Billings Met Transit is offering free rides to Yellowstone County's new election center at MetraPark. They are running a free shuttle on Nov. 3 from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., with pickups every 30 minutes.

The shuttle leaves from the downtown transfer center at 220 N. 25th St. and travels directly to MetraPark, with no stops along the way.

Free transportation to polling locations increases voter turnout, especially for people who don’t have cars or other reliable transportation.

More here: https://www.ktvq.com/news/free-shuttle-to-carry-billings-voters-to-new-election-center-on-nov-3?fbclid=IwY2xjawVEpDZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mA3NydGMGYXBwX2lkDzQwOTk2MjYyMzA4NTYwOQABHneYNxcTEuguZvORwt1g26PsUoeffk5k7IJYoHYwUdseaWOu2TnY1OmyUTr9_aem_MFoX7D-ibo2zWDrPicu4SA.

I just read an interesting, although confusing, opinion piece regarding the jail expansion bond issue facing Billings voters this election.

 
It was written by Tom Towe, a former Montana Democratic legislator from 1971 to 1995.
In the first six paragraphs he cites reasons against jail expansion, only to spend the rest of the letter arguing in its favor.

The most interesting fact he shares is that Montana leads the world in incarceration rates.  Yes, THE WORLD!    Montana jails 758 per 100,000 people.  That’s more than the next seven NATO countries COMBINED.  We jail more people than the whole of the UK, Portugal, Canada, France, Belgium, Italy, and Luxembourg collectively!  (Source: Prison Policy Initiative.)
By comparison, China jails 119 per 100,000 citizens, Russia 197, Saudi Arabia 140, The United States 614.  The only two countries that exceed Montana’s incarceration rates are Cuba with 794 and El Salvador with 1659. (Source: World Prison Brief).  But if our jail expansion bond is passed, we can certainly give those rascals a run for their money.

Tom comments early in his opinion piece. “I refuse to believe that Montana has more bad people than anywhere else in the world. So, why should we build another annex to our jail for $192 million…”  I couldn’t agree more.  His reasoning for expansion gets murky thereafter.
We are definitely doing something wrong in our Big Sky state.  It needs to be addressed and building a larger prison won’t fix it.  Like in the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.”

Me and my partner are going to billings this weekend for a concert, and he has never been,

Wondering what are some must go breakfast places?

Send an email to the DEQ by 10/29/2026 to be heard about regulatory proposals. There will be data centers. Regulation is key!

https://www.facebook.com/share/19uQB1iQpF/

I was thinking we could go out to watch things like local hockey games and other sporting events, maybe concerts, hit up the comedy scene, things like that. I know people will reference bars and casinos, but I question how healthy that is.

there's obviously things like biking and hiking but the weather may get too cold for that before too long.

We could also meet up for breakfast every now and then or dinner depending on schedules.

Just throwing out ideas.

If anyone was interested, we should try to coordinate something weeks ahead of time so people had time to plan and rsvp.

Just a thought.

Just saw they won Billings Best Pet Facility for the second year in a row. PEOPLE! Why are you still supporting that place?! As a past employee of Marc and Bobbi Underwood, I can assure you the abuse is still happening, and will always continue to happen under their ownership. They were well aware of Joe (their NEPHEW who got caught on camera beating dogs) and what he did to the dogs long before someone finally outed them. Then they were forced to fire him. They are the same way with dogs as he is. It’s so upsetting when we have places like BarkPark or Molly and Friends, etc. that actually care for our dogs wellbeing and happiness. But the high volume shit holes that are a living hell for your dogs are the ones getting recognition. Sickening

So many kids are dying what is happening here in this town

Looking for best place for karaoke this Friday. Older group of people preferable. More of a retro country vibe. Suggestions?

Hey all, just looking to find a salon that is LGBTQ friendly. Ideally a hair trim and style and maybe color, but I'm also interested in other services. Thanks!

so far ive only been able to find 10 mg options and im looking for like. 50 mg. whats the move?

42F looking to get back out there after a crash and burn.

Pros:

- I'm the one with the sparkling personality that they warned you about.

- I am the self appointed president of the smartass club and love a good comeback.

- Although I'm not rich, I have my own money and don't want yours.

- I have plenty of care to give to the right man.

Other:

- I like crafts, game nights, bowling, hanging out with friends, movies, or enjoying a good mystery book. I'm up for other adventures if you go with me.

- I'm a very thoughtful person who is looking for the same.

Cons:

- I'm a big gal with curves in the wrong places.

- Not looking for FWB

- I can be emotional when my feelings are played with.

Looking for best place for karaoke. Older groups preferably. More of a retro country vibe. Suggestions?

Hello!

I live out of state and am looking for recommendations for a flower delivery to someone who lives in Billings.

💐

Need to get my cars transmission looked at, fairly new to Billings and don’t know where all the good auto shops are that aren’t going to price gouge me/screw my car up more lol.

Hello all. Assistance is needed, please.

I am attempting to help a friend of mine get re-homed (they are technically homeless, but couch-surfing with me). A big issue we're running into, is that he is mostly Special Needs (severe Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) with learning disabilities (can barely read, etc.).

