Aug 1 weekend newsletter

By Micah Drew, Jordan Hansen and Keila Szpaller

"Each of these 10 individuals contributed to Montana, and in some cases, changed the nation. Their stories span a remarkable range of lives, fields, and eras, and together they reflect the full breadth of what it means to be an Outstanding Montanan." — Martha Kohl, with the Montana Historical Society, about 10 citizens who will be honored at the Capitol.

A little more than a week ago, smoke began rolling into the Flathead Valley from Canada, turning sunrises red, tanking air quality and reminding me of the downsides to Montana summers.

Then, I absconded south to Boise to visit some family and thought it might be a nice relief from the smoke.

Clearly, I didn’t check forecasts ahead of time.

As my plane descended towards the Treasure Valley last weekend, all I could see was an imposing floor of gray matter.

For the couple of days I was down there, the AQI — measuring particulate matter from wildfire smoke — dropped below 200 just a few hours in the late evening. Fires burning in Oregon and Washington were billowing smoke directly into Idaho, and funneling it further up into Montana.

I didn’t leave the house hardly at all, but did make sure to buy my parents an air purifier before returning to Montana.

I was very happy that the Flathead Valley had air quality solidly in the orange level upon returning, which truly felt like a breath of fresh air after Idaho.

Here’s to hoping the rest of our summer is relatively clear, and sending good vibes to everyone working on a fire line, smokejumping or flying on the nation’s wildfires.

~ Micah Drew

It’s IndigiPalooza weekend in Missoula, and the author of “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” is here for the event. That’s Robin Wall Kimmerer, who the festival describes as mother, scientist, decorated professor and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

The book shows people what they can learn from “listening to the earth’s oldest teachers: the plants around us.”

A review in Publishers Weekly says this:

“With deep compassion and graceful prose, botanist and professor of plant ecology Kimmerer encourages readers to consider the ways that our lives and language weave through the natural world. A mesmerizing storyteller, she shares legends from her Potawatomi ancestors to illustrate the culture of gratitude in which we all should live.”

It seems like a lovely idea to consider what it means for us to live in a culture of gratitude.

IndigiPalooza held its inaugural event in Missoula in 2025. It’s organized by Anna East of Chickadee Community Services, Selya Avila of the Missoula Public Library, and former Montana poet laureate Chris La Tray.

For events taking place today, check out the schedule here.

~ Keila Szpaller

P.S. If you were waiting for the Nesbo, it’s finally in the mail. I’m sorry for the wait, and I hope you enjoy.

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