Good morning, Missoula.

Volunteers are busy peeling hundreds of McIntosh apples in Hamilton to prepare for the 47th Bitterroot McIntosh Apple Day on Saturday, Oct.

3, where vendors will sell fresh and frozen pies and host a raffle (Liquid Apple Night starts at 5 p.m.).

WalletHub has ranked Bozeman as the top small city in Montana for 2026, placing it in the 94th percentile nationally for overall livability.

The study rated economic health + education + safety while noting affordability challenges, with Missoula, Helena, and Great Falls also earning praise.

Lee Enterprises announced Monday that it acquired the Great Falls Tribune (founded in 1885), which expands its network to cover nearly all major Montana markets and adds to its portfolio of nearly 200 mastheads nationwide.

Whole Foods is expected to serve as the anchor for a new Midtown Market development — replacing the Brooks Street Motor Inn site — that will add a major national retailer to Missoula’s growing retail scene.

Homecoming Week at UM features volleyball today at 7 pm against Eastern Washington + a Yell Night Pep Rally Friday at 8 pm at the Oval and a parade Saturday through downtown.

Tailgating near Washington-Grizzly Stadium may cause delays before the football game.

Missoula welcomes a busy October with many events for all ages.

Germanfest will take over Caras Park on Sat., Oct. 3 from 12 to 9 pm (featuring music, brats, games, and Steinholding finals) while Griz football and concerts join a lively lineup along with haunted house attractions.

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council will hold a public hearing on Oct.

5 at 4:30 p.m. at the Edgewater Hotel in Missoula to review its draft 9th Power Plan for renewable energy and efficiency; written comments will be accepted until Oct. 16 (local input opportunity).

Hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationists gathered Tuesday night on the Missoula County Courthouse lawn to share ‘roadless stories’ and oppose plans to repeal the Roadless Rule (which protects Montana’s wild areas), urging locals to submit comments by Oct.

6.

Missoula Butterfly House Insectarium director Glenn Marangelo said more box elder bugs are appearing as they search for overwintering spots near maple, ash and box elder trees.

Residents are advised to seal cracks and clear debris around homes to help prevent infestations.

Missoula City Council approved $211,000 on Wednesday, Sept.

30 to support Poverello Center programming and outreach as it began moving homeless veterans into a renovated transitional housing facility at the former Clark Fork Inn.

Former Montana coach Bobby Hauck was dismissed as defensive coordinator at Illinois after four games; issues with communication and defensive play led Bret Bielema to make a swift change (Jeremy Werner described the move as a complete failure of an offseason reset).