Good morning, Billings.

Lockwood grower Joe Nigro broke Montana’s state record by growing a 1,591-pound pumpkin at the Wyoming State Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Worland on Saturday—he beat the previous 1,348-pound record and earned $600.

He cut his record pumpkin in Billings on Sunday and said his long-time passion for growing giant pumpkins paid off.

Fresh snow blanketed higher mountain elevations and areas along the Beartooth Highway over the weekend, creating a winter scene near Red Lodge while crews cleared roads with U.S. 212 still closed.

In Billings, steady rain made travel slick — motorists are urged to drive carefully.

At a Mix, Mingle and Marvel event on October 2, Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary announced plans to renovate its entrance and administration building starting in 2026, build an expanded coyote yard for Scout and Lola, and create a heated indoor space for badger Roxanne.

The sanctuary will also add a new, flatter habitat for bears Bo and Bluebeary as it continues to raise funds—improving animal care for its residents.

Today, Gov. Gianforte announced Montana's Angel Initiative to let people bring their drugs to a law office for treatment—without fear of arrest—and Yellowstone County Sheriff Linder said local partners will offer help 24/7.

Pay Love Forward, a local nonprofit, is painting colorful murals on Billings’ South Side to raise suicide awareness—each mural displays the 988 lifeline and a message of hope for those in need.

Mental health counselor Matthew Leavensworth and local artist Sunshine Phelps began the project in August and will add more work soon to reach vulnerable residents.

Renee Lesueur, a 61-year-old Billings woman who spent the past year battling stage 2 HER2-positive breast cancer, is now cancer free after a lumpectomy and radiation treatment.

She now urges women to start regular screenings at age 40 to catch changes early—her experience shows the value of routine checks.

Six MSUB cross country athletes are recovering after a van crash Friday night while traveling to a meet in Washington—one athlete will undergo surgery and another was released from the hospital as the team canceled the event out of respect for the injured.

Montana Healthcare Conference

Oct 7-10 — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Billings — Registration fees apply — Connect and engage in Montana’s largest healthcare gathering with over 30 breakout sessions and 500+ attendees.

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — Tickets from $24.50 — Experience the magic of ABBA through an electrifying tribute show with stunning visuals and all the classic hits.

Country Dance Lesson & Dancing Night

8:15 PM – 12:15 AM — The High Horse Saloon & Eatery — Check for entry fees — Enjoy a night of country dancing from classics to popular line dances in a lively saloon atmosphere.

4th Annual Celebrity Chef Gala

5-10 p.m. — Northern Hotel — Donations appreciated — A culinary evening with Chef Andre Rush benefiting veterans and rescues.

MLCT 94th Annual Conference

8 AM – 1 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Billings — Check for registration fees — Engage with local leaders and enhance your community knowledge.

Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons

12:30-1:45 p.m. — Billings Depot — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a unique candlelight concert setting.

The Great Masked Pumpkin Race

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Riverfront Park — Race day registrations available — Dress up and run or walk for your pumpkin in this fun community race.

Kameron Marlowe Live with Dalton Davis

7-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Tickets required — Experience the thrilling voice of Kameron Marlowe alongside special guest Dalton Davis in a high-energy concert.

St. Olaf Orchestra Performance

7-9 p.m. — Billings West High School — Free entry — Experience the rich artistry and spirited performances of one of the finest collegiate orchestras in the country.

Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit Film Festival

7-11 p.m. — The Pub Station — $15 — Celebrate the outdoors with inspiring films and connect with fellow recreation enthusiasts at this engaging festival.