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🌱 Patch AM: How serious is this flu season getting in Billings right now?

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Hi Billings! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How serious is this flu season getting in Billings right now?
  • Why a Billings nonprofit is fighting to save a key veteran program
  • How Billings gas prices stack up against the rest of Montana

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Billingsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Variable cloudiness, with a high of 57 and low of 33 degrees.
  • Saturday: Colder; a little morning snow, temps: high: 38, low: 6. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 31 and low of 20 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Health officials confirm first Yellowstone County influenza death of the season (ktvq.com) — Health officials in Billings have confirmed the first influenza death of the 2025–26 season in Yellowstone County and report hundreds of local flu cases and rising hospitalizations. RiverStone Health urges residents to get vaccinated, watch for symptoms, and follow everyday precautions like masking, handwashing, and staying home when sick, especially to protect seniors and others at higher risk.
   

Find out what's happening in Billingsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Downing Urges Hegseth to Continue Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (hilinetoday.com) — A Billings-based nonprofit, Dog Tag Buddies, is backing Congressman Troy Downing’s push to keep the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program funded for veterans. The group helps veterans with invisible wounds of war by pairing them with service dogs, and sees this federal program as a vital lifeline for many Montanans.
   

3. Gas Prices Drop By 2.2 Cents (northernplainsindependent.com) — Drivers in Billings are paying an average of $2.86 per gallon for gas this week, unchanged from last week, while the statewide average has dipped slightly to $2.83. The report compares Montana’s prices with neighboring Idaho and Wyoming and shows how current costs stack up against the past five years, giving you a sense of whether to expect relief at the pump.
   

4. MSGA names 2026 Board of Directors to Lead Montana Ranching Industry (falloncountytimes.com) — Billings residents Turk Stovall and Cory Schultz will help lead the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s 2026 board, representing ranching interests statewide. The newly announced 13-member board includes ranchers from across Montana who volunteer to travel, meet, and advocate for the state’s cattle industry over the next terms.
   

📸 Around Billings

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We just moved here 6 months ago and had our dogs seen at Caring Hands Vet.
    The were super nice and the staff was great, but thought the prices were high. Looking for recommendations as we have a new puppy that needs her… (Nextdoor South Side)
  • I am super sad right now!
    This year I'm alone on Christmas and I thought I'd tear myself up by going for a ride with my dog to see the Christmas lights. I know which tough… (Nextdoor Aristocrat)
  • Sodexo, Inc. posted a job opening for Billings Clinic Sodexo Cook II in Billings. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Maintenance Clerk in Billings. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Billings here.

Ok Billings! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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