Billings Daily Digest Friday, June 05, 2026
Ty's Take
When a man pleads guilty to meth charges after being swept up in a controversial police raid, when two scientists from one of the region's most sensitive research facilities face federal charges, and when the county sheriff's office is searching for interim leadership, you're looking at a moment that tests whether the institutions we depend on—law enforcement, science, governance—can still earn back trust through transparency and competence. The everyday work of accountability doesn't make for dramatic headlines, but it's what separates a functioning community from one that's coming apart at the seams. Billings has always had to be the steady hand for eastern Montana; that responsibility doesn't get easier when the questions get harder.
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Billings Gazette
Billings neighbors: Obituaries for June 5
The Billings Gazette published obituaries for June 5, honoring members of the community who have passed away.
June 4 recap: Billings news you may have missed today
A daily news recap from June 4 highlighted stories that local Billings residents may have missed during the day.
Chick-fil-A to serve up Butte’s grand opening June 11
Butte-Silver Bow residents will get their first taste of Chick-fil-A when the restaurant opens its doors on June 11, bringing the national chicken chain to the community.
Worden man involved in controversial Billings police raid pleads guilty on meth charges
A Worden man connected to a controversial Billings police raid has pleaded guilty to methamphetamine charges.
Capt. Kent O’Donnell named top choice for interim Yellowstone County Sheriff
Capt. Kent O'Donnell has been selected as the top choice to serve as interim Yellowstone County Sheriff.
Hamilton scientists make first court appearance in alleged virus 'smuggling' case
Two scientists from Hamilton's Rocky Mountain Laboratories appeared in federal court in Missoula on charges related to alleged virus smuggling and making false statements to investigators. The researchers, Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe, were detained after authorities seized microcentrifuge tubes...
Read the US government's case against two Rocky Mountain Labs scientists
Federal prosecutors detailed their case against two Rocky Mountain Labs scientists accused of conspiracy to smuggle virus samples during their initial appearance at Russell Smith Federal Courthouse in Missoula on June 3.
Rocky Mountain College welcomes OT leader Dr. Paula Kitzenberg
Rocky Mountain College announced the hiring of Dr. Paula Kitzenberg to lead its occupational therapy program.
Rocky Mountain College welcomes OT educator Paula Kitzenberg
Rocky Mountain College has brought Dr. Paula Kitzenberg on board as an occupational therapy educator to strengthen the college's health sciences offerings.
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