History Book Club Celebrates 20 Years of Conversation and Community
Since 2006, readers at the Northwest Montana History Museum have dug into diverse accounts of life in Big Sky country
By Zoë Buhrmaster
Government
‘Radically Underfunded’: Whitefish Fire Service Area Says Rate Increase is Stalled with County Commissioners
WFSA representatives told city officials they’re at a standstill after their efforts to raise the flat rate drew little interest from the Flathead County commissioners
By Lauren FrickThe Latest
MONTANA'S BRAND OF BANKING
Flathead Living
In the Swan Valley, a Small Nonprofit Is Keeping Bears Out of Trouble
Since 2007, Swan Valley Bear Resources has worked with landowners and agencies to reduce human-bear conflicts, starting with the number one attractant: garbage
By Kay Bjork
The Floating House
A family's multi-generational hold on a Flathead Lake bluff meets an architect who grew up with the same water in her blood
By Tristan Scott
The Case for Going in Circles
In 'The Way Around: A Field Guide to Going Nowhere,' Missoula author Nicholas Triolo delivers a meditation on movement — and what circling back can teach us
By Maggie DohertyNEWS & FEATURES
Democrats Gain Four Seats in Montana Legislature, but Republicans Keep Large Majorities
One of the Democrats’ pickups in the state House came from Flathead County candidate Paula Koch
Floor Space: What You Can Buy for About $1,100,000
Columbia Falls Proposes Short-Term Rental Permits, Stricter Resort Tax Enforcement
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs at Annual Grand Event
Pro Skiers Maggie Voisin and Parkin Costain to Host Inaugural Stumptown Film Festival
Lawsuit Challenges Montana Anti-Dark Money Initiative Days After Voters Approve It
OUTDOORS
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to Increase Surveying Efforts After Invasive Mussel Larva Detected in Whitefish Lake
The discovery is not reason to panic yet, officials say, as recent monitoring has not found further evidence of aquatic invasive species
Fall Bliss
Glacier Projects Shelved on National Park Service ‘Low Priority’ List
Dress-Up Season
Glacier Park Ends September About 10,000 Visits Shy of Annual Record
Forest Service Approves First Swan Valley Logging Project Since Scrapping Mid-Swan Plan
Sponsored Content
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Financial Planning and the Joys of Generosity
Lessons on planning for charitable giving without fear
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Bring Glacier Home: Vintage-Inspired Prints Make Perfect Gifts
Local artists create curated collection of iconic park posters that celebrate the beauty and spirit of Glacier National Park
NEWSLETTERS
SPORTS
Whitefish Girls Soccer Secures Class A Title With Nail-biter Win Over Columbia Falls
Whitefish's 2-1 victory over their crosstown rival on Saturday at Smith Fields helped the Bulldogs secure their first state title in three years.
Wall of Fame Induction to Kick Off Kalispell Crosstown Football Rivalry
Whitefish High School Girls Golf Team Claims 2026 Class A State Title
Whitefish Volleyball Program to Commemorate Nearly Half-Century Legacy
Glacier High School Flag Football to Represent Montana on National Stage
2026 Flathead Valley Fall Sports Preview
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves to Headline 2027 Under the Big Sky Festival
They join more than 30 artists who will perform in the Flathead Valley from July 16-18. Tickets go on sale Nov. 6.
Cheese and Herb Pie Crust
Late-Season Tomato Pie
Quick Potato Salad
Creamy Salad Dressing Base and Variations
Vegetable and Shrimp Fried Rice
OPINION
The Voters Answered No to a One-Man Kingdom
Montana voters rejected the state GOP chairman’s approach. Republicans should change course.
Honoring Montana’s Veteran-Owned, American-Made Small Businesses
Highlighting federal programs for veteran entrepreneurs during National Veterans Small Business Week
Stick (Shift) Season
Living in Montana gives the distinct advantage of ensuring that certain skills endure
Share a letter or guest column with the Flathead Beacon.
Editor's Picks
2026 General Election Results
Polls are closed as voters across Montana cast ballots for local, state and federal offices
Businesses Report Flat Summer Tourism Despite Inflation, Smoke and Airport Runway Closure
Economic headwinds have triggered a shift in spending trends as visitors seek low-budget trips while weather, the airport runway rehabilitation project and Glacier Park’s new entry system have caused fluctuating visitation patterns
At Ninth Circuit, a Fight Over What ‘Recovered’ Means for Montana’s Wolves
Federal wildlife officials and hunting groups say wolves in the Northern Rockies have recovered; conservation groups say the agency ignored historic range where wolves no longer live
Police Blotter
Recent Podcasts
Project 7
A six-part series on notorious Flathead Valley militia leader David Burgert, who vanished into the wilderness after a shootout with sheriff's deputies in 2011
