A pre-dawn shooting in Billings left a young man hospitalized after what began as a verbal dispute in the city's West End neighborhood.

 

Officers from the Billings Police Department were called to the 3300 block of Ravalli Place, where a verbal argument had already escalated into a physical altercation before units arrived.

 

A 21-year-old man was found suffering from a gunshot wound and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

 

Detectives quickly took over the scene, launching a formal investigation into how the dispute turned violent.

 

Authorities assured the public the incident was isolated, posing no broader threat — though the shooting adds to ongoing concern over Billings' violent crime rate, which already exceeds both state and national averages.

 

The typically quiet West End made the overnight violence especially alarming for residents.

 

No suspect information or motive has been released. The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities.

Billings recently opened its hidden past to the public through Explore Montana: Hidden Billings, a landmark self-guided history tour organized by Preserve Montana and the Western Heritage Center.

 

Twelve private and rarely accessed properties unlocked their doors — including the Babcock building, the Billings mausoleum, the L and L building, and the Yukon building.

 

The Western Heritage Center also opened its archive, collection space, and historic tower to the public for the first time in years.

 

Nearly ten months of planning and forty volunteers made it happen, drawing over 225 ticketed participants — with additional walk-up attendance on the day.

 

The tour ran alongside the Montana History Conference, attracting visitors from across the state.

 

The event coincides with a broader preservation push in Billings, including the Masonic Temple restoration and an award-winning renovation of Billings City Hall.

 

Preserve Montana called the debut a success and hinted at expanding the program statewide — suggesting Hidden Billings may soon become an annual tradition.

Billings, Montana is mourning the loss of Chase Lantz, a 13-year-old Will James Middle School student struck by a car while walking to school near Grand Avenue and Rehberg Lane.

 

The collision launched Chase nearly 200 feet down the road.

 

He was airlifted to a Denver hospital with a traumatic brain injury and fractures to his femur, pelvis, and spine — injuries his family ultimately could not wait to heal.

 

Chase was taken off life support, leaving an entire community heartbroken.

 

In the days that followed, Will James filled with red — Chase's favorite color — as students wore handmade bracelets and volunteers lined the school with red ribbons in his memory.

 

Now, grief is turning into action.

 

Families are demanding flashing crosswalk signals, better signage, and crossing guards along Grand Avenue.

 

The crash remains under active investigation, and no charges have been filed.

 

For Billings, the message is urgent — every child deserves a safe walk to school.

The Billings Mustangs are Pioneer League champions for the first time in 12 years, clinching their 16th league title with a dramatic 14-11 victory over the Long Beach Coast on a rain-soaked Friday night.

 

Billings surged to a commanding 9-0 lead before the Coast rallied to within two in the sixth inning, threatening to steal the moment.

 

Outfielder Adam Cootway had other ideas, launching a clutch three-run home run that put the game out of reach.

 

Cootway was a consistent force throughout the entire postseason run.

 

Infielder Cameron Bowen credited the team's relentless, one-game-at-a-time mentality as the true engine behind the championship push.

 

The Mustangs led the league in offensive production all season — including a record-tying 30-hit performance — making Friday's 14-run output feel less like a surprise and more like a signature.

 

A late downpour couldn't dampen the celebration for a fanbase that had waited over a decade for this night.

Sunday in Billings felt heavier than most — but also full of something rare.

 

Hundreds gathered for the Yellowstone Valley Out of the Darkness Walk at Will James Middle School, uniting families, survivors, and volunteers in a deeply personal stand against suicide.

 

Montana has ranked among the nation's highest for suicide rates for decades, making the event far more than symbolic.

 

Many walked in memory of someone they lost — sons, siblings, friends.

 

One Billings family returned to honor a son and brother who died by suicide after quietly battling anxiety and depression.

 

His sister said it plainly: when communities avoid hard conversations, stigma fills the void — and stigma costs lives.

 

Volunteers from Montana State University Billings, including the softball program, showed up to prove mental health matters in athletics and beyond.

 

The event chair, who lost her own son over two decades ago, has made it her mission to ensure no one walks through grief alone.

