Good morning, Billings.

Billings prepared for the Banana Ball World Tour at Dehler Park Aug.

20-22, expecting about 5,000 visitors per night while city council met on Aug. 10 and considered spending up to $5,000 on expanded MET Transit's Route 1-Downtown service to ease parking and traffic near the venue.

Rising back-to-school costs squeeze nearly half of local families as United Way of Yellowstone County collects school supplies and backpacks at drop-off sites in Billings and Laurel.

Local businesses like Costco and Sam's Club support the effort amid expenses averaging $824 for families.

A Billings West End house caught fire twice this weekend on Pine Cove Road after improperly discarded cigarettes ignited material under a deck — one resident was sent to a hospital on Friday as hot, dry and windy conditions contributed to a rekindle early Sunday.

The Party America store at Shiloh Crossing in Billings will close at the end of business hours on Halloween — one of its busiest days.

It will no longer operate after October.

A wildfire in the Custer National Forest near Livingston is now 20% contained while Montana officials issued an air quality alert effective until 9 a.m. today (those with respiratory or heart issues should limit outdoor exertion).

On Monday, a judge in Laurel heard arguments from state lawyers + Laurel C.A.R.E.D, a local group challenging plans to build a 64-bed mental health facility without proper environmental protocols.

The judge has not ruled and will speak with attorneys Tuesday.

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter submitted a new proposal to Billings Monday afternoon to reestablish a formal partnership after the previous contract expired (the shelter picked up 219 strays during the gap and remains in its current location on Jellison Road).

Negotiations continue as the city seeks proposals until Aug. 14.

Doctors warn fairgoers to take breaks from MontanaFair’s summer heat to avoid fatigue, nausea, or heat stroke.

They advise drinking water, wearing sun protection + taking regular cooling breaks to safely enjoy the rides and food outdoors.

Billings doctors warn student athletes to hydrate and take breaks as fall practices begin, urging early or late sessions to reduce heat exposure and prevent heat-related illness.

Coaches are asked to monitor for signs like lightheadedness and nausea during workouts.

Billings City Council approved $1.5M in TIF funds to redevelop two long-vacant parcels on Sixth Avenue North into North Park Apartments with 152 affordable housing units, a clubhouse, fitness center, playground, and dog park.

Devco Residential Group will begin demolition this November before starting construction.

Coheed and Cambria with From Ashes to New

7-8 p.m. — MetraPark - First Interstate Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of rock with Coheed and Cambria and From Ashes to New.