Missoula Regional Pulse

Key takeaways from JPR's weekly news roundtable on Pacific Northwest stories:

• Competitive elections underway, with candidates filing for Josephine...

PNW braces for more rain amid atmospheric river onslaught:

• Flood Watches through Friday for Seattle metro, northern WA coast, Olympics; 3-5 inches...

Trend alert: Diverse candidate filings are packing Montana's 2026 ballot.

• Missoula Republicans outpace Democrats in precinct filings, showing...

Missoula's response to rising homelessness shows compassion and friction:

• Free pet vet clinics boomed 63% in animals served (212 to 346,...

Rising elk numbers are invading PNW farms and suburbs, sparking crop damage and vehicle risks.

Key management challenges:

• Ag land magnet: Elk stick...

Key updates in Montana's correctional trend:

• Leadership change: Natalia Bowser, innovation chief since 2025, steps up as deputy director...

• Homestead exemption deadline passed: Midnight March 19; 35,000 rentals and 250,000+ homeowners applied, but miss it and seek 2027 refund
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• Above-normal temps hit Washington and Oregon March 27–April 2, with dry conditions dominating.
• Western WA (Seattle/Tacoma): Daytime highs several...

PNW tech heats up with fusion powerhouse Helion Energy claiming the No. 1 spot on the latest GeekWire 200, backed by SoftBank and Sam Altman after key...

Missoula's arts scene explodes this weekend with inclusive comedy, markets, and gallery strolls—perfect for cultural immersion.

• Comedy doc filming:...

Missoula's Scott Street Ravara project launches priority applications with Front Step Community Land Trust:

• Deadline: March 27, units ready by May
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Hands-on career trend heating up in Missoula County:

• Building & Grounds: Cleaner ($18/hr), Home Helper ($18/hr, flexible), Maintenance Coordinator...

Diverse acts hit Missoula area in 2026—save these dates for an eclectic vibe:

• Jazz: 46th Annual UM Buddy DeFranco Festival, March 12-13
• Doom...

Missoula hit 71° and Butte 68° Thursday, eclipsing old records some from 1910—just a week after winter's biggest storm. Even hotter Friday ahead, with gusty winds raising fire danger.

Statewide tourism boost: Montana Dept. of Commerce grants over $828,000 to 48 events via Economic Impact program.

• Missoula highlights: River City...

Key update on the South Missoula shooting:

• Suspect identified: Tyree Sisler-Mack, 23, charged with Criminal Endangerment and drug paraphernalia...

Montana's busiest corridor gets a safety boost:

• Multi-year effort by Missoula agency approves four-tier plan to curb crashes and fatalities via...

Tragic incident north of Missoula at the Wye:

• One killed in crash on Hwy 93 north of Frenchtown Frontage Road
• One hospitalized; trooper confirmed at scene
• Montana Highway Patrol providing more details soon

• European earwig: Night feeders chewing holes in leaves and fruit; trap with soy sauce-lured oil container buried flush with ground.
• Bronze birch...

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