News Now

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...

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 th...

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, Sw...

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...

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...

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 Mon...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 des...

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...

Students from Bigfork High School take the lead in this special bonus episode, asking direct questions to Flathead County sheriff candidates Brian Heino and Evie Cahalen ahead of the June 2 Republican primary.

Representing teen voices across the Flathead Valley, students raise concerns about impaired driving, mental health resources, emergency response times in rural communities, and trust between young people and law enforcement. This unique conversation highlights the issues that matter most to the next generation of voters—and how each candidate plans to respond.

Cahalen, a Marion resident, is challenging incumbent Sheriff Heino, who is se...

Incumbent Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino sits down with reporter Taylor Inman to discuss his bid for a third term, outlining his approach to public safety, staffing shortages, deputy training, and mental health response in the Flathead Valley. Heino breaks down how his office is addressing recruitment, retention, and rising service demands across one of Montana’s fastest-growing regions.

The June 2 primary is where voters will choose who appears on the November ballot. This in-depth interview gives voters a detailed look at the policies, priorities, and challenges facing Heino.

This is Part Two of our Fl...

Marion resident Evie Cahalen joins reporter Taylor Inman to discuss her campaign to unseat incumbent Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino in the upcoming June 2 Republican primary. Drawing on decades of law enforcement experience, Cahalen outlines her leadership philosophy, approach to community safety, and priorities for staffing, training, and accountability.

In this full interview, Cahalen shares her perspective on immigration policy, detention center planning, and building trust between law enforcement and the public—offering voters a comprehensive look at her vision for the sheriff’s office.

This is Part One of our Flathead County Sherriff Election cove...

This week on News Now, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman covers the biggest headlines across northwest Montana - starting with a Whitefish woman who is facing multiple charges after allegedly attacking her husband and adult children in a violent domestic incident involving a weapon, prompting a significant law enforcement response.

In a major legal decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Montana’s Streambed Protection Act does not apply to private property within Glacier National Park, raising important questions about jurisdiction and future development inside park boundaries.

In Lakeside, residents are pushing bac...

May in Northwest Montana is packed with can’t-miss events—and this episode of News Now’s Local Events guide has everything you need to plan your month. From the return of Whitefish Restaurant Week and Fish Fest to live music, theater, festivals, and outdoor adventures, we break down the biggest happenings across Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, and the Flathead Valley.

Explore standout events like the Glacier Art Museum Gala at the Wachholz College Center, the adrenaline-filled Whitewater Festival in Bigfork, and community favorites like Spartan Race weekend, Montana Distillers Guild’s Spirits & Brews Fest, and Little Shop of Horro...

This week on News Now, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest headlines across northwest Montana - from public land debates and legal developments to environmental challenges and major event announcements.

The Flathead National Forest is weighing more than 1,000 public comments on its draft river management plan for the Flathead River system, as outfitters, conservation groups and recreation advocates debate how to balance access with protecting critical fish habitat.

In the Mission Valley, a fourth-generation ranch is battling an explosion of invasive tumble mustard weeds, raising concerns about wildfire risk, public safety...

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman is covering the biggest stories shaping northwest Montana - from Glacier National Park openings and major conservation efforts to a complex fraud case and community development projects.

Glacier National Park is beginning to open key roads for the season, including access along Going-to-the-Sun Road, as crews continue snow removal and infrastructure work ahead of peak summer travel.

A major land conservation milestone has been reached in the Flathead Valley, with more than 1,100 acres secured near Herron Park to create a continuous public recreation corridor between Foys Lake...

This week on News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman is covering the biggest stories across northwest Montana—from a devastating crash case and political controversy to a historic NASA mission with local roots.

A Flathead County judge has increased bail to $500,000 for a man accused of stealing a vehicle, leading police on a high-speed chase, and crashing into a Columbia Falls teen, leaving her with severe, life-threatening injuries. The emotional courtroom hearing drew a packed crowd in support of the victim and raised concerns about public safety.

In Kalispell, a heated 5-4...

This week on News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest headlines shaping northwest Montana—from a troubling criminal case returning to court, to a brewing legal battle over a major U.S. Forest Service project, and a large-scale housing development proposal in Columbia Falls.

A 2019 school bus crash case near Whitefish is back in the spotlight as the driver faces potential revocation of her deferred sentence. Meanwhile, two environmental groups are preparing to sue the U.S. Forest Service over a controversial 7,700-acre forestry project near Hungry Horse Reservoir, raising co...

