Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Caras Park in downtown Missoula will get a new canopy and fresh blue paint—part of a three-year effort funded by $550,000 raised privately. The updates are set to debut at the Garden City BrewFest on Saturday, May 2. KPAX
- ➤ After the Elmo Fire destroyed their Dayton home in 2022 as they were preparing to move in, the Holett family rebuilt farther up the hill and now helps neighbors during fire season; they remain cautious as the burn scar shows hazards with ash and weakened trees along the gravel road. KPAX
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Montana Knife Company will celebrate the grand opening of its new facility (50,000 sqft) west of Missoula on Saturday. The event features a Black Rifle Coffee shop (opening at 6 a.m.) and a celebration kickoff at 10 a.m. Newstalk KGVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Iris the osprey returned to her nest near Hellgate Canyon on April 6, marking spring's start for local wildlife. Many locals are watching her journey (with her mate Finnegan expected next) on the popular Hellgate Osprey Cam. Newstalk KGVO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new analysis from Pew Charitable Trusts shows state rainy day funds now cover fewer days of operations—Montana's reserves now cover 51 days compared to 54.5 days last fiscal year. Lower funds may force faster budget cuts if budgets remain tight. Missoula Current
- ➤ Missoula drivers face high gas prices as projections show US retail gasoline will peak near $4.30 per gallon in April and average more than $3.70 in 2026. The outlook depends on how quickly global oil production issues resolve, which may keep fuel costs elevated. Missoula Current
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of Montana students questioned finalist candidate Jeremiah Shinn on Tuesday during a campus Q&A session about transparency, student support, energy efficiency, green infrastructure (and tribal relationships) for future campus plans. Missoulian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A translocated grizzly mother, captured in Montana and released in Wyoming two years ago, emerged from her den this spring with two cubs—marking a milestone for genetic interchange between local ecosystems, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Newstalk KGVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Missoula County adopted a new workforce housing policy that directs tax increment financing to boost affordable housing in targeted economic development districts, including the Wye, Grant Creek Crossing, and Bonner West Log Yard. Three developers have proposed projects under the policy. Missoula Current
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Himalayan Rockies' Indian Cuisine is opening a food truck at Red Lion Inn & Suites Missoula Friday from noon to 8 p.m., offering fresh organic dishes made with local ingredients while joining a growing food truck scene shifting local dining. Newstalk KGVO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Montana Grizzlies have seen another starter (who played part of the year) enter the transfer portal, and the team will refresh its backcourt for next season. Missoulian
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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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Common Ground: A Conversation About Montana's Public Lands, Climate, Water, and Wildlife
Join local experts for an open community conversation with leading voices in wildlife, climate, water, and public lands. Together, we'll explore what's at stake for Montana's natural heritage, what's working, and how we can collectively navigate the challenges ahead.
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra Live
8 PM – 12 AM — The Wilma — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sounds of Unknown Mortal Orchestra from their latest album, V, in an intimate setting.
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