Good morning, Missoula.

The Missoula Family YMCA opened its new campus on South Russell Street after years of work and $19 million in upgrades.

The facility now has an airnasium — a covered basketball court, splash pad and improved childcare to serve the community.

The YMCA reopened its renovated Russell Street campus today in Missoula with a block party that started at 4:00 p.m. and includes music, bounce houses, food trucks plus guided tours of the updated facility.

The upgrades modernized the 40-year-old center to serve the community for the next 50 years.

Robert Redford died Tuesday at 89 in his Utah home—his legacy lives on in Montana's rivers and mountains.

His film A River Runs Through It spurred conservation efforts and boosted fly-fishing tourism—marking a lasting cultural impact.

A school assembly held Thursday at Target Range School District in Missoula honored math teacher Ms. Alison Lokey, a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching—an honor that comes with a certificate, $10,000, and a trip to Washington, D.C.—as national award winners will be announced soon. The event marked a proud moment for the district and reinforced Lokey's commitment to making math clear for her students.

Montana’s national parks face severe impacts if the proposed $1B budget cuts pass, with experts warning that up to 350 parks may close and staff cuts—already at 24% since January—could hurt tourism and local jobs.

Each dollar lost from park revenue risks reducing the $1B investment that supports community funds.

Montana Lottery players have won big when a ticket from Rosauers netted $2,000,000—winners in Missoula and Belgrade also claimed prizes of $200,000 and $150,000 after visiting a lottery office in Helena to learn their winnings.

The lottery launched a new website, app, and players’ club, and the Montana Millionaire game will go on sale on November 1 at 5:30 a.m. with five $1 million jackpots—new winter and holiday scratch tickets will come out in October.

A Missoula federal judge heard youth and expert testimony on Wednesday in a climate change lawsuit that asked him to stop three presidential executive orders that ease rules on fossil fuels—orders that boost extraction and lower air quality.

The lawsuit claims these actions endanger young people's health, and his decision remains pending.

Missoula will start construction on a new parking area at the Duncan Dr. Trailhead the week of Sept.22 to make trail access safer and easier to reach.

The work, funded by a Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks grant, will finish around mid-October if weather holds + parking will be limited in the cul-de-sac.

Congressman Ryan Zinke’s office will hold in-person mobile office hours in rural parts of Montana’s First Congressional District to help residents with federal agency disputes, passport issues, and benefit questions.

Missoula County residents will meet at the Seeley Lake Library on Friday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—other counties have set times and locations available by appointment.

The Sentinel Spartans claimed the city title in girls flag football by shutting out Hellgate 7-0 and Big Sky 18-0 in the inaugural series last Wednesday.

Their strong defense set up favorable playoff seeding—marking a milestone for girls’ sports—and drew strong local support.

Griz senior Evan Shafer honors his late wrestling coach by playing a special playlist at game day warmups — a tribute that includes wearing a printed t-shirt of his coach’s face — and he will carry this tradition into the upcoming football game against Indiana State at 1 p.m. Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Gracie Cagle, a junior setter for Griz Volleyball, led the team to a six-match win streak with 11.1 assists per set and strong front row play, earning her Co-Offensive Player of the Week.

She also said—using humor—that she does not like pizza, even when it is a popular choice at birthday parties.

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

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.

2025 Ignite Conference

8 AM – 4 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula - Edgewater — Check website for registration fees — A dynamic conference for PR and marketing professionals with networking, insights, and inspiration.

Scott H. Biram Live Performance

7-8 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Cover charge at the door — Experience the powerhouse sound of Scott H. Biram and his diverse musical talents.