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Stay informed with the Daily Inter Lake's News Now podcast—your source for the latest headlines and breaking news from Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana. From boots on the ground interviews to local events, we keep you connected to the heart of your community. Brought to you by Northwest Montana’s longest-running daily newspaper: dailyinterlake.com.

Explore more from the Daily Inter Lake’s podcast network! Deep Dive brings you in-depth stories from across our area. Keeping Score delivers a front row seat to Northwest Montana sports. And Side Tracks shares the stories behind Northwest Montana's local music, food, and arts culture.

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Yesterday · 11 min
September 2026 Northwest Montana Events Guide: Songwriter Fest, Chainsaw Carvers & Live Music
Host Melissa Wells rounds up the biggest events on tap across Northwest Montana this September, from the Whitefish Songwriter Festival and the 10th annual Clash of the Carvers in Libby to the debut of Treetop Volume 001 at Blacktail Mountain and a Fleetwood Mac tribute at the O'Shaughnessy. Along the way, catch a Nashville songwriter collaboration with the Glacier Symphony, a Phil Collins tribute at the Wachholz, a Chinese vegetable garden history talk at the Northwest Montana History Museum, and a save-the-date for Trego Heritage Day in October. Visit https://dailyinterlake.com/events/ and https://www.flatheadtickets.com/ to plan your event calendar this month! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Whitefish Songwriter Festival 02:45 - Clash of the Carvers 03:46 - Trego Heritage Day (Save the Date 10/3) 04:35 - Treetop Volume 001 at Blacktail Mountain 06:07 - Montana Treehouse Retreat: Laura Gibson & Tin Finley 06:39 - Gold Leather and Lace: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute 07:07 - Feeding the Frontier: A History of Chinese Vegetable Gardens 07:35 - Artful Arrangements at Glacier Art Museum 08:00 - Chris Roberts at Whitefish Performing Arts Center 08:24 - Songwriters and the Symphony 08:46 - The Phil Collins Story The Whitefish Songwriter Festival returns September 18-20, filling stages and venues across Whitefish with songwriters from around the country. Friday kicks off at 2pm with the Songwriter Contest finals at the O'Shaughnessy Center, where 10 finalists selected from more than 100 entries compete for a $1,000 prize in each age bracket, followed by a late night band jam. Saturday brings coffee and conversation with the songwriters at 11am plus songwriter rounds throughout the day. Passes and details are available at https://WhitefishSongwriterFest.org. The 10th annual Clash of the Carvers hits Libby's Mineral Avenue September 10-13, with 20 international chainsaw carvers from as far as Germany, Moldova and Lithuania spending four days on their masterpieces. Quick carves are auctioned off Friday and Saturday, with the final auction Sunday at 2pm. Admission is free. Visit https://www.clashofthecarvers.com/ to carve out more information! Save the date for Trego Heritage Day on Saturday, October 3, from 10am to 5pm at The Blarney Ranch in Trego. The day includes a black powder demonstration, traditional archery, horse and wagon rides, pottery and basket making, gold panning, leatherwork, horsemanship demos and a pumpkin patch, celebrating the ranching, agriculture and logging history of the Tobacco Valley. Visit https://www.thehalltfs.com/heritagedays for more details! Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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August 22 · 15 min
Felony Assault Charge, Wastewater Lawsuit, BNSF Fire and Bat Vaccine
Host Taylor Inman covers the biggest headlines shaping Northwest Montana this week - a felony assault charge against a Nevada man tied to a brutal beating near Glacier Park International Airport, a court ruling upholding Lakeside's wastewater expansion permit despite a challenge from local watchdog groups, a small BNSF-sparked fire near Trout Creek that was quickly contained, and a vaccine effort to protect nearly 900 bats at Libby Dam from a deadly fungus. 00:00 - Intro 00:39 - Felony assault charge near Glacier Park Airport 03:13 - Lakeside wastewater lawsuit ruling 07:37 - BNSF fire near Trout Creek 10:24 - Libby Dam bat vaccine effort Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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August 15 · 16 min
Bigfork Marina Withdrawn, Cemetery Theft Lawsuit and Libby Clinic Closure
