63 EPISODES
News Now
Tune in to the Daily Inter Lake's News Now podcast where host Taylor Inman shares weekly headlines, bringing you all the important and breaking news from Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana. Discover live music and community events with our weekly local events episodes. Stay connected during our interviews and conversations with community members and organizations.
EPISODES

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

Montana’s Bathroom Bill, Glacier Park Property Ruling, and Job Growth vs. Low Wages
This week on News Now, join reporter Taylor Inman as she covers the most pressing issues across Northwest Montana. The state legislature passes a controversial bill enforcing sex-segregated public facilities, sparking debate and potential legal challenges. A federal judge rules in favor of a private home inside Glacier National Park, raising questions about land use and conservation laws. Plus, Montana’s economy sees job growth, but wages remain low, making housing affordability a growing concern. Tune in for expert analysis on these major headlines shaping the state.
Read more from this week’s stories:
Bathroom bill clears GOP-led Legislature, poised to become law
Housing affordability remains a top economic concern for Flathead Valley
Private house in Glacier Park can remain, federal judge rules
Read more local and state coverage:
Man accused of shooting at ex brought up on felony charge
Biologists look to find out what ails South Fork elk herd
Filing deadline approaches to appear on ballots as a school board trustee candidate
Passion for wellness, Logan fitness director retires
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 15, 2025

Flathead River Rules, Mill Levy Debate, and Legislative Showdowns
Join host Taylor Inman as we unpack recent stories from this week and their implications for our community. In this episode, we dive into the proposed regulations for the Flathead River, which aim to balance the interests of paddlers, anglers, and recreationists amidst booming river traffic. We also cover the controversy surrounding two state bills that could sunset all voter-approved mill levies, potentially impacting Kalispell's emergency services. Finally, we discuss the latest legislative actions in the Montana House of Representatives, including bills on work status verification, voting and petitioning, and a resolution celebrating Donald Trump's presidency.
Read more from this week’s show:
Plan to manage Flathead River recreation garners mixed reactions
Kalispell officials blast Legislature for potentially sunsetting mill levies
Mitchell, Sprunger see bills pass out of the House
Read more local and state coverage:
Columbia Falls takes input on Gateway to Glacier transportation project
Washington man pulled off Amtrak train in Libby pleads guilty to federal gun charges
Major winter storm slams into Flathead Valley
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 8, 2025

Flathead’s Can’t-Miss February Events: Skijoring, Winter Carnival & More!
February may be the shortest month, but it's packed with excitement in the Flathead Valley. From the high-energy action of Skijoring in Kalispell to the beloved Whitefish Winter Carnival, there's no shortage of ways to embrace winter. Music lovers can look forward to a Fleetwood Mac tribute concert, while theater fans won't want to miss the laugh-out-loud parody Spamilton or the heartfelt drama of Love Letters. Shoppers can browse unique local goods at the Kalispell Weekend Market, and history buffs will enjoy an afternoon of storytelling at the Northwest Montana History Museum. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush, live entertainment, or a cozy community gathering, this episode has everything you need to plan your perfect February.
Find all the details at 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.
February 2, 2025

Tribal Hunting Bill, Republican Medicaid Expansion Bills, & LEGO Robotics
Join Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman as she reviews the week’s biggest headlines in northwest Montana. A proposed hunting bill is stirring controversy between the state and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, with concerns that it could unravel long-standing agreements and lead to legal battles. Meanwhile, Medicaid expansion is back in the legislative spotlight, with multiple bills shaping the future of healthcare access for nearly 80,000 Montanans. And in a much lighter—but no less impressive—story, young engineers put their skills to the test at the FIRST LEGO League robotics tournament, programming their autonomous machines to tackle underwater-inspired challenges.
Read more from today’s show:
Tribes, wildlife officials oppose proposed hunting bill for Flathead Indian Reservation
Two Republican Medicaid expansion bills advance in the Montana Legislature
Flathead Valley teams dive into robotics challenge qualifying for state competition
More local and state coverage:
Whitefish skier Townsend Reed sets sights on Freeride World Tour
Montana Senate Judicial committee takes up bill that criminalizes care for transgender youth
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 1, 2025

Rare Ice Phenomenon on Whitefish Lake and Upcoming Winter Storm
A once-in-a-decade ice-skating experience had Whitefish buzzing as hundreds glided across the crystal-clear surface of Whitefish Lake. But what caused this rare phenomenon? And will it happen again? Whitefish Lake Institute's limnologist Cassie Roberts breaks down the science behind wild ice, why it's so rare, and what this tells us about climate patterns. Plus a major winter storm is set to hit the region by the weekend, bringing snow, freezing rain, and an arctic blast that could shake up conditions fast.
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.
January 29, 2025

Whooping Cough Outbreak, Outlaw Inn’s Future, and Logging History Revived in Northwest Montana
This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman is covering the stories making waves in Northwest Montana. Flathead County sees a spike in whooping cough cases, sparking public health concerns and calls for increased vaccination awareness. The vacant Outlaw Inn property in Kalispell moves closer to a possible foreclosure sale, with new security measures in place to prevent further vandalism. Plus, the Northwest Montana History Museum unveils an updated exhibit on the region’s rich timber history, featuring interactive displays and fascinating local stories.
Read more of this week’s stories:
Outlaw Inn may see new owner following foreclosure
Northwest Montana History Museum showcases Flathead Valley's timber industry
Whooping cough cases jump in Flathead Valley | Daily Inter Lake
Read more local and state coverage:
Former Proud Boys leader and Oath Keepers founder released after Trump offers Jan. 6 clemency
Kalispell mayor will not seek reelection
Kalispell lawmaker proposes tighter enforcement of worker verification laws
Woman accused of pulling out knife at hospital pleads not
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.