Good morning, Billings.

On Thursday morning, about 1,000 NorthWestern Energy customers in Yellowstone County—including those in Billings—and in Big Horn County experienced power outages.

Survivors of sexual abuse by former pastor Dean Smith filed a lawsuit alleging a cover-up—naming Smith, his wife Keli, Morning Star Baptist Church, the Montana Southern Baptist Convention and Youthworks—after he abused seven girls on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

On Thursday, the Montana Senate ended a nearly three-hour debate on House Bill 2 and approved the main state budget bill on a 27—23 vote; the bill allocates $16.6 billion over two years—including $5 billion from the general fund—and will now return to the House for further action.

A federal judge in Bozeman granted an emergency restraining order—stopping Homeland Security from deporting two MSU graduate students and requiring officials to restore their F-1 status.

The order was issued on Tuesday and a court hearing is set for April 29 in Missoula—while the ACLU represents the students challenging the decision.

Luke Ashmore, a candidate in SD2, is challenging incumbent John VonLangen for the District 7 seat in Billings+ he will run in the upcoming election.

The Montana Senate passed SB 147 to update the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act and protect Indian children.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Windy Boy, removes a sunset clause — making the protections permanent — and goes to the Governor's desk for approval.

A recent equine therapy workshop at Creekside Ranch in Huntley brought trainers and six tribes together to learn how horses can help heal trauma and addiction.

Trainer Gordon Birch and his colleagues shared techniques to build trust with horses—insights they plan to bring back to their communities.

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.

Cooper Alan Live in Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Pub Station — VIP tickets available — Experience the dynamic sounds of rising country star Cooper Alan with a mix of heartfelt and playful anthems.

Yellowstone Chapter PGA Pro-Pro Tournament

— Time TBA — Hilands Golf Club — Participation fee required — Compete in the prestigious Pro-Pro golf tournament at one of Billings’ premier courses.

Veterans Benefits Overview

5:30-7 p.m. — Grace Montessori Academy — Free entry — Discover essential benefits including healthcare and support for veterans and their families.

Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony Dress Rehearsal

7-10 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beauty of Tchaikovsky's classic symphony performed by the Billings Symphony Orchestra.

Earth Day Family Bike Ride

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The Spoke Shop — Free event — Enjoy a fun family bike ride to celebrate Earth Day with fresh air and community spirit.

Memphis May Fire Concert

6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ticket required — Experience the anthems of Memphis May Fire as they confront modern struggles through powerful music.

Halfway to Halloween Party

9 PM – 1 AM — The Pub Station — $15 — Celebrate halfway to Halloween with DJs and a lively atmosphere.

Dance Pictures Event

12-5 p.m. — Montana Dance Center — Cost not specified — Capture memorable moments with your dance friends and recital pieces.

Dirtwire Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ticket info available — Experience a unique blend of world music and electronic beats from Dirtwire.