EPISODES
Whitefish Arts Festival, Under the Big Sky, & Flathead's First Stadium Concert
Northwest Montana is packed with summer celebrations, and this episode of News Now has your ultimate July events roundup! From the 46th annual Whitefish Arts Festival to the first-ever stadium concert at Glacier Bank Park featuring Tyler Rich, and of course, the return of Under the Big Sky Festival with headliners like Wynonna Judd, Tyler Childers, and Mumford & Sons — this is the month to mark your calendars.
We’ve also got your guide to Fourth of July parades, concerts at Home Ranch Bottoms and Sliter’s Park, family fun in Polson and Ronan, the Arlee Celebration, and so much more. Whether you're in the mood for art, music, rodeo, or fireworks — we’ve got your plans covered.
Learn more about our featured events for this week's episode:
Whitefish Arts Festival on July 4-6 - https://www.whitefishartsfestival.org/
Tyler Rich at Glacier Bank Park on July 11th - https://www.glacierbankpark.com/event/tyler-rich-concert/
Outriders Present Under the Big Sky on July 18-20 - https://www.showclix.com/event/under-the-big-sky-festival-2025/tag/op-website
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/
June 24, 2025
Historic Drop for Flathead Lake, Montana Abortion Laws Overturned, Glacier Bear Euthanized
Montana’s water crisis worsens as Flathead Lake is projected to fall three feet below full pool by August, threatening docks and recreation access. Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman also breaks down the Montana Supreme Court’s major decision to overturn 2021 abortion restrictions, reaffirming the state’s constitutional right to privacy. Plus, Glacier National Park officials euthanize a food-conditioned black bear, and close part of Going-to-the-Sun Road after a second bear snags a tourist’s snack. We’ve got the full rundown on what these stories mean to Northwest Montana.
Read more from this week’s show:
New forecast sinks summer lake level to historic low | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/11/new-forecast-sinks-summer-lake-level-to-historic-low/
State Supreme Court strikes down 2021 abortion restrictions | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/10/state-supreme-court-strikes-down-2021-abortion-restrictions/
Glacier Park officials kill one of two food-conditioned bears | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/11/glacier-park-officials-kill-one-of-two-food-conditioned-bears/
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/
Photo credits:
Daily Inter Lake photographer Casey Krieder
Hungry Horse News Editor Chris Peterson
Daily Montanan reporter Blair Miller
The Associated Press
June 14, 2025
From Thailand to Glacier: A Summer of Friendship, Hiking, and Self-Discovery
In this episode of News Now, reporter Taylor Inman meets Gam Narakornpaijit, a 23-year-old J-1 exchange visitor from Thailand who spent a life-changing summer working in Glacier National Park. From helping guests at Many Glacier Hotel to crossing freezing rivers on breathtaking hikes, Gam shares the highs, challenges, and cultural experiences of seasonal life in Northwest Montana.
She opens up about forging friendships from around the world, throwing a Thai party in the employee dorms, and how a last-minute rodeo trip gave her the full Montana experience. Hear how this biomedical engineering grad turned Glacier staffer found connection, adventure, and belonging in the heart of the mountains.
Read Taylor's full article here - https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/01/working-in-glacier-park-a-unique-experience-for-j1-exchange-student/
June 11, 2025
Whitefish Residents Seek Answers, DUI Arrest Turns Violent, & Kalispell Construction Site Vandalized
This week on News Now, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman catches you up on some recent headlines for Northwest Montana. Whitefish residents call on city leaders to investigate a police call that led to a Venezuelan man’s detention by Border Patrol, raising concerns over bias and accountability. In Columbia Falls, a suspected drunk driver allegedly assaulted an officer during a DUI arrest. Meanwhile in Kalispell, authorities are investigating a costly act of vandalism after a group of minors allegedly caused $48,000 in damage at a construction site. Get caught up on the week’s biggest public safety headlines from across Northwest Montana.
