Good morning, Missoula.

Hecla Mining Co. may receive federal approval to begin exploration work near Libby this summer if the Forest Service signs off on its draft environmental assessment and plan of operations.

The 16-year project involves dewatering an underwater adit and extending tunnels to assess copper and silver deposits—potentially generating 30 to 35 jobs while raising environmental concerns for bull trout and grizzly bear habitat.

On March 20th, at 3:21 a.m., Missoula police responded to a firearm incident on Cooley St. after John Doe reported that his roommate, Levi Norris, aggressively fired a revolver near his head and then struck him with the weapon—Norris was arrested and faces felony assault with a weapon as well as felony criminal endangerment with a bond set at $100,000.

Gas prices in Missoula increased slightly today to average $3.09 per gallon after a drop last week, according to Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy.

He said Montana prices rose 0.9 cents in the last week and are 45.4 cents below last year's average—while the state now ranks 15th nationally.

Fifth grade student Ruby Wang of St. Joseph’s Elementary in Missoula won the Montana State Spelling Bee over the weekend by spelling 'philtrum' correctly—she will represent Montana in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May—and her sister won last year.

Some Montana school districts are facing a Covid cliff as ESSER funds nearly end—larger schools added staff while rural schools invested in long-term upgrades like HVAC systems, new carpets and sneeze guards.

Belt Public received about $800,000 and Power about $400,000 in funding while educators now await further revenue options such as the STARS Act and early literacy tax funds.

City crews in downtown Missoula began surveying streets for the $24 million Downtown Safety, Access, and Mobility project funded by a federal RAISE grant.

The work will last for three to four weeks and may include temporary lane restrictions at night to ease daytime traffic.

Montana lawmakers passed House Bills 623 and 696 that would allow new nuclear waste and uranium enrichment facilities to boost energy reliability as coal power declines—Senate hearings are set for March 27th while some community members and local officials express safety and cost concerns.

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health said Monday that several mosquito-borne viruses were circulating in Montana and may cause illnesses ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe encephalitis.

The study—based on over 900 blood samples from six Montana hospitals in collaboration with a retired Missoula neurologist—found that between 21 and 40 percent of the samples had antibodies, urging local physicians to be aware of these infections.

The Missoula planning board approved an application for a big housing development (located near the famous graffiti wall on California Street) that will add new homes to the area.

Dulcé Sloan Stand-Up Comedy Performance

Dulcé Sloan brings her sharp wit and bold humor to The Wilma for an evening of comedy on March 28, 2025.

Orchard Homes Winter Market

The Orchard Homes Winter Market offers local vendors and a variety of goods for the community every Saturday during its season from January to March.

Virtual Senior Living Tour

9 AM - 7 PM | The Village Senior Residence | Free entry | Explore exceptional dining and activities in a top-rated senior living community.

Meggie McDonald Acoustic Show

6-10 p.m. — The Still Room Restaurant, Bar and Casino — Check for cover charge — Enjoy an intimate acoustic solo performance in a cozy venue.

Champagne Drip Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Ticket prices vary — Experience innovative electronic music from Los Angeles-based producer Champagne Drip.

Missoula Valley Winter Market

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Free entry — Explore a variety of local produce, crafts, and festive treats at the tenth anniversary celebration.

Prune-the-Moon Workshop

2-5 p.m. — Moon-Randolph Homestead — Suggested donation $20-30 — Learn the art of pruning old apple trees in a historic orchard while enjoying hands-on experience and community.

Connecting to Land Through an Indigenous Lens with Lailani Upham

5:45-8 p.m. — Missoula Public Library — Free entry — Explore Indigenous stories and their connection to the natural world and human experiences.

Scott Pemberton Concert in Missoula

8 PM - 2 AM — Monk's Bar — Entry fee TBD — Experience the funky guitar wizardry of Scott Pemberton and his electrifying band live.

TYNAN Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — The Badlander — Ticket info not provided — Experience an evening with TYNAN as he showcases his unique electronic soundscapes.