93 EPISODES
News Now
Tune in to the Daily Inter Lake's News Now podcast where we share 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
No Drama, Just Llamas: Hiking the Montana Backcountry with Some Unlikely Guides
Daily Inter Lake reporter Hailey Smalley follows Jamie Rolfing and his family as they reopen their 500-acre Great Northern Ranch to the public, inviting visitors to experience the quiet companionship of llamas along forest trails. Recapture the magic of slowing down, listening to the trees, and letting these quirky animals lead the way.
Read the full article - A family llama-cy: Couple takes the lead on family trekking business
July 28, 2025
Wolves in the Crosshairs, Veto Overridden, and Bigfork Bridge Rebuild Begins
Reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the major headlines shaping Northwest Montana this week. Montana’s wolf population is back in the spotlight as officials propose looser hunting and trapping rules — sparking debate across the state. Lawmakers successfully override Gov. Gianforte’s veto of a bill to reimburse counties for housing inmates awaiting mental health care. Plus, construction is set to begin on a long-awaited replacement for the Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork.
Read more from this week’s show:
Proposed regulation changes aim to increase Montana wolf harvest
State will reimburse jails holding inmates awaiting mental health evaluations
Work on Sportsman's Bridge to begin next month
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.
July 26, 2025
Montana Festival Fever: Huckleberries, Faeries, Reggae & More Summer Highlights!
From Whitefish to Columbia Falls, this episode takes you inside the vibrant heartbeat of Northwest Montana's summer festival scene. We’re talking Huckleberry Days, the Flathead Faerie Festival, Heritage Days in Columbia Falls, reggae at the Montana Tap House, Fire in the Mountains metal fest, Fleetwood Mac tributes, Motown tributes, and Midland’s big show—plus so much more. Get the scoop on food trucks, art vendors, live music, and the community spirit bringing these events to life.
Don't miss our featured event - Whitefish’s Huckleberry Days Arts Festival, August 8th–10th at Depot Park! Enjoy local art, food, and family-friendly fun all weekend long — and admission is free, thanks to the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at https://www.whitefishartsfestival.org
Whether you’re chasing huckleberry ice cream or headbanging in the mountains, we’ve got the full rundown of can't-miss moments. Check out https://www.dailyinterlake.com/events for the full rundown.
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://www.lorensauto.com.
July 24, 2025
20,000 Strong: Why Fans Flock to Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish, Montana
What draws tens of thousands to a rural Montana ranch each summer? In this special episode from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman hits the fields at Under the Big Sky 2025 to talk with fans from across the country. From college reunions to last-minute ticket surprises, hear why this music festival—with artists like Tyler Childers, Mumford & Sons, and Wynonna—has become a must-do pilgrimage for Americana lovers. We also explore what makes this more than just a music event: the rodeos, tattoos, Glacier hikes, tooth gems, and cornhole rivalries. It’s the story of connection, place, and unforgettable sound under the Montana sky.
Learn more at https://underthebigskyfest.com
Read more Under the Big Sky coverage from the DIL:
Music, western wear take center stage at Under the Big Sky | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/20/music-western-wear-take-center-stage-at-under-the-big-sky/
Under the Big Sky brings three days of music to Flathead Valley | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/18/music-festival-brings-thousands-to-whitefish-for-the-fifth-year/
Drew Landry’s return to music leads him to Under the Big Sky festival stage | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/19/drew-landrys-return-to-music-led-him-to-under-the-big-sky/
July 23, 2025
Lawsuit Challenges Luxury Resort, Whitefish Fire Destroys Iconic Building, Pre-Release Center Update
This week, we cover a trio of major stories out of northwest Montana. A group of Blankenship residents has filed a lawsuit to block a proposed luxury resort over easement concerns. In Whitefish, a two-alarm fire reduced a beloved historic building to rubble, while Flathead County and the state move forward with plans for a controversial 90-bed pre-release center in Evergreen.
Read more from this week’s show:
Lawsuit challenges proposed Teakettle Mountain resort | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/16/lawsuit-challenges-proposed-teakettle-mountain-res/
Cause of fire that destroyed abandoned building in Whitefish under investigation | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/14/cause-of-fire-that-destroyed-abandoned-building-in/
Flathead County signs agreement paving way for prerelease center | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/16/hope-they-prove-me-wrong-commissioner-holmquist-votes-no-on-flathead-prerelease-center-agreement/
Photos from this week’s show are as credited: Hungry Horse News Editor Chris Peterson, Whitefish Pilot Editor Kelsey Evans and Daily Inter Lake photographer Casey Kreider.
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/
July 21, 2025
Still Searching One Year Later: The Disappearance of Emily Rea
It’s been one year since 34-year-old Emily Rea vanished while paddleboarding near the Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana. Despite extensive search efforts from law enforcement, volunteers, and specialized sonar teams, Emily remains missing—and now, her family is calling for a new direction.
