Billings Daily Digest Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Ty's Take
There's something worth noticing in how a third-grade class in Helena turned a fairy tale inside out—Gold E. Locks walked free, the three bears' case fell apart, and a bunch of eight-year-olds learned that the law isn't about who we think is guilty, it's about what we can actually prove. Meanwhile down here, DeSmet students are making sure we don't forget Mann Gulch, hand-delivering that iconic photograph to the Forest Service museum so the next generation knows what fire taught us about this country. Some days the real news isn't in what happened yesterday—it's in what we're teaching kids to see and remember.
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Billings Gazette
Photos: Helena student mock trial serves justice in 'Gold E. Locks v. 3 Bears'
Helena third graders brought a classic fairy tale to life by staging a mock trial based on the Goldilocks story. The educational exercise gave students hands-on experience with the justice system through courtroom role-play.
Gold E. Locks acquitted in Helena 3rd grade class’s mock trial on classic fable
In a playful courtroom drama, a Helena third grade class found Goldilocks not guilty after putting the storybook character on trial. The mock trial gave young students a practical lesson in how the legal system works.
DeSmet students deliver iconic Mann Gulch fire photo to new Forest Service museum
Students from DeSmet delivered a historic photograph of the Mann Gulch wildfire to a new Forest Service museum. The iconic image, which captures one of Montana's most significant firefighting disasters, will now be preserved in the museum.
Billings neighbors: Obituaries for May 13
The Billings Gazette published community obituaries for May 13, honoring area residents who have recently passed away.
May 12 recap: Billings news you may have missed today
This recap highlights the top local news stories from May 12 that Billings-area readers may have missed. The digest covers key events and developments across the community from that day.
Billings Clinic's Classic to raise funds to expand emergency services
Billings Clinic is hosting the Classic golf tournament to raise funds for expanding emergency services at the hospital. The fundraising event aims to support improvements to emergency department capacity and capabilities.
3 taken into custody, injured in Helena Valley rollover crash following MHP pursuit
Three people were arrested and injured after a vehicle rollover in Helena Valley followed a chase with Montana Highway Patrol. The incident ended with law enforcement taking the occupants into custody at the crash scene.
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