Travelers at Billings Logan International Airport are facing the first impacts of federal aviation adjustments.

The airport experienced its initial flight cancellation linked to an FAA directive reducing air traffic nationwide.

This stems from the ongoing government shutdown, which has left key staff unpaid and operations under pressure.

A weekend flight from Denver to Billings was abruptly canceled, surprising many locals.

Officials warn that issues from larger airports could soon worsen conditions in Montana's biggest city.

The FAA plans a gradual 10 percent reduction at 40 major airports, potentially causing more disruptions here.

Safety remains the priority amid staffing shortages, with a phased rollout in effect.

Carriers like United and Delta are notifying customers via apps and websites about changes.

Growing frustration hits Billings residents dependent on these routes for work and family.

Experts recommend early arrivals, constant monitoring of updates, and bracing for delays.

In this close community, these interruptions underscore wider economic pressures from national disputes.

While further cuts are pending, staying alert is crucial for upcoming travel from Billings.

Local leaders urge a quick end to the shutdown to normalize air travel.

Billings residents are thrilled as Mike Nelson, a local hotel owner, claims a narrow victory in the mayoral election.

He edged out City Council member Jennifer Owen by just 185 votes, replacing outgoing mayor Bill Cole.

The tight race has prompted recount discussions, with over 700 ballots pending review for errors like missing signatures.

Voters had until Wednesday to fix issues, heightening the suspense in Yellowstone County.

Nelson's win, with 39 percent of votes against Owen, Mike Boyett, and Amanda Housler, may drive growth in infrastructure and housing.

City council updates include Mark Nicholson in Ward 1 and Amy Aguirre unseating an incumbent in Ward 3.

Judge Sheila Kolar retained her seat unopposed, ensuring judicial stability.

In nearby Laurel, Dave Waggoner kept his mayoral role, with new council members bringing fresh ideas.

Turnout reached 46 percent, reflecting community engagement amid booming real estate.

Nelson's expertise could spur downtown developments, addressing local housing and economic needs.

Official results are due mid-November, signaling exciting changes for this Montana community focused on transportation and safety.

Unexpected closures shook Billings this week, with two beloved bar and casino spots shutting down abruptly.

Craft B and B on Grand Avenue and Peppers Bar and Casino near the West End Target both closed their doors Monday.

Owned by Storm Mountain LLC, the venues cited soaring costs and slim profits as reasons for the tough decision.

A heartfelt message thanked the community for years of loyalty, noting the closures weren't taken lightly.

These spots now hit the market, sparking interest in potential new businesses like eateries or entertainment venues.

In Montana's biggest city, experts foresee quick redevelopment amid ongoing growth in retail and dining.

The West End boom suggests these spaces won't stay vacant long, even as locals mourn the losses.

With summer 2025 bringing fresh openings, including vintage shops and pet spots, optimism prevails for Billings' evolving scene.

Community leaders highlight downtown revival efforts, underscoring the area's entrepreneurial resilience.

While questions remain about nightlife shifts, the city's bar and casino landscape appears poised for renewal.

In Shepherd, Montana, a devastating fire ravaged the beloved Feedlot Steakhouse, leaving the community in shock.

Emergency crews from Shepherd and nearby areas rushed to the scene late Monday, battling intense flames that engulfed the entire building.

The blaze erupted around dusk, rapidly escalating and causing roof and floor collapses, complicating firefighting efforts.

Yellowstone County officials urged residents to stay away as teams worked through the night to contain the inferno.

By Tuesday, the steakhouse was declared a total loss, a heartbreaking blow during its ongoing renovations.

This local favorite, known for prime rib and gatherings, now leaves a void in the tight-knit Yellowstone County dining scene.

Fire departments expressed gratitude for mutual aid from Lockwood and Worden crews, showcasing regional unity.

Investigations into the fire's cause are underway, with authorities promising updates amid community grief.

Recent area growth, including new businesses and real estate buzz, now contends with this tragedy's shadow.

