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Montana gas prices skyrocketed 41 cents in just one week, with regular unleaded hitting $4.47 per gallon as of Thursday — a 10% increase.

The Trump administration attributes the spike to recent military operations targeting Iran's nuclear program. Local drivers are feeling the pain, with truck drivers, travelers, and families alike expressing frustration at the pump.

One Laurel resident had to rethink a Colorado trip due to fuel costs. Missoula drivers can save money by using apps like GasBuddy, leveraging grocery store fuel rewards at Albertsons and Super 1, filling up at tribal stations when traveling, and using Mountain Line's free downtown bus service.

With summer travel season approaching, analysts warn prices could climb even higher.

Liquid Planet Grille on Brooks Street is closing its doors this Sunday after two years of operation.

Located in the former Denny's space on one of Missoula's busiest corridors, the restaurant opened in 2023 hoping to capture the south Missoula and University district crowd.

Despite its convenient location and familiar menu, the location struggled to find its footing in a competitive dining landscape. The closure marks another change for the Brooks Street corridor, which has seen significant restaurant turnover in recent years.

However, fans of the brand can still visit the original Arthur Avenue location, which continues serving the Missoula community after 14 successful years.

The closure comes amid a challenging period for the company, which has also seen Elote, Pangea, and Stave & Hoop close recently.

Missoula voters narrowly approved two school levies this week, with the high school measure passing by just 840 votes out of more than 30,000 ballots cast.

The levies will fund staff salaries, operations, and existing programs for Missoula County Public Schools. While your property taxes will see a modest increase, the funding prevents deeper cuts to programs and staff.

In contrast, neighboring districts Frenchtown and Lolo both failed to pass their school levies, highlighting the regional divide in education funding priorities.

The results ensure local school funding remains stable for now, though the slim margins show how every vote truly counts in local elections.

Missoula County approved a major development agreement that will bring 200 new workforce housing units to the North Reserve Street corridor.

The Grant Creek Crossing project on an 84-acre former gravel pit will be funded through $7.9 million in tax increment financing, where the developer pays upfront for roads, sewer, water, and intersection improvements, then gets reimbursed as property tax revenue rolls in.

Unlike luxury apartments, workforce housing targets teachers, nurses, service workers, and first responders who have been priced out of Missoula's skyrocketing market.

With median home prices around $500,000 and rents climbing, these 200 units offer relief — though construction has not started yet and the developer has a four-year completion window.

Montana faces its fourth consecutive drought summer with statewide snowpack at just 66% of normal levels.

Western Montana shows mixed results-the Upper Clark Fork at 87% while the Lower Clark Fork lags at 64%.

For Missoula residents, this means earlier water restrictions, elevated fire danger beginning in June, and impacts on river recreation. Hoot owl fishing restrictions are likely on local rivers as water temperatures rise.

Agricultural producers face reduced irrigation allocations and challenging growing conditions. The Missoula Water Quality District anticipates implementing watering restrictions as early as June, including odd-even schedules and limitations on outdoor water use.

Fire managers are preparing for an active season with resources positioned strategically throughout western Montana.

Missoula offers incredible hiking opportunities for dog owners, from riverside strolls to mountain climbs. The top dog-friendly trails include the Kim Williams Trail along the Clark Fork River, Mount Jumbo access trails, and the Blue Mountain Recreation Area.

The Kim Williams Trail is perfect for dogs of all fitness levels with its flat, paved surface and beautiful river views. For more adventure, Mount Jumbo provides challenging climbs with panoramic views, while Blue Mountain offers forested escapes south of town.

Always keep your dog leashed unless in designated off-leash areas, carry water for both you and your pup, and check for ticks after every hike.

With proper preparation, exploring Missoula's trails with your dog becomes one of the best ways to enjoy the area's natural beauty.

Missoula's Best Pizza

🍕 Overall Best: Biga Pizza — Wood-fired sourdough perfection

🍕 Best New York Style: Bridge Pizza — Authentic slices, late night

🍕 Best Deep Dish: MacKenzie River Pizza — Montana's pizza chain done right

🍕 Best Gluten-Free: Biga Pizza — Crispy, chewy, indistinguishable from regular

🍕 Best Budget: Papa John's / Domino's — When you just need pizza fast

In a town with over a dozen pizza options, standing out requires more than just cheese and sauce. Missoula's best pizzerias bring distinct styles, quality ingredients, and serious craft to every pie. From wood-fired Neapolitan to foldable New York slices, here's where to get your pizza fix in the Garden City.

Biga Pizza: Missoula's Pizza Revelation

Location: 241 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802

Phone: (406) 926-4498

Biga Pizza isn't just the best pizza in Missoula — it competes with any pizzeria in the country. The secret is in the dough: naturally leavened sourdough, fermented for days, then fired in a wood-burning oven at over 700 degrees. The result is a crust that's simultaneously chewy, crispy, and deeply flavorful.

Discover a treasure trove of Montana-made goods and locally inspired style at Soul City Dry Goods, located in the heart of downtown Missoula. 

This vibrant boutique is your go-to destination for apparel, hats, accessories, top-notch home goods, and delicious local-food finds—all crafted with a western spirit and made with love in the Treasure State

Q & A

Q: Q: What is the population of Missoula, MT?

A: A: The population of Missoula, MT is approximately 75,516.

Q: Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Missoula, MT?

A: A: Some popular tourist attractions in Missoula, MT include the University of Montana, the Clark Fork River, and the Missoula Art Museum.

Q: Q: What is the climate like in Missoula, MT?

A: A: Missoula, MT has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters, with an average annual precipitation of around 18 inches.