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Good morning, Billings! In today’s edition: At-home cervical cancer screening, dogs need homes, Montana Renaissance Festival returns, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Policy shifts squeeze patient care: Medicare changes that took effect January 1 are straining Montana seniors, with rising premiums and lower reimbursements reducing access, and Billings services offering help as rural residents travel for care — read the full story.
New pathway to prevention: Montana women 25 to 65 are now eligible for at-home cervical cancer screening after the American Cancer Society updated its guidelines, using an FDA approved device to improve screening rates — get all the details.
Adoption effort in Yellowstone County: Sixteen of the 42 dogs seized in Shepherd in September were still awaiting homes as of December 27. A sheriff’s captain hoped to place them all within three weeks — read the full story.
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
Medieval merriment awaits: The Montana Renaissance Festival is returning to Billings after a four-season hiatus. It will be at MetraPark, which can handle larger crowds and traffic. The return follows thousands of requests from festival-goers. The event is scheduled for June 6 and 7, 2026. Read the full story.
Where curiosity runs wild: If the kids are climbing the walls, steer that energy toward Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum, a hands-on STEM playground with tinkering zones, a Math Room, and Lego robotics that make learning sneaky-fun for littles and their grown-ups. The perfect reset for restless brains.
Craving a proper burrito? Skip the sad desk lunch and let Burritos Don Chuy roll something substantial. Think Cali burritos with fries, smothered classics, or breakfast with homemade chorizo. Flavorful, no-fuss, proudly local… the kind of warm tortilla hug you keep in the rotation.
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 weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎤 Tom Catmull @ Craft Local | Friday (1/9) at 7:30 PM – Craft Local on Montana Ave hosts Tom Catmull with Lee Calvin, which means sharp lyrics, warm picking, and stories that make you smirk into your pint. Intimate, local, and twelve bucks, so bring your listening ears, not your shouting voice.
🦅 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.
🖍 Studio Class: Pastel Winter @ Bitterroot Sip and Paint | Saturday (1/10) at 7:00 PM – Whether your living room still has that awkward blank spot, or you just want a calm night off snow shoveling, this artist-led, step-by-step pastel class has you painting Montana mountains and trees. 16×20 canvas and supplies included, complimentary adult sips, zero BYOB heroics required.
🧘 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.
💍 32nd Annual Billings Wedding Fair @ Billings Wedding Fair | Sunday (1/11) at 12:00 PM – Billings Wedding Fair is rolling in with the biggest bouquet of gowns, florals, venues, and pros from Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas, all under one roof. Think elegant window-shopping for your big day, or your kid’s, with experts, zero Pinterest stress, and dazzling ideas.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Billings report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 42°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 15%
A slight chance of snow showers between 10am and 11am. Partly sunny. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 38 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 3 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind around 13 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 40°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 6%
Partly sunny. High near 40, with temperatures falling to around 38 in the afternoon. West wind 13 to 16 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy. Low around 32, with temperatures rising to around 35 overnight. West wind around 14 mph.
This house is wild
Minutes from Briarwood Golf Club and a short walk to Blue Creek School, this split-level delivers easy flow and flexible spaces. Brand-new carpet brightens the main level with living and dining in tandem, a GE-equipped kitchen, and a sunny breakfast nook. A few steps down, a second living area joins a bedroom, bath, and laundry. Upstairs are three bedrooms, a guest bath, and a primary suite with a tiled shower.
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Take a peek inside →
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