Billings Daily Digest Friday, July 31, 2026
Ty's Take
A year after the Owl Bar shooting in Anaconda, that small mining town is still carrying the weight of what happened there, and the rest of us in this region ought to remember why those stories matter even after the news cycle moves on. Tragedy in a place like Anaconda isn't distant to Billings the way it might be elsewhere, not when we're talking about a community that's part of our same landscape, our same economy, our same set of folks trying to keep things together. The manhunt, the arrest, the aftermath, the funerals, the questions about what could have been done, the ones that don't ever fully get answered, those things don't wrap up in a news cycle. They settle in. A year later Anaconda is still the town where that happened, and it will be for a long time, and that's worth acknowledging while we still can.
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Watch
Extreme Heat Watch issued July 31 at 1:21AM MDT until August 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures of 100 to 108 expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, and southeast Montana and north central Wyoming. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly du...
Billings Gazette
One year later: The Owl Bar mass shooting, the manhunt, and the lasting effect on Anaconda
Anaconda continues to reckon with the impact of the Owl Bar mass shooting one year after the incident that prompted a major manhunt. The tragedy has left lasting effects on the small community as residents reflect on how the violence has changed their town.
Wassweiler owner opens Jackson's Market and Deli in downtown Helena
A Wassweiler business owner has opened Jackson's Market and Deli in downtown Helena, bringing a new food and retail option to the area. The new establishment marks an expansion of the owner's business interests in the region.
Billings neighbors: Obituaries for July 31
The Billings Gazette published obituaries for residents who passed away as of July 31. The notices honor the lives and memories of community members.
July 30 recap: Billings news you may have missed today
Billings residents can catch up on local news they may have missed on July 30 through this daily recap. The compilation covers key stories affecting the community.
Billings Mustangs, city sign one-year holdover lease for Dehler Park
The Billings Mustangs and the city have agreed to a one-year holdover lease for Dehler Park. The agreement allows the team and facility to continue operations at the current terms.
Helena to ask voters for 21 new firefighters, 9 police officers in $5.4M March staffing levy
Helena voters will be asked to approve a $5.4 million staffing levy in March that would fund 21 new firefighters and 9 police officers. The measure aims to increase public safety resources in the city.
Have ideas on living healthy in Billings? Local coalition wants your help
A local coalition in Billings is seeking community input on how to improve public health and healthy living initiatives in the area. Residents are encouraged to share their ideas and priorities for the effort.
Closure due to harmful algal blooms on Hebgen Reservoir
Hebgen Reservoir has been closed due to the presence of harmful algal blooms in the water. Officials are warning the public to avoid contact with the affected area.
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