 

For Billings, this walk is a reminder that community itself is a form of lifesaving.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

A Yellowstone County jury found Bryce Tayler Blackburn guilty of deliberate homicide in the fatal beating of 55-year-old Denis Osborne, closing one of Billings' most closely watched criminal cases in recent memory.

 

The June 2024 incident unfolded in the Billings Heights neighborhood, where Osborne stepped into the street to confront a driver — Blackburn — racing a modified Honda Civic through a residential area.

 

After Osborne threw a plastic bottle to get the driver's attention, Blackburn stopped, got out, and struck Osborne repeatedly — including while he was already on the ground.

 

Osborne died shortly after from his injuries.

 

Only 17 at the time, Blackburn was tried as an adult after Judge Jessica Fehr ruled the case belonged in District Court — a decision Osborne's family welcomed.

 

The defense argued self-defense. The jury disagreed.

 

Now 20, Blackburn faces 10 to 100 years in prison under Montana law, with sentencing still ahead.

 

For many Heights residents, Osborne's death reflects a longstanding frustration over reckless driving in neighborhood streets — a tragedy that hits far closer to home than any courtroom verdict can fully capture.

Billings took a serious hit Saturday as nearly three inches of rain overwhelmed the city, flooding basements, swamping streets, and turning parks into shallow lakes.

 

Storm drains buckled under the volume, leaving entire blocks submerged and forcing drivers to find alternate routes.

 

Some residents called it the worst flooding they had seen in decades.

 

High school soccer matches were among the casualties, canceled after standing water reached two to three inches deep on local fields.

 

Dedicated parents showed up anyway — boots on, umbrellas ready — before being sent back home.

 

Baseball diamonds across Yellowstone County sat submerged as the slow-moving storm refused to let up.

 

Not everyone suffered, though. Indoor businesses on the west end thrived, with golf simulation lounges reporting a surge in walk-ins from rain-weary locals seeking dry shelter.

 

Officials noted no catastrophic damage, but the flood of calls about impassable roads and waterlogged homes told a different story.

 

With aging drainage infrastructure under recurring strain, Billings residents are demanding lasting solutions — and this storm made that case loudly.

An 11-year-old girl in Billings, Montana was lured to Optimist Park under the pretense of filming a fun dance video — only to be punched and kicked repeatedly for over two minutes while onlookers recorded the assault on their phones.

 

Her mother had already transferred her to a different school to distance her from the suspected group, but the danger followed anyway.

 

The attack — reportedly sparked by a rumor the girl firmly denied — unfolded steps away from an active youth baseball game, just beyond the outfield fence.

 

Billings police are now investigating, and officials have made clear that everyone present, including those who chose to film rather than intervene, could face criminal charges.

 

Investigators cited a troubling trend of young people filming violence for social media clout.

 

The victim's mother shared hospital photos of her daughter's injuries, delivering a stark, unfiltered message to the community — and the young girl herself offered this: trust your instincts.

On a Sunday night in Billings, Montana, a routine drive became a moment of remarkable community courage.

 

Passing near Monad Road and 29th Street, local couple Vaughn and Serena Stops spotted a grass fire threatening to spread fast.

 

Without hesitation, they pulled over — and grabbed their car floor mats.

 

Using the mats to slap and smother the flames, the two fought the blaze until it was completely out — before a single fire truck arrived.

 

When firefighters reached the scene, they reportedly called the couple heroes — a title well earned.

 

Grass fires are a serious concern in Yellowstone County, where dry conditions and high winds can turn a small spark into a fast-moving threat within minutes.

 

This incident is a powerful reminder that quick civilian action can make a life-saving difference in the critical moments before first responders arrive.

What began as a modest patch of 5,000 blooms on Billings' West End in 2023 has quietly grown into one of the region's most beloved warm-weather traditions.

 

The sunflower festival — now rebranded to showcase a wider variety of flowers — welcomes guests across multiple weekends, running from midday into the evening with food trucks, live music, and Sunday vendor markets.

