Local News
Your source for reliable, in-depth reporting on Northwest Montana’s communities, government, and daily life—delivering the stories that matter most to you.
Construction of new Flathead County jail celebrated with groundbreaking ceremony
Nearly 20 people involved with the project posed for the photo-op, including the three county commissioners, Sheri…
Rescue group reunites Arkansas man with cat lost at campground
The West Glacier KOA was closing for the season, a major snowfall was forecasted, and the manager had just caught sight of Newton, a cat who had gone missing s…
Exposing children to domestic violence now a crime in Columbia Falls
The Columbia Falls City Council last week passed a law that makes it a crime to expose minors to domestic violence.
Kalispell teen accused of shooting sister to be tried as adult
A teenager accused of shooting his sister in Kalispell on Halloween in 2024 is being tried as an adult in Flathead County District Court.
Thompson Chain of Lakes slated for thinning project
A largescale thinning project in Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park seeks to combat a rash of disease and pest outbreaks while reducing hazardous wildland fuel…
Motive remains unknown in Wallace shooting
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Brett Nelson said Monday that law enforcement officials don’t know what motivated the suspect in the Wallace shoo…
Strong tourism year in the Flathead Valley but economic uncertainty and airport closure loom
The Flathead Valley saw a strong year for tourism in 2025, but challenges loom as travelers grow weary amid an uncertain economy, international travel is expec…
Children’s book about world’s largest steam tractor aims to inspire
Smoke billows from the stack of the steam-powered tractor as it chugs along, sounding like a train locomotive. At a top speed of just under 6 mph, the 150 Case…
Supreme Court declines to take ‘Held’ youth challenges to 2025 laws
A unanimous five-judge panel of the Montana Supreme Court has rejected a request by youth plaintiffs who successfully argued that the state has a constitutiona…
Annual Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby hooks new generations of fishers
A little wind on the water never keeps a fisher on the shore. That’s something the Annual Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby, held at Murphy Lake, has inst…
Blacktail Mountain thinning project approved over endangered species concerns
Officials are moving forward with plans to thin a section of forest surrounding powerlines near Blacktail Mountain despite findings that the project would adve…
Flathead Valley gears up for major airport, road and path projects in 2026
Whitefish will see its largest road reconstruction project yet next year. Columbia Falls will eventually have a shared-use path connecting the city. Kalispell'…
Glacier Nordic athletes give biathlon a shot with laser rifles
Sometimes, after an especially demanding winter workout, panting with a pounding heart rate, it can be difficult to unlatch boot buckles or dig car keys out of…
Missing snowboarder found safe in survival cabin near Big Mountain
A snowboarder who went missing on the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort was found safe on Christmas Day after taking shelter in a survival cabin on the backs…
Missoula man killed in Libby crash; Marion man among 3 dead in fatal I-90 wreck
Law enforcement did urge motorists to slow down to poor road conditions.
Headlines: Body cam video released, Lincoln County flood recovery begins, and tribal election results.
Body cam footage of Whitefish police officer shows quick call to border patrol, three incumbents lose seats on CSKT Tribal Council, and assessment on flood-dam…