Billings Daily Digest Friday, May 15, 2026

Ty's Take

Every now and then a judge uses language plain enough that it cuts through all the noise, and that happened this week when the bench essentially told Mineral County that their sheriff and deputies didn't have a case worth pursuing. Those kinds of rulings—where a court says the allegations don't hold water—matter for the people involved, obviously, but they also matter for how small-town law enforcement keeps functioning when trust gets tested. Out here, where everybody knows the deputies working their county and the sheriff signing their paychecks, those relationships carry real weight, and getting cleared matters. Meanwhile, Quantica's doubling down on that data center project near Broadview, which tells you something about where energy and tech are headed in this corner of Montana—not separate conversations anymore, but the same one. Times change slowly in ranch country, then all at once.


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Billings Gazette

Billings neighbors: Obituaries for May 15

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May 14 recap: Billings news you may have missed today

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Quantica commits further to self-funded power for data center near Broadview

Quantica, a data center company planning operations near Broadview, is doubling down on its commitment to generate its own power rather than relying on the local grid. The self-sufficiency approach is part of the company's broader development strategy for the facility.

UPDATED: Judge rules Mineral County sheriff Brady cop allegations are 'a nothingburger'

A Mineral County judge has dismissed allegations against a Brady police officer, characterizing the complaints as insignificant. The ruling closes out the misconduct case against the lawman.

Photos: Billings airport hosts disaster drill on Thursday

Billings Logan International Airport conducted a full-scale disaster response drill Thursday to test emergency protocols and coordination among first responders. The exercise simulated a major incident to ensure readiness across agencies.

Midtown Commons: $7.2 million Missoula city land sale heads to final vote

Missoula city officials are moving toward a final vote on a $7.2 million land sale for the Midtown Commons development project. The controversial deal has drawn public attention as it nears approval.


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