Good morning, Missoula.

A Missoula-area factory that makes trim and siding for houses will lay off more than 100 workers next month as part of a nationwide consolidation effort.

State labor officials held a job connection event in Missoula to offer training for affected employees—while local leaders noted that the closure does not mean the end of the timber industry.

Ethan Turner of Turner Land and Livestock moves his 43 cattle across 17 small plots in Missoula using a rotating grazing method — a technique that refreshes pastures in a growing city center.

This system helps supply his local beef market while protecting the land from overuse.

Montana ranked 15th overall and 2nd in the economy in WalletHub’s Best States report—this ranking reflects strong economic metrics in unemployment, income growth, and wealth gap based on affordability, safety, health, and quality of life data.

The report shows that while Montana ranked lower overall, its economy stood out behind only Vermont.

State Superintendent Susie Hedalen, Missoula Superintendent Micah Hill and Lolo Superintendent Dale Olinger met at the Missoula Public Library to talk about how changes in federal funding affect school budgets.

The panel said outdated funding formulas, rising prices and staff shortages mean schools will need clearer plans and more local support in the future—steps that could help both teachers and students.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks researchers are tracking grizzly bears in Madison Valley to study their movement, population and genetic links between major ecosystems.

They use natural food sources to attract bears for collaring and genetic sampling, and the program will end later this week.

Missoula city and county officials are watching a USDA plan that may close the historic Region 1 office — they worry that shifting local work to distant hubs will hurt services and the local economy.

Officials said the county will ask Congress to protect vital local programs.

The Montana Public Service Commission will soon hold a meeting to learn about new data centers and AI as NorthWestern Energy plans to supply 500 megawatts for a new data center near Billings and experts worry that extra costs may fall on customers—officials will use the meeting to guide future rate rules.

At a heated Monday night meeting, the Missoula City Council defeated a proposal to change council rules that would have required committee review for new business, leaving minority members feeling excluded.

Some council members criticized a colleague for past outbursts—saying her behavior undermined teamwork as they defended the current process.

Gov. Gianforte signed an executive order on Monday to launch the new 406 Jobs framework that will unite Montana's workforce programs into four work pathways — focusing on career, college, entrepreneurship and military — and target six high demand industries at Boeing's Helena facility. The plan directs state agencies to cut duplicate efforts and expand job opportunities, and events for public input will begin in September with an initial report due in 90 days.

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.

Hickoids Live at Monk's Bar

6-9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Cover charge applies — Experience the cowpunk legends Hickoids on their Sasquatch Stroll tour through the Western US.

Trivia Tuesday at The Old Post

6:30-9:00 p.m. — The Old Post — Free entry — Gather your sharpest friends for a fun-filled trivia night in Downtown Missoula.