Good Day
Billings
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Billings. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 3rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Child Bridge is recruiting community members to become foster parents to help address Montana’s foster care crisis. The organization reports about 2,000 children are in the system, including 655 in Yellowstone County and only 250 available foster homes, and it will soon offer evidence-based—trauma-informed training for new families. KULR8
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ At a Capitol hearing on Tuesday, state lawmaker Rep. John Fitzpatrick proposed a bill to remove the Public Service Commission’s review of large electricity buyers like data centers—companies planning to buy up to 400 megawatts from NorthWestern Energy. Opponents warned the move could raise power costs while supporters claimed it would boost economic growth—and the bill was tabled in committee. Billings Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Montana public schools will receive an extra $52.1 million to fund programs and raise teacher salaries. The law—introduced by Rep. David Bedey and supported by Gov. Greg Gianforte—will take effect July 1. KTVQ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today marks Jeannette Rankin Day after Governor Greg Gianforte declared the holiday to honor the suffragist who helped make Montana the 11th state to allow women to vote. Rankin was elected to Congress in 1916 and sworn in on April 2—an important moment in her pioneering career. KULR8
- ➤ Governor Gianforte and local law enforcement officials held a press conference in Billings to introduce a budget plan that would spend $150 million to expand the state prison by adding 500 beds—meant to ease pressure on Yellowstone County. The plan also allocates $250 million for public safety improvements—pending state legislative approval. KULR8
- ➤ A House bill backed by the Big Sky Rail Authority to boost rail service advanced in Helena after a 12—11 vote in the House Appropriations Committee. The measure will secure federal funding to expand freight and passenger service across Montana without raising taxes. KULR8
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Billings Heights' popular Boothill Inn & Suites is for sale after 25 years with an asking price of almost $11 million. Billings Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Montana college baseball coach Aaron Leanhardt—now with the Miami Marlins—has developed a new torpedo bat that shifts its weight to the sweet spot so batters can hit with more power. Yankees players tested the bat in a game against the Brewers and experts say it may soon give players a new advantage at the plate. KTVQ
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Ugly In The Morning Concert
8 p.m. — The Pub Station — $10 — Experience tribute bands Ugly In The Morning and OGT 92 take the stage for a night of rock classics.
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Zechariah Peabody Album Release: WILSALL
7 p.m. — The Pub Station — $15 — Experience the soulful sounds of Zechariah Peabody as he releases his new album, capturing the essence of Montana life.
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Billings RV & Boat Show and Sale
10 AM – 8 PM — MetraPark - First Interstate Arena — Exclusive savings on RVs and boats — A must-visit for enthusiasts looking for the best deals in Montana.
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Grants for Schools Conference
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Billings — $350 per person or group discounts available — Discover valuable insights into grant writing and funding opportunities for schools.
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Club 90s - Charli XCX Night
9:00-10:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Check for ticket prices — Celebrate the pop sounds of Charli XCX in a vibrant 90s-themed night.
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Yellowstone Cellars and Winery Event
7:30-10 p.m. — Yellowstone Cellars & Winery — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a delightful evening at one of Billings' top-rated wineries.
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PBR Billings
12:45-4:45 p.m. — MetraPark - First Interstate Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of professional bull riding in one of America's fastest-growing sports.
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Billings School District #2 Candidate Forum/Meet and Greet
Please join Forward Montana and League of Women Voters for a candidate forum/meet and greet on Wednesday, April 16th at 6:00pm at the Art House Cinema and Pub in Downtown Billings. We’ve invited all candidates in the two competitive districts #5 and #7 and look forward to a night of hearing from them about their plan for the school board + hearing from YOU so you can learn more and make an informed vote!
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Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Babcock Theatre — $25 — Experience breathtaking mountain adventures through a collection of inspiring films while supporting local conservation efforts.
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Clay Pot Painting Workshop
10 AM – 12 PM — Roots Garden Center — Free entry — Unleash your creativity with a fun day of painting your own clay pot planter.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Billings
Good Day Billings is a community newsletter sharing current events in Billings, Montana. Our mission is to make local news more accessible, highlight extraordinary people across the Billings community, and support local organizations. If you like Good Day Billings, you can support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Billings.
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