In this episode of News Now, Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest stories shaping Northwest Montana this week, from a major land conservation agreement to changes in Kalispell city leadership and community efforts to honor local veterans.

We begin with a landmark conservation deal that permanently protects more than 53,000 acres of Montana land, a move with long-term implications for wildlife habitat, public access, and regional land use. The episode also covers Kalispell’s decision to name a new city manager, outlining what the leadership change means for the city moving forward.

Finally, we highlight local events honoring veterans across the Flathead Valley, including community participation in remembrance efforts that underscore the region’s commitment to service members past and present.

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 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.

This summer, we followed the Brist family from their fifth-generation Montana farm to the bright lights of the Northwest Montana Fair. From early morning chores to the intensity of the show ring, their journey shows the hard work, tradition, and bittersweet goodbyes that come with raising livestock. Discover Season 4 of our Deep Dive podcast, From Farm to Fair — coming Sunday, September 21st!

Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us!

Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.

High winds slammed Northwest Montana this week, knocking out power to tens of thousands of residents from Libby to the Flathead Valley and forcing emergency responses across the region. On this episode of News Now, we break down how damaging wind gusts — topping 67 mph in Kalispell and nearly 100 mph in the Swan Range — led to widespread outages, downed trees, road closures, and emergency shelter operations as utility crews worked through the night to restore service.

The episode also takes a closer look at the ongoing boil advisory in Libby, now entering its second week after catastrophic flooding compromised the city’s drinking water system. We explain what caused the advisory, why state officials are testing for heavy metals, what residents should know about water safety, and how emergency crews are prioritizing both infrastructure repairs and public health. This episode provides essential context for residents navigating storm impacts, infrastructure concerns, and recovery efforts across Northwest Montana.

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 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.

This summer, we followed the Brist family from their fifth-generation Montana farm to the bright lights of the Northwest Montana Fair. From early morning chores to the intensity of the show ring, their journey shows the hard work, tradition, and bittersweet goodbyes that come with raising livestock. Discover Season 4 of our Deep Dive podcast, From Farm to Fair — coming Sunday, September 21st!

Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us!

Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.

On this episode of News Now, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down four major stories impacting Northwest Montana. Glacier National Park is preparing to end its vehicle reservation system for the 2026 summer season, shifting to new parking limits, shuttle reservations, and targeted closures in overcrowded areas. Habitat for Humanity outlines its push to build 40 homes by 2030, but acquiring buildable land remains the organization’s biggest challenge.

Columbia Falls moves forward with a new accessible fishing pier at River’s Edge Park, supported by an FWP grant. And after a confirmed case of Chronic Wasting Disease south of Ninepipes Lodge, CSKT’s Wildlife Program expands sampling and emphasizes safe handling for hunters.

Read more of this week’s stories:
Glacier National Park hits brakes on vehicle reservation system
Habitat for Humanity needs property to keep building homes
FWP pitches in $70,000 toward fishing pier
Confirmed CWD leads to more sampling on the reservation

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 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.

This summer, we followed the Brist family from their fifth-generation Montana farm to the bright lights of the Northwest Montana Fair. From early morning chores to the intensity of the show ring, their journey shows the hard work, tradition, and bittersweet goodbyes that come with raising livestock. Discover Season 4 of our Deep Dive podcast, From Farm to Fair — coming Sunday, September 21st!

Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us!

Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.