🌱 Emergency Shelter Opens + TikTok Ban + Construction Begins

Hello, Billings! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Warm with periods of sun. High: 66 Low: 39.
• Tuesday: Cloudy with a chance of rain. High: 54 Low: 35.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Billings who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Billings:

1. Construction begins today, Apr. 17, at the intersection of Underpass Avenue/State Avenue and 6th Street West/Central Avenue. The Underpass Avenue/Calhoun Lane intersection will be closed at 9 a.m. Orchard Lane will be designated as an alternate route. The construction should increase traveler safety by incorporating new traffic signals, lighting, upgraded signage, and more. (KULR-TV)
2. Beginning in January 2024, TikTok will be banned from being listed on any mobile application stores within the state of Montana. The bill was proposed due to concerns about data and privacy, dangerous viral trends, and the negative effects of social media. Though there is no penalty in the bill for TikTok users, entities that facilitate the downloading of the app will be fined $10,000 for each violation. (yourbigsky.com)
3. As of this week, the Gateway Horizons emergency shelter is open in Billings. The shelter will provide help to women who have experienced sexual abuse, domestic violence, and trafficking. There are 25 private studio apartments that are open 24/7 and completely anonymous to ensure each woman's safety. Spaces are not communal to ensure each woman's comfort in the shelter. (Q2 News)

From our sponsor:

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Today and Tomorrow in Billings:

Monday, April 17:

• Pint Night At Meadowlark Brewing (5:00 PM)

Tuesday, April 18:

• Learn To Read Music At NOVA Center For The Performing Arts (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Billings is committed to being accessible to all members of the community, which is why the city has added LinkedIn to its list of social media platforms. Followers can expect to see updates on city operations, job postings, and employee highlights. (City of Billings via LinkedIn)
• Students at Alkali Creek Elementary were told by Billings police to remain in the building and avoid walking home Friday afternoon following an incident south of the school, according to a message from the district. The school did not enter lockdown, and all students and staff are safe. No other information was available about the incident in question. (KTVQ)
• A new exhibition, "Through Her Lens: The Photographs of Barbara Van Cleve," is officially available for viewing at the Yellowstone Art Museum. Barbara Van Cleve was among six creative Montanans to receive a 2022 Governor’s Arts Award, the state’s highest honor for those working in the visual, performing, literary, and traditional arts. You can learn more about the exhibit here. (Yellowstone Art Museum via Facebook)

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.