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 special tax assessment after a data error slashed property tax collections by nearly 25%, draining reserve funds and forcing emergency budget amendments. We explain what families can expect in February, how the district is trying to rebuild trust, and what went wrong in the first place.

Finally, Glacier National Park is set to receive more than $4 million in project funding from the Glacier National Park Conservancy — supporting everything from student-built housing and dark-sky programs to wildlife research, trail work and whitebark pine restoration. We break down where the money is going and what it means as the park faces potential federal budget cuts.

Read more from this week’s stories:
Mexican man who launched a high-speed chase in Kalispell pleads guilty to illegal reentry
Conservancy now supports 25% of Glacier National Park's budget
Somers School District to recoup lost tax dollars after data entry error

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.

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, while Milligan reflects on performing at the benefit following the release of his new album Tumbleweed. With performances by Tommy Edwards and Clint Sherman, support from local businesses, and generous donor matches, the night underscored the strength of the Flathead community and its commitment to addressing food insecurity.

To donate or learn more about the Flathead Food Bank, visit its website at flatheadfoodbank.org.

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.

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 experts sounding alarms over repeated reckless landing patterns, and a string of deadly small-plane crashes across the region. Plus, Flathead County commissioners, Rep. Ryan Zinke, Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy weigh in on the future of Flathead Lake management. And we look at how national travel restrictions are affecting flights into and out of the Flathead Valley. Stay informed with the latest reporting impacting Kalispell, the Flathead, and Montana.

Read the full stories:
Federal investigators blame pilot for fiery Kalispell plane crash
Flathead County commissioners join flood of requests for Department of the Interior intervention on Flathead Lake
Glacier Park International Airport seeing minimal effects from government shutdown

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.

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 year, escalating penalties in the case. And near Seeley Lake, two hunters survived a terrifying grizzly bear encounter while retrieving a harvested deer.

Read more about these stories:
Ryan Hunter elected as Kalispell's next mayor, Flathead County jail bond passes
City prosecutors file harsher charges against protesters accused of blocking Whitefish Border Patrol vehicles
Hunters survive run-in with grizzlies near Seeley Lake

2025 Election Coverage:
Interview with Ryan Hunter
Interview with Sid Daoud
Interview with Kisa Davison
Inside Flathead County Jail: The Crisis Behind the $105 Million Bond
The latest election results from Flathead County
Election results from Lincoln, Lake and Sanders counties 

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.

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 branches to logging beaver dam sites, the fieldwork offers a firsthand look at how this keystone species is making a comeback across western Montana. Learn how beaver restoration efforts could strengthen ecosystems, protect against drought, and bring new life to rivers and wetlands statewide.

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.

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 helped save the Meals on Wheels program from major cuts — and the Martin City trial involving a man accused of running over his ex-wife.

Read more from this week’s stories:
Bigfork and West Shore food banks prepare for SNAP expiration
State funding boost keeps Flathead Meals on Wheels program moving
First responders testify in trial of man accused of running over his ex-wife in Martin City

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.

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’t miss the ultimate guide to Montana’s November fun — straight from the Daily Inter Lake, Montana’s independent newsroom. Discover more about all events mentioned in the episode at dailyinterlake.com/events

A special thank you to the Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead for sponsoring this episode. Get a head start on your holiday shopping and keep it local at Christmas at the Fairgrounds, November 28–30 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. Browse gifts from 144 local artists and makers, grab a limited-edition Christmas Treasure Box supporting Logan Health Children’s Hospital, and enjoy festive fun from wreath-making to Santa’s mailbox. Admission is free — find all the details at https://acfmt.org/

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.

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 celebrates a record-breaking year, awarding over $8 million to Flathead Valley nonprofits. Stay informed with the stories behind the headlines — from Montana’s mountains to its communities.

Read more of this week’s stories:
Evidence suggests Glacier Park may have been attached to Australia at one point
Montana Land Board adds 53K acres to conservation easement
Great Fish fundraiser nets $8.1 million for local nonprofits

Don’t miss out on our coverage of the upcoming Nov. 6 election:
Inside Flathead County Jail: The crisis behind the $105 million bond
Kalispell Mayoral Candidate Series: Sid Daoud
Kalispell Mayoral Candidate Series: Kisa Davison
Kalispell Mayoral Candidate Series: Ryan Hunter

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.

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 serving his community. As the election nears, hear how Hunter plans to balance growth, livability, and sustainability while keeping Kalispell a place where families thrive.

This interview is part of our Kalispell Mayoral Candidate Series — bringing local voices, ideas, and leadership visions straight to voters. Visit Hunter's official website for more on his platforms: hunter4kalispell.com Tune into interviews with the other two candidates: Sid Daoud (10/21) and Kisa Davison (10/22).

Are you a Kalispell voter? Municipal ballots were mailed October 17 to registered voters. Eligible residents can confirm registration, find ballot return details, and learn about in-person voting options by visiting the Flathead County Election Department website. Want the latest updates on local elections? Visit dailyinterlake.com for the latest developments.

Big thanks to our sponsor for these series of interviews, the Kalispell Grand Hotel! Since 1912, the Kalispell Grand has welcomed travelers to downtown Kalispell. A century of history echoes through its halls — from the original architecture to the stories of guests who made it their home away from home. Today, the tradition continues: historic charm meets modern comfort, steps from local shops, restaurants, and the beauty of Montana’s Flathead Valley. Stay at the Kalispell Grand Hotel: https://kalispellgrand.com/

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.

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 episode also offers a personal side of Davison — her favorite coffee order, music picks, and the values she hopes to bring to City Hall.

This interview is part of our Kalispell Mayoral Candidate Series — bringing local voices, ideas, and leadership visions straight to voters. Visit Davison's official website for more on her platforms: kisaforkalispell.com Tune into interviews with the other two candidates: Sid Daoud (10/21) and Ryan Hunter (10/23).

Are you a Kalispell voter? Municipal ballots were mailed October 17 to registered voters. Eligible residents can confirm registration, find ballot return details, and learn about in-person voting options by visiting the Flathead County Election Department website. Want the latest updates on local elections? Visit dailyinterlake.com for the latest developments.

Big thanks to our sponsor for these series of interviews, the Kalispell Grand Hotel! Since 1912, the Kalispell Grand has welcomed travelers to downtown Kalispell. A century of history echoes through its halls — from the original architecture to the stories of guests who made it their home away from home. Today, the tradition continues: historic charm meets modern comfort, steps from local shops, restaurants, and the beauty of Montana’s Flathead Valley. Stay at the Kalispell Grand Hotel: https://kalispellgrand.com/

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.