Lingering effects from the space storm that in recent days triggered solar eruptions and a dazzling aurora borealis display across northwest Montana’s skies on Tuesday night could continue through tonight, assuming this dense fog dissipates.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a G3 storm watch continues today before space weather calms down on Friday. Montana joins Alaska, Washington and Idaho as the country’s states with the best chance of another northern lights viewing tonight.
After a surprise light show from inside the city limits of Kalispell on Tuesday, I wondered if the space storm would put on back-to-back shows as I exited the Wachholz College Center after spectating a different type of performance last night.
Despite the fog that hung above the parking lot, humor writer David Sedaris kept the mood elevated even after his show ended last night at Flathead Valley Community College where he told stories to promote his new book, “The Land and its People,” which publishes next year.
Walking on stage wearing what I can only describe as a black kilt-type thing and shoes with tread that extended from the toe at a 90-degree angle, Sedaris jumped right into reading a short fiction piece followed by a handful of hilarious essays. The story topics ranged from inflexible travel companions to Portland inhabitants to wellness journeys.
Now decades into his career, Sedaris lamented about the editorial censorship he’s experienced recently, like his publisher’s growing discomfort of including light-hearted details about things like genitalia and witch doctors in his work.
Sedaris clarified that people haven’t gotten more sensitive, but complaining has become more normalized.
“It’s not that anyone is more sensitive now than they were 30, 40, 50 years ago – it just became free to complain,” he told the audience.
This side story resonated with me, as I’m frequently reminded by Editor-in-Chief Kellyn Brown that the Flathead Beacon is a family publication.
Other nuggets of wisdom were bestowed upon the audience, like when a local high school teacher asked about writing advice for her students.
Sedaris said any young writer should focus on “stacking up the pages” and while it may be tempting to obsessively workshop a piece, he cautions against “polishing a turd.”
“I just tell them to stack up the pages. Because at the beginning – I’m sorry – but you’re just gonna suck. And that’s the way it is. But the harder you work and the more you write, the quicker you won’t suck.”
I’m Maggie Dresser, here to get you through this Daily Roundup that hopefully doesn’t suck.
On National Forests, Logging Projects Advance With Less Public Input
As the Trump administration rescinds NEPA regulations under an emergency authority to reduce wildfire risk, the Flathead National Forest has begun analyzing logging projects without public comment
This holiday season, celebrate the spirit of our community by shopping local. Every purchase you make from a neighborhood business helps support local jobs, families, and the unique character that makes the Flathead Valley such a special place to call home. From thoughtful gifts to festive experiences, our local shops have everything you need to make the season bright. Here’s some information on how to keep it local this holiday season.
Keeping you connected to Northwest Montana.
Whether you’ve been here for decades, or you’re new to the Flathead Valley, our reporting is here to help you feel smarter and in the loop about the issues most important to Northwest Montana. With your support, we can build a more engaged, informed community.
