Happening in Pocatello: Jets, Cougars, and Casino Steaks

The Happening Network brings you local updates for Monday, May 18th, 2026. This week, authorities responded to a public safety incident involving aircraft at an Idaho air show. All personnel involved in the incident were safely recovered, and investigations are underway. In other community news, Idaho Fish and Game has reissued its annual advisory reminding residents to avoid disturbing young wildlife. Mothers often leave their offspring unattended for periods, and human interference can negatively impact the animals' natural rearing.

Zoo Idaho has welcomed an orphaned cougar kitten that was found near Afton. The young animal, which arrived in critical condition, has made a remarkable recovery thanks to the dedicated care of the zoo and Alpine Animal Hospital teams. A community contest to name the resilient kitten is open until May 22nd, with voting for finalists requiring a small donation to support habitat improvements. Looking ahead, School District 25 graduation ceremonies are set for June 5th at the ICCU Dome, following rehearsals on June 4th. Specific times are 10:00 a.m. for Pocatello High, 1:00 p.m. for Highland, and 4:00 p.m. for Century High. Attendees are reminded of venue restrictions on food, drinks, and backpacks. Century High School teacher Matt Anderson was also recognized as a Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year.

The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel has completed significant renovations to its Camas Restaurant, now offering an enhanced dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. For sports enthusiasts, Iowa State's football team concluded spring practice with an encouraging outlook, and the Special Olympics Iowa Summer Games will bring 2,500 athletes and 2,000 volunteers to the ISU campus from May 21st to 23rd. The Portneuf Valley Farmers Market continues every Saturday at Lookout Point, and Curbside Cravings food truck event returns on Mondays. A new Crispy Cones location is also slated to open.

Road construction continues to impact local travel, including the Benton Street Bridge project with an anticipated September completion. Downtown safety improvement projects are also underway on North Main and North Arthur, featuring sidewalk enhancements for pedestrians. The I-15 widening project is progressing on northbound lanes between Northgate and Fort Hall, a multi-year effort. The local real estate market is reportedly shifting towards a buyer's market, with increased inventory and properties remaining on the market for an average of 56 days, with a median list price around $369,000. Finally, the weather forecast for the week predicts a shift from cooler temperatures in the 60s early in the week to highs potentially reaching the low 80s by Thursday and into the weekend.