Good morning, Billings.

A poultry farmer from St. Ignatius said a USPS route change has increased chick transit time from 72 hours to five days—causing hundreds to die or get sick and forcing her to drive 420 miles round trip to pick up shipments.

This delay is hurting her small business and others in western Montana that rely on timely deliveries.

A Billings man, Anthony Lee Wegner, is set for retrial after he was charged with negligent homicide, failing to stop at the scene of a fatal hit-and-run+ tampering with evidence.

Montanans see fuel prices drop by 60 cents from last year as statewide gas averages fell from $3.76 to $3.16 per gallon on Friday+ Billings drivers paid around $3.07 and with oil prices dropping, OPEC plans to boost production in May to help keep the prices low.

MSU Billings Foundation’s annual Wine and Food Festival kicked off Thursday night at MetraPark to raise funds for student scholarships and has earned over $8 million in 33 years.

MSUB Chancellor Dr. Stefani Hicswa said the two-night event—aimed at helping first-generation students—set a goal of raising $700k.

Skyview High teacher James Bulluck was honored for his work with the ILC credit recovery program by receiving a $500 grant from the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools—sponsored by Western Security Bank—and a $150 gift card from City Brew Coffee.

Bulluck uses the Apex program on Chromebooks to help students work at their own pace and overcome academic challenges.

Billings 911 dispatchers, who handle about 700 calls per day, are being honored this week during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week for their vital role in coordinating emergency responses—ensuring help reaches those in need.

Montana now recorded five measles cases in Gallatin County and over 170 pertussis cases this year—vaccine advocates and health experts link the rise to lower immunization rates since the COVID-19 pandemic and urge families to update vaccinations.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services warned that overdose cases increased in Montana with 95 suspected opioid cases in March and 7 fatalities from March 1 to April 15—fentanyl is the primary concern.

The state will invest $300M to expand recovery programs such as Wellness Kiosks that offer naloxone and fentanyl testing strips to help save lives.

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.

Breakfast with Mom

10 AM – 12 PM — Grandpa's Farm — $26.42 — Celebrate Mother's Day with a fun-filled breakfast on the farm and enjoy a tractor ride along with animal visits.