Good morning, Missoula.

Military troops started assisting Bitterroot National Forest on Tuesday by using the IRT program to repair the Selway suspension bridge and clear trails.

Two waves of about 150 troops are working in base camps, including at Darby High School, with helicopters flying overhead + community support growing.

Missoula's Garden City River Rod Run returns this weekend at Southgate Mall as the Five Valley Ford Club hosts the 24th annual charity car show from 9 am to 4 pm.

Registration is $25 for the first car and $5 for each additional ride.

TOTFEST 2026 will return to the Dark Horse Bar on Saturday, Aug.

29 with 16 bands — two stages, tater tot creations, and eating contests, while proceeds will support the Street Dog Coalition providing vet care to pets of those experiencing homelessness.

Local producers are seeing fertilizer costs decline today as resumed shipments from the Strait of Hormuz ease price pressures.

Experts note that Montana prices are trending toward pre-disruption levels as global supply & local demand balance.

University of Montana graduate student Lauren Hatch is studying the decline of thick-billed longspurs in central Montana—the birds have dropped 94% since the 1970s—to learn how habitat fragmentation and invasive weeds affect nesting success.

Montana DEQ announced Tuesday that the Big Hole River is impaired by algae linked to high nutrient levels & low oxygen, and detailed proposals will be shared in the draft Water Quality Integrated Report for public comment in July.

Missoula’s Orchard Homes neighborhood is home to the state nursery that grows native trees, plants, and shrubs across 80 acres for fire recovery and erosion control; the program produced nearly 900,000 seedlings in 2026 and plans to expand production to meet growing demand.

NorthWestern Energy has proposed a tariff rule requiring data centers over 5 MW to pay for infrastructure upgrades rather than shifting costs to current customers.

The City of Missoula and Missoula County have filed interventions to shape the rule at the Montana Public Service Commission.

Montana FWP is proposing new fee rules for the state’s public lands and waters to reflect inflation and rising recreation costs.

The public can comment until July 24 to help shape changes for state parks, fishing sites, and wildlife management areas.

Governor Gianforte criticized an Oregon ballot measure to ban licensed hunting and fishing, saying Montana’s way of life depends on these activities and urging Oregonians to steer clear of Montana.

The measure already has nearly 130,000 signatures as it moves toward a vote.

The Missoula Marathon is set for this weekend with record participation expected; six-time champion Mark Messmer will not race, opening the door for new winners to break all-time records in the marathon (men's best 2:20:27 and women's best 2:43:30) and half-marathon events.

The Missoula PaddleHeads improved to a 16-16 record after beating the Billings Mustangs in the second game of their six-game series on Wednesday in Missoula.

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.

Missoula Clinic by The Street Dog Coalition

9-11 a.m. — Watershed Navigation Center — Free services — Providing essential veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness in Missoula.

Glacier Range Riders vs. Missoula PaddleHeads Community Night

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket revenue supports local charity — Celebrate baseball while giving back to the community.

Downtown ToNight at Caras Park

5-9 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music, food trucks, and local makers while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Missoula.

Tape B and Levity Concert

4-7:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary from $71 to $763 — Enjoy an afternoon of live music with Tape B and Levity at a stunning venue.

Missoula Cars & Coffee Meetup

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — J & K Customs — Free entry — Showcase your coolest cars, trucks, and bikes in a friendly local gathering.