Good morning, Missoula.

Luc Swensson, founder of nonprofit I Love This Life, spoke to Target Range middle schoolers on Thursday about mental health and youth resilience — he signed shoes and shared his personal story of overcoming bullying.

His talk, part of a 19-day Montana tour, aimed to show students that kind words can empower them to keep moving forward.

Fire crews are battling a wildfire west of Lolo that was first reported around 1:15 p.m. Sunday near Sun Ray Lane along Highway 12 northwest of Fort Fizzle—multiple agencies including the Montana DNRC and U.S. Forest Service are on scene and a helicopter is making water drops while local traffic may be impacted.

Montana law prohibits using a credit card to buy lottery tickets — customers must use cash, checks, or debit cards instead.

The rule aims to protect players from building up debt with gambling purchases.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will close the I-90 Exit 5 westbound off-ramp east of Lookout Pass in Taft from today through Friday, September 26, weather permitting, to replace old pavement and upgrade safety features.

Traffic will be directed with one open lane per direction, and westbound drivers will detour via the Saltese Interchange (Exit 10) back to I-90 east.

Montana beat Indiana State by a score of 63 to 20 Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula as the team posted 647 total yards, the seventh-most in program history—boosting their record to three wins and no losses.

They will face the Idaho Vandals next week.

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.

Cyclops Performance at Badlander

5-8 p.m. — The Badlander — $10 cover — Experience the explosive sounds of Cyclops blending heavy music with experimental dubstep.

University of Montana Homecoming Parade

12-2 p.m. — Downtown Missoula Partnership — Free entry — Celebrate Homecoming with a vibrant parade featuring the Big Sky Horse Park float.