Good morning, Missoula.

City officials on Monday hoped Franklin Crossing, a Midtown affordable housing project with 192 units for low-income families, would secure state tax credits after receiving unanimous board support.

The project has city-land donation and $9.7 million reserved by the Missoula Redevelopment Agency *as local leaders note its careful planning*.

Jersey Mike’s on Brooks Street has opened, and a sign at Eastgate Shopping Center—located at the former Eastgate Veterinary Clinic near Albertsons and Eastgate Ace Hardware—indicates a third location is in development with no opening date set yet.

NIH scientists at the Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton were charged with smuggling Mpox virus samples and lying to officials after being detained at Detroit airport— they appeared in Missoula District Court on June 3 and will face a hearing in Michigan on June 24.

The Lovers and Lunatics EDM festival will take place at the Falcons Roost Music and Arts Mountain venue near Frenchtown from July 10-12.

The event will feature 40 artists, camping, and vendors plus shuttle service for safe travel.

UM journalism students achieved national success on June 4 in San Francisco when Maddie McCuddy won the National Photojournalism Championship (with a $10,000 prize) and Claire Bernard finished second in the National Writing Championship and will soon begin an internship with Bloomberg News.

Wildfire Smoke Ready Week in Montana is underway to help residents guard against harmful PM2.5 from wildfire smoke.

Air quality experts suggest using HEPA filters (with a Northwestern Energy rebate offering $100 back) for better indoor air safety.

Wildlife advocates sued the Flathead National Forest on Friday in federal court, challenging the West Reservoir Project’s use of an emergency action that bypassed endangered species protections for grizzly bears and bull trout (a project spanning up to 2,000 acres near Hungry Horse Reservoir).

Federal officials released final Medicaid rules that require enrollees to provide extra documentation to claim a medical exemption from the work requirement (a change that may result in thousands losing coverage).

Montana will roll out these rules on July 1.

Drivers should prepare for a water main replacement project on South 14th Street starting Monday, June 15, as crews replace aging infrastructure over a 10-week period.

Road closures, detours and altered traffic patterns near Garfield and Ronan intersections will allow essential access for residents and emergency services.

Montana drivers are less likely to buckle up (75.3%) compared with more than 90% nationally as summer travel brings increased crash risks.

Officials note the state’s secondary enforcement law that fines drivers $20, urging all to buckle up.

Montana is among 10 states chosen for a new federal program to expand mental health services, which will provide crisis support and substance use treatment.

Four local providers will begin offering integrated care by October - extra federal funding is set to help stabilize the services.

Partnership Health Center has launched a summer program in Missoula that offers mental health support for kids to help them stay involved in camp activities while allowing parents to work.

Parents can call 406-836-9163 for registration details.

2026 Full Draw Film Tour

7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — $11-$26 — Experience the excitement of bowhunting films and a chance to win premium gear at this thrilling cinematic event.

4th Annual Indigenous Made Summer Market

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Explore an array of unique, locally crafted items from over 60 vendors at this summer market in Missoula.

Zootown Festival Featuring The Chicks and More

June 18-19 — Missoula County Fairgrounds — VIP packages available — Experience a diverse lineup with top country and folk artists in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Zootown Festival Featuring The Lumineers and More

7-11 p.m. — Missoula County Fairgrounds — Cost info not provided — Experience genre-defying music from top artists like Rainbow Kitten Surprise and The Head and The Heart.

Miscon - Missoula's Science Fiction Convention

Date and Time TBA — Missoula County Fairgrounds — Cost varies — A 4-day celebration featuring games, panels, and workshops focused on fantasy, science fiction, and pop culture.

Missoula Marathon

Missoula Marathon — 16-week training period leading up to the race — Missoula Montana Airport — Check registration details and prepare for a fantastic marathon experience.

Mid-Year Celebration Gym Leader Challenge Tournament

All day — Retrofix Games — Entry Fee Required — Compete in the vibrant Gym Leader Challenge with fellow Pokémon enthusiasts.

PBL Travel Team Fundraiser at Missoula PaddleHeads

5:30-8:00 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket proceeds support Daly Mansion Preservation Trust — Enjoy baseball while contributing to a great cause.

Missoula PaddleHeads VIP Experience

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — VIP packages available — Enjoy an exclusive game day experience with tailgating and player interactions.

Jaden Decker 2026 Tour

7-11 p.m. — The Jack Saloon — Check for ticket prices — Experience the captivating sounds of rising star Jaden Decker live in Lolo, MT.