News Now

Kalispell Murder Sentencing, Food Aid Crisis, and Montana’s Immigration Debate

Daily Inter Lake

We're back from a short hiatus! Reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the top stories shaping Northwest Montana. We begin with the sentencing of Kaleb Elijah Fleck, who received 50 years for the brutal 2023 homicide of a homeless man in Kalispell. Then, we examine the looming crisis at Flathead Valley food banks as pandemic-era federal funding disappears, threatening access to fresh produce and dairy for thousands of Montanans. Finally, we look at the controversial immigration-related bill moving through the Montana House and the legal and moral questions it raises for hospitals, churches, and nonprofits.

Read more from this week’s stories: 

Flathead man sentenced for 2023 killing of homeless man in Kalispell

Federal funding cuts leave Flathead Valley food banks looking to fill shelves

Immigration legislation advances despite strong opposition from nonprofits

Read more local and state coverage: 

Jurors view body cam footage in Jackson double homicide trial

Construction to begin on Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site

Glacier National Park faces summer of uncertainty 

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! 

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