Happy Tuesday, Missoula. In today’s edition: BEAR Lab research on hearing and aging, free Christmas shopping day, Annie, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Business tax relief ahead: In 2026, 32,873 Montana employers will see a 0.20 percentage point UI tax cut, with over 7,100 at zero percent, saving more than $23 million under HB 210 — learn what changes in 2026.

Inside Montana’s 406 JOBS push: Montana’s unemployment remained 3% in September, marking four years at or below 3.4%, while rates rose in 25 states. October data was canceled after a government shutdown — get all the details.

How sound shapes well-being: University of Montana has opened the BEAR Lab to study hearing loss, aging, and brain function, with students training now and patient testing planned with clinical partners starting next year — read the full story.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since January. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week

• Toast marshmallows and enjoy drink specials
• Get free Christmas gifts and groceries
• Hear John Floridis benefit Missoula Interfaith Collaborative
• Run the Light The Way 5K
• Enjoy a family-friendly Christmas brunch
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 30% off

🫶 We got your back

Ski season buzz builds: Missoula’s Snowbowl kicked off its 71st season over the weekend, spinning the Grizzly and Snow Park chairs Dec. 12 through 14 before pausing operations Dec. 15 through 18. Crews put in big off-season work, and the wetter early snow is setting a solid base. More terrain and normal hours will follow as storms arrive. Read the full Snowbowl update.

Multiple watches and warnings: Expect a stormy midweek. After 1 to 2 inches of valley rain earlier this week, a strong cold front late Tuesday night into Wednesday could bring 40 to 60 mph gusts, snow down to valley floors, and treacherous mountain passes. Flooding remains a concern in northwest Montana, including a flash flood watch near Libby. Get all the details.

Movie night, sorted: Whether you’re craving a buzzy new release, a comfort classic, or a delightfully nerdy series, The Roxy Theater, Missoula’s nonprofit, community-owned cinema, keeps it fresh with triple-organic popcorn and beer or wine. The lineup flips fast… choose a film and roll with it.

Hear me out: My mom’s been asking people to repeat themselves 5,281 times too many for years. She always avoided hearing aids like the plague — they’re clunky, obvious, expensive, not really worth it. I always thought “she’s not wrong” until I saw these new invisible hearing aids going viral. In the same boat? Now’s a great time to check them out before unused health benefits expire on the 31st.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎨 Create a Phenology Wheel @ Montana Natural History Center | Wednesday (12/17) at 7:00pm – Take a breather and cozy up at Montana Natural History Center for a Sip & Sketch that kickstarts a January 2026 phenology wheel. They supply paper, pens, and inspiration, you sip two included drinks, ponder migrating birds, and pretend your protractor never retired.

👕 Ugly Sweater Party @ Missoula Art Museum | Thursday (12/18) at 5:00pm – The Missoula Art Museum is leaning into the season with an Ugly Sweater Party, live music from Geoff Taylor, and a no-host bar. Wear your gloriously tacky knit, sip something festive, roam the galleries, and call it culture, community, and impeccable taste in bad sweaters.

🎗️ John Floridis, Jennifer Slayden, and more @ Longstaff House | Thursday (12/18) at 7:00pm – If you prefer your philanthropy with strings attached, John Floridis joins percussionist Ed Stalling and cellist Jennifer Slayden for a benefit supporting Tamarack Grief Resource Center. Special vocals from Susan Israel and Tom Bensen, all local, all heart. Sponsored by Park Side Credit Union.

🍖 Brown Bag & Bones @ Montana Natural History Center | Friday (12/19) at 1:00pm – Nothing beats a lunch date with a dinosaur. Bring your sandwich and curiosity to MNHC, where paleontologist Jason C. Poole methodically preps 150-million-year-old Allosaurus fossils. It is free with admission, oddly soothing to watch, and way better than doomscrolling.

🎄 Winter Party @ FINN | Friday (12/19) at 5:00pm – Winter party alert, and not the awkward office kind. Warm up in the shiny new lobby, then head to the deck for fire pits, roasted chestnuts like the song promised, toasted marshmallows, drink specials, and that cozy, mildly smoky sweater smell we secretly love.

This weekend

🛍️ Free Christmas Shopping Day @ The Remnant Church | Saturday (12/20) at 10:00am – Missoula, skip the mall and swing by The Remnant Church for a free Christmas haul, no strings, just neighbors helping neighbors. We’re talking clothes, toys, toiletries, pantry staples, even game meat, and dinner boxes with all the trimmings. Stock up, breathe, feel human again.

🎅 Santa Story Time @ Imaginarium | Saturday (12/20) at 10:30am – Santa is clocking in at the library for story time, a sweet treat, and the kind of kid joy that justifies a laundry pile of glitter. Little ones can chat with the big guy, parents can snap photos, and everyone leaves more patient.

🎥 Learn 3 Camera Studio @ MCAT | Saturday (12/20) at 4:00pm – Channel your inner Letterman at MCAT’s free three-camera studio workshop. Every Saturday at 4 p.m., they hand you the special effects switcher, the lights, and the excuse to finally make that talk show you keep pitching at dinner. Peak public access glory, zero tuition.

🏃 Light The Way 5k @ Fort Missoula Park | Saturday (12/20) at 6:00pm – Take a breather from gift wrapping and jog the Light The Way 5k at Fort Missoula. It is an after-dark run that starts by Bella Vista Pavilion, with twinkle lights, headlamps, and neighbors pretending this counts as cross training for cookie season. Low-key, festive, fun.

🎭 Annie @ Missoula Children’s Theatre | Sunday (12/21) at 2:00pm – Watch little orphan Annie light up the stage with her unstoppable optimism and all the iconic songs you know by heart. It’s a festive, feel-good musical that’ll have you humming “Tomorrow” long after curtain call.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/16 Bingo Night @ Cranky Sam Public House – 7 pm
• 12/17 Old Time Jam @ Western Cider – 6 pm
• 12/17 James Lanman @ The Old Post – 7 pm
• 12/17 Trivia Night @ Cranky Sam Public House – 7 pm
• 12/17 Patti Nolan & The Undeniables @ Zootown Arts Community Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/18 Sweater Party @ Missoula Art Museum – 5 pm
• 12/18 Jazz Night @ The Old Post – 6 pm
• 12/18 John Floridis and more @ Longstaff House – 7 pm
• 12/18 Annie @ Missoula Children’s Theatre

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Brandy Gillespie (Ink Realty Group)

A 2-bed, 3-bath showpiece inside the iconic Babs, this spacious residence marries historic bones with crisp updates. A spa-style primary with a walk-in closet, a clever guest room with Murphy bed, and sun-splashed rooms set the tone. Think push-button dimmers, illuminated cabinetry, glass door knobs, hardwoods, wainscoting, and heated honeycomb tile floors in all three baths.

In a celebrated historic address, character comes standard. The Clark Fork River, the University of Montana, and downtown Missoula sit a scenic stroll away, so weekends rotate between trails, campus concerts, and craft pints.

Take a peek inside →