 

Admission includes five handpicked blooms, while children five and under enter free and may pick two of their own.

 

Families, friend groups, and couples have all found their place among the rows — and the farm has since evolved into a sought-after wedding venue, with bookings already filling for next season.

 

Located at the corner of Shiloh Road and Grand Avenue, the farm is easily accessible to residents across the city.

 

For anyone who hasn't yet wandered through a sunflower field under a wide Montana sky, this is the season to finally make the trip.

A quiet but determined movement is taking shape in Billings, Montana, as residents of Golden Meadows Trailer Park formally launch a tenant union to push back against rising mobile home lot rents.

 

Monthly costs have climbed from the mid-$600s toward the high $700s and beyond, a crushing shift for a community where the vast majority of residents live on fixed incomes.

 

Tenants say the increases have forced painful trade-offs between rent, food, and medication — all while basic maintenance promises go unmet, including roads still unpaved and summer water outages.

 

The organizing effort, backed by a statewide tenant advocacy group, reflects a statewide surge — nearly ten Montana trailer parks between Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula are now unionized or actively organizing.

 

Other park unions have already successfully negotiated rent caps tied to cost-of-living adjustments.

 

For Golden Meadows residents, the fight is deeply personal — and they say they are not willing to be quietly priced out of the community they have called home for decades.

A Sunday afternoon shooting near North 23rd Street and First Avenue North in Billings sent one man to the hospital and sparked a massive law enforcement response that unsettled the neighborhood for hours.

 

The Billings Police Department issued a public alert just after 3:30 p.m., urging residents to avoid the area as officers and a SWAT unit moved in.

 

A suspect was believed to be barricaded inside a nearby home, prompting a full perimeter lockdown and shelter-in-place order for surrounding residents.

 

Road closures stretched from North 22nd to North 24th Street, between First and Third Street West.

 

Around 7:30 p.m., SWAT raided the home — but the suspect was nowhere to be found, turning the standoff into an active manhunt.

 

Authorities shifted focus to the 100 block of Monroe Street as leads developed into the evening.

 

No suspect information has been officially released. The investigation remains open as Billings police work to identify those responsible and restore safety to the community.

A proposed 5,100-acre data center complex near Broadview, Montana is sparking fierce opposition from residents who say they never got a real say.

 

Quantica Infrastructure's Big Sky Campus would target 1,100 megawatts of power capacity — and draw up to 150,000 gallons of water daily during peak construction from a deep local aquifer.

 

For a rural community already stretched thin on water, those numbers are alarming.

 

Nearly 15,000 residents signed a petition to place a countywide data center moratorium on the ballot — but a quietly enacted 2025 legislative deadline change voided their effort before most even realized the window had closed.

 

The fallout has turned deeply political, with two write-in candidates now challenging a sitting state senator over his industry ties.

 

With Phase I construction eyed for 2026, Yellowstone County residents are asking a pointed question: when billion-dollar interests arrive, do ordinary Montanans still have a voice?

Every Labor Day weekend, Billings, Montana transforms into the beating heart of classic car culture.

 

The Burn the Point Classic Car Show celebrated its 22nd consecutive year, drawing crowds to witness hundreds of meticulously restored muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage trucks.

 

The weekend launched Friday with over 500 vintage rides rumbling through downtown's 3rd Avenue North, followed by Saturday's main showcase of 300-plus classics at Henry's Garage.

 

Beyond the chrome and horsepower, the event carries profound community impact.

 

The Chase Hawks Memorial Association has channeled gate and registration proceeds into a crisis fund that has delivered over one million dollars in emergency grants to struggling Billings-area families since 1995.

 

Executive Director Teddi Vogel confirmed the show has grown into the organization's second-largest fundraiser, with every dollar cycling directly back into the community.

 

Food vendors, live music, a swap meet, and a craft show rounded out the family-friendly weekend — proving Burn the Point is far more than a car show. It's a civic institution.

Over 60 members of the Solberg family united in Billings, Montana, during the Fourth of July weekend for a memorable family reunion.

 

Family traveled from near and far, eager to reconnect and celebrate their rich history.

