Good morning, Pocatello.

The Pocatello Fire Department urges residents to take extra care ahead of Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary celebrations as dry conditions increase wildfire risks.

Officials advise using only permitted fireworks sold locally—ensuring safety during the festivities.

The Bingham Crisis Center will host its fourth annual Color Fun Run at Jensen Grove Pavilion in Blackfoot on July 17; participants can walk, jog or run through local color stations and pre-register at a lower fee + funds will support essential services for survivors.

A generous donation from local resident Rose Stevens has enabled Pocatello Animal Services to offer half-off dog adoptions by reducing fees from $130 to $65 for the next 20 dogs; the discount began at 10 a.m. Friday and is available on a first-come, first-served basis (each adoption includes spaying/neutering, microchipping, vaccination, and a free city dog license).

The Lunch Bowl will open on July 7 with fresh salad, pasta, and rice bowls made from locally sourced, organic ingredients at 5231 Yellowstone Avenue — Chubbuck.

The restaurant will serve lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chubbuck-based BlackLabel Supplements, founded in 2018, now supplies NSF-certified products to teams including Idaho State and the Yankees.

CEO Troy Bell said the company grew after Covid+ now plans to expand its wholesale program with new Idaho retailers.

Earlier this month (June 10-13), 220 Alameda Stake youth retraced pioneer trails in Wyoming by hiking parts of the Oregon and Mormon Trails and visiting Independence Rock and Rock Creek Hollow.

They also listened to a tribute song that connected their experience with early settlers' challenges.

Idaho added over 17,000 housing units in 2025, a 2.1% rise that still lags behind demand amid high costs and strict zoning codes.

Gov. Brad Little signed new reforms to ease zoning restrictions, which local leaders in Pocatello may soon review to address the housing shortfall.

The Marshall Public Library is delivering free books to children by stopping at local parks this summer.

The book wagon will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 13 to promote year-round reading.

The College of Eastern Idaho earned national accreditation for its Early College Program, making it the first community college in Idaho to gain dual enrollment recognition.

Officials say the milestone expands college readiness for local students.

After losing their dog in a 2017 M-44 incident near their home, the Mansfield family has sent a letter to Interior and BLM officials to reverse the April decision that allowed cyanide bombs on public lands + they support new legislation called Canyon’s Law to ban the devices permanently.

The Pocatello Development Authority has begun a careful three-month process to remove the fire-damaged Monarch building in Historic Downtown as crews dismantle hazardous material and secure the site.

The demolition, costing about $200,000, will use hand methods — protecting nearby buildings while local residents are urged to support area businesses.

Pocatello PD advised residents to check fireworks guidelines and handle them safely with water nearby because of dry conditions as the community prepares for Fourth of July celebrations in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Portneuf Medical Center is hosting a free hands-on event Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at its Conference Center, where general surgeons will lead live demos and allow community members to try operating the Da-Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System (by unwrapping candy).

Harold Simmons was named as the new head coach of the ISU Softball Team following a long search, after spending seven years as an assistant coach at the University of Northern Colorado.

Former coach Andrew Rich left last week for a role with Boise State Softball.

Pocatello Fourth of July Fireworks

10 PM — Portneuf Wellness Complex — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display and community activities.

Southeast Idaho Senior Games

All day — Mountain View Event Center — Registration required — Compete in pickleball, chair volleyball, and basketball events designed for seniors.

Idaho International Choral Festival

Mass choir concert featuring 400 voices — July 15-18 — L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center — Celebrate 40 years of harmony with high school choirs and renowned musicians.

Papa Roach Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre — Tickets on sale now — Catch the nu metal legends live with hits from their latest album and classics.