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Good morning, Billings! In today’s edition: Cherry Tree Inn closure, a $233 million rural healthcare windfall, Kinky Boots, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Emphasis on justice and service: Billings attorney Seth Cunningham was sworn in as a Yellowstone County judge. A former Air Force member, he calls the court vital and expects to work mostly on civil cases — learn about his background and focus.
Big boost for care access: Montana has been awarded $233 million in federal funding for rural healthcare, with up to $1 billion possible over five years, surprising leaders and targeting workforce needs and electronic records — read the full story.
Evaluated by community readers: Nominations are open for the 2026 High Plains International Book Awards, recognizing regional authors and works reflecting High Plains life. Winners will be announced in October 2026 in Billings, Montana — get all the details.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Changing times for a landmark: Downtown Billings’ Cherry Tree Inn has closed after nearly 60 years, ending the Kirby family’s long run. The property was purchased by Billings Clinic and is expected to be demolished. About roughly $500,000 worth of motel furniture will be sold at a fraction of the cost. Read the full story.
Refresh your nest: Whether you’re tweaking a shelf or finally replacing that college-era lamp, Made for Home nails curated-but-livable style, with airy lighting, soft pillows, art, and signature scents. A few thoughtfully chosen pieces can shift the vibe and make your space feel, simply, more you.
House-pressed cider fix: Skip the same-old six-pack and rediscover fresh-pressed cider at Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill, where batches are made on-site and a fire-warmed pub turns weeknights into something cozy. In season, peek at the pressing, then settle in with a glass that tastes like fall.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🎈 Kids Day! @ Pizza Ranch | Tuesday (1/6) at 11:00 AM – Round up the kids 12 and under to eat free, one per paying adult, while you enjoy a bite you won’t have to share. Mac and cheese, chicken fingers, pepperoni pizza, and ice cream await. You handle the napkins, they handle the joy.
👢 Kinky Boots @ Alberta Bair Theater | Tuesday (1/6) at 7:30 PM – The boots are back, and yes, they still fit. Kinky Boots struts in with Cyndi Lauper’s toe-tapping score, Fierstein’s wit, and enough heart to make even your most practical shoes feel flashy. Come for the laughs, stay for the soul, and maybe a strut.
🎨 Studio Class Winter’s Day @ Bitterroot Sip and Paint | Thursday (1/8) at 7:00 PM – Gray skies got you blah? Warm up at a step-by-step painting class, crafting a cozy winter scene on an 11×14 canvas, supplies included. Complimentary adult sips, no BYOB, so bring your creativity, arrive early, and leave with art worthy of the fridge.
This weekend
🦅 Morning Bird Stroll @ Montana Audubon Center | Saturday (1/10) at 8:30 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to ID an eagle before coffee, this is it. Easy stroll along the Yellowstone River, beginner friendly, binoculars to borrow, and a Save the Eagles theme, rain or shine. Register ahead, free for members, five bucks otherwise.
🧠Studio 2nd Saturday: The Art of Adventure @ Yellowstone Art Museum | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Trade errands for easels at Studio 2nd Saturday, and turn the thrill of adventure into a painting inspired by the In a Nutshell exhibition. Expect approachable prompts, good company, and zero judgment. It’s art-making for grownups who like stories, curiosity, and a decent smock.
🧘 Winter Reset Sound Bath @ Dragon’s Gate Studio | Sunday (1/11) at 10:00 AM – This gentle sound bath from Silver Sage Sounds is your winter reset, with Tibetan and crystal bowls, gong, and chimes doing the heavy lifting. Ten bucks, eight spots, RSVP required. Bring a mat, a blanket, and the shoulders you keep wearing as earrings.
🥞 Vision Board Party & Brunch @ Beartooth Harley-Davidson | Sunday (1/11) at 10:30 AM – Whether you’ve got your five-year plan laminated or you’re just chasing brunch, this free vision board party in Billings delivers mimosas, good company, and space to dream big. RSVP on Facebook and comment, the first 20 snag a free Vision Board Book.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Billings report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 50°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 3%
Partly sunny. High near 50, with temperatures falling to around 46 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy. Low around 34, with temperatures rising to around 36 overnight. West southwest wind around 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 46°F – Low: 24°F – Precip: 16%
A slight chance of rain and snow showers between 11am and 5pm. Partly sunny. High near 46, with temperatures falling to around 39 in the afternoon. West wind 10 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. West southwest wind 7 to 12 mph.
This house is wild
A two-story plan pairs a main-level primary suite with upstairs sleep and work zones. Luxury vinyl plank runs through open living anchored by a gas fireplace. The kitchen brings Moen fixtures, KitchenAid appliances, and a 48-inch refrigerator. A handy half bath adds function on the main level. The layout favors everyday ease.
Upstairs, three bedrooms join a dedicated office, a roomy family room, and a full bath for flexible routines. A landscaped .34-acre lot frames tidy greenspace, while the covered patio supports easy outdoor time. The attached three-car garage handles parking, projects, and storage.
Take a peek inside →
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