Looking ahead to 2020's top stories

It’s common for media outlets, including the Inter Lake, to take the week between Christmas and New Year’s to look back on the year that was. There’s always a dip in the news cycle around the holidays, allowing more time to reflect on the high and low points of the past year.

In fact, the Associated Press is currently rolling out its assortment of “year-end” and “decade in review” stories and lists — some of which will appear in the Inter Lake this week. And the always popular year in review from Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry will be included in Sunday’s edition.

But as we approach the end of 2019, the Inter Lake is taking a different approach. Instead of looking back, we’re looking head. Today’s issue begins a week-long series of stories that examines topics that are likely to dominate the conversation in 2020. From critical wildlife management policy to a crowded election ballot, the year ahead is shaping up to be action-packed.

Today’s story looks at the changing landscape for three of the biggest school districts in Northwest Montana. Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls will each welcome new superintendents in 2020. How will these new leaders build upon the foundations set by their predecessors, and what is their vision for the decade ahead?

Montana politics will be another ongoing talking point in 2020. Primaries for the gubernatorial race are shaping up to be heavy-weight battles, not to mention a U.S. House race with no clear frontrunner and Sen. Steve Daines’ re-election bid that could have national implications.

In Glacier National Park, officials are tasked with deciding on a management plan for the ever popular Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. Judging on the initial public comment, the discussion in 2020 will be lengthy and most likely fiery. And the recent funding changes to the park’s shuttle system will only add heat to the conversation.

Other big topics we’ll explore this week include the redevelopment of downtown Kalispell, the devastating impacts of chronic wasting disease that’s affecting wildlife across Montana, and the Flathead’s expanding arts and entertainment industry.

There’s already plenty to keep track of in the coming year ­— and we’re all but assured of a few big surprises along the way, too.