Good morning, Missoula.

The Missoula Food Bank and Community Center teams with USPS for the Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 9, asking residents to drop off nonperishable donations at mailboxes or local retailers, plus reach a 10,000-pound goal.

This effort will support families facing budget challenges.

Liquid Planet Grill—known for its chicken and waffles and community traditions—will close on May 18 on Brooks Street.

The shutdown adds to a string of local restaurant closures that reflect ongoing changes in Missoula’s dining scene.

Free furniture is lining sidewalks near the University District during finals week as students move out, marking spring’s arrival in Missoula.

Locals can pick up items or donate them to thrift stores (Donation Warehouse, Hope Thrift Boutique, and Super Thrift) before weather wears them down.

Missoula's first Asian night market is set for Saturday, featuring Chinese, Filipino, Korean and Indian flavors, crafts, jewelry, clothing, artwork and live entertainment for a vibrant cultural experience.

Missoula school leaders celebrated a turnaround in funding as voters approved two general fund levies for elementary and high schools, ensuring support for 9,000+ students and daily operations.

The board will confirm the counts after more than 30,000 ballots were cast.

Missoula families attending UM’s spring commencement weekend should plan early for two ceremonies at the Adams Center on Saturday—one at 9 a.m. and one at 2 p.m.—with free parking that fills quickly; officials advise checking bus options and local service availability.

University of Montana graduates weighed job options amid a steady 3.6 percent unemployment rate today.

State officials noted that apprenticeship programs have doubled workforce participation — offering earn-and-learn opportunities for career growth.

By the end of April, western Montana had only two-thirds of expected snowpack, with the lower Clark Fork basin (near Missoula) holding just 64% of normal levels.

Drought conditions are spreading and forecasts predict warmer, drier May and June that may cause river flows to drop.

Wilderness advocates recently sent a letter to Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz opposing a request from outfitters to allow chainsaw use in wilderness trail maintenance, arguing the move would weaken the Wilderness Act.

They call for better funding for agency crews to clear debris.

The DOJ is continuing an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices by major meatpackers — local ranchers say market concentration stalled rebuilding cow herds after drought.

Local processing co-ops plan expansions to help Montana producers gain more control over beef supply.

Thermos recalled 8 million travel mugs sold at Target, Walmart, Thermos.com and Amazon after 27 injuries (including 3 vision losses) were reported from forcefully ejected lids; Utz is also recalling select potato chips over Salmonella concerns (from a California dairy) to protect consumers.

A walk-up food window in downtown Missoula now serves breakfast burritos + biscuits and gravy at 3 a.m. to satisfy late-night cravings.

Missoula Big Sky softball team, after a slow 1-3 start, exploded with 15 runs in two frames Thursday night and earned their 10th win in the last 11 games.

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.

Trey Anastasio Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Wilma — Cost info not available — Experience an evening of exceptional music from renowned composer and guitarist Trey Anastasio.

Missoula Villages Downtown Walking History Tour

1-2:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Free for Village members — Discover untold stories of Missoula's historic district through a unique walking tour.

Bruce Molsky Concert

7-11 p.m. — Longstaff House — Ticket prices TBD — Experience Grammy-nominated Bruce Molsky as he brings traditional sounds to life with fiddle, banjo, and guitar.

Trails, Rivers, and Forests Expo

5-9 p.m. — Trail Head River Sports — Free entry — Celebrate the outdoors with activities and live music at this community-focused expo featuring local non-profits and businesses.

First Friday at the Missoula Art Museum

5-7 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Tom Catmull as part of the First Friday celebration.

Carpentry for Gardeners Workshop

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Northside Community Gardens — Scholarships available — Master the basics of carpentry to build trellises and tomato cages with repurposed materials.