 

A poignant highlight was their group visit to The Wall That Heals, a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica stationed at Will James Middle School.

 

For Carl Solberg, a Vietnam veteran and lifelong Billings resident, the event held special meaning.

 

Carl had spent years curating a treasure trove of family records tracing their journey from Norway to Montana, dating back to the 1850s.

 

Organized by Karen Allery of Glendive, the gathering brought together four generations, introducing cousins and fostering deep connections.

 

The reunion also served as an opportunity to honor local heroes commemorated on the memorial, ensuring family stories and sacrifices endure for the next generation.

This summer in Billings, families can enjoy a diverse lineup of programs inviting kids to learn and play. Rec2U, run by the Billings Parks and Recreation Department, delivers free daily activities like sports, crafts, and games at parks across the city from June 1 to August 14, pausing for July 3.

 

The Billings Public Library is partnering with the Brooklyn Public Library to present the Freadom Book Club for teens ages 12 to 18. Monthly meetings offer engaging book discussions, guest speakers, and free meals, with students able to borrow books for free.

 

Young children can join Adventures in Story Time at the library to experience interactive reading, songs, and crafts every Tuesday and Thursday, fostering early literacy skills.

 

To support local youth, Lunch at the Library provides free meals twice weekly for children and teens through August 5.

 

Billings’ summer programs aim to inspire learning, connection, and well-being for all ages.

A treasured Little Free Library in a Billings neighborhood was damaged late Tuesday night, likely by a firework, but residents quickly rallied to support the popular book-sharing spot.

 

The small library, located at Alderson Avenue and Fifth Street West, suffered burn marks and lost several books to fire.

 

Yet neighbors wasted no time replacing the damaged books and offering help to repair the kiosk, demonstrating the neighborhood’s strong sense of community.

 

Locals describe the kiosk as a hub for connection where new friendships form and children regularly exchange books.

 

For many, the library offers a comforting sense of safety and a cherished space for sharing stories and poetry.

 

The library remains open, with residents emphasizing their preference for physical books and the simple joy of reading together.

 

The Billings police report no further little library vandalism, and most owners say damage is rare.

Eric Calmand, a French cyclist and prostate cancer survivor, rode through Billings, Montana, during his inspiring global fundraising journey for cancer research.

 

After his diagnosis in February 2023 and a difficult recovery from surgery and radiation, Calmand envisioned a worldwide cycling tour to support others battling the disease.

 

Since setting off in April 2026, he’s pedaled more than 3,200 miles, striving to visit the Seven Wonders of the World while maintaining a daily pace of 50 to 60 miles and prioritizing rest as needed.

 

Highlights of his journey across the U.S. include Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield.

 

Drawn to Montana’s beauty, Calmand eagerly anticipates Yellowstone and Grand Teton before heading to Bozeman to reunite with his wife.

 

He credits community support for fueling his determination and urges others to join his mission against cancer through awareness and contributions.

A persistent mouse problem at Billings West End Target has heightened concerns over rodent infestations in local stores.

 

Inspections by RiverStone Health began in May after customer complaints surfaced.

 

Records show pest control teams have tracked rodent activity since March, identifying gaps beneath doors and a roller door that weren’t sealing properly.

 

Evidence included mouse traps with caught rodents, spilled food, and droppings in food aisles.

 

Although no live mice were seen during inspections, a dead mouse was discovered in the bread aisle.

 

The case remains open as the store addresses food safety risks.

 

Experts such as Jacob Haslam from Kodiak Pest Control say this spike in mouse activity is linked to Montana’s mild winter, urging residents and businesses to seal openings and maintain cleanliness.

 

Similar rodent issues have closed other stores in the region, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance.

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is coming to Billings, Montana from July 2 to July 5, 2026.

 

Set up at Will James Middle School, the exhibit offers locals a moving way to honor Vietnam War heroes.

 

The memorial, open to the public around the clock and free to visit, features over 58,000 names, letting visitors reflect on each life lost.

