Good morning, Billings.

A Billings mother said she was relieved after a Good Samaritan rescued her 3-year-old son who escaped from The Learning Grove daycare at 3017 Third Ave. N in downtown Billings Monday morning—he was found safe and is now with his family.

Billings’ first West End restaurant, The Red Door, just turned 50 as the Swain family looked back on decades of service—marking a key milestone in local business history.

A giant crane has started installing concrete walls, stairwells and steel framing at the new St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings to boost local healthcare and construction industries.

The crane weighs over a million pounds and needed 27 truckloads for delivery, marking a new stage in the project.

A new study shows that parents of about 72,000 Montana children need afterschool programs while only 16,000 kids are enrolled (four out of five are left without care).

The federal shutdown has added uncertainty about expanding these programs.

Governor Gianforte donated a quarter of his salary to help Montana food banks by supporting the Producer Partnership—this nonprofit covers processing costs and eases SNAP funding shortages amid a federal shutdown, and it has provided nearly 350,000 pounds of protein since 2020.

Montana SNAP users may see emergency food funds on their EBT cards in the coming weeks as households receive roughly half the normal benefits—about $273 for two-person homes and $497 for four-person homes—impacting 77,000 low-income residents.

Advocates say the reduced funding and delays could stretch food budgets and challenge local food banks as families prepare for the holidays.

The FAA announced on Wednesday its plan to reduce flights by 10% at 40 major airports starting today due to the government shutdown—this may slow travel at Billings Logan International Airport.

Airport director Jeff Roach said nine out of 10 out-of-state hubs served from Billings are affected—travelers should check with their airlines for updates.

Governor Gianforte and DPHHS submitted Montana’s application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to secure over $1B for modernizing rural health care over the next five years.

The plan — which includes five initiatives focusing on workforce, access, innovative care, community health and technology — was submitted before the November 5 deadline and award decisions are expected in late December.

The Montana Grizzlies will host Eastern Washington while Montana State will face Weber State tomorrow at 1 p.m.; fans in Billings can watch the Bobcats on KTVQ and the Grizzlies via The Spot—MTN and streaming on ESPN+.

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.

40th Annual Holiday Parade

6:30-8 p.m. — Skypoint — Free entry — Celebrate the festive season with the rockin' theme at this beloved local parade.

Repeat Offenders: Butterball 6 Concert

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. — The Pub Station — Ticket info available — Dance through the decades with eclectic hits and a lively atmosphere at this time-traveling concert.

Billings Symphony Presents The Nutcracker

2:00–3:30 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — Cost TBD — Experience the Christmas magic of the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, with its enchanting tales and performances.

Tanner Laws Live

8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $22.65 — Experience authentic country music with Tanner Laws and their incredible storytelling melodies.