Good morning, Missoula.

Montana drivers face higher risks on open highways due to low speeding fines, a lack of a distracted driving law, and high teen crash rates — issues that experts say may be eased by raising fines to deter speeding.

Officials and safety advocates are looking at changes to improve road conditions and reduce accidents.

Montana Knife Company raised a large flag today at their new location in the Wye area to honor American-made ideals and veteran staff.

The company will move into its 51,000 square foot facility before year-end — a step that will create 150 to 200 new jobs and include a coffee shop for local events.

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office filed 22 new felony complaints this week—three more than last week and the highest in three months—and reported a rise in serious crimes including an endangerment case where a shooting was used to intimidate a resident while noting increasing threats to officers and other public workers.

On August 6 at 6:49 p.m., police responded to a 911 call about trespassing at a Missoula trailer park and chased four individuals, including suspect aged 33 Jaray Syring, who was arrested after a search of his backpack — it contained fentanyl, a prescription pill bottle, and drug paraphernalia.

Authorities expanded the search area in Anaconda for Michael Brown, the suspect in a bar shooting on Aug 1 that killed four people.

Brad Belke, a search and rescue captain, said teams face challenges—downed trees, rugged terrain and harsh weather—and Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen insists Brown is alive and armed and dangerous.

The University of Montana’s Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program recently received a $2.4 million federal grant to expand its training for mental health providers serving Montana’s children, young adults, and rural areas—boosting workforce growth for at least the next four years.

Montana’s Insurance Commissioner Jim Brown told listeners on KGVO Talk Back that new insurance premium numbers for ACA plans will be released on August 13 (with increases expected between 7 percent and 28 percent).

He added that past rate hikes have been higher than the national average and stressed that his agency cannot stop insurers from raising rates.

Missoula Montana Airport opened its new east concourse — featuring MSO Marketplace with Florence Coffee Co. beans and MSO Taphouse serving Montana craft beer — as part of a nearly five-year terminal project that saw record passenger growth.

The Montana football team enters its seventh season under head coach Bobby Hauck as fall camp practice begins today.

The Grizzlies are ranked No.7 in the FCS preseason poll and added 15 players—while their indoor practice facility is out for maintenance until mid-September.

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.

Cornbread Wallace: Live Music Event

4-8 p.m. — The Trough — Check for entry fees — Experience the captivating sounds of Cornbread Wallace blending country, rock, and Americana in a local setting.

Alabama Shakes Concert - Night One

7:00-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Ticket info TBA — Experience the electrifying return of Alabama Shakes after an eight-year hiatus.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Idaho Falls Chukars

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling minor league baseball matchup in scenic Missoula.

River City Roots Festival

6:00 PM – 10:30 PM — Downtown Missoula Partnership — Various costs — Explore live music, local food, and community spirit at Missoula's cherished festival.

Roots & Revelry Dinner at The Stables

5-8 p.m. — The Stables — $31 to $50 — Celebrate Missoula’s culinary scene with a curated three-course dinner during River City Roots Fest.

Cornbread Wallace Live Performance

4-8 p.m. — The Trough — Check for ticket details — Experience a captivating mix of country, rock, and Americana from local singer-songwriter Cornbread Wallace.