News Now

December is packed with concerts, festivals, holiday performances, and community traditions across the Flathead Valley — and this month’s episode of the Daily Inter Lake’s Events Podcast is your complete guide. From high-energy DJ nights at the O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center to the Banff Mountain Film Festival at Wachholz, host Melissa Wells highlights the can’t-miss happenings lighting up Whitefish, Kalispell, and Bigfork.

This week on News Now, host Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest stories shaping northwest Montana — beginning with a Mexican national and accused drug trafficker who pleaded guilty in federal court after a high-speed chase through Kalispell this summer. We look at his criminal history, the charges still ahead, and what federal prosecutors say about the case.

Then, Somers-Lakeside School District is preparing to issue a sp...

The annual Feed the Need benefit concert brought in more than $183,000 for the Flathead Food Bank, marking a record-setting night of community support in the Flathead Valley. This week on News Now, we hear from Executive Director Chris Sidmore and country artist Drake Milligan who helped make the event possible at the Wachholz College Center.

Sidmore shares how the fundraiser impacts families across northwest Montana, whil...

This week on News Now, host Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest stories shaping northwest Montana — from the federal investigation into a fiery Kalispell plane crash, to the ongoing dispute over Flathead Lake’s low summer water levels, to how Glacier Park International Airport is navigating nationwide shutdown-related flight reductions.

We dive into the NTSB’s final report on the Socata TBM 700 crash, local aviation expe...

Kalispell has a new mayor — Ryan Hunter, a sitting city councilor, won the election over Sid Daoud and Kisa Davison in a close three-way race. Meanwhile, Flathead County voters approved a $105 million jail bond, paving the way for a long-awaited new detention center after decades of overcrowding. In Whitefish, prosecutors have amended charges against three protesters accused of blocking a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle earlier this yea...

In this special episode, reporter Hannah Shields heads into the Lolo National Forest to follow a group of citizen scientists tracking beaver activity as part of the Clark Fork Coalition’s Beaver Blitz. These volunteers are gathering crucial data to help wildlife researchers understand how beavers move, build, and reshape watersheds — a natural solution to Montana’s growing water challenges.

From identifying freshly chewed ...

In this week’s News Now podcast, host Taylor Inman of the Daily Inter Lake breaks down the week’s biggest headlines across northwest Montana. Local food banks in Bigfork and Lakeside are preparing for a surge in demand as SNAP benefits are temporarily halted due to the federal government shutdown, leaving many families uncertain heading into the holidays. We also look at the Flathead County Agency on Aging’s funding boost that help...

Looking for the best things to do in Montana this month? Local Events host Melissa Wells rounds up November’s can’t-miss happenings — from seeing David Sedaris live at the Wachholz College Center, to getting your winter stoke on with Warren Miller’s Sno-Ciety, to shopping local at Christmas at the Fairgrounds. Plus: Ladies Night Out in Whitefish, Season of Soul 4.0, and more ways to enjoy life in the Flathead Valley.

Don’...

In this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman takes a closer look at three major stories shaping northwest Montana. Geologists uncover Glacier National Park’s billion-year-old history and its surprising connection to Australia. State officials approve a landmark conservation easement protecting more than 50,000 acres of forestland in the Cabinet Mountains. And the Whitefish Community Foundation celebr...

Kalispell mayoral candidate Ryan Hunter joins Taylor Inman of the Daily Inter Lake to discuss his vision for the city’s future. From tackling affordable housing and public safety to improving infrastructure and downtown development, Hunter shares how his experience on the Kalispell City Council has shaped his approach to leadership. He also opens up about his love for the outdoors, live music, and what motivates him to continue ser...

Kalispell mayoral candidate Kisa Davison sits down with reporter Taylor Inman of the Daily Inter Lake to share her vision for the city’s future — from housing affordability and public safety to downtown redevelopment and community connection. As a long-time business owner and community leader, Davison talks about her drive to serve, her hopes for Main Street, and the importance of fostering collaboration in local government. This e...

Kalispell City Council member Sid Daoud joins Taylor Inman of the Daily Inter Lake for a one-on-one interview ahead of the 2025 mayoral election. In this in-depth conversation, Daoud discusses his vision for Main Street revitalization, improving public safety and infrastructure, addressing affordable housing, and strengthening community-led solutions over government control. He shares personal stories from his time on the council, ...

In this week’s News Now, host Taylor Inman recaps northwest Montana’s top headlines — from a Kalispell man facing charges after a property damage incident to early snow prompting seasonal closures in Glacier National Park. Plus, Whitefish Mountain Resort gets ready for winter with new technology, improved grooming equipment, and expanded cell service ahead of ski season.

Read more from this week’s stories: 

Kalispell vandalism suspec...

In this week’s News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman explores stories of determination, compassion, and community spirit across Northwest Montana. From a new accessibility initiative at Wayfarers State Park that’s breaking down barriers for people with disabilities, to the incredible true story of Baldone — a Great Pyrenees who survived 84 days in the wild after losing his owner — this episode captures the heart...

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman covers three major stories shaping Northwest Montana. Three protesters pleaded not guilty after demonstrations outside the Whitefish Border Patrol Station following the detention of a Honduran mother and daughter. In Creston, investigators are calling a late-night blaze that destroyed three Montana Trolley Co. vehicles “suspicious,” leaving the future of the beloved business in question....

October is here, and the Flathead Valley is alive with community events, live music, theatre, and seasonal celebrations. From the Great Northwest Oktoberfest in Whitefish and the Harvest Moon Fest in Kalispell, to the symphonic brilliance of the St. Olaf Orchestra and the energy of Mike Eldred performing John Denver’s classics, there’s something for everyone this month. We also highlight unique shows like Erica Von Kleist’s bold ja...

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman covers three of Northwest Montana’s biggest stories. First, Kalispell’s historic Conrad Memorial Cemetery faces turmoil after its longtime sexton and his son disappeared with crucial burial records, halting plot sales and burials. Next, we look at how community support saved Serious Juju, the nonprofit indoor skate park in Kalispell, raising $55,000 to keep doors open through 2026. Final...

This week on News Now, we cover three major stories shaping Montana and beyond. In Whitefish, protesters were arrested after blocking a Border Patrol vehicle while raising concerns about the detention of a mother and daughter. Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson responds to the shocking killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, urging civil discourse in the lead-up to local elections. And in Yellowstone National Park, a hiker survive...

What if a quilt could hold more than stitches—what if it could hold love, memory, and joy? Meet award-winning quilter Kathleen Littfin, whose creations have comforted families, celebrated milestones, and turned grief into something beautiful. From engineering precision to six-year masterpieces, Kathleen’s work tells stories in fabric. Catch her inspiring journey and see why quilts are more than blankets—they’re pieces of life itsel...