News Now

Montana Murder Verdict, Tribal Tariff Lawsuit & Strong Snowpack Outlook

This week on the News Now podcast, we break down a Flathead County murder trial verdict, a landmark tribal lawsuit against federal tariffs at the U.S.-Canada border, and promising updates on Montana's spring snowpack. Stay informed with the latest top stories from northwest Montana, reported by the Daily Inter Lake — the state's largest independent newsroom.

Read more of this week’s stories:
Jackson acquitted of killing mom, guilty of murdering her boyfriend 
Blackfeet tribal members sue feds over Canada tariffs 
Wet March delivers needed boost to Northwest Montana snowpack 

Read more local and state coverage:
Cuts to federal humanities funds hit the Flathead Valley 
Potential buyers seek permit to operate historic Holland Lake Lodge 
Judge Dan Wilson launches new bid for Montana Supreme Court seat 
Interior Department staff, including those at national parks, offered buyouts and early retirement 

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com.

#MontanaNews #FlatheadCounty #BlackfeetNation #MontanaSnowpack #DailyInterLake #CrimeNews #TribalRights #NorthwestMontana #PodcastNews #MontanaWeather

April 14, 2025

Spring into Action: Earth Day, Theater, and April Adventures in Northwest Montana

April in Northwest Montana is anything but predictable—mud, snow, sunshine, and a packed calendar of community events. In this episode, host Melissa Wells guides you through an exciting lineup of Earth Day celebrations, local theater performances, spring fairs, wildlife talks, and even dodgeball tournaments! Get the scoop on can’t-miss events like the Earth Day Expo featuring Indigikitchen’s Mariah Gladstone, Clean the Fish in Whitefish, and musical performances like The Pirates of Penzance. Plus, discover where to shop, shred, and support local artists all month long. Whether you're dancing in the rain or planting your garden, there's something for everyone this April in the Flathead Valley.

Learn more about our featured event in this episode - Montana Citizens Climate Lobby's Earth Day Expo on Saturday, April 19th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Flathead Valley Community College Arts & Technology Building. Discover how simple, sustainable choices can make a big impact—on your wallet and your community. For more information, visit www.citizensclimatemt.org/earth-day-flathead-valley-montana

For more information on all other events mentioned in this episode, please visit https://dailyinterlake.com/events.

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com.

April 7, 2025

Kalispell Murder Sentencing, Food Aid Crisis, and Montana’s Immigration Debate

We're back from a short hiatus! Reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the top stories shaping Northwest Montana. We begin with the sentencing of Kaleb Elijah Fleck, who received 50 years for the brutal 2023 homicide of a homeless man in Kalispell. Then, we examine the looming crisis at Flathead Valley food banks as pandemic-era federal funding disappears, threatening access to fresh produce and dairy for thousands of Montanans. Finally, we look at the controversial immigration-related bill moving through the Montana House and the legal and moral questions it raises for hospitals, churches, and nonprofits.

Read more from this week’s stories:
Flathead man sentenced for 2023 killing of homeless man in Kalispell 
Federal funding cuts leave Flathead Valley food banks looking to fill shelves 
Immigration legislation advances despite strong opposition from nonprofits 

Read more local and state coverage:
Jurors view body cam footage in Jackson double homicide trial 
Construction to begin on Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site 
Glacier National Park faces summer of uncertainty

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com/.

April 5, 2025

The Magic Flight: Witnessing Montana’s Breathtaking Snow Geese Migration

Each spring, tens of thousands of snow geese take to the skies over Montana in a breathtaking display of nature’s power and precision. In this special episode, reporter Kate Heston journeys to Freezout Lake to witness the spectacle firsthand, capturing the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of the annual migration. With insights from birding experts and wildlife biologists, she explores why this phenomenon draws visitors from across the state, what changing conditions mean for the birds, and how the event symbolizes the arrival of spring in Montana.

Read Kate's full story - https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/mar/30/mt-life-soaring-to-freezout-lake/

March 30, 2025

Saving History, Affordable Auto Repairs & Habitat for Humanity’s Big Move

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman spotlights incredible community efforts making a difference in Northwest Montana. Shelbey Blasdel is leading the charge to restore the historic 100-year-old Blasdel Barn, while Assurance Auto in Kalispell is offering reduced-cost car repairs to help residents stay on the road. Plus, Habitat for Humanity’s Flathead chapter has revamped its ReStore space to boost affordable housing efforts. Tune in for these inspiring stories and learn how these projects are shaping the future of the Flathead Valley!

Read more from this week’s stories:
Lower Valley landmark: Effort to restore Blasdel Barn comes forward 
Auto shop opens in Kalispell with charitable focus on providing affordable repairs 
Habitat for Humanity turns toward building prefabricated homes 

Read more local feature stories:
Chef focuses on homecooked flavors at grab-n-go shop and pop-up restaurant 
New Audubon coordinator cultivates community through birding 
Friends, family reflect on the legacy of Flathead Valley conservationist 'Lex' Blood 
Whitefish teacher receives kidney from local parent 

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com/.

