UM is without power, but a spokesperson for the university says they're working to keep critical services (food, medical) accessible for students. Trees and debris all over campus, no estimated power restoration time. #mtnews

NEW: The City of Missoula is asking residents to stay home after the destructive wind event. More information will be released today on efforts to restore power and establish debris dumping areas. #mtnews missoulian.com/news/local/gov…

The Poverello Center homeless shelter in Missoula is closed due to the power outage. But the Johnson Street Emergency Shelter is open. That facility is asking for donated sack lunches since the Pov’s kitchen is closed. Donations can be dropped off at 1919 N. Ave. West

Just got this update regarding the need for donated food:

BREAKING: Missoula County has declared a state of emergency after a destructive storm blew through the region last night. Local, state and federal officials are speaking out in the aftermath. #mtnews missoulian.com/news/local/gov…

NEW: Missoula County has requested the state to declare an emergency this morning after the damaging thunderstorms in Missoula on Wednesday. The county has yet to receive confirmation. State disaster agency tells me it is coordinating to fill resource requests. #mtnews

BREAKING: The state has now declared a disaster in Missoula and Mineral counties. Story coming shortly #mtnews

Bagged ice and water are available today at Fort Missoula Regional Park off South Avenue for residents still without power. Potable water for drinking and non-potable water is available for livestock (water should not be used for irrigating).

Power is back on for most Missoulians after Wednesday's storm. Over 45K people lost power, and the outages remaining are "complex," local officials said at a news conference today. #mtnews missoulian.com/news/local/ele…

Trump is set to hold a Bozeman rally in support of Tim Sheehy, the Sheriff's Office confirmed to me. Updates to come here: helenair.com/news/state-reg…

It's fair week! missoulian.com/news/local/mis… via Missoulian

Our MT State News Bureau team spent 12+ hours in Bozeman yesterday at the rally for Trump and Tim Sheehy. With the help of an XL jug of cold brew and miraculously functional wifi in the venue we produced a comprehensive online package that everyone should check out. A teaser:

Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Sid Daoud told the Montana State News Bureau that top Republicans from the Montana GOP chairman to Donald Trump encouraged him to drop out of the contest. missoulian.com/news/state-reg… via Missoulian and Victoria Eavis

Missoula: Residents near Bellevue Park organized with their neighbors, made signs and installed padlocks on two portable restrooms after they found out the site would be used for overnight camping, which is now legal in most city parks. My latest: #mtnews missoulian.com/news/local/gov…

NEW: Deep in the Rattlesnake Wilderness, a team of city, Forest Service and conservation workers blew up a 100-year-old dam. Read here how the dams were first used, why the city wanted to blow them up and what this means for future dams nearby #mtnews missoulian.com/news/local/dam…

[630 pm MDT 8/15/24]: Heads up #Missoula! A strong thunderstorm will move through the area through 700 pm. Strong winds of 50 mph are expected!

NEW: Michael Lonewolf has been missing from Harlem, MT since 7/9. He's one of 1,000s of Indigenous people who go missing each year. For many, his case highlights a broken criminal legal system that plagues tribal communities across MT and the nation. missoulian.com/news/local/ind…

Two entrepreneurs announce intent to purchase historic Holland Lake Lodge missoulian.com/news/local/bus…

Here's a recap of this week's news for lunchtime reading: missoulian.com/news/local/loc… via Missoulian

Dark day for Montana news. Missoulian's Rob Chaney laid off this morning after 28 years. Rob was the very best of us and we'll miss him dearly, but this won't be his demise. From his Facebook: "It has been a fantastic run. And I have many miles more to go. Hang tough."