Coffee in hand, Billings? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Caching Cousins and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Billings Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Billings Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Billings.
1. The 7 best zoos in the U.S., ranked (qz.com) — Billings' own ZooMontana earns national recognition among the country's top zoos for its focus on cold-climate species like grizzlies, wolves, and red pandas in naturalistic habitats. The article notes how its gardens and regional wildlife focus give visitors a strong sense of place and make Billings a smart stop before or after Yellowstone. For locals, it underscores ZooMontana as both a conservation asset and a standout family destination.
2. Submit Applications for Good Neighbor Grant Program (fundsforngos.org) — A Billings-based nonprofit, the Yellowstone Foundation, is now taking applications for its Good Neighbor Grant Program supporting work tied to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and similar missions. Local 501(c)(3) groups serving at-risk youth, education, family support, or mental health can seek roughly $5,000 for one-year projects, with applications due by October 15, 2026.
3. Health systems are partnering up without changing who owns the hospital (marketscale.com) — Health leaders in Billings are exploring a non-merger partnership between Billings Clinic–Logan Health and St. Peter's Health in Helena, aiming to expand clinical services, technology, and purchasing power while keeping local ownership. For Billings residents, that could eventually mean better access to specialists, more coordinated care, and potentially stronger hospital finances without a formal takeover. The talks are early, but purchasing and shared technology are already on the agenda.
4. Montana lawmaker looks to strengthen privacy laws on license plate recognition, camera use (dailyinterlake.com) — Billings drivers are already affected by license plate readers used to monitor parking, and a Billings state senator wants to tighten Montana's privacy protections around that technology. Daniel Zolnikov plans several bills requiring public hearings before new cameras go up, shortening data retention, and limiting how private camera data can be shared with government agencies.
5. Montana I-194 Heads To The November Ballot (k96fm.com) — Billings just hosted a key event in the debate over Montana's I‑194, a November ballot measure that would restrict corporate and certain organizational spending in state elections. Supporters, including former Gov. Marc Racicot and former Sen. Jon Tester, fielded questions at the Alberta Bair Theater after opponents declined to appear. For Billings voters, the measure could reshape how money flows into future state and local campaigns.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Billings! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Billings Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.