News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
Convicted rapist sentenced to 40 years in Montana State Prison
A man whose rape of a teenager came to light when someone working on his laptop found video evidence of the crime …
Hecla says ‘bad actor’ lawsuit dismissed, coalition vows to keep fighting mine
With the dismissal of a “bad actor” lawsuit following the retirement of former CEO Phillips Baker Jr., mining company Hecla said it is ramping up exploration i…
Fixing Fifth Avenue top street project for Columbia Falls in upcoming budget cycle
Fixing Fifth Avenue West is one of the top projects for Columbia Falls in the upcoming '24-'25 budget cycle.
Law roundup: Visitors leave the state, ditching friend at jail
A 26-year-old man reportedly wanted to “charge his friends for abandoning him” when they took off to Wisconsin, leaving him stranded at the detention center when he was released from jail.
Kalispell and Columbia Falls get grants for ag programs
Kalispell and Columbia Falls schools will benefit from two grants awarded by the Montana Farmers Union Foundation for agriculture programs and projects.
Small fire contained west of Kalispell; large fires threaten Missoula, Helena
A prompt ground and aerial attack quickly contained a small wildfire that cropped up Monday evening northwest of Kalispell.
Sen. Bob Menendez convicted in trial that featured tales of bribes paid in cash, gold and a car
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez has been convicted of accepting bribes of cash, gold and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen.
Firefighters pounce on fire at Columbia Falls High School
Firefighters quickly quelled a blaze at the Columbia Falls High School on Monday night about 7 p.m.
Montana lawmakers want answers from Secret Service
Montana’s representatives in Congress, many of whom have shared a stage with Donald Trump, pivoted Sunday to toning down political rhetoric and investigating h…
State wildlife agency gives boost to native rainbow trout species
Most rainbow trout swimming in Montana’s waters are not native to the state — with the singular exception of the redband trout in the Kootenai drainage.
Law roundup: Man’s offering is not person’s cup of tea
Someone out watering flowers downtown for the city reportedly had the misfortune of seeing a barefoot man with red curly hair urinate in a cup.
Trump picks loyal ally Sen. JD Vance as running mate
Donald Trump named Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday, choosing a onetime critic who became a loyal ally and is now the first millennial to jo…
Federal judge dismisses Trump classified documents case over concerns with prosecutor's appointment
WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal judge presiding over the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump in Florida dismissed the prosecution on …
Whitefish Council talks potential change to resort tax rebate
Whether to change the percentage of funds returned to property owners from resort tax collections will be the topic of discussion during a Whitefish City Counc…
Law roundup: Man reports ‘typical drug dealing behavior’
A man allegedly ran down vehicles he thought were involved in a drug deal outside his house describing it to the Kalispell Police Department as “typical drug dealing behavior.”
Former fire chief who died at Trump rally used his body to shield family from gunfire
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (AP) — The victim who was killed at a Pennsylvania rally for Donald Trump spent his final moments diving in front of his family …