Good morning, Missoula.

This January, multiple events enliven Missoula as the annual Wedding Fair returns to Hilton Garden Inn on Jan.

11, Griz and Lady Griz basketball begin conference play with games starting on Jan. 3, and comedian Nate Bargatze performs at Adams Center on Jan. 17 (venues also host concerts and theater).

David Hoffmann leads a $50 million purchase of Lee Enterprises, owner of five local newspapers, with the deal closing in the first quarter.

The transaction will replace chair Mary Junck and retiring CEO Kevin Mowbray — aiming to improve the company's cash flow outlook.

Missoula County Public Schools and CRYJ launched a new restorative justice program in Missoula high schools to help teens learn from mistakes and repair harm (offering services like workshops and victim-offender conferences) as an alternative to suspensions and juvenile justice referrals.

Montana libraries and tribal colleges will soon lend out telescopes from a UM program after receiving a $250,000 award from NASA.

The initiative (University of Montana) aims to boost local astronomy education statewide.

NOAA data shows Montana’s January temperatures have been warmer in recent decades compared to averages before 1970 as extra daylight returns each day.

A record warm Christmas in 2025 set multiple daily highs across the state, illustrating shifting winter patterns.

The City of Missoula will vote on a zoning code reform on Monday, Jan.

26 to launch key 2026 projects, and the Parking Commission will soon enforce parking on the Hip Strip as planning continues for a southgate crossing development.

A new in-depth series examines Montana's rural health care after researchers traveled 3,500 miles and visited 18 critical access hospitals.

The Rural Care Quandary details challenges and community resilience in remote areas.

Whitefish native Jake Sanderson was named to Team USA’s men's ice hockey team for the Winter Olympics in Italy starting Feb.

11.

A panel from 406 MT Sports shared its score predictions for Monday’s FCS title game in Nashville (Tennessee), emphasizing strong opinions about chipper as fans look forward to the matchup.

KPOP Demon Hunters Dance Party

9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $5 — Get ready to dance and sing the night away with beats from Big Lou and DJ Pan Dulce.

Jaenga Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — Tickets from $72 — Experience an unforgettable musical event with Jaenga in Missoula.

Missoula Writes

9:00 – 10:30 AM — Break Espresso — Free to attend — Engage in focused writing alongside fellow local writers in a supportive atmosphere.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert

6:30-7:29 p.m. — Missoula Children's Theatre — Tickets selling fast — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons illuminated by candlelight.