News Now

Host Taylor Inman covers a Kalispell police shooting during a weekend arrest, the wrap-up of Glacier National Park's timed parking pilot at Logan Pass, a $75.9 million Columbia Falls high school bond vote with ballots due Sept. 29, a record-breaking year for Flathead Electric's Ribeye Raffle benefiting local food banks, and a new paddle map for floating the Whitefish River. 

Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:38 - Kalispell Police Open Fire During Arrest 01:30 - Glacier National Park's Timed Parking Pilot Wraps Up 03:48 - Columbia Falls High School Bond Vote 06:33 - Flathead Electric's Ribeye Raffle Breaks Records 08:25 - Whitefish River Paddle Guide

This spring, the Daily Inter Lake partnered with Kalispell Public Schools on Civic Voices, a news literacy course teaching Kalispell Middle School eighth graders the fundamentals of journalism. This August, six of those students returned as rising freshmen for a Storytelling Bootcamp, where they built on that foundation with hands-on interviewing and profile writing, telling the stories of six people shaping the Kalispell community. 

In this episode, student Devin Stevens interviews Jordan Venezio, the police chief for the city of Kalispell. Venezio explains how a downturn in the real estate market led him into law enforcement at 21 a...

This spring, the Daily Inter Lake partnered with Kalispell Public Schools on Civic Voices, a news literacy course teaching Kalispell Middle School eighth graders the fundamentals of journalism. This August, six of those students returned as rising freshmen for a Storytelling Bootcamp, where they built on that foundation with hands-on interviewing and profile writing, telling the stories of six people shaping the Kalispell community. 

In this episode, student Laurynn Lundgren interviews Hannah Bjornson, owner of Ceres Bakery. Bjornson talks about trading a planned career as a history teacher for baking after a friend's offhand suggestion sent her a...

This spring, the Daily Inter Lake partnered with Kalispell Public Schools on Civic Voices, a news literacy course teaching Kalispell Middle School eighth graders the fundamentals of journalism. This August, six of those students returned as rising freshmen for a Storytelling Bootcamp, where they built on that foundation with hands-on interviewing and profile writing, telling the stories of six people shaping the Kalispell community. 

In this episode, student Serena Carlson interviews Hans Axelsen, owner of Wheaton's Cycle, a Kalispell bike shop with a 108-year history. Axelsen talks about starting as a shop mechanic at 15 and working his w...

This spring, the Daily Inter Lake partnered with Kalispell Public Schools on Civic Voices, a news literacy course teaching Kalispell Middle School eighth graders the fundamentals of journalism. This August, six of those students returned as rising freshmen for a Storytelling Bootcamp, where they built on that foundation with hands-on interviewing and profile writing, telling the stories of six people shaping the Kalispell community. 

In this episode, student Blaze Schultz interviews Alyssa Cordova, executive director of the Glacier Art Museum. Cordova traces her path from aspiring artist to curator to museum director, why she left a larger i...

This spring, the Daily Inter Lake partnered with Kalispell Public Schools on Civic Voices, a news literacy course teaching Kalispell Middle School eighth graders the fundamentals of journalism. This August, six of those students returned as rising freshmen for a Storytelling Bootcamp, where they built on that foundation with hands-on interviewing and profile writing, telling the stories of six people shaping the Kalispell community.

In this episode, student Finley Kipp interviews Beth Kornick, co-owner of Princess & Buck, a boutique in downtown Kalispell's first brick building - a former bank whose 1891 vault is now a photo booth. Kornick...

This spring, the Daily Inter Lake partnered with Kalispell Public Schools on Civic Voices, a news literacy course teaching Kalispell Middle School eighth graders the fundamentals of journalism. This August, six of those students returned as rising freshmen for a Storytelling Bootcamp, where they built on that foundation with hands-on interviewing and profile writing, telling the stories of six people shaping the Kalispell community. 

In this episode, student Connor Greene interviews Jay Hagen - the fire chief for the city of Kalispell, a job that traded emergency response for budgets, hiring, and strategic planning. Hagen explains how h...

Host Taylor Inman covers the week's biggest Northwest Montana headlines - a bear attack that closed a Columbia Falls trail, a Kalispell man's not guilty plea in a school arson case, confirmation that the Deer Creek Fire was human-caused, pushback on proposed license plate readers at a Kalispell town hall, and a Libby structure fire that hospitalized two men. 

 Chapters:
 00:00 - Intro
 00:41 - Bear attack closes Cedar Flats Trail near Columbia Falls
 02:01 - Kalispell school arson suspect pleads not guilty
 04:24 - Deer Creek Fire cause determined
 07:05 - Kalispell town hall addresses license plate r...

Host Taylor Inman covers the week's biggest headlines from Northwest Montana. Columbia Falls Community Market is racing to raise $1 million by Sept. 7 to buy the land it operates on, while Flathead County has picked an architect to rebuild the 118-year-old grandstands at the fairgrounds. Crews finished capping a leaking, century-old oil well near Kintla Lake in Glacier National Park, and operators say the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project is holding up despite a federal hiring freeze cutting its staff. Plus, Flathead Electric Cooperative's Roundup for Safety program awarded $10,000 to local search and rescue teams this round. 

Chapters:
00:00...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.