Taylor Inman rounds up the week's biggest stories from Northwest Montana from this week. Developers behind a proposed 97-slip marina in Bigfork Bay pulled their permit application after pushback from the community. A Flathead County lawsuit accuses a Kalispell man of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his father, the longtime Conrad Cemetery groundskeeper, and forcing him into unsafe living conditions before his death. Libby's Center for Asbestos Related Disease closed its doors early after losing federal grant funding. Plus, a Columbia Falls teenager is running again months after a car crash that nearly killed her, and two Flathead Valley manufactured home communities became resident-owned. 00:00 - Intro 00:39 - Bigfork Marina Application Withdrawn 03:16 - Lawsuit Accuses Son in Cemetery Groundskeeper's Death 07:29 - Libby's CARD Clinic Abruptly Closes 10:28 - Columbia Falls Crash Survivor Returns to Running 12:40 - Twin Willows Becomes Fifth Resident-Owned Community Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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August 8 · 11 min
Kalispell Standoff, Bear Warnings and Big Mountain Fire Funding
Taylor Inman breaks down five major stories shaping Northwest Montana - from a tense standoff in Kalispell to bears pushing into town as the huckleberry crop comes up short. A suspect is in custody after Kalispell Police responded to reports of a man threatening violence on Airport Road. 43-year-old Brian Weidner was taken into custody without incident after negotiations, with help from the Northwest Montana Regional SWAT Team and the Flathead County Sheriff's Office and now faces a felony intimidation charge. Northwest Montana is seeing a below average huckleberry crop this year, and as natural food sources get harder to find, bears are moving into lower elevations and closer to homes. Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear conflict specialists say securing garbage, bird feeders and fruit trees now can prevent costly encounters later, and they're asking anyone with a bear concern to call early. Big Mountain Fire District is receiving its first infusion of cash from the newly established Big Mountain resort tax, funded entirely by visitors paying a 3 percent tax on goods and services at Whitefish Mountain Resort and surrounding businesses. The district was handed a $395,000 check this month, money that's already gone toward hiring additional firefighters. Flathead County Library has kicked off a $35,000 study to figure out how to raise $13 million for a new Kalispell branch. The current library has until 2033 to move out of its First Avenue building, and trustees are eyeing a site at Kalispell Center Mall for a 40,000 to 50,000 square foot replacement. Hungry Horse News is marking 80 years since Mel Ruder printed the paper's first edition out of a rented room on Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls. Ruder, known for his photography, went on to run the paper for more than three decades from the log cabin still standing at Highway 2 and 40 today. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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August 1 · 15 min
Grizzly Bear Attack Report, Fatal Kalispell Fire, Rockfall Death on Going-to-the-Sun Road
Five major stories shaping Northwest Montana this week - from a fatal fire at a Kalispell roofing business to a deadly rockfall on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the headlines you need to know. The cause of a fatal fire at a roofing business west of Kalispell remained under investigation this week, after one man died in a multi-alarm blaze that tore through a metal warehouse on Fenn Way. More than 30 firefighters and law enforcement officers from five agencies responded, and the Flathead County Sheriff's Detective Division is working to determine the cause and origin. A final report on the fatal grizzly bear mauling of 33-year-old Anthony Pollio in Glacier National Park revealed new detail on the May 3 attack near the Mount Brown Lookout Trail. DNA analysis identified the bear as a known, conflict-free resident of the park, and investigators concluded Pollio was the victim of a defensive attack by a surprised grizzly caught off guard in low light. Dozens of animals were seized from a property in the Eureka area following an investigation into possible neglect, including 40 dogs, two ponies, two chickens, two rabbits, a goat and four cats. All were evaluated by a veterinarian and are being re-homed, with the case now headed to the Lincoln County Attorney's Office for review. Cherry growers on Flathead Lake are calling this one of the strongest harvests in years, with good weather and a lighter-than-usual supply from Washington driving strong prices. Growers have picked more than 500,000 pounds so far and expect to reach close to two million by the time the season wraps in early August. Authorities identified the man killed by rockfall on Going-to-the-Sun Road earlier this month as 73-year-old Rex Schowengerdt of Missouri. Schowengerdt was struck while riding as a passenger near the Rimrocks section below Logan Pass and died a week later after being taken off life support; the death was ruled accidental. Presented by the Daily Inter Lake - Montana's largest independent newsroom. Subscribe so you never miss a week of Northwest Montana news. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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July 31 · 11 min
