News Now

Join Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman as she goes over some of the week’s biggest headlines for northwest Montana. A popular Wi-Fi hotspot lending program at the Flathead County Library is at risk after losing federal funding — but the community is stepping up with possible solutions. Meanwhile, Flathead County faces a serious staffing shortage in its 911 dispatch center, raising concerns about emergency response times. In Ka...

Daily Inter Lake reporter Hailey Smalley follows Jamie Rolfing and his family as they reopen their 500-acre Great Northern Ranch to the public, inviting visitors to experience the quiet companionship of llamas along forest trails. Recapture the magic of slowing down, listening to the trees, and letting these quirky animals lead the way. 

Read the full article - A family llama-cy: Couple takes the lead on family trekking business

A bi...

Reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the major headlines shaping Northwest Montana this week. Montana’s wolf population is back in the spotlight as officials propose looser hunting and trapping rules — sparking debate across the state. Lawmakers successfully override Gov. Gianforte’s veto of a bill to reimburse counties for housing inmates awaiting mental health care. Plus, construction is set to begin on a long-awaited replacement fo...

From Whitefish to Columbia Falls, this episode takes you inside the vibrant heartbeat of Northwest Montana's summer festival scene. We’re talking Huckleberry Days, the Flathead Faerie Festival, Heritage Days in Columbia Falls, reggae at the Montana Tap House, Fire in the Mountains metal fest, Fleetwood Mac tributes, Motown tributes, and Midland’s big show—plus so much more. Get the scoop on food trucks, art vendors, live music...

What draws tens of thousands to a rural Montana ranch each summer? In this special episode from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman hits the fields at Under the Big Sky 2025 to talk with fans from across the country. From college reunions to last-minute ticket surprises, hear why this music festival—with artists like Tyler Childers, Mumford & Sons, and Wynonna—has become a must-do pilgrimage for Americana lovers. We als...

This week, we cover a trio of major stories out of northwest Montana. A group of Blankenship residents has filed a lawsuit to block a proposed luxury resort over easement concerns. In Whitefish, a two-alarm fire reduced a beloved historic building to rubble, while Flathead County and the state move forward with plans for a controversial 90-bed pre-release center in Evergreen.

Read more from this week’s show:
Lawsuit c...

It’s been one year since 34-year-old Emily Rea vanished while paddleboarding near the Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana. Despite extensive search efforts from law enforcement, volunteers, and specialized sonar teams, Emily remains missing—and now, her family is calling for a new direction.

In this special episode of News Now, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman speaks with Emily’s loved ones, including her mother Nina a...

In this News Now episode from the Daily Inter Lake, we cover three big stories from across northwest Montana. Whitefish city leaders raise concerns about federal immigration enforcement after a local traffic stop involving Border Patrol agents sparks community debate. In Glacier National Park, a harrowing accident at Avalanche Gorge ends in a dramatic rescue credited to bystanders with medical training. And in Kalispell, a man face...

In this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman covers three major stories from around the region. In northern Idaho, a shocking attack left two firefighters dead and one injured after a transient man set a wildfire and opened fire on first responders. In the Flathead, the Bigfork Fire Department executed a dramatic rope rescue after a vehicle plunged 400 feet down Jewel Basin Road. And Montana Fish, Wi...

A Jeep ended up in the Flathead River after a driver got too close to the edge at a fishing access site. No injuries were reported, but officials warn these “simple mistakes” can carry big risks. 

We had boots on the ground as crews fished the Jeep out of the river, check out our footage of the scene on our YouTube channel.

Read full story by Daily Inter Lake reporter Jack Underhill.

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the New...

In this special episode of News Now, reporter Taylor Inman hits the road — literally — to capture the joy, surprise, and awe of visitors experiencing Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road on its opening day on June 18th, 2025. From families who extended their trip to lucky travelers who scored last-minute tickets, hear what it's like to witness Glacier’s alpine grandeur for the first time.

Guests share st...

This week on News Now, reporter Taylor Inman is covering major updates from around Northwest Montana. Glacier Park International Airport announces a partial closure for July 2026, with limited weekend operations due to much-needed runway repairs. In Bigfork, prosecutors file a felony vehicular homicide charge after a deadly New Year’s crash allegedly fueled by alcohol.

Plus, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes issu...

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 al...

In this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down three major stories making headlines across Northwest Montana. First, Governor Greg Gianforte signs a controversial new law in Evergreen aimed at cracking down on illegal hiring practices — a move supporters say will protect local workers and opponents worry may fuel immigration enforcement tensions.

We also cover the sentencing of Der...

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 pa...

Glacier’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road opens Monday, June 16th, but you’ll need to plan ahead. We break down timed entry rules, shuttle tips, bike restrictions, and bear safety in under 5 minutes to keep your summer adventure stress-free. 

Complete information on timed entry vehicle reservations can be found online at https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News ...

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 fro...

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, autho...

Banana Lake Fire grows to 883 acres with 25% containment near Plains. Crews prepare for high temps this weekend. Stay tuned to News Now for continuing wildfire coverage and updates from across the region.

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...