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
MORE 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.