Fewer US overdose deaths were reported last year, but experts are still cautious

NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Wednesday.

Knudsen says he got primary opponent to run so he could raise more money

At a Saturday night campaign event billed as a “conservative cookout,” Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen told a crowd that he had put a friend and fellow Republican up to running against him in his bid for re-election in order to raise more money and because he believes state law is “ridiculous,” according to a recording that captured part of his remarks and was obtained by the Daily Montanan.

Juveniles arrested for vandalism at Columbia Falls wrestling academy

The Columbia Falls Police Department recently arrested and charged four juveniles with a rash of vandalism in Columbia Falls, including damaging and destroying property at the Ruis Wrestling Academy and the Boys and Girls Club.

Stock market today: Wall Street drifts around the edge of its record

U.S. stocks are drifting around the edge of their record heights. The S&P 500 was edging up by 0.1% Monday and pulling within 0.5% of its record set at the end of March.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Announcements from area businesses

Commanders should honor Montana’s Wetzel family, Native American heritage

At today’s hearing we also have H.R.4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.

Art students touch up sidewalk murals in Whitefish

Paintbrushes, frog wizards, pollution and Whitefish Lake — if you’re wondering what the missing link is here, a Whitefish High School advanced art student might be able to tell you.

Artist finds niche in collaborating with local bands

The 27-year-old has been an artist his whole life, earning him recognition as a student at Bigfork High School where he illustrated a comic book for his senior project and doodled in the margins of his assignments.

Small, well-built Chinese EV called the Seagull poses a big threat to the US auto industry

The car, launched last year by Chinese automaker BYD, sells for around $12,000 in China, but drives well and is put together with craftsmanship that rivals U.S.-made electric vehicles that cost three times as much.

Why is inflation bad and what causes it?

Most of us are painfully aware of inflation. Webster’s dictionary says, “inflation is a continuing increase in the general price level.”

Legals for May, 16 2024

Tester backs bill to detain immigrants accused of crimes

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester backed the Laken Riley Act last week, becoming the first Senate Democrat to throw support behind the legislation, which focuses on crimes committed by immigrants in the country illegally.

Man shot and killed after raising a gun at four Anchorage officers, police chief says

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Anchorage police officers responding to a disturbance call shot and killed a man early Monday after he pointed a gun at them, police chief Bianca Cross said.

Legals for May, 14 2024

Legals for May, 13 2024

Legals for May, 15 2024

The Montana Free Press 2024 election guide for statewide and federal offices

Answers here were solicited from candidates via a written questionnaire conducted by Montana Free Press in April 2024. Responses were limited to 1,000 characters and edited lightly for punctuation and spelling. Candidates were asked to focus on the positives their service would bring the state instead of making rhetorical attacks on their opponents. Responses have not been exhaustively fact-checked. The 2024 primary election, where voters will pick each political party's nominee to advance to the General Election, will be held Tuesday, June 4. The 2024 general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Glacier Volunteer Associates hold volunteer day May 18

The Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates will be working on four projects this weekend in the park and are inviting the public to help.

65 years of show tunes and hard work at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse

The Playhouse performs four musicals and a variety show about once a week during its annual run in the summertime. A college-aged cast is hired — roughly 3,000 apply every season for the 20 spots available. The program has churned out performers and crew members who go on to have successful careers in the arts like that of Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons.

Legals for May, 19 2024