Shepherd Montana fire updates highlight the resilience of local responders, who continue to support recovery efforts.

Montana's largest crane towers over Billings, driving the construction of a transformative $1 billion hospital.

This engineering giant symbolizes progress at the St. Vincent Regional Hospital site, where parts were hauled from afar and assembled through grueling efforts.

Local excitement surges as the project promises to redefine healthcare in the region.

The 14-story tower, set to face North 27th Street, will unify advanced services in a cutting-edge facility.

Anticipation grows with a 2029 completion date, already sparking economic growth and community pride.

State leaders' recent visits spotlight the initiative's importance for Montana's medical landscape.

This landmark build draws skilled workers, fostering a sense of achievement amid the evolving skyline.

With the crane on-site for over a year, steady progress ensures top-tier care for future generations.

Intermountain Health leaders highlight enhancements in trauma and routine services, energizing the workforce.

As construction advances into 2025, Billings residents eagerly await this beacon of health innovation.

Jan Tipasathien has made history at Montana State University Billings, becoming the first women's golfer in program history to earn an NCAA individual regional berth.

The junior from Bangkok, Thailand journeyed 8,000 miles to pursue her golf dreams in Big Sky Country, drawn by the mountains, trees, and snow she'd never experienced.

A sweeping infrastructure project targeting the congested Exposition Drive and First Avenue North intersection near MetraPark will launch in 2027, bringing much-needed relief to frustrated Billings drivers.

Magic City Apiary transforms Saturday mornings at the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market into sweet success for a West Billings beekeeping family.

Erika Strecker and her mother Jackie Swiesz have built their honey business around weekend sales that frequently sell out completely.

Operating among more than 60 vendors spanning four downtown blocks, they produce pure, unfiltered honey exclusively from their West Billings location without preservatives or artificial enhancements.

Free sampling draws customers to experience the distinctive local taste that sets their product apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Weekend revenue directly funds expansion of their beekeeping infrastructure, with profits invested in additional hive boxes and extraction equipment.

City ordinance supports their growth by permitting hobbyist beekeepers to maintain up to two hives within Billings limits.

The market operates 8am to 12pm every Saturday at N Broadway and 2nd Ave N through October 4th.

For this family operation, the farmers market represents the catalyst that transformed hobby into sustainable enterprise rooted in community support.

Yellowstone County showcased its unprecedented economic boom Thursday as business leaders toured transformational projects worth over $1.5 billion across Billings.

The Big Sky Economic Development annual Impact Bus Tour highlighted major developments expected to inject millions into the regional economy. Rocky Vista University's groundbreaking $37 million veterinary college emerged as a standout, representing Montana's first such institution with a $60 million annual economic impact.

The facility will welcome 125 students by 2026, filling a critical gap with no other veterinary school within 400 miles. Meanwhile, Billings housing prices surged 8.4 percent year-over-year to $379,000, reflecting the city's booming population and strong economic foundation.

Other tour highlights included Signal Peak Ice Arena, Amazon's fulfillment center, and the Army National Guard aviation facility. GTUIT of Billings recently earned the 2024 Montana Exporter of the Year Award, employing 73 workers.

With unemployment at historic lows of 2.4 percent, officials emphasized strategic growth management while sustaining the region's traditional 4 percent annual expansion rate.

The New Orleans Saints have officially signed Tommy Mellott to their practice squad, giving the former Montana State quarterback a fresh opportunity after

Hewes and Susan Agnew have donated $1 million to permanently fund the Executive Director position at Alberta Bair Theater, securing leadership for Billings' premier performing arts venue.

This marks the second-largest investment in the theater's history, following five decades of arts advocacy by the Agnew family since arriving in Billings in 1972.

The historic venue, originally the struggling Fox Theatre when it opened in 1931, was transformed through Agnew's leadership during the "Save the Fox" campaign of the early 1980s.

Serving as board president from 1981-1998, Hewes Agnew helped resurrect the decaying theater, which reopened as Alberta Bair Theater in January 1987 with a Burt Bacharach performance.

