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DAILY TEN

Truth in Focus — Daily Ten — Saturday, October 24, 2026

By Steven Bullcoming Haworth · October 24, 2026
Truth in Focus · Daily Ten

Truth in Focus — Daily Ten — Saturday, October 24, 2026

October 24, 2026
  1. CROW NATION: Montana Free Press reports the Crow Legislature voted 10-7 against legislation aimed at expanding tribal enrollment. The decision raises questions about citizenship, descendants and resources; more members do not automatically equal a fixed federal payment per person. Source: montanafreepress.org/2026/10/23/crow-tribe-enrollment-blood-quantum/
  2. ALASKA SENATE LAWSUIT: The Trump Justice Department filed a pre-election lawsuit involving two Senate candidates with similar names, seeking conditional relief concerning election certification. No election result or voter-confusion finding exists yet. Our full report: truthfocus.net/article/alaska-two-sullivans-election-lawsuit-2026/
  3. NORTHWESTERN ENERGY: NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp. announced a proposed combination under the future name Bright Horizon Energy, subject to approvals. The proposed merger is not evidence of an immediate rate change. Sources: company disclosures and the Montana Public Service Commission.
  4. MONTANA GAS PRICES: AAA lists regular gasoline around $4.41 per gallon statewide on October 24; Billings averages are somewhat lower. Ashland-area observations of $4.52-$4.59 vary by station and are not independently verified. Compare current values at gasprices.aaa.com/?state=MT.
  5. ASHLAND/LAME DEER 7-DAY OUTLOOK (NWS Billings 3:50 a.m. Oct. 24, southern Rosebud County): Sat sunny, lower 50s; Sat night upper 20s. Sun partly sunny, mid-50s, 30% chance of evening showers. Mon partly sunny, lower 50s. Tue partly sunny, mid-50s, 50% chance of rain showers. Wed mostly sunny, mid-50s. Thu mostly sunny, mid-50s. Fri partly sunny, mid-50s. Forecast may change; no significant low-elevation snowfall indicated in this outlook. See weather.gov/byz.
  6. ROADS AND TRAVEL: Check Montana 511 for changing road and bridge conditions, closures, and available camera views before driving US 212 and regional highways. We are not reporting any specific closure without a current verified alert. Live map: 511mt.net or dial 511.
  7. HEATING HELP: Montana's LIHEAP heating-season application period runs October 1-April 30. Qualified renters and homeowners may be eligible, and some households may use tribal programs. Montana DPHHS: prod-dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/energyassistance/.
  8. KEEP HEAT IN SAFELY: Check door weatherstripping, seal ordinary window-frame gaps and close curtains at night, without blocking combustion air or vents. Keep burnable items at least three feet from space heaters; never use an oven for room heat. Sources: U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Fire Administration.
  9. NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION: Montana's statewide general election is November 3. Absentee ballots must be RECEIVED by the deadline, not merely mailed on time. Check your status and instructions with the official Montana Secretary of State site: VoteMT.gov.
  10. FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN MONEY: Montana Free Press examines how federal candidates are funded, including individual contributions and PAC money. Compare the reporting with public disclosures; donations alone do not establish influence. Source: montanafreepress.org/2026/10/23/campaign-funding-montana-2026-election/