Good morning, Billings.

Poppy, a 6-year-old rescue dog from Laurel, is a finalist in People Magazine’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Competition.

Voting runs until Sept. 28 and winners will be announced Oct. 19 (if she wins, the rescue group will receive $1,000 and a year’s supply of dog food).

The Blue Angels will perform in Billings this weekend after more than 130 practice flights honed their skill for tight formations; thousands are expected to watch the jets execute precise maneuvers (a result of rigorous teamwork and focus).

Research in Montana shows that many workers still cannot cover basic costs even when earning a living wage + estimates put the threshold at $23-$28 per hour in large cities, while food pantries see more frequent visits as fewer households use SNAP.

A proposed 32-bed forensic mental health facility in Laurel faces hurdles as the city said its water and sewer capacity is insufficient — residents report lower water pressure after a truck stop opened.

The state is moving ahead with plans for the site on Old Highway 10 — city officials will study the infrastructure soon.

Residents in a west end neighborhood are concerned that a stop sign is nearly hidden by tree branches, which could cause safety issues at the intersection.

The City of Billings is working with the neighborhood's developer to relocate the sign within the next couple weeks.

Local nurses union members rejected a contract proposal from Intermountain Health St. James Hospital because the pay for both experienced and new nurses was seen as inadequate; the two sides have not set a date to reconvene.

Banana Ball, a new twist on baseball with dancing and trick plays, kicked off Thursday at Dehler Park — the sold-out three-day event features creative routines from local Firefighters and Party Animals, drawing fans into a game with fan-involved plays and rehearsed tricks.

Head Start Back to School Golf Tournament

Join us Friday, September 11, 2026, at Lake Hills Golf Course for a day of golf, great company, and supporting 200 local children and families. Registration is $650 per team and includes green fees, cart, range balls, dinner, and one drink ticket per player; check-in begins at 11:00 AM with a 1:00 PM shotgun start.