March 15, 2025

Law Roundup: Mini Donkey Chase, Mushroom Bust & Naked Man Under Bridge

From a miniature donkey taking a stroll through town to a man burning incense mistaken for destroying evidence, this week’s Law Roundup is full of bizarre and hilarious police reports from Kalispell and beyond. Officers also responded to a stocking-cap-wearing naked man, a turbo-charged Subaru shaking houses at dawn, and a social media mushroom dealer. Plus, an officer investigates a supposedly neglected dog—only to find a well-fed pup living in luxury. Tune in for the most entertaining law enforcement calls of the week!

Read the Daily Inter Lake's latest law roundup reports - https://dailyinterlake.com/news/law-roundup/

March 14, 2025

Measles Risk in Montana, Arts Funding Cut, & Kalispell Homeless Shelter Settlement

This week on News Now, Taylor Inman covers the latest health concerns as Flathead County officials prepare for a potential measles outbreak amid declining vaccination rates. Plus, state legislators strip funding from five local arts nonprofits, sparking controversy over legislative attendance rules. In Kalispell, the City Council is set to vote on a $140,000 settlement with the Flathead Warming Center, which could reinstate its permit and reshape the city’s approach to homelessness. Stay informed with the biggest headlines across Northwest Montana.

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com/

March 10, 2025

March in Montana: St. Paddy’s Parties, Gem Treasures & Adventure Films

March in Northwest Montana is packed with exciting events! From the 4th Annual Cloverfest in Columbia Falls and Brannigan’s Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the Gold, Gem & Mineral Show and the MountainFilm Tour, there’s something for everyone. Plus, catch live jazz from local high school bands, get the latest Glacier National Park updates, and sip craft brews at the S.N.O.W. Bus Brewfest. Tune in for a full rundown of this month’s must-attend events!

The 4th Annual Cloverfest in Columbia Falls kicks off on Saturday, March 15, 2025, featuring live music, bagpipes, a 5K & fun run, food trucks, a beer garden, and family-friendly fun. Register at https://columbiafallschamber.org/cloverfest.

Brannigan’s Pub in Kalispell hosts its Under the Tent St. Patrick’s Day Celebration from March 14-17, 2025, with live music, a pub crawl, Celtic dancers, and festive food & drink specials. Learn more at https://branniganspub.com.

The 18th Annual Gold, Gem & Mineral Show returns to the Flathead County Fairgrounds on March 22-23, 2025, with live demos, silent auctions, door prizes, and a kid-friendly interactive area. Admission is $5 for both days, and kids (middle school age & younger) get in free! More details at https://facebook.com/rockchucksrockclub.

Find all other event details at https://dailyinterlake.com/events/

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.

March 4, 2025

Montana Voting Rights Debate, Kalispell’s $6.8M Wastewater Plan & School Lunch Funding Cut

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down Montana’s heated voting rights debate as lawmakers push new restrictions on voters deemed to have an “unsound mind.” Kalispell city officials look to fast-track a $6.8 million wastewater treatment upgrade, and a legislative subcommittee votes to cut $20 million in federal funds from a summer lunch program serving over 76,000 children. Get the latest updates on these major issues affecting communities across Montana.

Read more from this week’s stories: 

House GOP passes bill restricting Montana voters of “unsound mind”

Kalispell City Council poised to fast track sewage plant upgrades

Summer program to help Montana children with food cut from state budget

Read more local and state coverage: 

Next phase of large conservation easement up for review 

Gateway Community Center expands children’s library offerings

Somers-Lakeside School District hires new superintendent

Annual Free the Seeds focuses on gardening and food

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.

March 1, 2025

Federal Layoffs Hit Flathead National Forest, Mill Explosion, and Glacier’s Wildfire Plan Updated

In case you missed them last week, we break down the biggest headlines impacting Northwest Montana. Dozens of Flathead National Forest employees were laid off amid sweeping federal workforce cuts, sparking backlash and uncertainty. In Columbia Falls, an explosion and fire rocked the Weyerhaeuser MDF plant, leaving the community shaken. Meanwhile, Glacier National Park unveils a new fire management plan that includes prescribed burns and preventative measures to combat future wildfires. Get the latest details on these major stories and what they mean for our region. 

Read more of this week’s stories: 

Flathead National Forest DOGE cuts detailed; many did not save taxpayer dollars

Explosion at Weyerhaeuser plant rocks Columbia Falls

Glacier National Park updates wildfire response plan

Read more local and state coverage: 

Skier taps into survival skills after getting lost on Blacktail Mountain

Trump's firing of 1,000 national park workers raises concerns about maintenance and operating hours

State Supreme Court Chief Justice warns lawmakers against making judiciary partisan

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.

February 23, 2025