Good Day
Missoula
Friday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ NASA will send astronauts, including former Livingston resident Christina Koch, on the Artemis II mission to circle the far side of the moon and test a new spacecraft + marking the first human deep space venture since Apollo 17. MontanaRightNow
- ➤ Thirty years after the Montana Freemen standoff began near Jordan, locals still recall the 81-day event in 1996, a tense episode resolved through calm FBI negotiations (costing about $7.5 million) that shaped future responses in the state. MontanaRightNow
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On April 1, Attorney General Austin Knudsen said Montana seized 83,382 fentanyl doses in 2025—a 70 percent drop from 2024—while fentanyl-linked deaths increased to 74 as officials continue efforts to curb drug overdoses. Newstalk KGVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Front Step Community Land Trust has launched a vote to choose movies for the Missoula Outdoor Cinema series this August in local neighborhoods. Residents can select among options including Barbie, Clueless and Love and Basketball by visiting the Trust's Facebook page. Newstalk KGVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UM’s Wildlife Biology Program named Heather Johnson the new Boone and Crockett Professor of Wildlife Conservation; she will begin her role in the fall and continue researching caribou at the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center (her work informs wildlife management across the West). Missoula Current
- ➤ The University of Montana announced the finalist candidate for president will visit campus April 6-7, and it will release the candidate’s profile and visit itinerary in its newsletter (Under the M) on Friday. Campus groups can then attend an open forum and reception to meet the candidate. KPAX
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ The IRS is phasing out paper refund checks ahead of the April 15 tax deadline, with exceptions for rural, elderly, or tech-challenged filers. Local tax preparers say Missoula residents can expect faster refunds and lower state income taxes following Montana tax changes. KPAX
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ NorthWestern Energy filed its tariff proposal with the Montana Public Service Commission this week to set terms for serving data centers (a Large New Load Tariff) that include minimum service commitments and protections for existing customers. The proposal aims to balance economic growth with fair pricing and reliability. Missoula Current
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Community Medical Center in Missoula became the nation’s first hospital with a Level III with surgery NICU designation from the American Academy of Pediatrics, making it Montana's only hospital with this neonatal recognition and allowing newborns to receive advanced care closer to home. MontanaRightNow
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Montana head football coach Bobby Kennedy will earn a $175,000 base salary on his one-year contract. The deal was announced as the team prepares for the upcoming season (contract details confirmed recently). Missoulian
- ➤ Montana Grizzlies men's basketball announced that associate head coach Chris Cobb left after 12 seasons to join St. Mary's staff, having helped the team reach three NCAA Tournament appearances. His departure comes ahead of the Big Sky Title game against Idaho. Newstalk KGVO
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Jeff Tweedy Concert featuring Macie Stewart
7:30-9 p.m. — The Wilma — Prices vary — Experience an evening of captivating music with Jeff Tweedy and special guest Macie Stewart.
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Stonefruit + Cascadel Live At Monk's
7-11:59 p.m. — Monk's Bar — No cover charge — Chill live set with Stonefruit and Cascadel bringing fresh vibes to the stage.
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STiLGONE Live Concert
10:30 p.m. — Top Hat — Free entry — Enjoy a live performance from STiLGONE in downtown Missoula's vibrant atmosphere.
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International Ballet Stars - The Sleeping Beauty
7-10 p.m. — University of Montana - Dennison Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting tale of Princess Aurora and her magical journey from curse to awakening.
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2026 Western Montana Career Fair
2:30-6 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Missoula — Free entry — Explore job opportunities at Western Montana's largest career fair.
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Kitchen Dwellers Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — Ticket pricing TBA — Experience the musical journey and tales from the road with Kitchen Dwellers.
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Jazzoula Festival
6-10 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — $30 Artist Supporter / $28 General / $15 Students — Experience the finest jazz from Montana's artists at the premiere festival since 1984.
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Garden City Brewfest
12-6 p.m. — Caras Park — $20 for a taster glass — Experience Montana’s ORIGINAL BrewFest with over 50 beers, ciders, and more in the heart of Missoula.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
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