Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Missoula’s new nonstop Chicago flight could change your travel plans

And on the Missoula Patch calendar - Overwhelmed with Clutter? Don't know where to start? A class to help!

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Hello Missoula! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Missoula’s new nonstop Chicago flight could change your travel plans
  • How Missoula’s Humane Society is helping pets and struggling families
  • How a Missoula-based probe helped shut down a global fake ID ring

Also on today's calendar: Overwhelmed with Clutter? Don't know where to start? A class to help!.

Find out what's happening in Missoulafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Missoulafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: A little snow in the morning, with a high of 40 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Sunday: Cloudy, a shower in the p.m., temps: high: 34, low: 33.
  • Monday: A morning shower; cloudy, with a high of 41 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Missoula launches year-round, nonstop service to Chicago (missoulacurrent.com) — Missoula travelers now have year-round, nonstop American Airlines service to Chicago O’Hare, giving locals faster one-stop access to more than 150 destinations. Airport and economic leaders say the new route should lower costs, boost tourism, and make Missoula more attractive for business investment by improving national and international connectivity.
   

2. Humane Society of Western Montana has many pets for adoption (nbcmontana.com) — Missoula pet lovers can meet Lady Bird, a calm 9-year-old mixed-breed dog, and many other animals now available for adoption at the Humane Society of Western Montana. The shelter is also expanding its pet food relief project, distributing nearly 20,000 pounds of donated pet food statewide, including support for local families feeling holiday and financial pressures.
   

3. Operator of online fake ID marketplaces charged in federal case, domains seized (nbcmontana.com) — Federal prosecutors in Missoula have charged a Bangladeshi man with running online marketplaces that allegedly sold digital templates for fake passports, Social Security cards, and Montana driver’s licenses, including to at least one Montana buyer. Authorities say the operation brought in nearly $3 million worldwide before three related domains were seized, and emphasize that all charges remain allegations at this stage.
   

4. 101 year-old veteran who served in 3 wars honored by Montana National Guard (kpax.com) — In Missoula, a 101-year-old veteran who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam was honored in a surprise celebration by the Montana National Guard. The retired lieutenant colonel, who took his first flight in Missoula, shared powerful stories of flying bombers in Europe and reflected on the split-second decision that saved his crew’s lives.
   

5. Map Shows Four Suspected Serial Killers Charged in 2025 (newsweek.com) — One of the suspected serial killers highlighted this year is already serving time for a 2014 murder at a homeless encampment in Missoula, reminding locals of a grim case tied to a broader national pattern. The piece maps several alleged serial killers charged in 2025, placing Missoula alongside larger cities like Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Today's giveaway at Jacksons convenience store M&Ms plain or peanut.
    I'm told tomorrow's giveaway will be Starbucks Frappuccinos. Happy Holidays (Nextdoor Franklin)
  • Everything stops for a few hours Saturday afternoon when UM Griz Football meets MSU to decide which team goes to Nashville for the FCS Championship.
    What else is going on this winter solstice weekend? Plenty! Christmas markets and holiday events, lots of live local music, outdoor activities,… (Nextdoor Franklin)
  • Finish Line, Inc. posted a job opening for JD Store Management - Southgate Mall, Missoula, MT in Missoula. Apply here.
  • Arby's Restaurant posted a job opening for Team Member in Missoula. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Missoula here.

Ok Missoula! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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