Good Day
Missoula
Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hamilton chef Brandon Dearden, co-owner of Ember, will compete on Top Chef Season 23 starting March 9. He will bring Montana flavors to a national stage set in the Carolinas. Newstalk KGVO
- ➤ Montana holds the second-largest number of Hutterite colonies in the U.S. (over 50 colonies with more than 5,000 people) known for their communal way of life and a big role in the state's farming output while blending old traditions with new methods. Newstalk KGVO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ NorthWestern Energy has signed deals with three new data centers that will nearly double Montana’s current electricity demands, raising concerns that neighborhood customers may pay higher rates while tech companies get discounts (the deals remain secret pending public service review). Missoula Current
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Montana in Missoula launched a website on Thursday where community members can share ideas for its next president after President Bodnar stepped down, and AGB Search has begun reaching out to Regents + campus leaders for input. Missoula Current
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ RUFA returns to Mt. Sentinel on Friday, Feb. 6 at 6 PM until sunset Saturday, Feb. 7, offering 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-hour running options to support Climate Smart Missoula & local sponsors donating $1 per lap toward a goal of 700 laps. Missoula Current
- ➤ A 42-page report from the Center for Biological Diversity shows 20 years of water conservation have not improved grayling survival in the Big Hole River, as low streamflow and high temperatures limit breeding. Local water users plan to renew the CCAA for 50 more years (according to officials). Missoula Current
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Federal officials have ordered changes to interpretive signs at Glacier National Park and Little Bighorn in Montana. The orders target content on climate change & Native American treatment, and staff will update displays based on public feedback soon. Missoula Current
- ➤ Missoula County has approved a $21,000 contract for engineering oversight to repair the Sunset Hill bridge near Greenough by spring, using a heat straitening process (more effective when cool) that will cost around $40,000; the county expects the bridge to reopen by summer after state inspection verifies the repair. Missoula Current
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Waddington set a new career high with 31 points as Lady Griz earned their fourth straight Big Sky win over Portland State. The team played hard in a key game. Missoulian
- ➤ Montana Grizzlies defeated Portland State today using a strong defense that marked its first Big Sky loss plus boosted their title hopes. Missoulian
- ➤ The University of Montana launched its first club women's flag football team with NFL support. Freshman Ainsley MacKenzie and about 20 players began practice in early January at the Adam Center’s East Auxiliary Gym and will play games in Billings on March 28-29. Newstalk KGVO
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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.
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Missoula Valley Winter Market
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Free entry — Explore over 40 local vendors offering fresh produce, unique crafts, and tasty treats at this beloved winter market.
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Lovestruck Valentines Party
9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $5 — Dance the night away with your crush as Cupid's favorite DJs spin the perfect love-themed tunes.
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Valentine's Day Hot Dog Party
8 PM – 9 PM — Monk's Bar — $10 — Enjoy a lively hot dog party with music and contests while supporting a great cause.
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Open Skate at Monk's Bar
6-10 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 — Show off your moves at this thrilling open skate event with DJs, beginner hours, ramps, and rails.
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Parkbreezy & TF Marz Live in Missoula
9 PM — Monk's Bar — Limited presales available — Experience deep grooves and soulful beats in an intimate night of music.
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Big Sky Reptile Expo - Missoula Edition
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Big Sky High School — $10 Adults / $5 Children 5-10 — Explore exotic reptiles and top-tier pet supplies at this exciting one-day expo.
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Coordination and Collaboration in Conservation Conference
Conservation Conference — Feb 23-27 — Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown — $30 — Explore innovative solutions for navigating a changing landscape in wildlife conservation.
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Winter BrewFest
1-6 p.m. — Caras Park — $20 for taster glass — Celebrate the 15th anniversary with over 40 Montana-based brews, local food vendors, and live music.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of greatness is responsibility.
~ Winston Churchill
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