Truth in Focus | The Daily Ten | Sunday, October 25, 2026
By Steven Bullcoming Haworth
Today we begin close to home: Northern Cheyenne elections, rural infrastructure, Medicaid, and wildlife across southeastern Montana. We then look at Indigenous sovereignty beyond the border and international legal developments. This is a sourced news brief, not an endorsement of any candidate or a finding regarding disputed allegations.
1. Northern Cheyenne voters prepare for November 3 Council election
Five Tribal Council positions are on the November 3 ballot, with contests in Ashland and Lame Deer and an unopposed incumbent in Busby. Buffalo’s Fire reports that Donna Fisher and Eugene Little Coyote are vying for the Ashland seat; six candidates are running for three Lame Deer seats. Election Day district polling is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters should confirm arrangements with tribal election officials. Source: Buffalo’s Fire, October 20.
2. Special Northern Cheyenne presidential election scheduled amid continuing dispute
Buffalo’s Fire reports that the Northern Cheyenne Council set November 24 for a special presidential primary and December 29 for the general election. The announcement follows the September removal of Gene Small, who continues to contest that action. The election schedule and the legal dispute are distinct matters; neither should be mistaken for a final judicial ruling on the other. Source: Buffalo’s Fire, October 20.
3. Broadview data center: doctor presents projected public-health costs
A Billings physician presented modeling to Yellowstone County commissioners estimating $19 million to $33 million in potential annual health costs and 1.2 to 2.2 additional deaths annually under a specified 70%-capacity operating scenario for the proposed data center and its power infrastructure. These are projections based on assumptions, not documented health outcomes. Questions about emissions, utility demand, and county regulatory powers continue. Source: Montana Free Press, October 23.
4. Deer and pronghorn disease outbreak affects southeastern river corridors
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has reported deer and pronghorn deaths associated with epizootic hemorrhagic disease and bluetongue, particularly in Yellowstone and Big Horn counties. The viruses spread through biting midges, and frost has reduced insect activity. Officials advise hunters to avoid animals that appear ill. The diseases are not transmissible to humans. Source: Montana Free Press, October 20.
5. Ashland water and rural infrastructure: The Kitchen Table continues
Our latest Kitchen Table column examines Ashland residents’ water concerns, the costs of rural infrastructure, and the need for understandable public testing and compliance information. Personal observations of discoloration are not proof that drinking water is unsafe. Read Episode 2: When Your Kitchen Faucet Needs a Science Degree.
6. Montana Medicaid community-engagement enforcement begins
Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services says October marked the beginning of coverage consequences for certain expansion enrollees who do not meet community-engagement requirements or qualify for an exclusion. The rules include an exclusion for American Indian and Alaska Native members, and the department says they will continue on a 12-month, rather than six-month, redetermination cycle in 2027. People should consult official notices and eligibility guidance before assuming a requirement applies to them. Source: Montana DPHHS FAQs.
7. Bridger Pipeline expansion remains under federal environmental review
The Bureau of Land Management’s Miles City Field Office is leading an environmental impact statement for Bridger Pipeline’s proposed crude-oil pipeline expansion in Montana and Wyoming. The federal project page identifies the review as in progress; this is not a completed approval. The review raises questions about land use, environmental protections, and impacts on rural communities. Source: BLM project record.
8. First Nations welcome Alberta referendum result
Alberta voters rejected a proposal to launch a further process toward separation from Canada. First Nations, including the Blackfoot Confederacy, emphasized treaty rights and participated in legal and public-information efforts concerning the proposal. The outcome matters on both sides of the international border. Source: Montana Free Press, October 23.
9. Crow enrollment debate: a follow-up to earlier coverage
In a subject already covered by Truth in Focus, the Crow Legislature rejected a proposed change related to blood-quantum calculations on a 10–7 vote. The decision leaves open wider conversations about citizenship, tribal sovereignty, and future generations. Rather than repeat our earlier analysis, we note the vote here as a brief update. Source: Montana Free Press, October 23.
10. European Commission responds to U.S. sanctions involving ICC
The European Commission issued an October 23 notice for EU operators concerning U.S. sanctions on the International Criminal Court, emphasizing continued lawful provision of financial and other services. The dispute raises questions about international justice and the practical operation of international institutions. Source: European Commission, October 23.
Weather watch: Ashland and southeastern Montana
For Sunday, October 25, a published Ashland forecast called for partly cloudy weather, with a high near 55°F and a low near 36°F. The National Weather Service Billings forecast discussion issued October 24 described near-seasonable regional highs generally in the 40s and 50s, with a chance of showers late Sunday into the coming week. Forecasts may change, so check the National Weather Service Billings office before traveling. This is a forecast, not a live observation.
Editor’s note: Truth in Focus is an independent community publication. Summaries link to their reporting or primary-source records. Statements about contested government actions are not criminal findings. Corrections and documented updates are welcome.
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Collaborator: Corry Bullcoming Haworth
Copyright © 2026 Steven Bullcoming Haworth & Corry Bullcoming Haworth. All rights reserved. News reporting and public records linked above remain the work of their respective publishers and agencies.