Good morning, Missoula.

Youth Homes Montana will open a new Missoula facility this fall with eight additional beds for children fleeing abusive homes or court placements — state reimbursements still fall short, leaving the network 16 beds below its previous capacity.

Students from across Montana will compete in the National History Day competition with projects including Lolo Middle School’s Harlow Baker’s take on Loving v.

Virginia. The public can view projects at 12:30 today at Montana State University’s Romney Hall in Bozeman (details available locally).

On Thursday, environmental groups urged a federal judge to reject the US Forest Service amendment that removed road density limits in the Bitterroot National Forest, arguing it may lead to new roads that harm grizzlies & bull trout by disregarding scientific evidence and the Endangered Species Act.

Home ReSource is hosting Zero Waste Month events, including a Monday chemical disposal site and a donation site opening May 1 after community efforts reached a 31% diversion rate ahead of the 30% goal.

The events support Missoula’s progress toward zero waste by 2050 + promote local sustainability.

Researchers and volunteers at Whitefish Mountain Resort gather data and seeds to save endangered whitebark pines — a species that has lost over 90 percent in parts of Montana due to blister rust, while tours today help skiers learn about the trees.

Republic Services Missoula Recycling Center now accepts additional plastics & expands its recycling program after processing 15 million pounds of materials last year.

Missoula residents will soon have more options to recycle a broader range of plastics.

The U.S. Forest Service plans to reserve 35 million board feet of timber annually from three national forests for processing at local mills, relying on an 80-year-old law to support Montana’s wood industry.

The agency is reviewing public comments and will decide on the proposal in the coming months.

On Thursday, Missoula County Judge Halligan ruled that DEQ did not give enough time for public input when it approved a gravel pit permit on 21 acres near Elbow Lake (close to Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area).

Her decision means DEQ must prepare a full environmental impact check and may require other permits to be reexamined.

The federal government has rescheduled cannabis to allow medical use, which could lower costs and expand research and insurance options for Montana patients and state-regulated businesses, according to longtime advocate Kari Boiter.

A hearing for stakeholder feedback is scheduled for late June.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is happening today and offers safe drop boxes for unused medications at several local sites (such as the Police Department at 435 Ryman and Granite Pharmacy at 2230 27th Ave) across Missoula and outlying areas.

Stef Ewing’s turnaround sets a promising tone as the Montana Grizzlies chase their first Big Sky Conference regular season softball championship this weekend in Missoula.

The UM Woodsman Team competed at Forestry Days today at Garrett Grothen Arena in Missoula where college teams from Idaho, Colorado, and Montana took part in speed chopping and obstacle pole contests before professionals began the event.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The California Honeydrops - Lovin' Made Easy Tour

7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — Cost info not specified — Experience the electrifying retro-soul sound of The California Honeydrops performing live.

Beast Your Biz 2026

4-7 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — No-host bar — Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and kick off your learning journey with appetizers and networking.

2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale

2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale, with racks starting at $5. The sale is from 10-4 at 1008 Burlington Ave. Missoula.