In this special episode of the News Now podcast, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman speaks with Emily’s loved ones, including her mother Nina and close friend Michaela, who are rallying the community to support a renewed investigation. Learn why they believe it’s time to look beyond the water and what you can do to help bring answers to this heartbreaking case.
For more information about Emily, please visit https://www.eyesforemily.com/
Report tips to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office at 406-752-TIPS.
July 18, 2025
Border Patrol Concerns in Whitefish, Glacier Gorge Rescue, and Helicopter Mayhem in Kalispell
In this News Now episode from the Daily Inter Lake, we cover three big stories from across northwest Montana. Whitefish city leaders raise concerns about federal immigration enforcement after a local traffic stop involving Border Patrol agents sparks community debate. In Glacier National Park, a harrowing accident at Avalanche Gorge ends in a dramatic rescue credited to bystanders with medical training. And in Kalispell, a man faces felony charges after allegedly dismantling a firefighting helicopter he mistook for scrap. Don’t miss the latest updates from around the Flathead Valley.
Read more from this week’s show:
Whitefish rethinking its relationship with Border Patrol, officials say | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/09/whitefish-officials-say-city-will-sever-ties-with-border-patrol/
'Heroic efforts' of bystanders credited with saving hikers that fell in Glacier National Park gorge | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/09/heroic-efforts-of-bystanders-saved-hikers-that-fell-in-avalanche-creek-gorge/
Allegedly ransacking a helicopter earns Kalispell man a pair of felony charges | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/09/allegedly-ransacking-a-helicopter-earns-kalispell-man-a-pair-of-felony-charges/
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/oren'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/
July 12, 2025
Idaho Firefighter Ambush, Jewel Basin Rescue, and Deer Culling Plan in the Flathead
In this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman covers three major stories from around the region. In northern Idaho, a shocking attack left two firefighters dead and one injured after a transient man set a wildfire and opened fire on first responders. In the Flathead, the Bigfork Fire Department executed a dramatic rope rescue after a vehicle plunged 400 feet down Jewel Basin Road. And Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is increasing whitetail harvest quotas in the Flathead Valley in response to the spread of chronic wasting disease, marking a new chapter in the state’s wildlife management strategy.
This week's stories were written by Associated Press reporters Manuel Valdes and Lindsey Wasson, as well Daily Inter Lake reporters Jack Underhill and Taylor Inman.
Credit for photos used in this week’s show: The Associated Press, The Couer d’Alene Press, The Daily Inter Lake and U.S. National Forest Service and the Bigfork Fire Department.
Read more from this week’s show:
Man shot Idaho firefighters who had asked him to move his vehicle, killing 2, sheriff says | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/30/man-shot-idaho-firefighters-who-had-asked-him-to-move-his-vehicle-killing-2-sheriff-says/
Only minor injuries reported after car plunges 400 feet off Jewel Basin Road | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/01/only-minr-injuries-reported-after-car-plunges-400-feet-off-jewel-basin-road/
Officials establish chronic wasting disease management zone in Flathead Valley | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jul/02/officials-establish-management-zone-new-hunting-licenses-to-quell-local-disease-outbreak/
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/
July 5, 2025
Jeep Ends Up in Flathead River After Risky Move at Fishing Access Site
A Jeep ended up in the Flathead River after a driver got too close to the edge at a fishing access site. No injuries were reported, but officials warn these “simple mistakes” can carry big risks. We had boots on the ground as crews fished the Jeep out of the river, check out our footage of the scene on our YouTube channel.
Read full story by Daily Inter Lake reporter Jack Underhill.
July 2, 2025
Going-to-the-Sun Opens Early: Visitors React to Glacier’s Iconic Road
In this special episode of News Now, reporter Taylor Inman hits the road — literally — to capture the joy, surprise, and awe of visitors experiencing Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road on its opening day on June 18th, 2025. From families who extended their trip to lucky travelers who scored last-minute tickets, hear what it's like to witness Glacier’s alpine grandeur for the first time.
Guests share stories of wildlife sightings, reservation system wins, and first impressions of Logan Pass, Lake McDonald, and Avalanche Lake. Whether you're a Glacier veteran or planning your first trip, this episode captures the magic of one of America’s most iconic roads.
As of July 1st, 2025, Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open for the summer — that’s all 50 miles from West Glacier to St. Mary, including Logan Pass and Rising Sun. Timed-entry vehicle reservations are still required on the West Entrance side during peak hours – that's 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. - through September 28th. No reservations are needed to enter from the east side at St. Mary. A Summer shuttle service is now running daily between Apgar and St. Mary starting July 1st.
For ongoing updates on road conditions, trail access, wildlife closures, or sudden weather changes, visit the official National Park Service Glacier page at https://nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit — and remember to always be prepared for chilly, alpine conditions even in July.
Read Taylor's full article here - https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/18/glacier-national-park-visitors-delighted-by-full-sun-road-opening/