The 1,390-seat venue now features professional-grade equipment and attracts top performers, with rental shows tripling since recent renovations.

The couple continues supporting the theater through regular attendance and Susan's twice-weekly volunteer work at the box office.

This endowment ensures exceptional leadership will guide the theater toward its centennial milestone and beyond.

CatVideoFest 2025 brings 75 minutes of the internet's most beloved feline moments to theaters nationwide this August.

The wildly popular festival showcases everything from viral sensations to fresh submissions, creating a family-friendly theatrical experience that celebrates our collective obsession with cat videos.

Kenneth Rakstad made the tough decision to close his beloved Local Kitchen & Bar after ten years of serving the West End community.

The veteran chef, who began cooking professionally at 15, found himself stretched too thin managing two restaurants after purchasing Copper Onion Bistro in 2023.

"Bouncing between two restaurants was extremely difficult," Rakstad admitted.

Sunday, September 14 marks the final day of service at 1430 Country Manor Boulevard.

The closure joins recent shutdowns hitting Billings, including Wild Ginger and downtown favorite Bin 119, as restaurants without strong financial backing struggle to survive.

But Rakstad's decision reflects strategic focus rather than failure.

His Slumbering Jacks burger just placed fifth internationally at the World Food Championships, while Copper Onion won back-to-back Big Sky Burger Bonanza awards.

Loyal Local fans can expect signature dishes like breakfast hash browns and poke bowls to appear at Copper Onion on Shiloh Road.

Unused gift cards transfer to the surviving restaurant as Rakstad consolidates his culinary empire.

Matt Wolcott discovered unexpected healing in San Diego's Pacific waters.

The 50-year-old Billings Marine veteran recently became the first local resident to participate in

Steve Henry's Garage in Billings houses one of Montana's largest private vintage neon collections, transforming forgotten advertising treasures into a stunning event venue and unexpected museum.

The Garden Avenue location showcases dozens of authentic Montana neon signs from the 1930s-1960s, casting colorful glows across restored banquet halls where guests celebrate surrounded by electric history.

These glowing artifacts face extinction as neon bending becomes a dying art. Rising costs and shrinking craftsman numbers threaten Montana's electric heritage, making Henry's preservation efforts critically important.

The Electric Products Corporation, founded in Great Falls in 1928, was Montana's first neon manufacturer, blazing trails across Big Sky Country with luminous advertisements that once guided travelers through frontier towns.

From Butte's Pekin Chop Suey — America's longest-running Chinese restaurant — to Livingston's Park Street collection advertising historic establishments, these signs tell Montana's vibrant commercial story.

Henry's venue recently hosted the Burn the Point classic car show, where nearly 300 vintage automobiles shared space with the neon collection for just five dollars admission, proving these aren't mere relics but magical storytelling devices.

In the serene town of Red Lodge, Montana, a dramatic plane crash has reignited fears about airport safety in growing communities.

A vintage World War II-era trainer plane carrying two people crashed into a residential yard near Red Lodge Airport on Sunday morning, causing moderate injuries but sparing nearby homes.

Emergency teams quickly responded, transporting the occupants to a clinic while containing spilled fuel that risked contaminating a local stream.

Residents Kristen Cogswell and Rod Fordahl recounted the terrifying ordeal as the aircraft clipped power lines and shook their property, echoing past scares in 2020 and 2023.

They blame surging aviation traffic from town growth and events like the Wings and Wheels show for these recurring hazards.

This incident follows a spike in Montana crashes, including fatal ones near West Glacier and a fiery Kalispell collision.

Locals demand infrastructure upgrades to safeguard their mountain haven.

Common causes of small plane crashes near airports include mechanical failures, pilot errors, bird strikes, or weather issues, per aviation experts and web reports.

Residents can voice concerns by contacting officials or joining town meetings for better regulations.

Yes, Montana has seen a rise in aviation incidents in 2025, with NTSB noting over a dozen, surpassing prior years according to recent news.

