Good morning, Missoula.

The Humane Society of Western Montana is holding a free rabies vaccine and microchip clinic on Thursday, Sept.

3 at Silver Park from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and it is also showcasing 8-week-old kittens from its Take Me Home Tuesday event who await adoption and spay/neuter procedures.

Montana singers may audition for American Idol via Zoom on Sept.

9 as part of Idol Across America, receiving real-time producer feedback from home (saving them long travel and wait times).

The Missoula Food Bank & Community Center will host Empty Bowls, Full Souls at the Cooper Space on the 4th floor of the Public Library on Sept.

2 to raise funds for food insecurity; tickets cost $40 and include a soup dinner and handmade ceramic bowl by a local artist.

Missoula will host three Oktoberfest events at Bayern Brewing on Friday, Sept.

18, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 with authentic German food and live music while GermanFest at Caras Park on Saturday, Oct. 3 will feature the Montana State Stein Holding Championship finals.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform two free Shakespeare plays on the UM Oval this week at the University of Montana campus, offering Missoulians a chance to enjoy live theater outdoors.

Wildfires near Wisdom have burned over 43,000 acres and forced evacuations in Grasshopper Valley; crews of over 600 personnel use strategic firing operations to protect property along the Scenic Byway (with some weather relief mitigating the flames).

State and federal leaders met on Thursday at MSU in Bozeman to discuss expanding housing access for young adults leaving foster care.

Officials plan to grow the program statewide by using housing vouchers to provide stable living arrangements.

The University of Montana in Missoula welcomed its inaugural class of 24 physician associates from over 600 applicants.

The two-year program will help fill the state's need for primary care at rural critical access hospitals and offers graduates six-figure salaries.

Edgewater Missoula celebrated its renovation on Thursday by unveiling a resort-style upgrade with a new pool, deck area, gym and plans to refresh Finn Restaurant.

The hotel — located along the scenic Clark Fork River — merges modern design with longstanding local charm.