Good morning, Missoula.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Humane Society will offer free vaccines and microchips for dogs and cats at 5930 Highway 93 South in Missoula (participants should arrive early), and on Thursday, Oct.

22, six puppies will be available for adoption at Mom Approved Tattoo.

Missoula ranked 17th among 182 U.S. cities in a WalletHub study of safety indicators, including a top-10 spot for natural disaster risk.

Billings made the list at 55th with a strong financial safety score.

The Montana Film Festival returns to The Roxy in downtown Missoula on Thursday, Oct.

22 and runs through Oct. 25. The event will include film screenings and Q&A sessions with directors after many showings.

Tannahill Weavers from Scotland will perform live today at 7 p.m. at the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center in Victor (benefiting the Bitterroot Celtic Society) as they blend traditional Celtic melodies with modern energy.

The Old Farmer's Almanac forecasts sunny, warm weather for eastern Montana during Thanksgiving week, while western areas may experience mixed conditions and occasional rain.

Travelers planning holiday trips should monitor the forecast and road conditions (especially when crossing mountain passes) for any changes.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has asked for public comment on US Critical Materials’ plan to explore rare-earth minerals at Sheep Creek mine near the Bitterroot River.

Although most comments oppose the project, officials have not set an end date for comments and fast-track permitting may lead to approval.

A new property owner in Lolo has fenced off access to a well-used river trail that neighbors said connected local homes.

Locals worry that the change will cut off an important community link.

Adventure Cycling has decided to keep its downtown building after listing it for sale last year (listed at $2.7 million) because members strongly opposed the move (reflecting local concerns).

Both Montana basketball teams will begin the 2026-27 season with more new faces than returning players.

The fresh rosters are set to energize local contests and practice sessions.

Montana has produced 27 MLB players dating back to 1914 — only two have appeared in the World Series, with Dave McNally of Billings and John Lowenstein of Wolf Point reaching championship games.

The Montana Grizzlies lost 42-35 to Idaho last week and now have four regular season games remaining, including Eastern Washington on Oct.

31 and Montana State on Nov. 21. Coach Riley Corcoran said a win in all four games is needed for a top-8 playoff seed.