Good morning, Missoula.

Today the Western Montana Fair gears up for five days of rodeo action at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.

The well-attended event is set to deliver competitive rodeo events (and community spirit) for local fans throughout the week.

Crews contained 44% of the Elder fire despite windy weekend conditions by aggressively patrolling (and mopping up residual heat) to cool hotspots; they will continue work to secure the area.

UM researchers announced a new free mapping tool today — it shows detailed heights and structure of trees and shrubs to help land managers, ranchers and firefighters spot wildfire risks.

They plan to update the app annually in collaboration with the Forest Service.

Firefighters are battling the Elder 1 fire in the Lolo National Forest south of Missoula, climbing steep ridgelines daily to build anchor points and slow its spread.

Evacuation orders remain for Good Creek & Alder Creek areas as crews work to boost containment.

Advocates and local groups urge NorthWestern Energy to include more renewables and better address data centers' rising costs in its long-term power plan, as the Montana Public Service Commission prepares to review the plan in mid August.

Montanans remain concerned over how these changes will affect household bills.

Missoula Public Health has introduced Buckles, a bright blue and fuzzy mascot in a traffic vest, to help parents and kids learn car safety.

He is now engaging the community at local events.

Montana State was voted No. 1 & Montana No. 2 in the FCS preseason poll released Monday morning by Stats Perform.

The Big Sky Conference teams are gearing up for the season as top contenders in the state.