August Events in Northwest Montana | Huckleberry Days, NW Montana Fair, Rodeos & Summer Festivals
August is one of the busiest months of the year in Northwest Montana, and Melissa Wells is back with your complete guide to everything happening across the Flathead Valley. From the beloved Huckleberry Days Art Festival in Whitefish to the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo in Kalispell, this month's episode covers the can't-miss festivals, concerts, fairs, family events, food, arts, live music and community celebrations that make August one of the best times to visit or explore Montana. Whether you're a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor planning a trip, News Now has your August calendar covered. The episode also highlights community favorites like the Whitefish Trail Hootenanny, Great Bear Festival, Montana Wine, Beer & Spirits Festival, live concerts, theater, local art festivals and much more. Celebrating its 37th year, Huckleberry Days transforms Whitefish's Depot Park into one of Montana's premier summer festivals from Aug. 7-9. Enjoy hundreds of artists and vendors, delicious huckleberry treats, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, community art projects and everything that makes Whitefish one of the Northwest's favorite summer destinations. Visit Huckleberry Days' website for more information! The Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo returns Aug. 12-16 to the Flathead County Fairgrounds with five unforgettable days of carnival rides, livestock exhibits, delicious fair food, rodeo action, live entertainment, Walker Hayes in concert, monster trucks, exhibits, competitions and family fun. Visit their website for tickets and more information! For even more local events happening every day, always check out the Daily Inter Lake's events calendar. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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July 27 · 11 min
Glacier Park Shuttle Update, Toxic Spill, Invasive Brown Trout Alert & Bison Range Baby Boom
Join host Taylor Inman for 4 major stories shaping Northwest Montana - from Glacier's Logan Pass shuttle system holding steady through peak season to a bison baby boom on the Flathead Reservation. Glacier's new Logan Pass shuttle system is running full since the Highline Trail opened, according to Superintendent David Roemer. The park now limits parking to three hours at Logan Pass and thirty minutes at Oberlin Bend, ticketing vehicles that overstay. A commercial truck tipped into a ditch in Evergreen Monday night, spilling an estimated 4,000 gallons of asphalt seal coat. Crews cleared most of the liquid within hours, though a damaged utility pedestal knocked out internet and phone service in the area. "It's a big deal" - that's how fisheries biologist Kenny Briedinger describes the discovery of nonnative brown trout in Ashley Lake and Church Slough. Officials believe the fish were illegally introduced and are asking anglers to report any brown trout caught upstream of the SKQ Dam. Bison calves known as "red dogs" are roaming the Flathead Reservation's Bison Range this summer, part of a herd of 350 adults and 80 calves. Biologist Shannon Clairmont says the herd descends directly from bison the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes once managed before the U.S. government forced their removal. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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July 18 · 15 min
"Forever Chemicals" in Flathead Waters, Kalispell's Population Boom & a Felony DUI Arrest
Join Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman as she goes over five major stories shaping Northwest Montana this week - from forever chemicals detected in the Flathead Watershed to a new flood-resilient bridge for Farm to Market Road. The University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station has confirmed the presence of forever chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds in the Flathead Watershed, including sites in Flathead Lake, the Flathead River, the Swan River, Stoner Creek, Ashley Creek and Whitefish Lake. Bio Station Director Jim Elser said concentrations are currently below levels of direct health concern, but the findings should motivate continued surveillance, which is challenged by the high cost of PFAS analysis. Kalispell ranked 48th out of nearly 1,900 U.S. cities and towns with more than 20,000 residents for population growth between April 2020 and July 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city grew from 25,076 to 31,851 residents over that period, a 27% increase and the largest of any Montana city in its population range. A 39-year-old man with a long history of driving under the influence faces felony charges including criminal child endangerment following a June hit-and-run in Whitefish. Myles Wayne Whitford was arrested in Kalispell with his child present and is due in Flathead County District Court on July 23. Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. has agreed to pay $57.6 million to clean up the former smelter site under a proposed consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency, marking a milestone nearly a decade after the property was listed as a Superfund site in 2016. A Belgrade construction firm has been selected to build a replacement bridge across Libby Creek on Farm to Market Road, one of many structures damaged in the December 2025 flood in south Lincoln County. The Montana Department of Transportation says the new bridge is being designed to be more resilient to future flooding. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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July 14 · 10 min
Truck Theft Arrest, Council Resignation & Rising Park Fees
This week, host Taylor Inman covers four major stories shaping Northwest Montana — from a Coram truck theft that led to a DUI arrest to a record-breaking nonprofit fundraising campaign. An 18-year-old already on probation for a fatal DUI crash is facing new charges after allegedly stealing a truck in Coram and crashing it into the woods. He was taken into custody after a bystander spotted him fleeing the scene on foot and now faces up to 10 years behind bars if convicted. Columbia Falls City Councilman Christopher Semok has resigned after missing more than half of this year's council meetings, including votes on the city's largest subdivision in its history. The city council now has 30 days to name his replacement. Montana State Parks are proposing their first fee increase in 12 years, raising campsite, entrance and boat slip fees starting as early as 2027. Montana residents would keep free park access, but nonresident and camping costs would climb across the board. A record 89 Flathead Valley nonprofits are competing for donations in this year's Great Fish Community Challenge, running Aug. 11 through Sept. 11. The Whitefish Community Foundation campaign has raised more than $43 million for local nonprofits since 2015. #MontanaNews #FlatheadValley #NewsNow #DailyInterLake #ColumbiaFallsMT #KalispellMT #WhitefishMT #GlacierCountry #GreatFishChallenge #MTnews Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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July 4 · 11 min
Glacier Park Flooding, Airport Runway Shutdown & a Cat Crisis
This week, host Taylor Inman covers the biggest headlines shaping Northwest Montana — from flood-driven closures in Glacier National Park to a $21 million runway overhaul grounding flights at Glacier Park International Airport, a potential reopening for a shuttered Kalispell mental health crisis center, and a local animal rescue calling the surge in abandoned cats an "epidemic." Heavy rains this week triggered flooding and closures across Glacier National Park, temporarily shutting down part of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and forcing evacuations in the Many Glacier Valley. The road has since fully reopened, and as of Wednesday, the Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and several trails were back open to visitors — though park officials are urging extra caution near swift, cold glacial streams. Starting next week, Glacier Park International Airport will significantly scale back operations for four weeks during peak tourism season to overhaul its aging runway. The Flathead Valley's transit hub will close Monday evenings through Friday mornings from July 6 to July 31, with airport officials expecting a 40% drop in July flights and warning travelers to arrive two hours early on operating days. A shuttered mental health crisis stabilization center in North Kalispell, Glacier House, may reopen after a $100,000 infusion of state funding. AWARE Inc., the nonprofit now acquiring the facility's assets, says staffing and long-term funding remain unresolved, so no reopening date has been set. And local shelters are sounding the alarm on cat abandonment: KittyMOM's Rescue took in 17 more cats and kittens this week alone, and both the Flathead County Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of Northwest Montana say they're operating at capacity. Read the full stories and more local coverage at https://DailyInterLake.com. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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June 30 · 8 min
Your Complete July Guide to Flathead Valley Events: Art Festivals, Concerts & More!
