Good morning, Missoula.

The Montana Public Service Commission approved NorthWestern Energy’s rate-hike change from 8.3% to 4.2% after a detailed review that included a week long evidentiary hearing and passed by a three to two vote; the PSC-approved change takes effect on the next billing cycle.

AAA says drivers in Montana are paying about $3.27 per gallon for regular gas, which is lower than the $4 to $5 seen in previous years.

The group expects fall and winter to offer better prices as oil rates stay stable — many motorists are watching prices closely.

The Margery Hunter Brown Indian Law Clinic at the University of Montana is creating a digital archive called the Indian Law Portal to preserve legal documents from Montana's tribal nations—UM law students travel to remote locations to scan and catalog records.

The project will continue to grow—strengthening tribal sovereignty and legal scholarship for years to come.

The Bear Creek Fire burned in heavy timber 11 miles west of Lolo after sparking Thursday afternoon and grew to between 30 and 40 acres, officials said.

Firefighters deployed a hot shot crew, engines, and a module and ordered a dozer and an aircraft Friday to improve access—no structures were threatened.

Multiple lawsuits are challenging new election laws that could change how Missoula and other Montanans vote in 2026; the Montana Federation of Public Employees argues that new voter ID rules and shortened Election Day registration in Senate Bills 276 & 490 will limit access to the polls. Two other lawsuits contest restrictions on temporary residents and absentee ballot procedures, and legal decisions are pending in state court and potentially federal court.

The first-place Missoula PaddleHeads improved their record to 29-10 with a home win over Great Falls in Thursday's Pioneer Baseball League game.

Their win marked the fourth straight victory as they continue to lead the league.

Eli Howard & The Greater Good Concert

8 PM - 12 AM — Monk's Bar — $10 adv $12 dos — Experience a high-energy folk-rock performance blending captivating melodies and introspective storytelling.

Cornbread Wallace Live Performance

4-8 p.m. — The Trough — $10 cover — Experience the local sounds of Cornbread Wallace as he blends country, rock, and Americana in a night of engaging music.

Golf Tournament at Missoula Alliance Church

1-5 p.m. — University of Montana Golf Course — $200 per team — Participate in a 9 Hole Scramble with prizes and a silent auction to support local charities.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Great Falls Voyagers

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Cost Info Unavailable — Cheer on the Missoula PaddleHeads as they take on the Great Falls Voyagers in a thrilling baseball matchup.

Higgins Lot Alternative Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant local market featuring food, crafts, and community spirit every Saturday in Downtown Missoula.

Bitterroot Community Band Performance - Evel Knievel Commemoration

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bonner Park — Free entry — Celebrate Evel Knievel's legacy with a concert by the Bitterroot Community Band at Bonner Park's bandshell.

Bluegrass Hoedown at Monk’s

7-11:59 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 — Kick up your boots and enjoy a lively night of bluegrass music with the electrifying Johnny Campbell Band.

Missoula People's Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Missoula People's Market — Free entry — Explore local art and handcrafted goods in the heart of Downtown Missoula.

ARK Foundation Run for Rare

4-8 p.m. — 3219 Fort Missoula Rd — Registration fees apply — Participate in a 5K run to raise awareness for individuals with rare diseases.

Death Cab for Cutie Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional depth and indie rock power of Death Cab for Cutie in a summer evening highlight.