News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
New owner begins renovating former Outlaw Inn, details plan for extended-stay rentals
Columbia Falls developer Mick Ruis has begun renovating the former Outlaw Inn after its previous owner left the bu…
Whitefish voters approve bonds for school expansion, new football stadium
Whitefish voters on Tuesday approved two bonds that will fund an expansion and remodel of Whitefish High School and construction of a new on-campus football st…
House speaker takes another crack at spending bill linked to proof of citizenship for new voters
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is scheduled to vote Wednesday evening on Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal that links the funding of the federal government for the …
A second wave of device explosions hits Lebanon a day after pager attack, killing at least 9
BEIRUT (AP) — Explosions went off in Beirut and multiple parts of Lebanon in an apparent second wave of detonations of electronic devices, Hezbollah officials …
Trio of Northwest Montana snowmobile clubs poised to receive state funding
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is accepting public comment on its 2024 snowmobile grant proposals, a process that could see thousands of dollars headed to lo…
Columbia Falls' budget calls for tax increases
The Columbia Falls City Council approved a 2024-25 budget last week that calls for a tax increase on homes and properties in the municipality owing to the addition of a police officer and a bump -- in some cases si…
Montana releases final environmental assessment for grizzly management plan
Montana plans to manage for a sustained grizzly bear population regardless of whether the animal’s Endangered Species Act protections are taken away in two Mon…
FEC Roundup for Safety awards grants
Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program has awarded $28,660 in grants supporting community safety projects proposed by six local nonprofit organizations.
Gianforte honors Vietnam vet in Alberton
Gov. Greg Gianforte last week presented the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to Army veteran Mahlon ‘Paul’ Manson at the Military Veterans Memorial…
Record number of donors give in Great Fish Community Challenge
The 10th Great Fish Community Challenge ended Sept. 13 with more than 4,000 donors giving over $5 million to 80 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations.
Flathead Valley groups sue state over analysis of new wells
Claiming that the state agency continues to use an internal memo to avoid state law when permitting new wells, two Flathead Valley nonprofits are suing the Mon…
Statehouse candidates discuss how to invest in local economy
Legislative hopefuls on Tuesday made their pitches for the best ways the state can reinvest in communities, including decreasing taxes, supporting tourism and …
Law roundup: Drunk drivers on tap around county
A drunk woman was reportedly driving, and swerving, around Kalispell with a bottle in her lap and a bunch of people, including two kids, in her car, which had its lights turned off at night.
Harris condemns Trump rhetoric, says voters should make sure he 'can't have that microphone again'
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday decried Republican Donald Trump for inflammatory rhetoric about migrants in Springfield, Ohio and o…
Kalispell City Council revokes overnight homeless shelter's permit
Kalispell City Council revoked the Flathead Warming Center’s conditional use permit on Monday night.
Senate to vote again on IVF fertility protections in election-year push
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate will vote for the second time this year on whether to consider legislation that would establish a nationwide right to in vitro fer…