July is packed in Northwest Montana, and host Melissa Wells has your complete guide to the best festivals, concerts, and community events happening across the Flathead Valley this month. The Whitefish Arts Festival kicks off July 4th weekend at Depot Park (July 3-5), bringing handmade work from local and national artists — think stunning metalwork, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and photography you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're getting a jump on holiday shopping or just want to add a piece of Montana-made art to your collection, this family-friendly festival presented by Whitefish Christian Academy is the perfect way to start your 4th of July weekend. Learn more at https://www.whitefishartsfestival.org/ Catch a patriotic America 250 concert with the Glacier Symphony at Rebecca Farm, free Wednesday concerts in Kalispell's Depot Park, and a special Songwriters Behind the Headliners night benefiting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Big touring acts are also rolling through Northwest Montana this month — Old 97's, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, and Sara Evans all take the stage at the Wachholz College Center, while Snowline Acres hosts the Tobacco River Ramblers and Tanner Laws on their summer concert lawn. Whether you're looking for live music, art shopping, or just a great reason to get outside this summer, this is your one-stop guide to everything happening in the Flathead Valley in July. Find all your event plans at https://www.dailyinterlake.com/events. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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June 29 · 18 min
Montana Teacher Investigation, Glacier Wrestling Verdict & Bigfork Dam Future
This week, host Taylor Inman covers six major stories shaping Northwest Montana - from a major investigation involving a Hot Springs teacher to the uncertain future of Bigfork's historic hydroelectric dam, a landmark federal jury verdict involving Glacier High School, and a legal battle over one of the Flathead Valley's largest proposed developments. Authorities are investigating allegations that a teacher in the Hot Springs School District inappropriately touched multiple female students. Investigators say additional students have since come forward, and the Flathead County Sheriff's Office has been brought in to conduct what officials describe as a major case. A federal jury has ruled that Kalispell Public Schools retaliated against Kirk and Clifford Nance after they reported alleged sexual assault, sexual harassment and hazing involving the Glacier High School wrestling program. Although the jury awarded only nominal damages, attorneys for the plaintiffs say the verdict reinforces protections for families who report misconduct. PacifiCorp has begun exploring the sale of the historic Bigfork Hydroelectric Project after determining new federal safety requirements make continued operation too costly. If no buyer is found, the company says dam decommissioning could become an option, raising concerns about the future of Bigfork Bay, the Swan River, public recreation areas and the community's long-running Whitewater Festival. A district court judge has temporarily halted proceedings over a controversial water permit tied to the proposed 1,700-acre Flathead Lake Club development near Lakeside. The ruling gives opponents another opportunity to challenge how the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation handled public objections to the project. Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana has opened a new RV park in Kalispell to provide additional affordable housing options for seasonal workers, travelers and longer-term residents. The nonprofit says every housing solution helps address the region's growing housing shortage. And the Glacier Institute is expanding its Columbia Heights campus with a new welcome center that will serve visitors, students and outdoor education programs for years to come. The project marks another major investment in conservation education while creating a central gathering place for the nonprofit's growing programs. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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June 20 · 12 min
Going-to-the-Sun Road Opens, Wildfire Season Warning & Glacier Signs Ordered Restored
This week, host Taylor Inman covers five major stories shaping Northwest Montana - from a long-awaited road opening in Glacier National Park to a federal court order reversing the Trump Administration's removal of interpretive signs across national parks nationwide. Going-to-the-Sun Road is opening to vehicles on June 22 — and this year, no vehicle reservations are required. Taylor breaks down everything you need to know, from Logan Pass parking limits to new bicycle restrictions and shuttle schedules running July through September. Meteorologists and climate scientists are warning that an El Niño weather pattern is setting Northwest Montana up for an elevated wildfire risk this August and September. Low snowpack at lower elevations, early melt, and incoming heat waves have fire prevention specialists urging residents to prepare now. Free meals are available this summer to all youth 18 and under across Flathead County — no registration, income verification, or ID required. Taylor has the full rundown of sites across Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Evergreen and more. After more than 25 years serving patients affected by Libby Amphibole asbestos exposure, the CARD Clinic in Libby will close at the end of August after federal grant funding was not renewed. Sixteen employees will be affected, and the clinic intends to continue services through August 31. And in a significant ruling, a federal judge in Massachusetts has ordered Glacier National Park — and national parks across the country — to restore interpretive signs, podcasts, films, and other materials removed under a Trump Administration executive order last year. The order covers climate change signage, Indigenous history, wolf hunting information, and more, and gives the Park Service 21 days to comply. A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com/ Today's episode is also brought to you by Vista Ridge Cottages in Kalispell. Featuring modern home designs, scenic mountain views, and amenities curated for Montana living, Vista Ridge is where comfort and community come together. Call 406-261-2150 or visit https://vistaridgecottages.com/ to schedule your tour today. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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June 13 · 14 min
