Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of July.
Good morning, Billings.
Organizers of the Big Sky Balloon Rally are asking for volunteers at Amend Park (July 24 to 27) to help hot air balloon pilots launch each morning.
Volunteer crews must arrive by (5:30 a.m.) daily to support early setup.
Big Sky Senior Services and the Adult Resource Alliance merged to form Allies in Aging to serve Billings' growing elderly population — they celebrated the union at an open house and will maintain and improve current services while reducing overhead costs.
Renovations are underway at the Shiloh Crossing location vacated by Rio Sabinas for the new J's Pub and Grill—a bar, restaurant and casino run by a Wyoming restaurateur, though no opening date is set.
Billings Logan International Airport was voted seventh for stress-free travel in Travel and Leisure’s 2025 awards based on traveler ratings of security, restaurants and overall design.
Director Jeff Roach said the airport will use its 79.53 rating to guide future improvements—plans that aim to further ease the travel process.
Anthony Ray Sullivan pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence in Yellowstone County court on Monday, and bail was set at $500,000 (he is required to wear a GPS monitoring system and have no contact with the victim's family); his next court appearance is scheduled for January 6, 2026.
Montana has received a $4M grant to launch its first registered teacher apprenticeship program that gives aspiring K-12 educators a paid four-year apprenticeship to gain classroom experience — Governor Greg Gianforte and the State Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner announced the effort to boost the teacher workforce in rural and underserved areas.
On July 15, Billings City Council approved more than $1.3 million in tax funds to help downtown by adding safe crossing signals on Montana Avenue and by fixing up the old Masonic Temple.
A former boxer pleaded not guilty to charges for killing Kari Ellen Daily while her daughter slept, and United Way of Yellowstone County began a drive to collect school supplies to ease nearly $600 in back-to-school costs per student.
Chip sealing is underway in downtown Billings today; on-street parking restrictions are in effect in affected areas, and brief lane closures are expected as work continues for two to four days.
The Billings Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee reported their findings to City Council, showing safety hazards for walkers and bikers based on crash data from October 2022 to April 2025—central Billings lacks basic features such as crosswalks and bike lanes.
Happy Hour at Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill
5-8 p.m. — Last Chance | Pub & Cider Mill — Free entry — Enjoy live music and fun with friends at this local happy hour event!
Billings Fun Con
10 a.m.–5 p.m. — MetraPark - First Interstate Arena — Check event page for pricing — A vibrant community celebration for fans of comics, cosplay, and gaming with food trucks and more.
Rattlesnake and Porcupine Avoidance Clinic
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — DD Kennels — $85 for each avoidance training — Expert-led training to keep your dog safe from rattlesnakes and porcupines.
National ADTSEA Conference
9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Billings Hotel and Convention Center — Check Official Website — Engage with leaders in traffic safety and driver education at this important annual gathering.
Tanner Usrey Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Tickets available — Experience Tanner Usrey's captivating blend of country, rock, and Americana storytelling.
Prairie Original Musical Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — NOVA Center For The Performing Arts — Tickets available — Witness the world premiere of a new, original story musical by local theatre-makers.
Prairie Musical Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — NOVA Center For The Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Experience a new, original musical by local theatre-makers in a community premiere.
Prairie Matinee Performance
2-4 p.m. — NOVA Center For The Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a new, original-story musical presented by local theatre-makers.
Hinder: Back To Life Tour 2025
8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Tickets required — Rock out to Hinder along with special guests Austin Meade and Kelsey Hickman.
Great Falls Voyagers vs. Billings Mustangs
6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dehler Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement as the Voyagers take on the Mustangs in an evening of Minor League Baseball action.
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