Spring has arrived in Northwest Montana and with it comes a packed calendar of can’t-miss events across the Flathead Valley. From live music and theater performances to film festivals, cultural showcases, and community fundraisers, this Local Events episode of News Now brings you everything happening in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and beyond.

Discover standout experiences like the immersive “Cazador del Oso” gala, high-energy performances at the Wachholz College Center, and major live shows including Paul Cauthen’s debut at Majestic Valley Arena. Whether you're looking for family-friendly events, educational talks, or unforgettable nights out, this monthly guide he...

A devastating winter windstorm left a lasting mark across Northwest Montana — and now the full impact is coming into focus. In this episode of News Now, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the massive trail damage stretching from Libby to the Flathead Valley, what it means for outdoor recreation this spring, and the growing wildfire concerns tied to an unusually dry season.

Plus, a first look at the future of Kalispell Center Mall. Developers unveil ambitious plans to transform the aging property into a modern, walkable hub featuring retail, housing, green space, and possibly a new library branch.

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman begins inside Glacier National Park, where crews are preparing to seal Montana’s first oil well - more than 125 years after it was drilled near Kintla Lake. The historic project will impact campground access and highlights a little-known chapter of early oil exploration in the region.

Next, Kalispell voters are set to decide on a $1.1 million levy to fund elementary schools. With rising costs and declining enrollment, district leaders say the outcome could shape staffing, class sizes, and day-to-day operations across six schools.

We also take a cl...

Host Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest stories impacting communities across the Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana. Firefighters quickly extinguished a blaze at the Courtyard Apartments near Kalispell’s Airport Road, preventing serious injuries while several residents were evaluated for smoke inhalation.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents across Lincoln and Flathead counties were left without power after a severe windstorm swept through the region, knocking down trees, closing schools and forcing travel restrictions as crews worked to restore electricity.

The episode also examines a court development in Lake County, where a Ronan man entered an Alford pl...

Host Taylor Inman presents a detailed overview of the most significant headlines impacting Northwest Montana this week. The episode begins with a report on an ongoing investigation by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office into an alleged deliberate homicide in Hungry Horse involving the fatal shooting of 30-year-old David Bollman. We also cover the tragic drowning of a 63-year-old Troy man on Spar Lake following an ice fishing accident over the weekend. 

In legal news, the program details the sentencing of a Kalispell woman in Whitefish Municipal Court for her actions during a Border Patrol protest in 2025. Add...

Northwest Montana’s wildest headlines are front and center this week on News Now with your host Taylor Inman. We lead with the conclusion of a massive Flathead Valley crime spree as Michael Ray Downing, the man infamously dubbed the "Cocaine Fairy" by local law enforcement, reaches a plea deal following his arrest for a string of burglaries totaling over $1 million in stolen property. Downing’s legal saga comes to a head alongside the bizarre case of Dustin Lawrence Oswald, who was recently sentenced to a suspended jail term and legally ordered to leave the state of Montana forever afte...

Wondering how to fill your March dance card in Montana? Whether you are wishing for an early spring or praying for one last dump of snow, the Daily Inter Lake’s Local Events Podcast is here to help you navigate a wildcard month of festivals and fun. Join host Melissa Wells as she previews the top-tier events hitting Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls.

Don your green for the 5th Annual Cloverfest on Saturday, March 15th, featuring a new location at the Columbia Falls Junior High School. For an admission fee of $10 per person or $30 for a family, yo...

Host Taylor Inman details the major shifts coming to Northwest Montana this year, starting with a significant overhaul of visitor access in Glacier National Park. As the park officially ends its vehicle reservation system, officials are introducing a new ticketed shuttle service and a three-hour parking limit at Logan Pass to manage congestion. We also look at the extensive construction schedule for 2026, including utility and road projects at Two Medicine and St. Mary that will result in seasonal closures.

The episode also breaks down the 2026 Economic Outlook for the region. Despite a national "no hire, no fire"...

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down six of the Flathead Valley’s biggest and most talked-about stories, from the world stage in Italy to the banks of the Flathead River. We celebrate Libby native Konnor Ralph’s incredible 9th-place finish at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics and preview his upcoming Big Air qualifiers.

We also dive into the first major update to the Flathead River Management Plan in 40 years, which includes a new mandatory permit system. Plus, we cover the Ronan High School student walkout, the historic sale of the Majestic Valley Arena (and an u...

