Judge orders BNSF to pay Washington tribe nearly $400 million for trespassing with oil trains

SEATTLE (AP) — BNSF Railway must pay nearly $400 million to a Native American tribe in Washington state, a federal judge ordered Monday after finding that the company intentionally trespassed when it repeatedly ran 100-car trains carrying crude oil across the tribe's reservation.

Memorial Day events planned across the valley

Several events across the Flathead Valley will honor Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.

Jeremiah 'Jerry' J. Dougherty, 65

Jeremiah "Jerry" Joseph Dougherty Sr., 65, passed away on June 10, 2024, at his home in Whitefish with his family by his side.

Polson's Milton, Maki 3rd at State Juniors golf

POLSON — Playing in vastly improved conditions, Frenchtown’s Katie Lewis and Billings’ Tye Boone took medalist honors at the 58th Montana State Juniors golf championship that concluded Wednesday at Polson Bay Golf Course.

Legals for June, 17 2024

Relocation fund established for displaced mobile home residents

In response to the mass eviction notices issued to residents of a mobile home park in Evergreen, Whitefish Community Foundation has awarded a $45,000 Emergency Response Grant to NeighborWorks Montana to help displaced residents find new housing.

Richard Gordon Green, 77

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, Richard Gordon Green, loving partner, father, and grandfather, passed away at age 77 after a tremendous year-and-a-half battle with cancer.

Legals for June, 20 2024

Lakers AA close out Church Tournament strong with big win

LEWISTON, Idaho – A four RBI day from Michael Owens and Hunter Fann catapulted the Kalispell AA Lakers to a massive 18-6 win against the RCA 18U Green team out of Kennewick, Washington Sunday.

Sally Ann Martinus, 83

Sally Ann Martinus (nee Williams), 83 of Columbia Falls, went home to be with the Lord on May 30, 2024.

Police Chief Clint Peters named interim Columbia Falls city manager

A familiar face in city government will run the day-to-day operations of Columbia Falls – at least for a little while.

County board of adjustment considers recreation facilities, retreat

The Flathead County Board of Adjustment on Tuesday will look at two requests for recreational facilities and a retreat center.

Eureka's Miller named softball All-State

Eureka’s Maura Miller is among five Northwestern B softball players selected All-State, in voting by league coaches.

Legals for June, 24 2024

Tribes receive $7.7 million from USDA for meat-processing plant

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are among eight tribal nations that recently received an Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Capital tops Glacier in 8th for State AA title

HELENA — The Glacier Wolfpack made Helena Capital work extra for it, but the Bruins won their first State AA softball title since 2009 Sunday, on Anna Cockhill’s trip around the bases in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Montana energy isn’t ready for forced EVs

Last month, the Biden administration published their finalized tailpipe emissions rule, an electric vehicle (EV) mandate which will upend the daily lives of Montanans. The EPA’s new emissions rule calls for EVs to account for 56% of all cars by 2032, with two-thirds of all cars being electric or hybrid.

Boeing launches NASA astronauts for the first time after years of delays

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Boeing launched astronauts for the first time Wednesday, belatedly joining SpaceX as a second taxi service for NASA.

Yellowstone National Park calls for more bison in new plan

Yellowstone National Park is proposing a major shift in its strategy for managing bison, one that could mean larger herds, expanded hunting opportunities beyond park borders, and more bison transfers to tribal governments.

The Supreme Court upholds a gun control law intended to protect domestic violence victims

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal gun control law that is intended to protect victims of domestic violence.