Rafting Accident, Whitefish Landmark Changes Hands & Major Montana Investigations
A miraculous rescue on the Middle Fork River, the future of one of Whitefish’s most iconic bars, leadership turmoil inside a Montana school district, allegations of a six-figure church theft, and a Kalispell man facing serious criminal charges headline this week’s News Now. In this episode, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest stories shaping Northwest Montana. Hear the latest on a 17-year-old Ohio girl who survived after being submerged in the Middle Fork River for nearly 10 minutes, the local investors who stepped in to preserve the historic Great Northern Bar & Grill, and the ongoing shakeups inside the Hot Springs School District. We also examine a major fraud case involving more than $150,000 allegedly taken from a Eureka church and the latest developments surrounding a Kalispell man accused of assaulting his mother while already facing charges connected to the vandalism of a wildfire-fighting helicopter. A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com/ Today's episode is also brought to you by Vista Ridge Cottages in Kalispell. Featuring modern home designs, scenic mountain views, and amenities curated for Montana living, Vista Ridge is where comfort and community come together. Call 406-261-2150 or visit https://vistaridgecottages.com/ to schedule your tour today. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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June 6 · 12 min
Grizzly Attack at Glacier, Primary Election Results & Airport Closure
This week in Northwest Montana, host Taylor Inman breaks down the headlines you need to know - from a frightening grizzly bear encounter on one of Glacier National Park's most popular trails to a primary election that reshuffled the political landscape across Flathead County. A hiker was airlifted to Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell after a surprise grizzly encounter on the Grinnell Glacier Trail - the second bear incident in Glacier National Park in less than a month, following a fatal attack on the Mount Brown Trail in early May. Taylor covers trail closures, safety reminders, and everything we know about both incidents. Tuesday's primary election brought big wins and surprising upsets across Northwest Montana. Incumbent Rep. Courtenay Sprunger held her seat in House District 7, Sheriff Brian Heino cruised to an uncontested November run, and Sheena Sterling flipped the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder race - all while razor-thin margins in Whitefish-area districts signal a highly competitive general election ahead. And if you're planning a summer trip to the Flathead Valley, you need to hear this. Glacier Park International Airport is suspending service for several weeks this July for runway repairs, Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle reservations are now required, and Whitefish Mountain Resort is navigating a slower-than-expected booking season. Here's what locals and visitors need to know before they hit the road. A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com. Today's episode is also brought to you by Vista Ridge Cottages in Kalispell. Featuring modern home designs, scenic mountain views, and amenities curated for Montana living, Vista Ridge is where comfort and community come together. Call 406-261-2150 or visit VistaRidgeCottages.com to schedule your tour today. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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May 30 · 10 min
Dreamers & Doers: The Stories Putting Northwest Montana on the Map
This week on News Now, host Taylor Inman dives into some of the best feature stories coming out of Northwest Montana - and this episode has everything from reality TV to community pride to a kid businessman who's already shipping products nationwide. Kalispell pitmaster Stephen Kina of 406 BBQ is competing on the Food Network's brand-new series Chopped Castaways - an eight-episode island survival cooking competition with a $100,000 grand prize. Kina shares how his military background, Hawaiian roots, and love of fire cooking carried him into one of the most challenging experiences of his life, and why he's proud to represent both Montana and Hawaii on the national stage. Then, we take a look inside Two Eagle River School's 24th Annual Art Slam, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous student creativity featuring original paintings, beadwork, poetry, song, and unforgettable performances from the heart of Lake County. Meet retired Kalispell firefighter Alan "Gus" Gustafson - the self-appointed keeper of the Kalispell Fire Department's history. Now 80 years old and more than two decades into retirement, Gus is still on the hunt for lost artifacts, driving a 1925 American LaFrance fire engine, and training the next generation of historians to carry on the legacy. And finally, Duke Rauscher, a Kalispell Middle School student, just won a statewide entrepreneurship award for Rapid Fire Montana - his eco-friendly fire starter business he launched at age 9 and is already shipping across the country. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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May 28 · 8 min