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down six of the Flathead Valley’s biggest and most talked-about stories — from federal policy changes at Glacier National Park to heated local land-use decisions and community highlights.

We begin with Glacier National Park removing interpretive displays following a federal directive, raising questions about how public lands tell history and whose voices are represented. From there, we dive into a controversial decision approving a Lakeside marina dock extension, despite widespread public opposition, and examine why county officials moved forward anyway.

The episode also covers a Montana Supr...

In this episode of News Now, host Taylor Inman breaks down the most significant headlines impacting Northwest Montana. We dive into the viral incident at the Ronan McDonald’s involving the Browning High School wrestling team, exploring the owners' response, and the community’s outpouring of support following the refusal of service.

We also cover a major public safety win as the Whitefish Police Department apprehends a suspect wanted on multi-million-dollar out-of-state felony warrants. Courtesy of the Hungry Horse News, we’ll hear a heartfelt speech from the Columbia Falls Cross Country Coach, during a fundraiser for a memb...

This week on News Now, Daily Inter Lake host Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest headlines shaping northwest Montana.

We begin in Flathead County, where a 34-year-old man faces a felony criminal endangerment charge after allegedly shooting out a vehicle window on U.S. Highway 2 near Hungry Horse. Court documents detail the arrest, the unusual weapons investigators say were found, and what comes next as the case heads to arraignment.

Next, we look at the devastating fire that destroyed the Cattle Baron Supper Club in Babb — a family-run landmark with more than a century of hi...

February in the Flathead Valley is anything but quiet. From horsepower-meets-ski power at the 20th anniversary of Whitefish Skijoring to the rowdy barstool races of Cabin Fever Days, this month delivers some of Montana’s most iconic winter traditions.

We break down everything happening across the valley in February — including the Whitefish Winter Carnival, live music, theater, speaker series, dance showcases, and community fundraisers. Whether you’re planning your weekends or looking for a reason to get out of the house, this guide has you covered with dates, highlights, and can’t-miss experiences that define winter in Northwes...

Join Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman as she goes over the week’s biggest headlines for Northwest Montana. A Columbia Falls teenager is fighting to recover after a high-speed crash involving an allegedly stolen vehicle on Highway 2, leaving the community rallying around one of its standout student-athletes.

Also in this episode, a former district court judge faces sentencing in a dramatic fall from grace tied to felony drug charges, and Flathead County officials approve a major upgrade for search-and-rescue operations with a new underwater drone.

We’ll hear what Flathead County officials are saying abou...

A violent road rage incident in Columbia Falls leads off this episode of News Now, after a man is charged with felony attempted homicide for allegedly firing a gun with a child inside the vehicle. Host Taylor Inman breaks down what investigators say happened and where the case now stands.

We also cover a federal sentencing tied to an illegal border crossing near Eureka, where a Canadian national received prison time after a failed attempt to evade law enforcement in northwest Montana.

Shifting gears, we take a closer look at Flathead Lake, which is sitting...

Join Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman as she goes over some of the week’s biggest headlines for Northwest Montana. A missing snowboarder was found safe on Christmas Day after taking shelter overnight on the backside of Whitefish Mountain Resort, capping a multi-agency search effort in Flathead County.

We get the inside scoop on what Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Roemer calls a “turbulent year” for the park, as officials prepare for potential record-breaking visitation in 2025 and major changes to vehicle access, parking limits, shuttles, and international visitor fees in 2026.

We close with a look a...

Join Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman as she goes over the week’s biggest headlines for Northwest Montana.  

Newly obtained footage shows a Whitefish police officer contacted Border Patrol less than two minutes into an April 24 traffic stop for a broken taillight. The driver, Beker Rengifo del Castillo, is a Venezuelan man who entered the United States legally under a humanitarian parole program. The call, and the weeklong detention that followed, are now the focus of a lawsuit alleging unconstitutional seizure, false arrest, and racial profiling. A preliminary pretrial conference is scheduled for Jan. 30 in Missoula. Wat...

In this episode of News Now, Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest stories shaping Northwest Montana this week, from a major land conservation agreement to changes in Kalispell city leadership and community efforts to honor local veterans.

We begin with a landmark conservation deal that permanently protects more than 53,000 acres of Montana land, a move with long-term implications for wildlife habitat, public access, and regional land use. The episode also covers Kalispell’s decision to name a new city manager, outlining what the leadership change means for the city moving forward.

Finally, we highlight local ev...