Good morning, Pocatello.

Idaho State University held its first Bengal Street Party on Friday afternoon as part of Celebration Week, blocking off Martin Luther King Jr. Way for food trucks, live music, and booths from ISU groups.

University President Robert Wagner—who gave out free Bengal Tail churros—said he hopes the event will become annual while festivities continue today with the Papenberg Hall of Champions unveiling and the football home opener later.

Idaho State University President Robert Wagner told the Bengal community that enrollment reached a record high even as the school faced significant budget cuts & struggled to manage its finances.

He said the university continues to climb together amid challenges by carefully adjusting to growing demands.

Idaho State University’s L.S.

Skaggs College of Pharmacy held a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate renovations that bring the building into a modern era—marking a new chapter for the college.

AARP Idaho will host a town hall on consumer fraud and protection on September 22nd at 10 a.m. where Idaho Department of Finance Securities Bureau Chief John Yaros will discuss trends and tips to avoid scams—attendees can call 866-767-0637 or listen live on AARP Idaho Facebook.

The Idaho Division of Financial Management directed state agencies to cut next year's budget requests by 3%—a measure that will continue through 2027 and beyond and does not include public schools.

KISU-FM faced a major budget cut when Congress eliminated federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, forcing manager Jamon Anderson to warn that several local programs might soon be dropped—he said the station lost 25% of its annual funding and had already cut five local shows.

Bannock County commissioners have restored funding for several Pocatello nonprofits after residents voiced concerns, using more than $90,000 from last year's budget.

Commissioner Ken Bullock said the support is discretionary—urging local groups to help sustain these services for the long term.

Pocatello candidates in the November municipal elections are locked in heated mayoral and council races as some use web addresses to try to gain an edge — digital strategies are fueling the contest.

The Idaho Division of Financial Management instructed state agencies and departments except public schools to lower next year’s budget requests by 3 percent – and the cuts will continue into 2027 and beyond.

Gate City Oktoberfest

4-8 p.m. — Lookout Point — Check-in required — Celebrate Oktoberfest with great beers, tasty food, and live music from Idaho Rovers and KYD-J.

Crystal Festival – A Rock, Mineral, Gem & Crystal Show

10 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Mountain View Event Center — Free admission — Explore gems and minerals with family-friendly activities and over 30 vendors.

Mudvayne Concert

1-8:30 p.m. — Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of hard-hitting rock with Mudvayne in Pocatello.

ASTA on the Go! in Pocatello, Idaho

3:30-5:30 p.m. — Hampton Inn & Suites Pocatello — RSVP required — Engage with top travel suppliers and enhance your industry knowledge.