Billings' Rimrock Mall faces growing uncertainty as its owners miss a key deadline, leaving nearly $600,000 in unpaid property taxes hanging in the balance.

The August 30, 2025, cutoff passed without payment from Kohan Retail Investment Group, opening the door for investors to buy the tax lien.

Yellowstone County Treasurer Hank Peters notes this debt towers over typical delinquencies, representing over 25% of the county's outstanding 2024 real estate taxes.

Despite the financial storm, the mall thrives with over 60 stores, including anchors like Dillard's and JCPenney, plus new spots like a brewery and tattoo studio.

Local tenants remain optimistic, drawing crowds to its theater and eateries amid whispers of potential instability.

If unresolved, the county could seize the property by 2028, shaking up Billings' retail scene.

For now, the community watches closely as this Montana landmark navigates its fiscal woes.

Excitement surges in Billings as NFL legend Terrell Davis steps up to support crucial upgrades at Daylis Stadium.

This star-powered fundraiser aims to galvanize community backing for a historic venue in dire need of repairs.

Local leaders have long pushed for funds to revitalize the aging stadium, and now the Hall of Fame running back is amplifying their efforts.

Davis, who led the Denver Broncos to consecutive Super Bowl wins, will speak at the event on October 2 at the Alberta Bair Theater.

The gathering underscores the importance of quality sports facilities for youth development and neighborhood pride.

For nearly 100 years, Daylis Stadium has hosted high school games and cherished family moments, but issues like a 21-inch field slope have driven costs to $15 million.

Approved upgrades include new grandstands, tracks, and amenities, with construction slated for December.

Davis's story of triumph from modest roots inspires donors, building on $4 million already raised amid talks of renaming it Heenan & Cook Stadium.

This initiative ties into Billings' growth, promising economic boosts through enhanced recreation spaces.

Football enthusiasts anticipate safer venues for Billings Senior, Skyview, and West teams, strengthening the city's athletic legacy.

Davis's stellar record, including 7,607 rushing yards, mirrors the determination needed for this community win.

Ultimately, it's about fueling Billings' future through invested hearts and fields.

Billings came alive this Labor Day weekend with the annual Burn the Point classic car show, drawing thousands to celebrate vintage vehicles and support a crucial community crisis fund.

Organized by the Chase Hawks Memorial Association, the event funneled all proceeds directly to aid families in south central Montana and northern Wyoming facing hardships.

Over 400 stunning cars, from '60s muscle machines to early automotive treasures, filled Henry's Garage, with a $5 entry fee packing the venue by midday.

This year's highlight included award-winning rides from out-of-state shows, sparking nostalgia and stories of downtown cruises among locals.

Since its start, the show has raised over $1.1 million in grants, becoming a beloved end-of-summer tradition that strengthens community bonds.

Families of all ages enjoyed the displays, leaving inspired and eager for next year's event.

The true impact? Building a safety net for neighbors in need, one classic car at a time.

Brady Schug wasn't searching for love when he first stepped into Clydehurst Christian Ranch as a high schooler.

But summer camp has its own magic for creating lasting connections, and that's exactly where the 21-year-old MSUB business student met Delaney, who traveled from Oregon each summer to work alongside him.

Today, their romance has blossomed into marriage and a thriving entrepreneurial venture — The Wonderful Wiener hot dog cart that's become a beloved fixture around Billings.

Schug's journey from camp counselor to cart owner started during those three magical summers south of Big Timber. While handling maintenance duties and kitchen work, he discovered his passion manning the hot dog grill during camp cookouts.

"I just got asked if I wanted to cook the hot dogs, and I did," Schug recalls. That simple request evolved into his signature role — and eventually, his business inspiration.

The cart stands out in

Local seniors are discovering a transformative way to stay active through SilverSneakers Classic classes at Greater Good Health's Community Room on 38th Street West.

Local businesses in Billings, Montana, are feeling the strain from ongoing Grand Avenue construction, but relief is in sight.

The Pop Stop soda shop, located near Billings Senior High School, has seen a drop in customers due to detours and delays.

