Billings Daily Digest Friday, July 24, 2026
Ty's Take
Montana's data center conversation keeps getting louder, and it's happening in ways most of us aren't paying attention to yet. A bill that slipped through the legislative session could reshape how the state handles data centers going forward, and meanwhile here in Yellowstone County we're still sorting through the legal wreckage of the Quantica initiative, with arguments now turning on signature validity and what counts as legitimate process. The specifics are technical, sure, but the stakes are local: whether Montana's communities get a real voice in whether these massive facilities come to their backyard, or whether the decisions get made somewhere else and handed down as fait accompli. Worth reading past the headlines on this one.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 24 at 1:28AM MDT until July 26 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* WHAT...Hot conditions with high temperatures of 90 to 100. Saturday is expected to be the hottest day. * WHERE...Portions of central and south central Montana. * WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 9 PM MDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Hot ...
Billings Gazette
Billings neighbors: Obituaries for July 24
No summary available for this obituaries collection.
July 23 recap: Billings news you may have missed today
No summary available for this news recap.
How an under-the-radar bill could impact how Montana works with data centers
A little-known Montana bill could reshape how the state regulates data centers going forward. The legislation would give the state new authority over these facilities and their operations.
Kalispell Public Schools appeal Title IX wrestling lawsuit verdict
Kalispell Public Schools is appealing a Title IX wrestling lawsuit verdict that went against the district. The school system is challenging the court's decision regarding the wrestling program.
Musician and former Crow politician sentenced for child sex abuse
A musician and former Crow politician has been sentenced for child sex abuse. The conviction marks the conclusion of a significant criminal case in the region.
Quantica: signatures shouldn't count during Yellowstone County lawsuit on data center initiative
Quantica, a data center company, is arguing that petition signatures should be excluded from the Yellowstone County lawsuit over a data center initiative. The company contends the signatures are not relevant to the case.
Man charged with falsifying report that led to Missoula mall standoff
A man has been charged with falsifying a report that triggered a standoff at a Missoula mall. The false report prompted a major emergency response in the city.
FWP hosts bear aware office hours in Missoula
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is offering free bear safety office hours at its Missoula location on Spurgin Road, where residents can learn about bear awareness and practice using inert bear spray. Staff members will answer questions about bear biology, safety practices, and how to prevent bears...
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