Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
Good morning, Billings.
A Billings man, Justin Hutchinson—known as McLovin on Hot 101.9—is donating $1,700 in nonperishable food to trick-or-treaters today at his Billings Heights home to help 12,000 local families who will miss SNAP benefits this November.
Gabino Ramirez, a Billings entrepreneur, is sharing his Oaxacan traditions with locals through community dance events with live music—his next Día de los Muertos event will be held tomorrow at the Elks Lodge at 5 p.m., with dancing starting at 7 p.m. and a $20 admission fee, while kids 15 and under get in free.
Angela Ossa, a special education teacher at Big Sky Elementary, received the 'One Class at a Time' award from the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools with a $500 grant and a $150 gift card from Western Security Bank and City Brew Coffee for her work in the BASE program. Her classroom—focused on helping students build social and emotional skills—shows how early career teachers can make a strong impact on student growth.
SNAP benefits will not be distributed this Saturday, leaving families scrambling as Billings Family Service prepares for increased food bank demand—while a 17-year-old accused of a fatal beating in 2024 will be tried as an adult and local households finish elaborate Halloween displays.
Head Start Billings is preparing for food-service changes as the government shutdown entered its 30th day because funding for its Child and Adult Care Food Program will end Nov.1.
The program will remain open through June thanks to extended funding—its savings will cover food costs while many families face added uncertainty with potential SNAP disruptions.
The Montana Lottery announced it will add 120,000 more tickets and a fifth million-dollar prize to the 2025 Montana Millionaire game, with tickets costing $20 and going on sale Saturday, Nov.
1 at 5:30 a.m. The game will offer a total of 620,000 tickets along with extra instant-win prizes and a drawing for $250,000 on Dec. 1.
The government shutdown enters its 30th day and Billings nonprofit Allies in Aging has enough reserves to keep its senior meal services running while warning that other groups may soon have to cut programs if the shutdown continues.
Nonprofit leaders across Montana are preparing for tougher decisions as financial pressures mount—reserves may not cover long-term needs.
A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that using hearing aids can slow cognitive decline and lower dementia risk for people under 70 with hearing loss.
Billings hearing aid dispenser Mark LaFave said early testing is key for those in loud work settings—clinics may offer payment plans and free tests to help with costs.
Rimrock Foundation, a Billings-based mental health and substance use treatment center, announced it will open an outpatient center in Bozeman on Dec.
1—its first expansion in 50 years—to help meet local treatment needs in Gallatin County.
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.
Black Jacket Symphony Presents AC/DC's Back in Black
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — $27.00 to $37.00 — Experience a note-for-note live recreation of AC/DC’s legendary album Back in Black.
Frontier Conference XC Championships
12 PM — Amend Park — Free entry — Cheer on the best in cross-country as they race for conference glory.
The Brothers Comatose with Goodnight, Texas
8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ticketed event — Experience the vibrant sound of The Brothers Comatose blending string band traditions with rock energy in an engaging live show.
Kevin Gates Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — MetraPark - First Interstate Arena — Tickets available — Experience the raw lyricism and storytelling of chart-topping rap artist Kevin Gates.
Kenny Feidler Live
8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Tickets Required — Experience the gritty western rock sound of Kenny Feidler with special guest Kellen Smith.
NOT.GREENDAY - A Tribute to Green Day
8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Check for ticket prices — Celebrate the hits of Green Day with a high-energy tribute performance and special guest.
Disposable Heroes - A Tribute to Metallica
8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $28.65 to $49.15 — Experience the electrifying sounds of Metallica through Disposable Heroes and special guests.
Friends In Low Places - Garth Brooks Tribute
8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Check ticket availability — Experience a lively tribute to 90's country with an energetic performance by a ten-piece band and special guest vocalists.
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