Billings Daily Digest Saturday, July 11, 2026
Ty's Take
There's something worth sitting with in today's paper—a paleo artist down in Miles City capturing what looks like the last moments of a dinosaur, a kid from here heading to St. Louis to speak her mind, and meanwhile we're burying our neighbors and trying to figure out where to park at the airport. That's the real sweep of it, isn't it. We're a region that looks backward into deep time and forward into what our young people will become, and we do it all while taking care of the practical stuff that holds a community together. The mental health facility hearing near Laurel, the ticketless parking system, the letters folks are sending in—it's all of a piece. Billings and the country around it runs on both the big thinking and the small courtesies that keep things moving.
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 11 at 2:07AM MDT until July 14 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures of 100 to 113 expected, hottest Sunday. Some all time record highs are possible on Sunday. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, and southeast Montana and north central Wyoming. * WHEN...From 6 AM this morning to midnight MDT Monda...
Billings Gazette
Miles City paleo artist captures BLM dinosaur death struggle
A Miles City artist has created a detailed paleontological artwork depicting a dinosaur death scene discovered on Bureau of Land Management property. The paleo artist's work captures the final moments of the ancient creature with scientific accuracy and artistic skill.
Billings neighbors: Obituaries for July 11
The Billings Gazette published obituaries for community members who passed away during the week of July 11. Residents can view the full notices to remember and honor those who have died.
Parking at Billings airport going ticketless starting July 21
Billings Logan International Airport will launch a ticketless parking system on July 21, making it easier for travelers to pay for parking without paper citations. The airport is Montana's only municipally-controlled commercial service airport.
County holds state's final public hearing for forensic mental health facility near Laurel
Yellowstone County held the state's final public hearing regarding a proposed forensic mental health facility planned near Laurel. The hearing gave residents a final opportunity to voice concerns about the project before state approval.
Photos: Local student wins District Optimist oratorical contest, advances to regionals in St. Louis
A local student won the District Optimist oratorical contest and will advance to regional competition in St. Louis. The young speaker impressed judges with their presentation and earned the chance to compete at the next level.
Billings speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Jul. 10, 2026
The Billings Gazette compiled letters to the editor submitted by community members for the week of July 10. Local residents shared their perspectives on issues affecting the area.
Woman dies in scooter crash on Yellowstone River Road
A woman was killed in a scooter accident on Yellowstone River Road. The crash marks a serious safety incident on the local roadway.
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