News Now

Montana Fishing Shakeups, Kalispell Cruising Controversy, Lake County Jail Debate & Libby Drug Case

Major changes could be coming to Northwest Montana — from fishing regulations and downtown Kalispell cruising to jail oversight battles and a troubling Libby drug court case. In this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down four of the week’s biggest headlines impacting the Flathead Valley and beyond. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing sweeping fishing regulation changes aimed at protecting endangered bull trout and native trout populations. The proposals could eliminate possession limits for certain non-native species in western Montana waters, including Flathead Lake, while expanding restrictions on bait and tackle use across several rivers and streams. Then, the growing debate over Friday night cruising in downtown Kalispell continues as city leaders, business owners and car enthusiasts search for ways to preserve the classic Americana tradition while cracking down on reckless driving, burnouts and speeding along Main Street. Also in this episode, Lake County commissioners are moving toward shifting jail administration away from the Sheriff’s Office, citing lawsuits, liability concerns and accountability issues. The controversial proposal has sparked questions about detention officer retirement benefits and the future of county jail operations. And finally, a Libby man previously convicted on fentanyl and methamphetamine possession is facing renewed legal trouble after authorities say he failed treatment court, violated probation conditions and continued struggling with addiction. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 [https://lorensauto.com/]. Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://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 [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].

Grizzly Bear Attack Investigation, School Levy Fallout & West Glacier Work Camp

On this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, host Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest headlines impacting Northwest Montana.  A deadly suspected grizzly bear attack in Glacier National Park is raising new questions after search crews discovered bear spray near the scene where a Florida hiker was found dead on the Mount Brown Trail. Meanwhile, schools across the Flathead Valley are preparing for staffing cuts, program reductions and larger class sizes after voters rejected multiple school levies in Tuesday’s election. Plus, a controversial 137-worker housing camp near West Glacier survives a legal appeal despite concerns from residents about traffic, wildlife and the future of their historic community. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 [https://lorensauto.com/]. Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://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 [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].

PFAS testing results, Glacier wrestling lawsuit & campaign to remove Kalispell mayor

This week on News Now, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman covers the biggest headlines shaping northwest Montana — from new environmental findings in Flathead waters to major legal battles and political controversy in Kalispell. New statewide testing found no evidence of PFAS “forever chemicals” in Flathead Lake or the Flathead River, making them the only Montana waterbodies tested that showed no signs of contamination. The findings come amid growing concern over PFAS exposure and fish consumption advisories across the state. A federal judge has ruled that a Title IX lawsuit involving alleged sexual assault and hazing within the Glacier High School wrestling program can move forward to trial. The lawsuit accuses Kalispell Public Schools of retaliating against a parent and student who reported concerns to authorities. Plus, an effort is underway to recall Kalispell Mayor Ryan Hunter following controversy surrounding his tie-breaking vote on the city’s land use plan. Supporters of the recall claim Hunter violated public trust, while the mayor says the accusations are politically motivated. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 [https://lorensauto.com/]. Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://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 [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].

Youth Voices in the Sheriff Race: DUI, Response Times, Mental Health & Community Trust

Students from Bigfork High School take the lead in this special bonus episode, asking direct questions to Flathead County sheriff candidates Brian Heino and Evie Cahalen ahead of the June 2 Republican primary. Representing teen voices across the Flathead Valley, students raise concerns about impaired driving, mental health resources, emergency response times in rural communities, and trust between young people and law enforcement. This unique conversation highlights the issues that matter most to the next generation of voters—and how each candidate plans to respond. Cahalen, a Marion resident, is challenging incumbent Sheriff Heino, who is seeking a third term. Voters will decide in the June 2 primary who advances to the November ballot. Watch our interview with Evie Cahalan: https://youtu.be/t3drTik7caQ [https://youtu.be/t3drTik7caQ] Watch our interview with Sheriff Brian Heino: https://youtu.be/FnNf8_UJDGA [https://youtu.be/FnNf8_UJDGA] These Flathead County Sheriff Candidate interviews were brought to you by Mountain Pass Safes and Coins, a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit  mountainpasssafes.com  [https://mountainpasssafes.com/ ]to learn more. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 [https://lorensauto.com/]. Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://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 [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].

Election 2026: Meet Incumbent Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino

Incumbent Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino sits down with reporter Taylor Inman to discuss his bid for a third term, outlining his approach to public safety, staffing shortages, deputy training, and mental health response in the Flathead Valley. Heino breaks down how his office is addressing recruitment, retention, and rising service demands across one of Montana’s fastest-growing regions. The June 2 primary is where voters will choose who appears on the November ballot. This in-depth interview gives voters a detailed look at the policies, priorities, and challenges facing Heino. This is Part Two of our Flathead County Sherriff Election coverage. Listen to our interview with opponent Evie Cahalan [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2061413/episodes/19111286]. This episode is brought to you by Mountain Pass Safes and Coins, a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit mountainpasssafes.com [https://mountainpasssafes.com/] to learn more. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 [https://lorensauto.com/]. Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://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 [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].