Good morning, Missoula.

Bridge Pizza in Missoula reopened today on Higgins Avenue after closing on March 9 for renovations delayed by COVID-19, and it now offers full hours for dine-in, pick-up, take-out and drive-through service.

Deliveries will come from its Brooks Street location.

Teachers in Montana face low pay and classroom challenges as a WalletHub report shows their inflation-adjusted salaries are $3,728 lower than they were 16 years ago—ranking the state as one of the worst for educators.

The report also highlights that Montana has the lowest starting salaries for teachers compared to many states.

UM students held a rally on Sunday at the University called Grizzlies Fight Fascism to push the administration to adopt progressive stances; organizers like Cyrus Gertz encouraged about 200 participants to demand reforms addressing gun violence, federal funding, and campus safety — urging a clear move against policies they say threaten the community.

Montanans can help nature this fall by leaving leaves on lawns — doing so feeds pollinators, naturally fertilizes lawns, and keeps tons of debris out of landfills.

The National Wildlife Federation recommends letting leaves lie or mulching them to support a healthy local ecosystem.

The Johnson Street Shelter closed earlier this month due to financial strain after federal funding ended—The City of Missoula said it will continue its housing sprint program, having spent more than $164,000 to help residents find new housing and prepare for winter overflow.

The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, Division of Fire lowered fire danger on the Flathead Indian Reservation to moderate after rain and cool temperatures—officials urge residents, hunters, and campers to stay cautious as debris burning remains closed until October 1.

Missoula County also reported moderate fire danger, adding to a strong focus on fire safety in the region.

Senators Tim Sheehy and Maria Cantwell introduced federal legislation to start a fire weather program at NOAA that passed unanimously on September 10—this law will use new computer tools and a network of rain gauges to help predict wildfires and support fire crews.

The bill aims to update forecasting methods and improve coordination during fire events.

Musician Tim Montana shared a video last week detailing how a friend’s child with a gunshot wound faced long care delays due to a broken ambulance system — his account shows that rural EMS suffer from severe staffing and funding issues.

Lawmakers will soon meet to discuss ways to improve service and keep people safe.

Missoula's multifamily market has seen a 0.61% rise in vacancy rates and a 7.4% increase in average rent — Sterling CRE data shows 508 planned new units amid rising financing and construction costs.

Last weekend, Montana Grizzlies honored their 1995 national championship team—celebrating coach Don Read with alumni tributes and a close 24-23 win over North Dakota at the University of Montana.

Montana football spent $8.7M in fiscal year 2024, ranking fourth among FCS teams after Montana State, Stony Brook and South Dakota State—big programs like Alabama spent $113.8M instead.

The figures show a big difference in spending between smaller FCS programs and larger FBS teams.

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!

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

Great program for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages – join paleontologist Jason C. Poole to hear the latest from his 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! Snacks and drinks included.

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.

Montana Grizzlies vs. Indiana State Sycamores

1-2:30 p.m. — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — VIP tickets available — Experience college football with premium seating and exclusive tailgate events.

Dark Flamingo Painting Class

2-4 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — BYOB — Sip, paint, and relax while creating your own dark flamingo masterpiece.

Out There: A National Parks Story in Missoula

Special screening of the award-winning documentary Out There: A National Parks Story as part of the Cartography Comes Alive series at Xplorer Maps Headquarters. A Q&A with director Brendan Hall and special guest Jack Gladstone will follow the film. | Sept 23 · 7 PM

Missoula Elementary School Free Movie Night

📍 Gates open at 5:00PM | 🎟️ FREE admission for students & families | 🍿 Concessions will be open — no outside food or drink allowed

Fall Beer & Wine Fest

5-8 p.m. — The Trough — $50 per person — Sample local brews and wines while enjoying live music and delicious bites.

ClimateFEST

Kickoff Climate Solutions Week in Caras Park with the 7th annual ClimateFEST, Saturday, September 27, 10AM - 2PM! Featuring dozens of local organizations and businesses, this free, family-friendly event celebrates climate solutions -- from clean energy and electrification, to art and advocacy.

Late Night Radio Performance

7-10 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 cover — Experience the vibrant sounds of Late Night Radio as they electrify the night with innovative electronic beats.

2025 ZooTown Challenge

10 AM – 2 PM — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Race entry required — Compete in six challenging obstacle course races for all ages in beautiful Missoula.