June in the Flathead: Festivals, Live Music & Can't-Miss Events
Summer is knocking at the door here in the Flathead Valley, and June is stacked with live music, art openings, cultural events, and free family fun. In this month's local events roundup, we're breaking down everything happening in Whitefish and Kalispell so you don't miss a single beat. This episode covers: Stumptown Get Down (June 6) — Balkan Bump headlines Whitefish's Depot Park with global electronic sounds, DJ Trayze, and local opener Dan Dubuque Tab Benoit's Soul of the Swamp Tour (June 5) — Multi-Grammy nominee brings the bayou to the Wachholz College Center Broadway star Capathia Jenkins live at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center (June 13) Whitefish Gallery Nights — First Thursdays all summer long Wildfire Preparedness Forum at FVCC (June 9) Surfbat new album release show at the Palace Bar (June 12) Triple feature on June 18: Glacier Art Museum, NW Montana History Museum + Wachholz open house in Kalispell, AND country legend Pam Tillis at O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish Levi Bloom live at Snowline Acres (June 24) 14th Annual Whitefish Woody Weekend — FREE family event (June 26) Music of Dolly Parton, Whitefish Summer Concert Series (June 26) Use promo code MISO for a discount on Stumptown Get Down tickets at https://www.flatheadtickets.com/ Whether you're a lifelong Flathead Valley local or new to Northwest Montana, this is your ultimate guide to the best things to do in June. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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May 23 · 14 min
Montana Fishing Shakeups, Kalispell Cruising Controversy, Lake County Jail Debate & Libby Drug Case
Major changes could be coming to Northwest Montana — from fishing regulations and downtown Kalispell cruising to jail oversight battles and a troubling Libby drug court case. In this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down four of the week’s biggest headlines impacting the Flathead Valley and beyond. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing sweeping fishing regulation changes aimed at protecting endangered bull trout and native trout populations. The proposals could eliminate possession limits for certain non-native species in western Montana waters, including Flathead Lake, while expanding restrictions on bait and tackle use across several rivers and streams. Then, the growing debate over Friday night cruising in downtown Kalispell continues as city leaders, business owners and car enthusiasts search for ways to preserve the classic Americana tradition while cracking down on reckless driving, burnouts and speeding along Main Street. Also in this episode, Lake County commissioners are moving toward shifting jail administration away from the Sheriff’s Office, citing lawsuits, liability concerns and accountability issues. The controversial proposal has sparked questions about detention officer retirement benefits and the future of county jail operations. And finally, a Libby man previously convicted on fentanyl and methamphetamine possession is facing renewed legal trouble after authorities say he failed treatment court, violated probation conditions and continued struggling with addiction. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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May 16 · 9 min
Grizzly Bear Attack Investigation, School Levy Fallout & West Glacier Work Camp
On this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, host Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest headlines impacting Northwest Montana. A deadly suspected grizzly bear attack in Glacier National Park is raising new questions after search crews discovered bear spray near the scene where a Florida hiker was found dead on the Mount Brown Trail. Meanwhile, schools across the Flathead Valley are preparing for staffing cuts, program reductions and larger class sizes after voters rejected multiple school levies in Tuesday’s election. Plus, a controversial 137-worker housing camp near West Glacier survives a legal appeal despite concerns from residents about traffic, wildlife and the future of their historic community. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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May 9 · 13 min
PFAS testing results, Glacier wrestling lawsuit & campaign to remove Kalispell mayor
This week on News Now, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman covers the biggest headlines shaping northwest Montana — from new environmental findings in Flathead waters to major legal battles and political controversy in Kalispell. New statewide testing found no evidence of PFAS “forever chemicals” in Flathead Lake or the Flathead River, making them the only Montana waterbodies tested that showed no signs of contamination. The findings come amid growing concern over PFAS exposure and fish consumption advisories across the state. A federal judge has ruled that a Title IX lawsuit involving alleged sexual assault and hazing within the Glacier High School wrestling program can move forward to trial. The lawsuit accuses Kalispell Public Schools of retaliating against a parent and student who reported concerns to authorities. Plus, an effort is underway to recall Kalispell Mayor Ryan Hunter following controversy surrounding his tie-breaking vote on the city’s land use plan. Supporters of the recall claim Hunter violated public trust, while the mayor says the accusations are politically motivated. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
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