Good morning, Billings.

Army veteran Chris Grudzinski from Billings got a donated moose tag from fellow veteran Steve Earle through the Montana Fish, Parks and Wildlife Purple Heart program—fulfilling his dream hunt and letting him share 300 pounds of meat with other veterans.

He said the experience shows his gratitude and helps other service members feel appreciated.

Billings officials said the animal shelter, closed after a meth incident, will reopen by the end of the month once cleaning is complete and it earns a certificate of fitness from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

YesterYears Antique Mall in downtown Billings was closed after wastewater from a sewage backup flooded its basement over the weekend—forcing vendors and owner Lucy Kramer to begin cleanup and discard damaged items like spoiled candy from Cuppy’s Cafe—and they plan to reopen within the next week except for the food area.

Students at MSU Billings have expressed concern after professors Joshua Hill and Jennifer Scroggins were placed on leave on Sept.

3, causing major class cancellations and uncertainty about graduation plans—students suspect the action followed a whistleblower complaint about a partnership with the Montana Department of Corrections. Administrators have provided no further explanation and the disruption continues to affect academic progress.

Montana Superintendent Susie Hedalen announced new guidelines for safe and responsible use of AI in K-12 classrooms.

The guidance—developed with Montana Digital Academy and school partners—covers teacher training, student privacy, and local control.

Billings City Council approved $1.4 million on Monday to fund a new affordable apartment complex in Billings Heights using repurposed man camp trailers to create 101 two-bedroom apartments—construction will begin in May.

HomeFront led the project and teamed with Homeword to offer affordable housing for local families.

Riverstone Health is expanding its volunteer programs by opening positions at a downtown food pantry and at its main campus reception desk & looking for local residents to work weekday shifts.

The organization said volunteers are critical to serving community needs.

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.

Country Dance Lesson & Country Dancing

8:15 p.m. — The High Horse Saloon & Eatery — Check website for entry — Boot scoot and boogie with a mix of old and new country music!

Archers: Temporary High Tour Part 2

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Tickets vary — Experience soaring melodies and crushing heaviness with Archers and special guests at a high-octane live performance.

Big Sky EMS Education Symposium

9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Billings Hotel and Convention Center — Check official website for fees — Engage with emergency service professionals and enhance your skills through workshops and presentations.

She's Green & Starling Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ticket info available — Experience a dreamy musical journey with she's green and special guests.

Memory Cafe for Adults with Memory Loss

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Billings Public Library — Free entry — A supportive gathering for adults facing memory loss and their caregivers to connect and engage in activities.