll be done by the end of October 2026, which in 'construction speak' probably means we'll be lucky to see it finished by Thanksgiving. They're keeping one lane open, but with the flaggers and the temporary signals, you might as well just walk if you're in a hurry.
MARK: Johnny Creek is the gift that keeps on giving. It's been a construction zone for so long I think the orange barrels have started paying property taxes. And then you've got the new Connections Credit Union Clubhouse over at Riverside Golf Course. They broke ground on that a while back, and it's supposed to be this big investment in the golfing community. I'm sure the golfers are thrilled to have a shiny new place to drink overpriced beer while they lie about their handicaps, but for the rest of us, it's just another project to drive past.
JOLEEN: Oh, come on, Riverside is a gem! A new clubhouse is going to make it even better. It's a public course, so it's not like it's some exclusive club for the elite. It's where regular people go to lose their golf balls in the bushes. The investment from Connections Credit Union is actually a really cool example of a local business stepping up to improve a city asset. It's better than letting the old facilities just crumble into the dirt. We should be happy that someone is actually putting money into the town instead of just complaining about the orange cones.
MARK: I'll be happy when I can drive from one end of Pocatello to the other without having to navigate a literal obstacle course. But fine, build the clubhouse. Maybe they can put a 'complaint desk' in there for people like me. While they're building stuff, let's check in on the real estate market. It's still that same old song we've been hearing for months. If you're looking to buy, I hope you've got a suitcase full of cash and a high tolerance for disappointment. It's still a tight seller's market, and the prices aren't exactly plummeting.
JOLEEN: It's definitely tough out there, especially for first-time buyers. The inventory is low, and when something decent hits the market, it's gone before the 'For Sale' sign is even straight. We're seeing median prices stay pretty stubbornly high. It's frustrating because you want young families to be able to put down roots here, but it's getting harder and harder for them to afford anything more than a fixer-upper with 'character'--and by character, I mean a roof that leaks when someone even thinks about rain. It's a real challenge for the city's long-term growth.
MARK: The 'character' usually includes shag carpet from 1974 and a basement that smells like a damp cave. But hey, in this market, that'll still set you back three hundred thousand easy. It's a weird time to be a homeowner. You're sitting on a gold mine, but if you sell it, you've got nowhere to go because everything else is also a gold mine. It's like we're all playing a high-stakes game of musical chairs, but the chairs are made of overpriced lumber and the music is just the sound of interest rates climbing.
JOLEEN: That's a depressing image, Mark. Let's talk about something fun instead. We've got some events coming up that might actually get you out of the house. The Portneuf Valley Farmers Market is still going strong every Saturday. It's the best place to get fresh produce and pretend like you're going to cook a healthy meal before you just buy a giant cinnamon roll and eat it in the car. They've been doing these themed days, and the community turnout has been great. It's one of the few places in town where the vibe is actually purely positive.
MARK: I like the Farmers Market for the people-watching, mostly. You've got the serious organic vegetable enthusiasts clashing with the people who are just there for the kettle corn. It's a beautiful cross-section of Pocatello. And looking ahead to the weekend, it's Labor Day weekend, which usually means half the town disappears to the mountains or the reservoir. If you're staying in town, expect the streets to be blissfully empty for once. It's the one time of year where I can actually find a parking spot downtown without having to fight a minivan for it.
JOLEEN: It's the last big hurrah of summer! If you're staying local, make sure to check out the shops downtown. A lot of them have end-of-season sales, and it's a good excuse to support our local businesses before everyone hunkers down for the winter. Plus, with the weather we've got coming up, it might actually be nice enough to walk around without melting into the pavement. Speaking of which, we should probably check that forecast so people know whether to pack a swimsuit or a raincoat for their barbecue.
MARK: According to the National Weather Service, we're in for a bit of a mixed bag. This afternoon, we're looking at a high near 84 with plenty of sun. It's actually decent weather for being outside, assuming you like being slightly sweaty. But don't get too comfortable, because tonight things get spicy. There's a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9 p.m. and midnight, and it could keep going until 3 a.m. We might see some gusts as high as 21 miles per hour, so if you've got cheap patio furniture, you might want to tie it down or it'll be in your neighbor's yard by morning.
JOLEEN: A little thunder and lightning to keep things interesting! I actually love a good late-night storm. It beats the oppressive heat we've been having. Tuesday looks mostly sunny with a high of 81, which is pretty much perfect. There's a slight 20 percent chance of rain before midnight Tuesday, but nothing too crazy. It's that classic Idaho transition weather where the sky can't quite decide if it's done with summer yet. Just keep an eye on those clouds if you're planning on being out late.
MARK: Decisive is not a word I'd use for our weather. Wednesday, it starts to cool down even more with a high near 75. It'll be mostly sunny, but we're looking at some pretty stiff winds--gusts up to 30 miles per hour. So if you're wearing a hat, good luck. Thursday and Friday are looking beautiful, though. Sunny and clear with highs in the high 70s and low 80s. It's that sweet spot where you don't need the A.C. but you're also not shivering. Enjoy it while it lasts, because we all know the snow is just waiting around the corner to ruin our lives.
JOLEEN: Don't say the 'S' word yet! We still have a few weeks of glory left. Saturday is looking fantastic for the start of the holiday weekend--high of 83 and mostly sunny. Sunday brings back a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon with a high of 78. So, if you're planning a big outdoor bash for Labor Day, Saturday is definitely your best bet. Just typical Idaho--one minute it's paradise, the next you're dodging lightning bolts while trying to flip a burger.
MARK: It's a high-stakes cooking environment. But yeah, Saturday is the winner. If you're heading out to the reservoir or just hanging out in the backyard, that's the day to do it. Just don't blame me if the 20 percent chance of rain on Sunday turns into a monsoon. The weather service does their best, but the atmosphere around here has commitment issues. It's a lot like my first marriage in that way--unpredictable and occasionally very loud.
JOLEEN: And on that lovely note, I think we've covered just about everything you need to know to survive another week in the Gate City. From early flights to the return of school bus traffic, it's never a dull moment around here. Even if it's just the same old construction projects and football heartbreaks, it's our version of excitement. We wouldn't have it any other way, right Mark? Deep down, you love the chaos.
MARK: I love the fact that I have a front-row seat to the chaos and can complain about it on a microphone. It's the American dream, really. Just remember to drive safe, watch out for the kids, and maybe buy a momo for someone who needs it. This town isn't going to fix itself, so we might as well be decent to each other while we wait for the Benton Street bridge to not be a disaster.
JOLEEN: That's about as sentimental as he gets, folks. Make sure you follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss our next update. If you've got a story tip, a gripe about a local pothole, or just want to tell Mark his tie is ugly--even though you can't see it--shoot us an email at pocatello@thehappeningnetwork.com. We love hearing from you, even the cranky ones. Especially the cranky ones, they make for better segments.
MARK: I'm the only cranky one allowed on this show, Joleen. But fine, send the emails. We'll be back next week to do this all over again. Hopefully, by then, the flights will be on time and the Rams will have remembered how to tackle. Until then, stay hydrated and try not to get stuck in Johnny Creek traffic for more than an hour.
JOLEEN: We'll see you next week, Pocatello. Stay safe out there and enjoy the long weekend!