Good morning, Missoula.

On August 26, 2025, a Missoula officer arrived at a store on W.

Broadway after a man named Jonathan Tifft stole from a tip jar and exposed his genitals to an employee—he was later arrested and charged with felony burglary and indecent exposure with a $20,000 bond.

Average gas prices in Montana have increased in 25 of the past 35 weeks, and many Missoula stations are still charging about $3.24 per gallon.

Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy said prices barely changed last week and the national average is expected to drop to $2.99 per gallon this fall—if no major disruptions occur.

Beach Transportation, Missoula’s school bus provider since 1941, is enforcing safety measures by training drivers rigorously and asking local drivers to stop when buses show red lights (indicating a safe boarding process) for student pickup and drop-off.

Bus drivers also communicate with each other (reporting license plates of vehicles that do not stop) to keep students secure during school runs.

Residents at a 55-and-up mobile home park saw two recent rent hikes, and county officials sent a letter to new owner Axia Investments—now unresponsive—to ask about future plans, warning that steep increases may force seniors to choose between housing and essentials.

The Johnson Street Shelter in Missoula closed after serving as a temporary housing option during the COVID pandemic—its closure was announced by the city about seven months ago due to funding challenges that reduced its capacity and led to turning away some of the 62 people seeking a bed. The city is now focusing on permanent housing solutions by securing housing for 45 individuals and providing financial assistance for moving costs, while urging residents to use other community resources.

The Stables is a fine dining restaurant downtown that offers over 100 wines and signature cocktails—reservations are needed as seating fills up quickly and outdoor seating is seasonal.

The restaurant has quickly become a hidden gem known for its excellent service and special occasion appeal.

Montana’s Up-Up Lookout Tower is 80 miles west of Missoula near Ward Creek and offers great views from its 40-foot wooden fire lookout built in the 1930s.

Visitors must reserve months ahead and follow a dirt road with posted signs and a gate that opens with a code — the climb to the top involves moving over rocks and ascending a wooden staircase.

Sentinel JV Football vs. Russell

3-5 p.m. — Sentinel High School — Free entry — The Sentinel JV football team faces off against Russell in a non-conference showdown.

Montana Irish Festival

2:30-9:30 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Celebrate Irish culture with music, entertainment, and community spirit.

Financial Skill Building Class

10 AM - 5 PM — Homeword — Free — Enhance your financial literacy with expert-led sessions on managing money effectively.

The Trouble With Angels: Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Wilma — Reserved seating available — Experience an evening with comedy stars Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery.

Playoff game #1

The Missoula PaddleHeads return home for their 5 consecutive playoff appearance as they chase another championship.

Cornhole for Conservation

Cornhole + Conservation = Party. 🎉 Celebrate 25 years of Ecology Project International at Caras Park on Friday, Sept. 12 (5–8 p.m.). Expect cornhole showdowns, food trucks, live music, a silent auction, and prizes for the best Field Fancy fits (outdoor gear meets prom!) + top fundraisers. Come toss, eat, dance, and make a difference for the planet. 🌎✨

Montana Grizzlies vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks

1-2:30 p.m. — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Co-Hosted Tailgate Required RSVP — Cheer on the Griz in this exciting college football matchup.

Hunting Dinosaur Fossils in the Bighorn Basin with Paleontologist, Jason C. Poole

Great program for all ages and all dinosaur enthusiasts! Join paleontologist Jason C. Poole to hear the latest from this summer’s field work digging up dinosaur bones in Montana’s Bighorn Basin, some of which will be exposed over the next few months at the Montana Natural History Center before your very eyes!

Ronnie And The Redwoods Live

7-10 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Cost Info — Experience the emotional Americana/Rock sounds of Ronnie and The Redwoods with their deep lyrics and rich musical roots.

Chase Rice Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Tickets available — Experience high-energy music with Chase Rice as he performs hits from his chart-topping albums.