Good morning, Billings.

A new photo contest called Pups for Public Lands starts this week and invites Montanans to submit pictures of their dogs enjoying nature—entries are accepted online and via Instagram with #pupsforpubliclands.

The contest will end Sept. 30 and prizes include a calendar feature and rewards from local pet stores.

A single-engine plane carrying four family members crashed in Bighorn National Forest on Monday, killing a 13-year-old girl and seriously injuring an 11-year-old boy, a 54-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman—rescue crews located the crash near Walker Prairie Trail at about 4:57 p.m. and airlifted the injured to hospitals in Sheridan and Billings.

First Student school buses filled Sugar Avenue on Tuesday — marking the first day of classes in Billings.

Billings Public Schools started their new academic year on Tuesday with classes now lasting 20 extra minutes each day.

At Central Heights Elementary, teacher Paula Nelson welcomed 22 new students—she and Principal Wulff spent weeks preparing to make the longer day count.

The 'If You Give a Child a Book…' campaign helped Ponderosa Elementary in Billings boost literacy by delivering 2,740 books between January and May—each student received 10 free books—and saw a 3% rise in reading skills.

The school received positive feedback from parents and teachers while planning to use donations to support more at-home reading.

Today, Billings Career Center principal Matt Clouser said the center will expand certificate programs and waive fees to help high school students gain practical skills for local jobs—changes driven by a sharp drop in college enrollment and higher demand for hands-on training like drone flight and EV maintenance.

Yellowstone County commissioners cut funding for the Yellowstone Art Museum at Tuesday’s meeting, reducing its allocation from $220,000 to $50,000 for next year—commissioners said the reallocation to the public-safety budget was needed despite strong public objection.

Country Dance Lesson & Dancing Night

8:15 p.m. — The High Horse Saloon & Eatery — $10 cover — Kick up your boots for a night of country dancing with lessons and music from various country genres.

Kids Trail Trek

3:30-4:30 p.m. — 6790 Molt Rd, Billings, MT — Free entry — Enjoy a fun and active trail adventure designed especially for kids in the local community.

Jeff Crosby Live

8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $22.65 — Experience Americana music with Jeff Crosby as he shares his unique perspective and songs from his latest album.

Southall Concert Featuring The Ransom Brothers

7-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — GA and VIP options available — Experience a fusion of country, rock, and Red Dirt vibes with Southall and special guests.

Country Dance Lesson & Dancing Night

8:15 PM - 12:15 AM — The High Horse Saloon & Eatery — Admission cost may vary — Enjoy a lively night of country dancing after an engaging lesson with requests taken all night long.

Colby Acuff Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Tickets available — Experience a night of storytelling through Colby Acuff's powerful country music.

Amy Grant Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — Tickets available — Experience the iconic Amy Grant, a pioneer of Contemporary Christian Music, live in concert.

Chris Cagle Live Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying performance of country music star Chris Cagle in an intimate setting.

Chase Rice Concert with Special Guest McCoy Moore

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — General Admission Ticket Prices Apply — Experience the high-energy sounds of Chase Rice live in concert.

Sunny Day Real Estate with Cursive

8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $49.15 to $89.15 — Experience the influential Emo legends Sunny Day Real Estate alongside special guests Cursive for an unforgettable night.