Good morning, Missoula.

Granite Mill Coffee and Bakery opened in East Missoula on July 22 at 3645 Highway 200 and serves breakfast and baked goods from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Rice Thai opened its second location downtown at 424 N Higgins — it features the same menu as its other site and may later apply for permission to sell alcohol.

Missoula's Lifelong Learning Center, which has helped adults earn diplomas and start careers using free classes, lost over half its staff earlier this month due to a federal funding freeze — teachers now warn that waitlists will soon affect residents in need of education.

Four students shared how the center enabled their progress toward college and English proficiency despite the staffing cuts.

Larry Campbell, a retired mineral exploration geologist, warns that the Sheep Creek mine project at the head of the West Fork may expose people to potential asbestos danger (actinolite is common in the rock and ore veinlets).

Officials have not yet tested for asbestos, leaving risks from mining dust unaddressed.

Anne Dahl was posthumously honored on July 24th with Missoula County’s 2025 Land Stewardship Award for her work conserving over 67,000 acres in the Swan Valley.

Friends, family, and local leaders celebrated her lifelong dedication to protecting the landscape—a legacy that continues to inspire community conservation efforts.

The Deer Fire near Missoula and Turah reached 60% containment as of Friday and has burned for a week in steep, rugged timber.

Seventy personnel including two crews are securing fire lines and backhauling equipment as operations wind down—fire behavior remains minimal with smoldering residual fuels.

Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis approved a wage increase for the police for fiscal years 2025—2027 that is retroactive to 2024 after months of pay discussions.

The move is intended to boost competitive wages as the department reviews its pay structure for future recruitment.

Missoula County unveiled its proposed budget on Thursday and is seeking about $5.7 million in additional property taxes to cover rising wages, cost-of-living expenses, and service costs.

County officials said tax bills may fluctuate after state-certified taxable values are updated in August—residents will also see variations based on mill increases for county-only and county-wide rates.

Missoula Hellgate senior-to-be Parker Link committed on July 24 to join the Montana Grizzlies football team for the 2026 recruiting class — he played as a wide receiver, safety and punter and chose Montana over an offer from Montana Western — and announced his decision on social media.

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.

OPLIAM Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique fusion of Alter-Native Rock and Native Americana by multi-genre musician OPLIAM.

Sunset Charcuterie Paddle

5-8:30 p.m. — Kona Bridge Fishing Access — Registration required — Enjoy a relaxed evening float with charcuterie amidst stunning river views as the sun sets.

Levi Blom & Friends Concert

8-11 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $12 adv $15 dos — Experience an epic night of rockin' tunes with local music talent.

Higgins Lot Alternative Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot, 420 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT — Free entry — Explore local goods and fresh produce every Saturday in the heart of downtown Missoula.

River Baptisms

4-5 p.m. — Maclay Flat Nature Trail — Free — Celebrate new beginnings with a community baptism at the river.

An Evening With Tedeschi Trucks Band

7:00-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the soul thunderclap of a 12-piece band with a new album launch.

Missoula Downtown Tonight

5-9 p.m. — Caras Park Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy live music and local food trucks amid the vibrant Missoula community atmosphere.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Rocky Mountain Vibes

7:05-10:05 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup between the PaddleHeads and the Vibes.