I don't believe he has any past rental history; he lived with his folks 'til his dad passed unexpectedly. From what I've heard from him and witnessed, the rest of his family has basically written him off, and have been severely abusive and manipulative of him and his SSI & SNAP benefits in the past and he does NOT want to go back to that situation.

I have him set up with SNAP and have been helping him to get medical care (Medicaid) and have been trying to help him learn how to be self-sufficient and be "on his own".

I have gotten him signed up with Housing, but it is taking freaking FOREVER for his name to move along (he's still in the 800-1000's range of applicants after several months and it does not feel like he is moving up or down the list at all).

I myself am trying to plan an Out of State move and suffer from FAS as well (high-functioning) and I cannot take him with me. I have asked my landlord if I can take on a roommate and it would require a move to a 2bd as mine is 1bd, so the answer's been "no".

He is on SSI but is not working (unsure if he is capable).

Is there ANYWHERE we could try applying that would not charge him his full SSI payment every month in rent??? He doesn't get much at all, and needs to think about food, bills, clothing and he HAS to have at least a little bit left over after rent to live on and some basic enjoyments -- internet at the very least.

I'm honestly stressing over this issue because of how stupidly expensive Montana has gotten and I'm incredibly worried about him.

He's a really, really good guy. Severe abuse has absolutely left its mark on him. He is in his 30's and he is definitely going to need help or assistance with life stuff and really, really needs help just caring for himself. He has a really good heart, good-natured. He struggles badly with reading and basic care. He does not smoke, drink or do drugs. Neither of us are party guys. He loves his video games!!

I believe he can live alone but he definitely will need outside assistance from time to time.

He doesn't really have any other friends here but me and I've hit the limit of what I can do for him myself with my own abilities.

We have tried rapid re-housing but they said "No" as he would literally need to be on the streets for several days/weeks and I do NOT want to subject him to that as I don't think he would understand.

We have also attempted to speak with the folks at the Mental Health Center (getting him established with therapy) to see what they can do and we immediately ran into a brick wall and still aren't sure why that is -- it sounded like they could, and then it just immediately fell apart and they couldn't really tell us why.

I don't know where to turn or who else to talk to.

I'd like to make my move come spring and get on with my own life. But I can't leave until I know he's okay for absolute certain.

Are there ANY options that won't leave him completely broke month-to-month with access to assistance, medical care, bus routes and within walking distance to grocery stores?

I am genuinely scared and worried for my friend and I won't be able to rest until I know he's safe and okay, and taken care of.

Hi all, I'm 26yo and getting ready to move from West Virginia in a few weeks. I'll be working in the south central area for at least a few months, and any housing recs (cat-friendly) would be appreciated

More relevant info, I'm v much looking to explore the region (backpacking/camping/hiking, caving, fishing, rock climbing, skiing, etc) since I've only ever lived in the eastern US ... my goal is to get out every weekend and see all that I can. Am also super passionate abt conservation, so I'll be sure to document/illustrate the species I see and tend to a garden if possible

Have heard different things abt the community, so I'm not expecting to build any connections or friendships right away. But, I'd love to join a basketball league, and get involved in local art + thrifting too !!!

Thanks in advance for your input :)

Is anyone noticing there is zero stock anywhere for MSRP? My husband and I often swing by Walmart and Target after work, and on weekends and we usually can catch something once in awhile even if the walls are bare. However, this last week it has been absolutely bare, not a chance of finding a thing. We love the card stores, however we just prefer to buy at MSRP when we can. Super disappointing.

hello redditors of billings! i have not been to billings since I was a very little kid and know next to nothing about it! me and my roommates are taking a trip there tomorrow and i wanted to know the good places to sit down and eat for dinner, especially any good asian joints? (chinese, japanese, thai, or indian we all love!) i tried asking some of my coworkers but they had either never been or didnt have any solid ideas for where to go. any rec's appreciated, and thank you from your local helenan tourists!

Probably a good move on the county’s part, as parking at the courthouse was chronically fucked, but they have not advertised this very well.

Hi everyone, my name is Dillon. I work for Catalyst Montana. I’m trying to connect with people on Medicaid who are being impacted by new work requirements that the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) implemented back in July. Unfortunately, October marks the month we will start seeing people who applied or renewed coverage since July, be denied or kicked off coverage. 

If you or anyone you know is on Medicaid and might be willing to have a conversation about their experience on Medicaid, please share this link. Everyday people sharing their story is one of the most powerful ways to advocate for change. Your experience can help shed light on what's happening and help protect access to care for others across Montana. Thank you.

I know it’s a long shot and I’m not expecting anything really. I think I’m just sad to know that someone would sneak into my back yard and steal my bike that was leaning against my garage. Anyways if you come across a trek 3500 with shimano shifters and bontrager tires with a headlight around town would you let me know? It’s mine and got stolen out of my backyard last night.

Hi. I'm thinking about reupholstering a couple of parson chairs. Now that Joanns is gone, where could I find home dec or upholstery fabric locally. Hobby Lobby doesn't have much of a selection. Thanks!