 

A mobile education center will join the wall, sharing photos, artifacts, and personal stories from the Vietnam era, giving a richer sense of veterans’ experiences.

 

Thanks to the Yellowstone Veterans Committee and community partners, the exhibit gives access to those unable to journey to D.C.

 

Volunteers are still needed to support the event, and community members can reach out for more details or visit the memorial’s website.

Billings, Montana is buzzing with the Rocky Mountain Chapter Tree Climbing Competition at Pioneer Park, uniting professional arborists from several states.

 

Forty competitors and around 60 volunteers have gathered for this annual event, organized by the International Society of Arboriculture's Rocky Mountain Chapter.

 

Participants from Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico demonstrate a regional passion for tree care.

 

Ashley Fox from Colorado praises the competition for its unique blend of practical skill challenges and valuable networking, mirroring real-life pressures arborists face.

 

Deacon Maloney values both the focus on safety and reconnecting with industry peers, noting the strong sense of community.

 

Locals are invited to watch the competition through Saturday, celebrating arborists' expertise and dedication at Pioneer Park.

Lem Robinson, a Billings father, has received city approval to create a permanent memorial for his daughter, Savanah Robinson, in Swords Park.

 

Savanah tragically died in a motorcycle crash on May 26, 2025, and her father’s tireless advocacy led him through a long approval process.

 

After initial attempts to honor her at the crash site on Highway 3 were halted due to land regulations, Robinson turned to the city’s new public art program, becoming the first applicant.

 

He chose Swords Park, overlooking Billings—a place that held deep meaning for Savanah.

 

The memorial, featuring a bench and angel sculpture perched on the rims, is set to be completed around Labor Day.

 

Robinson hopes this heartfelt tribute not only celebrates his daughter’s memory but also reminds the community about motorcycle safety and the dangers of impaired driving.

Each spring, Billings, Montana bursts with color as the Tina and Daughters Iris Garden celebrates over three decades as a beloved local treasure.

 

This family-owned oasis began with just 300 iris types and now dazzles visitors with more than 3,700 varieties.

 

Tina Muller, inspired by her neighbors and supported by her family, turned a simple plot into a vibrant sanctuary for iris lovers.

 

Today, generations of Mullers—children and grandchildren—continue the tradition, their stories woven into every row of blooms.

 

Standout irises such as the 'Ruffled Velvet' Siberian iris and native Western Blue Flag Iris showcase both elegance and Montana’s natural beauty.

 

The Mullers' resilience, despite weather challenges, has nurtured a community gathering place where locals celebrate heritage and discover the wonder of gardening.

 

As irises flourish, so too does appreciation for this living legacy, welcoming visitors to experience nature’s simple joy.

The Billings Fun Con returned to the MetraPark Expo Center this weekend, inviting fans of all genres to a lively celebration of pop culture and creativity.

 

Visitors from Montana and neighboring states gathered to browse vendor booths, meet artists, and snap photos with celebrity guests such as Brett Wagner, best known as Leatherface from “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

 

The convention offers something for everyone — from trading card battles and role-playing games to flash tattoos and a popular cosplay contest.

 

Admission remains budget-friendly, with free entry for kids 12 and under and $15 for others.

 

Owner Fred Moormeier emphasizes the event’s inclusive spirit, highlighting its fusion of comic, anime, and gaming cultures under one roof.

 

The festive atmosphere encourages all visitors to connect, discover new fandoms, and enjoy the creative passion of the local community.

Downtown Billings is buzzing with the arrival of two creative hubs, opening new doors for local artists, entrepreneurs, and content creators.

 

Billings Launchpad, founded by Philip Agyeman-Budu and John Biddle, offers a professional studio at 14 S. 27th St. complete with facilities for photography, podcasting, and video production.

 

Driven by the needs of small businesses for compelling media, Launchpad allows clients to rent space for their own projects or seek expert guidance from its founders.

 

The team plans to add an infinity wall for seamless backdrops, expanding its commercial capabilities.

 

Just blocks away, Billings Open Studio at 2814 2nd Ave N, managed by Eileen Bobinski, provides an airy, light-filled photo studio for all kinds of creative projects.

