🌱 Group Urges Library To Separate LGBTQ Books + $143M Bond On Ballot

Hello again, everybody! It's Wednesday in Billings and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Hope you all have a great day.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High: 90 Low: 59.
• Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 86 Low: 60.

Here are the top three stories today in Billings:

1. During a public meeting on Monday, representatives from a local Moms for Liberty group urged the Billings Public Library Board to label or separate LGBTQ content, prompting a debate about access and inclusivity. While some parents expressed concerns about exposing children to LGBTQ materials, many attendees emphasized the importance of free speech, accessibility, and supporting LGBTQ youth. The library board members discussed their obligation to policies and defended the library's role in providing information and satisfying curiosity, but expressed willingness to find a solution that accommodates different perspectives. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)
2. The Billings City Council has approved a resolution to put a $143 million parks bond on the November ballot, which would fund various park projects, including a new recreation center in south Billings. The proposed recreation center would feature a swimming pool and ice rinks, potentially attracting competitive events to the city. While some residents expressed concerns about the increased property taxes associated with the bond, others emphasized the need for improved community facilities and the positive impact on the local economy. (Q2 News)
3. The Billings United U19 girls soccer team secured the National President's Cup championship title by defeating the Paisley Athletic Academy from New Jersey with a 2-1 victory (3-2 in penalty kicks). Mya Maack, a Laurel graduate and Montana's all-time leading high school scorer, scored the opening goal for Billings. Goalkeeper Maria Ackerman played a pivotal role, making crucial saves, including a penalty kick, in the overtime and penalty shootout to secure the win. (Montana Sports)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Wednesday, July 12

• Council Legislative Committee Meeting At City Hall Conference Room (4:00 PM)

Thursday, July 13

• Alive After 5: Repeat Offenders At Hooligan's Sports Bar (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Ten restaurant at The Northern Hotel in Billings has been recognized in the prestigious Wine Spectator Best Restaurant Awards List, which celebrates the world's top restaurants for wine service. This year's awards program acknowledged 3,505 dining destinations globally, emphasizing the commitment and dedication of these establishments to providing exceptional wine experiences to their patrons. (yourbigsky.com)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Billings area! Get all the property details at the link. (Billings Patch)
• Sweetwater Coffeehouse & Eatery opened its doors in downtown Billings on Tuesday, operating out of the Rock31 building. The mother-daughter-run establishment provides a new space for entrepreneurs in the building to launch their ventures. (Q2 News)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday.

— 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.