Good morning, Billings.

Billings animal shelters need foster families for pets during the holiday season to ease staff workload and give animals a safe, comfortable home.

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter asks for help from Dec. 24 to 27 & other local shelters also seek families.

Since Monday, Yellowstone has allowed only wheeled snow coaches because of light snow, and West Yellowstone businesses remain hopeful as forecasts call for 6-12 inches of fresh snow every day for a week starting today.

Billings man Ben Sherman spoke Tuesday after his nephew’s social-justice mural was defaced with swastikas and fake bullet holes near South Park (the Mayflower Congregational Church also suffered vandalism), warning that such hate acts may be a growing problem as he raises funds for repairs.

Gas prices in Montana dropped 10.1¢ over the past week, reaching an average of $2.85 per gallon on Monday, Dec.

15. Prices are 13.9¢ below last month’s rate but 8.3¢ above last year’s average (Gasbuddy).

Yellowstone County will ban kratom sales in licensed food establishments starting January after 30 overdose deaths statewide; Riverstone Health announced the measure, giving businesses compliance time + potential fines.

Billings police are probing vandalism at Mayflower Congregational Church and a rescue operation at Riverfront Park after a Friday storm.

RiverStone Health Environmental Health Services will enforce a ban on kratom in food and beverages at licensed retail establishments in Yellowstone County starting Jan.

1, 2026, to address health concerns following 29 kratom-related deaths since 2020.

Beautiful Directions Counseling in Billings is offering a free first session to help residents cope with seasonal depression, with counselor Alison Watt noting that stepping in the door is half the battle + care is available regardless of financial concerns.

Montana State and UM prepare for the Brawl of the Wild 2.0 this weekend in Billings, with Bobcat fans buying tickets for a potential national championship trip (to Nashville) and Griz supporters waiting for special ticket offers.

Billings officials broke ground at Daylis Stadium to launch upgrades for improved sports facilities, including new bleachers and updated amenities.

Mayor Bill Cole and Billings Public Schools said Dick Anderson Construction will complete the upgrades for the 2026 high school football season in September.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

6:30 p.m. — Billings Depot — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Adele's music under candlelight with a string quartet.

A Christmas Carol Performance

7:30 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — $20.00-$77.00 — Experience a festive musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic with an audience singalong of beloved carols.

Parker Brown and The Bleeding Hearts Concert

6:30-10 p.m. — The Pub Station — $19.15 — Experience a night of versatile musical talent with Parker Brown and special guest Jennaka Beartusk.

Wretches And Kings

7-8:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $28.65 to $49.15 — Enjoy live performances from Montana’s top tribute bands, Wretches and Kings and Hang Em High.

Riley Haynie Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ages 21+ — Experience the soulful Americana sounds of Riley Haynie with special guests No Cigar and Gallatin Ghost Train.

Midnight Over Montana - A New Year's Eve Celebration

7 PM - 1 AM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Billings — Ticket price includes buffet and champagne toast — Celebrate New Year's Eve with breathtaking views, live music, and a globally inspired menu.

Tom Catmull Live Performance

7:30 p.m. — Craft Local — $12 — Enjoy an evening of live music with Tom Catmull and Lee Calvin in Billings.