Good morning, Missoula.

On July 27, a police officer arrested 29-year-old Kordell Cummins at Albertsons on East Broadway—he was visibly intoxicated when he damaged wine bottles and tried to steal one, and store employees said he had already been trespassed from the store.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday for negligent homicide after his vehicle left the roadway on West Broadway, struck a pedestrian who died on scene, and injured a woman who was taken to hospital.

On July 27th, 2025, Missoula police responded to a report at the Good Food Store and arrested 29-year-old Alexandria Ricci for attempting to leave with unpaid merchandise; during an inventory search of her wallet, officers found two baggies — one testing positive for methamphetamine — leading to felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and attempted theft first offense.

Missoula Economic Partnership President and CEO Grant Kier said UFP Industries — known as EDGE Pre-Finished in Bonner — announced its closure earlier this week and will lay off 100 workers in September, surprising many local officials.

The Montana Department of Labor will host a rapid response event on August 6 at 9:00 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula to help affected workers with unemployment claims and career guidance.

MCPS Superintendent Micah Hill told KGVO on Talk Back that while Missoula’s total population is growing, the public schools have seen a drop of over 600 elementary students in the past few years with capacities at about 89% in elementary, 97% in middle, and 92% in high schools.

He added that homeless students are supported under the McKinney Vento Act + receive food and housing resources as the new school year begins at the end of August.

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks proposed killing 600 wolves over the next year—500 with hunting and trapping and 100 through management removals to keep the population above the legal minimum.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will review the plan on August 21 while accepting public comments until August 4.

Lolo National Forest officials said that four wildfires kept burning in the Rock Creek area east of Missoula — firefighters worked in remote, rugged terrain.

Fire crews had used helicopters on Wednesday to drop water and supplies and focused on the Miller Gulch fire because it threatened nearby structures.

Montana Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar is under investigation for alleged unprofessional conduct in his workplace interactions—he says the process, which he believes lacks due process, unfairly targets his fight for transparency.

Molnar refused a secret meeting with investigators and PSC will continue its scheduled work with a meeting on August 5 in Helena.

Tuesday night, the Lolo National Forest hosted its first public meeting on the forest plan revision where new supervisor Benjamin Johnson explained that personnel changes and shifts in federal policy have delayed the draft release until winter—efforts that now must include changes such as the repeal of the roadless rule and adjustments to NEPA regulations. This revision aims to align forest management with current federal priorities while maintaining transparency with the community.

State lawmakers ordered a study to fill in missing data on rising property insurance rates—data that is needed to understand how increased wildfire risks, higher property taxes, and growing building costs are driving up premiums.

State officials said the study will help identify measures to protect consumers and control costs.

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.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise: Thanks For Coming Tour

7-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Not specified — Experience a unique blend of genres and lyrical poetry from Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

Downtown ToNight

5-9 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Enjoy local food trucks and live music at the heart of Missoula this summer.

Daisy Chain Fest 2025

2-8 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — Free entry — Experience nostalgic melodies from VIKA, whose haunting voice reflects love and loss.