Measles Alert, Kalispell’s Population Boom, and Border Patrol Backlash
This week on News Now, host Taylor Inman unpacks three major stories from across Northwest Montana. Flathead County confirms its first measles case in decades as health officials race to contain potential exposure amid concerns about local vaccination rates. New U.S. Census data shows Kalispell’s population has surged nearly 25% since 2020, making it the fastest-growing city in Montana — and raising questions about infrastructure, housing, and long-term planning.
Plus, fallout continues in Whitefish after the traffic stop of a Venezuelan immigrant led to his detention by Border Patrol. Law enforcement leaders weigh in on when — and why — local officers involve immigration officials. It’s a packed episode covering the week’s most pressing issues from the Flathead Valley and beyond.
Read more from this week’s show:
Measles case confirmed in Flathead County | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/21/measles-case-confirmed-in-flathead-county/
US Census: Kalispell has grown nearly 25% since 2020 | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/21/us-census-kalispell-has-grown-nearly-25-since-2020/
Law enforcement agencies respond to questions spawned by recent detention of Venezuelan immigrant | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/18/law-enforcement-agencies-respond-to-questions-spawned-by-recent-detention-of-venezuelan-immigrant/
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.
May 24, 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.