News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
Kalispell Council reviews $189M budget proposal, weighs public safety and infrastructure spending
Kalispell City Council took its first look at the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget last week.
‘I Can’t Breathe’ billboard emerges in South Kalispell
A large billboard with an even bigger message has popped up between Kalispell and Somers along U.S. 93 S.
Hail storms, wind pound Northwest Montana
Hundreds were left without power west of Kalispell Wednesday evening and many more suffered property damage as a series of strong thunderstorms moved through t…
County seeks fire board applicants
The Flathead County commissioners are attempting to fill a number of open spots on three area fire district boards.
C-Falls man accused of assault during bike ride
A recent late night bicycle ride apparently descended into an assault with a Columbia Falls man facing charges.
NW Montana Fair entries can be made online
The 2020 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is now accepting online entries for 4-H, FFA and Open Class competitions. The annual event is scheduled for Aug. 19 to 23 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.
Alleged anti-Semitic comments made at park
A woman told the Kalispell Police Department she was harassed in a park by a man who “was making weird comments about her ‘looking Jewish’ and saying ‘off with your heads.’” The offender, described as a man in his …
Trial moves forward in alleged Ronan homicide case
The murder trial of a Colorado man accused in the beating death of another man at an RV park in Ronan last summer will remain in Lake County.
COVID-19 is growing in Spokane, and Inslee says wear masks
The rate of people being hospitalized for COVID-19 in Spokane has doubled in the past week, and the state’s second-largest city is “”on the edge of a cliff
Outside groups try to influence Montana U.S. Senate race
An outside group is running ads trying to influence voters in Montana’s U.S. Senate race — a battle between Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock that could be key in determining which…
Blackfeet close eastern border of Glacier for remainder of 2020 season
The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council on Thursday voted to close the eastern boundary of Glacier Nation Park for the remainder of the 2020 tourism season. That…
Bullock lifts restrictions on visitation to long-term care facilities
Montana’s nursing homes and assisted-living facilities can now allow “safe visitation,” according to an updated directive issued Thursday by Gov. Steve Bullock.
State reports record number of daily COVID-19 cases
Montana’s COVID-19 Task Force announced 37 new cases Thursday morning, the highest number of daily positives reported since the start of the state’s outbreak.
Whitefish site tests those without COVID-19 symptoms
The Flathead Community Health Center, in partnership with the city of Whitefish, has established a drive-up site where individuals who are not exhibiting symptoms of a respiratory illness can be tested for COVID-19…
Drunk woman not liable for others’ stupidity
An “extremely inebriated” woman on U.S. 2 in Hungry Horse reportedly told Flathead County Sheriff’s Office her van went missing, but she didn’t think it was stolen and possibly her boyfriend took it, however, she w…
Realtors report out-of-state rush on Montana property
Lydia Seely has wanted to move to Montana ever since her son came here five years ago. The California woman, who works in health care, had eyed properties in t…