Good morning, Missoula.

Residents at a large mobile home park in Missoula have formed a tenants union after an out-of-state company raised rents and submitted a counter lease proposal.

The union will negotiate fairer rental terms for the community—residents are uniting to fight for affordable living.

Missoula County has announced today that it will allocate $1.26M in grants to 22 local organizations to support food, housing and health services for vulnerable groups—using funds from the Community Assistance Fund and a voter-approved Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy.

Sixteen organizations will receive $895K and eight programs will get $368,920 to help at-risk populations stay safe.

Whitefish residents were reminded to use bear-resistant garbage containers properly after a bear sow and her cub fed on trash on October 1 while nearly 100 people attended a school board meeting in Hot Springs about an audit into an employee’s expenses.

Missoula's AniMeals is raising $4 million to build a new shelter—helping the group serve more than 500 pets each year.

Montana native Elizabeth Dorothy Sandelius Benbow received the Silver Star Medal for heroism under fire during a ceremony on Sept.

24 in Los Angeles—107 years after serving as a WWI nurse in France.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest restarted its review of a radio repeater on Odell Mountain while a Missoula judge allowed the device to remain in the wilderness study area.

Local groups had raised concerns that the installation broke wilderness rules—now the Forest Service must finish its reconsideration within two years.

The Montana Department of Transportation says 13% of collisions involve wildlife and warns drivers that as fall days darken, animals like elk are crossing busy highways such as Highway 93 South—drivers should be extra alert during dawn and dusk.

Missoula County contracted Dorsey & Whitney LLP to study if a new down-payment assistance program and land banking plan can fund affordable housing—aiming to create a tool for first-time buyers in a rising market.

County officials said the study will show if selling county land might generate the revenue needed—offering a potential solution to the local housing crisis.

Montana enacted new carseat laws on October 1st to improve child passenger safety.

Under the new law, children under 2 must ride in a rear-facing harness, ages 2 to 4 in a harness seat, and ages 4 to 8 in either a forward-facing harness or booster seat — the Department of Transportation will offer carseat checks for help.

The government shutdown starts today and Missoula Food Bank is preparing for more people needing food and essential services—Director Jessy Lee said community support keeps the bank flexible.

The state also confirmed that federally funded programs will continue for at least 30 days.

Missoula County contracted a legal firm on Wednesday to study the feasibility of a down-payment assistance program and land banking strategy for affordable housing — the study will decide if selling or holding county-owned parcels can generate revenue to help first-time home buyers. John Wilke, head of the county's development district, said the research aims to add a tool to address the growing housing crisis.

Local business groups—including the Missoula Economic Partnership, Missoula Association of Realtors and Missoula Chamber of Commerce—have endorsed a $1.8M county mill levy in a joint statement that the added tax revenue will help repair aging infrastructure; the measure is expected to guide future county improvements.

Local residents have shared their best pizza spots in Missoula, naming classic joints such as Sharif’s and Tower Pizza along with newer choices like Biga Pizza—featured on the Food Network—and food trucks like Loadstone Pizza by the Wye West Casino.

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.

Montana Grizzlies vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers

1-2:30 p.m. — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Tickets required — Catch the thrilling college baseball showdown between the Grizzlies and Pioneers.

She Talks Mini: Montana – Women in Construction

2-11 p.m. — Forestry Greenhouse, Missoula, MT — Free entry — Celebrate and inspire women in construction, empowering the next generation of female leaders in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

Niko Moon Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Tickets available — Experience good vibes and live music from the optimistic artist Niko Moon.

Idaho State Bengals vs Montana Grizzlies Women's Volleyball

7-8:30 p.m. — Adams Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch an exciting women's volleyball match with the local favorites, the Grizzlies, in action.