Good morning, Missoula.

Six men—two from Montana and four from Washington—face a total of 34 charges in an elk and deer poaching case in the Bull Mountains and will enter pleas on August 13.

Firefighters continue battling the Deer Fire that started on July 18 near Missoula, burning 75 acres and reaching 90% containment by July 26.

Command was transferred to a local team on Saturday while Lolo National Forest expanded temporary park closures for safety (officials suspect human activity caused the blaze).

The University of Montana is partnering with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to create a new wildlife research center—designed to boost studies on hunting’s role in conservation and big game management.

The center will begin operations this fall with funding for research on habitat use and wildlife health.

Lightning sparked six small fires across Bitterroot National Forest near Missoula — each is under five acres in the Darby-Sula and West Fork Ranger Districts and firefighters are working to suppress them.

Counties in Montana will receive $46.5 million in federal PILT funding this year to cover lost tax revenue from federal lands—this is the largest state payment in the program's history.

Sixteen counties will get over $1 million each, with Flathead County set to receive $4,001,549 for its 2.4 million acres of federal land.

James, a Missoula sandwich maker in his late 30s, hid extra work hours after a small pay raise pushed his income just above Medicaid rules so he could keep critical health care for addiction and other chronic issues (he said he fears losing his coverage).

New federal rules signed on July 4 are set to force low-income workers to choose between earning more and keeping their care.

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.

Weird Al Yankovic's Bigger & Weirder Tour

8:00-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience Weird Al's legendary multimedia comedy rock show featuring his iconic hits.