71 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
May Events in Montana: Concerts, Festivals, Mother's Day Fun & More!
Ready to kick off summer in Northwest Montana? This episode covers the best local events happening in May — from live music at Happy’s Inn and concerts with The Lowdown Drifters and Ned LeDoux, to epic film festivals in Whitefish, Mother's Day celebrations in Kalispell, and foodie fun with Whitefish Restaurant Week! Plus, snag your spot at the Daily Inter Lake's exclusive Press Play concert with the Jamie Wyman Duo at https://flatheadtickets.com/ Watch or listen to our full interview with her on our Press Play podcast.
Learn more about our featured business in this episode - Happy's Inn in Libby! Visit https://happysinn.com/ for their full summer concert line up and make a plan to rock out because if this summer's lineup is anything like last year's, these concerts will sell out!
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 or learn more at lorensauto.com.
#MontanaEvents #FlatheadValley #DailyInterLake #WhitefishMT #KalispellMT #MothersDay #LiveMusic #MontanaLife #ExploreMontana
April 28, 2025
Gianforte’s Fiscal Vision, Nuisance Ordinances & Youth Justice Reform gets National Spotlight
This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman covers the top stories shaping Northwest Montana. Governor Greg Gianforte makes a stop in Kalispell to promote his 2025 fiscal agenda, including property tax relief and teacher pay raises, despite ongoing legislative gridlock. Kalispell City Council passes new ordinances cracking down on junk vehicles and community decay, sparking debate over government reach. Plus, Flathead County’s School Justice Partnership earns national recognition for its innovative approach to juvenile justice. With a 90% success rate, the program is changing lives and setting a statewide precedent for restorative youth practices.
Read more from this week’s stories:
Gianforte presses Legislature to pass property tax relief bills during Kalispell visit
Kalispell City Council votes to amend nuisance ordinances
Flathead restorative youth justice program gains national spotlight
Read more local and state coverage:
‘Personhood’ for embryos fails, other abortion bills head to governor’s desk
Students strike a chord at the 2025 District Music Festival
Welfare check leads to barricade situation in U.S. 2 hotel
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 or learn more at lorensauto.com.
April 26, 2025
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.