 

With top-tier equipment and a supportive environment, these venues champion authentic creativity, underscoring the unique value of original human expression.

Cancer survivors and their care teams came together at ZooMontana in Billings for a warm, outdoor barbecue, stepping away from the clinic to celebrate strength and resilience.

 

Among those present was Christina Schy, who has bravely beaten breast cancer twice, and Dennis Henderson, a lung cancer survivor still vigilant about his health since his 2020 diagnosis.

 

Both credited the compassionate support from the Billings Clinic for helping them through their journeys, emphasizing the encouraging relationships built with their care providers.

 

The event, filled with food and friendly conversation, fostered strong bonds between survivors and the teams that guided them, highlighting the importance of community beyond medical treatment.

 

For Schy, who now works at the cancer center herself, the gathering was especially meaningful, offering a relaxed chance to connect and support one another in a new way.

A vibrant new eatery, Curry Bar & Grill, has opened its doors at 119 N. Broadway in downtown Billings, infusing the area with a blend of Nepalese and Indian cuisine.

 

The menu features beloved classics like butter chicken and fresh naan, while also introducing locals to momo, flavorful dumplings cherished in Nepal.

 

Owner Hemant Bhandari, with years of restaurant expertise across the U.S., previously co-owned Mt. Everest Nepalese and Indian Bistro in Wyoming, fine-tuning his craft before launching this new venture.

 

Bhandari chose Billings for its growing food scene and the limited Indian dining options, aiming to deliver genuine flavors to an eager community.

 

Dishes are prepared with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, while naan is baked to order in a tandoor oven for true authenticity.

 

Curry Bar & Grill is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., serving beer, wine, and plans for more drink options soon.

Relentless weekend rain left Billings neighborhoods underwater, with familiar roads turned into swift streams and floodwaters pressing up against homes.

 

Residents like Stuart Shay on 17th Street described the unsettling experience of his home surrounded by water, saying he did what he could before simply documenting the astonishing scene.

 

Key routes, including 24th Street, faced heavy flooding, causing stalled cars and unsafe travel. Hardin resident Anna Bellrock, visiting during the storm, likened the street to a flowing river and expressed disbelief at the rainfall’s intensity.

 

Despite the chaos, some saw hope in the much-needed moisture after a lengthy dry spell, though many wished the rain had come more slowly.

 

The National Weather Service had warned of flash flooding, and now local officials stress preparedness as the community recovers from the deluge.

 

This event highlights the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and ongoing readiness in the face of unpredictable weather.

Billings, Mont. — The Bridging Montana Expo at the Billings Public Library united dozens of organizations to serve as a one-stop hub for vital community resources, including housing aid and transportation.

 

Locals connected directly with service providers, making it easier to access help without navigating multiple offices around the city.

 

Calli Bangs from Montana Employment Training Services stressed that these gatherings boost accessibility and support by bringing agencies together under one roof, fostering a spirit of collaboration and unity in Billings.

 

Many attendees learned about support programs for the first time, highlighting the expo’s role in closing local information gaps.

 

Sonya Latray noted the expo not only links residents with services but also empowers them with scripts and encouragement to seek out help, assuring neighbors they are not alone.

 

This biannual event continues to grow, strengthening connections and putting essential assistance within reach for all Billings residents.

Rimrock Mall in Billings was evacuated on Friday, May 29, 2026, after a bomb threat disrupted shoppers and workers.

 

Law enforcement swiftly responded, conducting a thorough search before declaring the threat a hoax.

 

Police thanked the community for their patience as the mall resumed regular activity, highlighting the importance of cooperation during emergencies.

 

Similar threats occurred at Gallatin Valley Mall in Bozeman, prompting another evacuation and police sweep.

 

Again, the threat proved unfounded, with no dangerous items discovered.

 

Authorities are investigating possible links between these incidents, concerned about the impact of false alarms on public safety and emergency resources.

 

Community members are urged to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and follow updates from local officials.

 

These hoax threats underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness throughout Montana’s shopping centers.