This week on News Now, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest headlines across northwest Montana - from public land debates and legal developments to environmental challenges and major event announcements.

The Flathead National Forest is weighing more than 1,000 public comments on its draft river management plan for the Flathead River system, as outfitters, conservation groups and recreation advocates debate how to balance access with protecting critical fish habitat.

In the Mission Valley, a fourth-generation ranch is battling an explosion of invasive tumble mustard weeds, raising concerns about wildfire risk, public safety and the challenges of enforcement after land annexation.

A federal lawsuit against the city of Whitefish alleging racial profiling during a traffic stop appears headed toward a settlement, following a judge’s decision to dismiss several key claims while leaving others unresolved.

Plus, the first signs of summer are arriving as roads begin opening in Glacier National Park, a new osprey monitoring effort highlights wildlife conservation in the Flathead Valley, and the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo announces a major headliner for 2026.

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