Billings Daily Digest Friday, May 01, 2026
Ty's Take
RiverStone's move on the old Colonial Apartments site and the city's dollar-deal handoff of the Babcock building to Art House suggest someone downtown finally believes this neighborhood is worth betting on again. Both deals involve real money and real risk—which is what separates actual development from the kind of talk that fills coffee shop conversations. Whether either project actually breaks ground and sticks around will tell us plenty about whether the momentum is real or just the spring air talking. The bones of downtown Billings have been waiting a long time for someone willing to do more than draw pictures.
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Billings Gazette
Billings neighbors: Obituaries for May 1
The Billings Gazette published obituaries for residents who passed away on May 1st, honoring their memory and contributions to the community.
April 30 recap: Billings news you may have missed today
This roundup highlights the key news stories from April 30th that local readers may have missed during the day.
It's official: RiverStone is the new owner of former Colonial Apartments plot
RiverStone has officially completed its purchase of the former Colonial Apartments property in Billings, signaling plans for future development of the site.
Helena man receives partially deferred, suspended sentence in animal cruelty case
A Helena man received a partially deferred and suspended sentence after pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges, avoiding immediate incarceration.
Billings approves sale of Babcock to Art House for $1
The City of Billings approved the transfer of the Babcock property to the Art House for just one dollar, supporting the nonprofit's community mission.
Billings man accused of killing mother reaches plea deal
A Billings man accused of killing his mother has negotiated a plea deal with prosecutors, resolving the serious criminal case.
Bail bondsman planning self-defense argument in fatal Missoula shooting
A bail bondsman charged in a fatal Missoula shooting is preparing a self-defense argument as his case moves toward trial.
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