Good morning, Bozeman.

Authorities have expanded the search area for Michael Brown, the suspect in the mass shooting that killed four people at a local bar in Anaconda on Aug 1, as search experts say the rough terrain & rain slow progress in the manhunt.

Jordan Palmer was found not guilty of deliberate homicide in the shooting death of Stephen Campbell in Belgrade — the jury returned the verdict shortly before 5 p.m. on July 30 after both sides presented evidence regarding his claim of self-defense.

Montana State University’s nurse-midwifery program completed its first year yesterday in Bozeman and trained its initial group of seven students using online lectures and two in-person skills weeks; the program was launched in fall with support from a $101 million donation and a $3 million gift and will graduate its first cohort in spring 2027.

International Cultural Exchange Services needs 5 to 10 families in Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks, and Livingston to host exchange students with a placement deadline of August 15.

The program welcomes any family — even those without teenagers, as exchange students bring their own money and health insurance.

Gallatin County invites residents to a community meeting on August 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Monforton Elementary School cafeteria — details on proposed short-term rental rules in Four Corners will be discussed before the plan moves to a formal public hearing with the Planning Board and County Commission.

A lawsuit filed this week seeks to block Rep. Marta Bertoglio (R-Clancy)'s appointment as director of the Montana Department of Commerce after she resigned from the House, arguing that state lawmakers cannot hold civil offices under the state constitution.

The suit also questions earlier similar appointments and asks the court to bar her from exercising the director’s authority.

The Mason Moore Foundation will host the Montana First Responder Wellness Summit in Kalispell (September 9-10) while on Montana This Morning, Jodi Moore and Carol Burroughs explained the foundation’s work for first responder mental health (serving Montana).

The Kennedy Stark Athletic Center will host its Grand Opening Ceremony on Monday, August 18th at 4 p.m. on the patio where Athletic Director Leon Costello and Montana State President Brock Tessman will speak before the official ribbon-cutting, and the center will open for public viewing afterwards.

Erik Koskinen Band with Sean Devine

8 PM – 2 AM — The Attic Montana — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Minneapolis's Erik Koskinen and special guest Sean Devine.

Fox and Bones Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Bozeman Hot Springs — Tickets available — Enjoy heartwarming acoustic pop tunes from the Portland-based folk duo Fox & Bones.

Mad Mask

7-8 p.m. — Park County Senior Center — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant improvisation of commedia dell’arte with music from 17th and 18th century Naples.

Dustin Tucker Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Bozeman Hot Springs — Get tickets — Experience the musical talents of Dustin Tucker in a cozy venue.

Bozeman Chamber Classic Golf Outing

9 AM – 4 PM — Bridger Creek Golf Course — Raffle prizes available — Enjoy refreshments and dance to tunes at this fun community golf event.

Honeyholler Folk-Country Concert

9 PM – 3 AM — Murray Bar — Ticket price not specified — Experience an evening of folk-country tunes under the stars at the lovely Murray Bar.

Adventure Van Expo-Bozeman

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Gallatin County Fairgrounds — Entry details not specified — Explore innovative adventure vans, enjoy live music, and indulge in local food trucks.

Brian Kassay at Livingston Farmers Market

5-11 p.m. — Livingston Farmer's Market — Free entry — Experience the dynamic sound of a multi-instrumentalist blending various musical styles live.

Morgan Thomas Concert

7-10 p.m. — Bozeman Hot Springs — All ages welcome — Enjoy an evening of folk and jazz with songwriter Morgan Thomas in an acoustic performance.

8th Annual Montana Pitmaster Classic

5-8 p.m. — Kenyon Noble Lumber & Hardware — Proceeds support the Gallatin Valley YMCA — Celebrate BBQ with competitors from across North America in a family-friendly atmosphere.