Good morning, Missoula.

Claire Murnin from Pompeys Pillar was crowned 2026 Miss American Angus at the recent 2025 Angus Convention in Kansas City—making her the first Montanan to earn the title and setting her up to serve as an ambassador for Angus cattle and the beef industry.

With uncertain SNAP funding and rising costs, AniMeals no-kill shelter sees increased demand and donations for its pet food bank serving pets in need.

The food bank—open every day except Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.—delivers food and support to struggling pet owners as winter intensifies.

The Jack Saloon near Lolo reopened November 7 under new owners Kyle and Stefanie — who brought back its rustic charm with live music, yard games, and a tree trunk barstool.

They held a grand reopening on Friday night — with mostly positive local feedback already rolling in.

Missoula Head Start is helping families during the federal shutdown by hosting a grocery event that delivered over $8,000 in essentials + program leaders warn that if the shutdown continues, some centers may close next year due to funding challenges.

Gas prices in Montana dropped for eight straight weeks as GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan said the average price fell to $2.99 per gallon on Monday + this rate was 0.6 cents lower than last week and 7.2 cents lower than a month ago, with most Missoula stations showing that price.

Missoula County Public Schools closed the west wing of Cold Springs School after an inspection revealed a risk of roof collapse.

The district and the United Way of Missoula County are working to find temporary childcare spaces and refund rent payments—while assuring that the rest of the building is safe.

A working group met at Fish Creek State Park and Wildlife Management Area to propose ideas for new roads and trails—balancing increased public access with wildlife protection.

FWP will compile and share the recommendations for a 30-day public comment period before starting an internal review and environmental assessment.

A 10-member planning group met at Fish Creek State Park to propose new roads and trails, and FWP will compile the ideas for a 30-day public comment period before making a final decision.

Group members—including bicyclists, horse riders and motorized users—urged more education and enforcement to protect wildlife habitat.

General rifle season is underway in Western Montana as hunters stop at a Bonner check station to test deer for diseases like EHD and Chronic Wasting Disease.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say the samples help catch early signs of illness — guiding efforts to manage deer populations before diseases spread further.

SNAP food assistance clients in Montana have seen a partial benefit payment on their EBT cards since November 9th—clients are advised to check their balances by calling the helpdesk as more benefits may come when Congress restarts federal operations.

On Sunday, Montana won the Big Sky championship shootout 4-2 at South Campus Stadium after 110 scoreless minutes as all four penalty kicks went in, sending the Grizzlies to their seventh NCAA tournament appearance — Coach Citowicki said the team's readiness and strong fan support made the win exciting.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — University of Montana - Dennison Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the magic of the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, this Christmas season.

Lost & Found

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Pick-What-You-Pay (Suggested $25) — Experience a dynamic performance featuring four new plays exploring loss and discovery within an art museum setting.

Indigenous Food Sovereignty with Mariah Gladstone of Indigikitchen

Join us for an evening with Mariah Gladstone, founder of Indigikitchen and celebrated advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty, as she shares stories and recipes from her new book, Mountains to Oceans: Kids’ Recipes from Native Land. Through this engaging talk and book signing, Gladstone explores the deep connections between culture, land, and food, highlighting the commitment to reclaiming Indigenous culinary traditions.

Lost & Found: Plays on Tap

3-5 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Pick-What-You-Pay — Experience four new plays exploring themes of loss and discovery within an art museum setting.

Nurse Blake: Comedy and Advocacy

8-9:30 p.m. — University of Montana - Dennison Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the humor and heartfelt storytelling of Nurse Blake, a beloved figure in the healthcare community.

Stayin Alive - Bee Gees Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — University of Montana - Dennison Theatre — Cost not specified — Relive the magic of the Bee Gees with their iconic hits in this captivating tribute show.

Hacks and Hops Montana

2:30-6:30 p.m. — Tamarack Brewing Co — Free entry — Network with security professionals while enjoying craft brews in Missoula.

Montana Grizzlies vs. Montana State Bobcats

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience the excitement of college football rivalry on the field.

Memphis May Fire - Tour 2025

7-8:30 p.m. — The Wilma — General admission tickets available — Rock out with Memphis May Fire and support acts Rain City Drive, Nevertel, and If Not For Me.

Run for Beer - Ugly Sweater Run

5k Fun Run — Missoula Montana Airport — Entry fee applies — Enjoy a festive run wearing your ugliest sweater and celebrate with local craft beers and live music.

Missoula’s Cultural Heritage and the Clark Fork River – An Ever-Changing Landscape

In this presentation, guests will not only gain natural historical knowledge of the Clark Fork River, but also the innate partnership between cultural and natural heritage landscapes. This presentation will primarily examine the heritage of Missoula’s restricted communities between 1860 and 1940.

4 tracts of land (totaling 45.79 acres), 4-bedroom home, 1,200 sq ft shop & year-round creek!

Offered as a package sale at $899,900! All four tracts of land are legally subdivided and are adjacent to CSKT Tribal Lands with subsequent access to USFS lands. This is a very special property with an incredible potential.