Good morning, Missoula.

Local police in Bozeman and Missoula are joining forces to ensure safety during the Brawl of the Wild 2.0 playoff this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium & share costs while also engaging in a friendly wager between police chiefs.

Wind gusts on Wednesday knocked trees into the Nine Mile Community Center Pavilion outside Huson, cracking its roof while sparing the historic school house and church.

The center will hold work days Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to repair damage ahead of its Christmas Eve service.

Flathead Electric restored power for over 20,000 customers on Thursday after hurricane-force winds damaged service across northwest Montana—crews are working to restore power for roughly 10,000 members while wind warnings remain in effect and emergency shelters are open.

Montana’s mountains expect up to 18 inches of snow by early next week to boost the snowpack, while Governor Gianforte declared emergencies in several counties and Missoula had 3,300 customers still without power.

Tribal leader Tom McDonald was re-elected and Libby awaits water test results (48 hours) as cleanup continues.

Missoula Montana Airport launched a nonstop flight to Chicago O'Hare today.

American Airlines will offer residents faster access to the East Coast, Southeast, and international markets with flexible schedules.

A Montana federal judge ruled on Wednesday that the Bureau of Land Management cannot reexamine six oil lease decisions on grouse habitat because the new law does not change the rules in effect at the time of the original decisions+ the ruling keeps the leases in place as conservation groups plan further challenges.

The Missoula Cemetery Board is exploring green burial options that use biodegradable coffins — a shift from traditional methods.

Discussions led by board member Christian Zal-Herwitz and cemetery superintendent Brett Gilman are underway to offer families a sustainable alternative.

Sen. Steve Daines, Sen. Tim Sheehy and Rep. Troy Downing reintroduced the Montana Sportsmen Conservation Act, a bill to remove three wilderness study areas (Wales Creek, Hoodoo, and Middle Fork Judith) from protection for regular public land management.

The measure aims to boost access and cut wildfire risk.

Montanans enrolled through HealthCare.gov may face higher premiums next year if enhanced ACA tax credits expire on Jan.

1. Lawmakers remain split over proposals to ease cost burdens for roughly 69,000 enrollees (average credit $543 and premium $102 after credits end).

Far Cry 5 is now on sale for PS4 and PS5 at $9 instead of $60, offering Montana gamers authentic state-inspired scenery and action.

The discount lasts until after the holiday season, so now is the time to pick up this video game gift option.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8:30-9:29 p.m. — Missoula Children's Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.

KPOP Demon Hunters Dance Party

9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $5 — Get ready to dance and sing the night away with beats from Big Lou and DJ Pan Dulce.