Owners remain hopeful as crews aim to finish by late summer, promising smoother traffic and safer roads.

This project tests resilience, yet it highlights community spirit amid the disruptions.

Recent reports from KTVQ indicate traffic easing from the Heights to Grand Avenue, with final pushes underway.

Nearby spots, including those near the new middle school, anticipate a business boost once completed.

While some, like Billings Hardware, have closed locations due to changes, others see opportunities in the city's growth.

Enhanced infrastructure could draw more visitors, supporting local shops in this evolving area.

As Billings invests in its future, these updates foster optimism for residents and entrepreneurs alike.

A 73-year-old hiker from Billings, MT, survived a harrowing two-day ordeal in the treacherous Beartooth Mountains after going missing on Saturday.

An extensive search involving local rescuers and teams from surrounding areas battled harsh weather and rugged terrain to find him.

Late Monday, an Air Force helicopter using thermal imaging located the exhausted adventurer, leading to his safe extraction by Tuesday morning.

This rescue highlights the dedication of Montana's first responders and echoes a recent incident where three hypothermic hikers were airlifted from the nearby Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

In Billings, the event has spurred community action, including new trail safety apps, rescue gear donations, and workshops to promote preparedness amid growing outdoor enthusiasm.

Real estate trends show families moving closer to these peaks, attracted by their beauty but aware of the inherent dangers.

Officials stress the importance of technology and quick response in saving lives, as the man's joyful family reunion underscores the resilient spirit of local residents.

As searches persist in the area, this hiker rescued story serves as a vital reminder of the mountains' thrilling yet unforgiving nature, strengthening community bonds in crisis.

In the vibrant golf scene of Billings, Montana, Leslie Spalding stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes.

Born and raised in the city, she dominated high school championships in 1986 and 1987, paving her way to collegiate success at the University of Alabama.

There, she claimed titles like the 1990 Neva McCall and 1991 Southern Intercollegiate crowns.

Turning pro in 1992, Spalding joined the LPGA Tour in 1995, competing in 215 events and earning over $600,000.

Her highlights include a career-low 64, two holes-in-one, and a third-place finish at the 2001 ShopRite Classic.

After retiring in 2005, she returned to Montana, coaching at Montana State from 2007 to 2011 and later elevating San Diego State's program with conference wins.

Spalding's story fuels local enthusiasm, from record crowds at Anaconda's State Four-Ball to youth programs at Yegen Golf Club in Billings.

Her resilience inspires Montana's growing golf community, proving homegrown talent can conquer global stages.

Billings Farm & Museum is hosting a hands-on peach preservation workshop on Saturday, September 24, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM as part of the acclaimed Billings Backyard Series.

Led by Chef Emery Gray, participants will learn techniques like canning, drying, and freezing, all with a focus on peaches.

Chef Gray will guide a water bath canning demonstration, giving attendees valuable experience in safe, practical food preservation.

The workshop includes a 30-minute interactive Q&A to help deepen your skills.

Community connections continue with the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market Kickoff on July 19 and the colorful Big Sky Balloon Rally from July 24–27 at Amend Park, offering local flavor and entertainment.

Discover sustainable living, connect with neighbors, and celebrate Billings’ vibrant spirit through these engaging local events.

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper is recovering after a dramatic high-speed chase ended in tragedy and a fire on Highway 3, northwest of Billings, Sunday afternoon.

The pursuit began shortly after noon when a vehicle sped north of Billings and refused to pull over. The chase escalated, and near Acton at mile marker 12, the fleeing car crashed head-on into a semi-truck. The suspect died at the scene.

The trooper, attempting to avoid the crash, rolled his patrol car and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. He was released the same day. The semi-truck driver was also hospitalized, though their condition remains undisclosed.

The crash sparked a roadside fire, which emergency crews swiftly contained. Highway 3 was briefly closed but has reopened as the investigation continues.

Authorities remind locals to drive safely and observe speed limits to help prevent future tragedies.