Good morning, Missoula.

Chicken Noodle, an 8-week-old puppy with early vaccines + microchips, is waiting for a forever home along with his littermates at the Humane Society of Western Montana; visitors may adopt them today and through Sunday from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 5930 Highway 93 South.

Catalyst2Go—a popular downtown grab-and-go coffee and breakfast spot at 123 E.

Main Street—has announced it is for sale; locals hope new owners will keep its longstanding tradition alive.

Missoula businesses changed after Golden Yolk Griddle closed last fall and Drum Coffee shifted ownership while keeping its Broadway roastery open.

In 2026, Double K Ranch plans a downtown bar — a spring venue — while 3B Bagels at 403 North Higgins and Hana Sushi reopening will offer fresh dining.

Kettlehouse Amphitheater in Bonner was named the best live music venue in Montana by Love Exploring.

Local fans will soon see more concert and festival announcements as Montana's concert season heats up.

Montana’s minimum wage rose to $10.85 on Jan.

1 while some businesses already pay above the rate; at Heroes Rise Coffee Company, employees earn $15 to help with recruitment+businesses are adjusting budgets to support staff retention.

U-Haul's Growth Index shows more people moved to Montana than left between 2024 and 2025, and locals already notice changes in traffic and rising housing prices (with busier streets and increased demand) as this trend continues.

Attorneys asked Montana’s high court to stop the special education savings account program that a district court allowed to continue until the end of the school year, and the legal challenge is now pending.

Snowpack levels are rising in Western Montana as readings improve to above normal in many basins while a high pressure ridge is set to keep storms away from the Northern Rockies this weekend + parts of the Blackfoot Basin have moved out of drought.

In its Dec. 4 meeting, the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission approved four amendments to extend the spring black bear hunt and allow special permits for hound hunting along the Beartooth Front.

Biologists warned this change may increase risks for cubs in areas with already declining bear populations.

Missoula County freed up a $10,000 grant on Tuesday to help the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative provide emergency shelter for homeless residents when temperatures drop.

The 21-week program — using a rotating schedule among local faith groups — runs through June.

National sports outlet Barstool Sports praised Missoula's bars and Griz gameday vibe after a Mostly Sports segment went viral, inviting the hosts to revisit and enjoy the city's lively scene + affordable drinks and community spirit.

William Keffeler, son of a beloved longtime coach, takes over leadership for Big Sky baseball; he recalls childhood days watching his mom and her assistant coaches plan plays.

Montana State won the FCS National Championship after a 35 to 34 overtime victory over Illinois State (the win was decided by a blocked extra point), intensifying the rivalry with Griz fans who have faced repeated losses.

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.

Daniel Donato Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — Top Hat — Cost info not listed — Enjoy a night of captivating music from Nashville's own guitar-slinger Daniel Donato.