Good morning, Missoula.

The Montana House approved Senate Bill 224 with an 87-12 vote adding Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday—set for the second Monday in October alongside Columbus Day—and Rep. Tyson Running Wolf said the new law honors Montana’s many cultures after years of failed attempts.

Missoula District Judge John Larson stepped aside from running the youth drug treatment court on March 17 after lawyers and officials raised concerns about his decisions and the work environment — his duties passed to Judge Shane Vannatta.

The city may buy a 16-acre parcel on the Clark Fork River if a public hearing in early May moves the project forward.

The Tipp property, located east of Missoula near the Kim Williams Trail, will cost roughly $230,000—its landowner donating $117,000 for naming rights.

Senate Bill 136 did not pass on Wednesday with a vote of 42-57, so people in Montana can still get medical aid in dying.

Lawmakers said the vote went farther than past efforts to ban the practice and may shape future debates.

After the Montana House passed HB 2 on Monday setting more than $16 billion in spending including roughly $5 billion from the general fund, the bill moved to the Senate where a committee held a two-hour hearing on Tuesday — lawmakers are expected to debate it next week and consider amendments before sending it back to the House by April 23rd. Lawmakers will also work on tax and property proposals to form the final budget over the next three weeks.

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will visit Missoula next week to speak with local residents and discuss power struggles in the country.

Their event is scheduled at the Adams Center on Wednesday, the 16th—Sanders will visit Nampa on Monday.

Missoula Valley Winter Market

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Free entry — Explore a vibrant mix of local produce, crafts, and treats at this winter market celebration.

Spring 2025 Master Naturalist Certification Course

10 a.m. — Montana Natural History Center — Registration required — Gain knowledge and skills in naturalist education and conservation.

The Backseat Lovers Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Ticket info TBA — Enjoy an evening with the indie rock sensations from Salt Lake City.

Heaven Zest Concert

12-4 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Enjoy a magical performance with Spirit-infused music from multi-talented artist Heaven Zest.

All Day Club

1:30 PM – 12:00 AM — Hawthorne Elementary School — Check for pricing — Fun-filled days await with the Boys and Girls Club of Missoula County.

PMP Certification Classroom Training in Missoula

9 AM – 5 PM — Missoula, MT — Early Bird discounts available — Gain essential project management skills through an interactive and comprehensive four-day training course.

Jackie Vetter Artist Presentation

4-5 p.m. — Missoula Public Library — Free entry — Experience an engaging presentation by artist and director Jackie Vetter in a cozy library setting.

Live Music Night with Queenager and BLVDS

8 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 adv, $15 dos — Experience an electrifying night of synthwave sounds with Queenager and BLVDS under one roof.

Jim Messina Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Wilma — $49-$95 — Catch Jim Messina live with last-minute tickets available.

ServSafe Manager Training & Certification Exam

9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Staybridge Suites Missoula — $215 early bird pricing — Become a ServSafe certified food protection manager in just one day with expert-led training and a high pass rate.