Read more from this week’s show:
Whitefish residents push city to investigate police call to Border Patrol | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/04/whitefish-residents-push-city-to-investigate-police-call-to-border-patrol/
Suspected drunk driver allegedly attacked arresting police officers in Columbia Falls | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/03/suspect-drunk-driver-allegedly-attacked-arresting-police-officers-in-columbia-falls/
Vandals accused of causing $48K in damage to Kalispell construction site | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/jun/04/vandals-accused-of-causing-48k-in-damage-to-kalispell-construction-site/
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/
June 7, 2025
Holland Lake Lodge Update, Kalispell Mayoral Race, and Alleged DUI Crash
This week on News Now, we cover three of the Flathead Valley’s most important stories. The U.S. Forest Service has approved a 20-year permit for new owners of the historic Holland Lake Lodge, putting to rest years of development controversy. In Kalispell, the race for a new mayor is underway with three familiar names vying for leadership in a city seeing rapid growth and change. Plus, we break down the details behind a rollover crash on the U.S. 93 Bypass, where a man with four children in his vehicle allegedly was found to have a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
Read more from this week’s show:
Forest Service approves permit to operate Holland Lake Lodge | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/27/forest-service-approves-permit-to-operate-holland-lake-lodge/
Three candidates so far are vying to become Kalispell's next mayor | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/25/three-candidates-have-announced-their-bid-for-mayor-outlining-their-visions-for-the-citys-future/
Suspected drunk driver flipped truck with four children inside | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/27/suspected-drunk-driver-flipped-truck-with-four-children-inside/
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/
May 31, 2025
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
Plowing Glacier: Why This Spring Is Different on Going-to-the-Sun Road
Spring plowing is underway on Glacier National Park’s world-famous Going-to-the-Sun Road — but this year, something’s different. Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman brings you behind the scenes with the workers responsible for opening one of the most scenic drives in America. Hear what’s making this year easier — and what still lies ahead.
May 22, 2025
Law Roundup: This week in Northwest Montana's quirkiest calls
This week on Law Roundup, the absurd meets the everyday in Flathead County’s most entertaining police calls. From a man playing with fire — literally — at a gas station, to a Labrador named Butters terrorizing the neighborhood, to mysterious overnight machinery movement at the fairgrounds, we cover it all.
Read the Daily Inter Lake's latest law roundup reports - https://dailyinterlake.com/news/law-roundup/
May 19, 2025
Border Deportations, Burglary Ring Busts & Funding Restored
In this week’s episode of News Now, host Taylor Inman breaks down the most pressing headlines across Northwest Montana. U.S. authorities deport multiple children—some U.S. citizens—following a major border arrest near Sweet Grass, raising questions about immigration enforcement. In Flathead County, the so-called “Cocaine Fairy” returns to the spotlight, now facing charges in a widespread burglary ring targeting seasonal homes. And in Kalispell, a federal grant for a crucial nonprofit childcare and housing initiative is unexpectedly pulled—then reinstated—under controversial circumstances tied to a Trump-era executive order.
Read more from this week’s show:
American children among group deported following Hi-Line immigration arrest | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/14/american-children-among-group-deported-following-hi-line-immigration-arrest/
Suspected criminal ringleader was once known as the 'cocaine fairy' | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/14/suspected-criminal-ringleader-was-once-known-as-the-cocaine-fairy/
Kalispell-based nonprofit sees federal funds pulled, then restored | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/13/federal-funds-pulled-then-restored-for-montana-nonprofit/
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/
May 17, 2025
Kalispell Voters Say Yes, Glacier Gets a Boost, and Libby Builds for Baseball
In this episode of News Now, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down three major stories from Northwest Montana. Voters in Kalispell approve a $2.9 million school levy — the first successful high school levy in 18 years — signaling strong community support for public education. We also dig into the proposed America the Beautiful Act, which could direct $2 billion annually toward overdue public land maintenance, including millions already allocated to Glacier National Park. And in Libby, the community rallies to renovate local fields ahead of a summer youth baseball tournament, attracting teams from across Montana and Canada.
Read more from this week’s show:
School and special district election results | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/07/school-and-special-district-election-results/
Daines proposes expanding federal funds for some public land projects | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/07/daines-proposes-expanding-federal-funds-for-some-public-land-projects/
Community pitches in to prepare Libby for baseball tournament | https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/may/07/community-pitches-in-to-prepare-libby-for-baseball-tournament/
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/