Biden, Xi hold first talks in a year. Global conflicts, fentanyl and stable ties top their agenda

WOODSIDE, Calif. (AP) — President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping opened their first face-to-face meeting in more than a year Wednesday with a solid handshake ahead of talks with far-reaching implications for a world grappling with economic cross currents, wars in the Middle East and Europe, tensions in Taiwan and more.

Judge temporarily blocks cumulative fee hike for Montana marijuana dispensaries

A district court judge last week granted a 60-day preliminary injunction blocking the State of Montana from assessing and collecting increased fees from businesses that operate multiple marijuana dispensaries across the state – changes passed by the legislature this year in the final days of the session.

Bigfork man pleads guilty to vehicular homicide

A Bigfork man arrested after allegedly killing a motorcyclist in an alcohol-fueled collision near Somers last year is facing 15 years in state prison.

Marion shooting case headed to trial

The criminal case against a Marion man accused of shooting a teenager in the face over the summer is headed once again for trial.

Legals for November, 15 2023

Montana must keep teacher licensing fees low

Should Montana increase teacher licensing fees? The answer is simple, no. Why would we consider shifting the burden of covering the cost of licensing to our teachers who are struggling to make ends meet?

Chambers and Hall earn Big Sky POTW accolades

Montana State quarterback Sean Chambers and UC Davis running back Lan Larison shared the weekly offensive player of the week honors.

Legals for November, 14 2023

Secret Service agents protecting Biden's granddaughter open fire when 3 people try to break into SUV

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden's granddaughter opened fire after three people tried to break into an unmarked Secret Service vehicle in the nation's capital, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

Bulldogs land first round bye in NAIA postseason

HELENA, Mont. – The NAIA announced on Sunday that Montana Western, College of Idaho, and Montana Tech have each been selected for the 2023 NAIA Football Championship Series. It's the first time in conference history that three schools from the Frontier Conference have qualified for the tournament in the same season.

Bobcats Fall in Road Thriller at Seattle U

SEATTLE – A potential game-winning shot from Robert Ford III glanced off the rim with two seconds to go in regulation, and Seattle U hit a pair of free throws moments later to deal Montana State a tight 71-68 loss Saturday afternoon at the Redhawk Center in Seattle, Washington.

Legals for November, 13 2023

Pauline Woodward, 90

Pauline "Pauli" G. Woodward, 90, passed away after a short illness on Oct. 7, 2023 in Whitefish, Montana, with the love and close bedside support of her three children, Sandi, Brian, Mark and faithful daughter-in-law, Kathleen.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events and gatherings

Mysterious light show over Martin City remains unexplained

When O’Brien Byrd woke up to a strange light coming through his bedroom window in Martin City early Wednesday morning, he knew something odd was going on.

Poll indicates widespread discontent among Montana voters

’Tis the season. Yes, the holidays are quickly approaching, but we’re talking about poll season.

Flathead Lake's low water levels are avoidable

Flathead Lake is one of the most beautiful places on earth; however, this summer’s low lake levels severely impacted residents, irrigators, fishermen, recreationists, marinas, land and dock owners, and many other businesses directly or indirectly.

Wildcats get windy win over Blue Devils

CORVALLIS — Columbia Falls’ 19-7 win over Corvallis Saturday was as tough as advertised, — and with the usual suspects stymied by a sturdy wind and stingy Blue Devil defense, the play of the game came from a Wildcat who wasn’t supposed to be in there.

No. 10 Montana Western locks up conference title

DILLON — Michael Palandri ran for two touchdowns before halftime and threw for two more after to lead Montana Western to a 36-12 home win over Eastern Oregon Saturday and clinch the Frontier Conference title for the Bulldogs. Palandri was 21 of 31 passing for 282 yards and Jake Humphrey led the Western (7-1, 9-1) rushing attack with a touchdown and 104 yards on 18 carries.

Legals for November, 12 2023