U.S. Sen. Steve Daines speaks at a manufacturing facility under construction in Bozeman. (AP Photo, Matthew Brown)

The State of Manufacturing in Montana

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. manufacturing has been considerable having already felt the impacts of an ongoing tariff war.
Bryan Kirkland takes extra time to clean between clients at The Barbershop and Shaving Parlor in Bozeman. (AP Photo, Ryan Berry)

How COVID-19 Has Reshaped the Economy

The changes in the economy have been profound. With each passing month, the particular character of this recession becomes clearer.
A DoorDash food delivery person makes his way through slushy snow in New York City during a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo, Anthony Behar)

A Life-or-Death Moment for Cities

If pandemics become common, then not only New York City, but all of America’s service-based economy faces a bleak future.
Bruce Leibold protests Montana’s mask mandate in front of the Mike Mansfield Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Butte. (AP Photo, Meagan Thompson)

Seeing Beyond the Pandemic’s Grip

COVID-19’s icy grip left no corner of the state’s cities and regions untouched and bears little resemblance to previous economic downturns.
Glen Buhlmann, lower left, fills out a job application during a walk- and drive-up job fair in Seattle. (AP Photo, Ted S. Warren)

Mapping the COVID-19 Recession

The employment declines in the U.S., Montana and its urban areas were much greater than those experienced during the Great Recession.
Jameson Webb, 5, creates a rocket during play time at Rhiannon Shook’s early childhood care program in Bozeman. (AP Photo, Rachel Leathe)

Child Care Gap is Costing Montana Millions

Inadequate child care has a significant impact on families, employers and the state economy.
Visitors walk away from Old Faithful as a sign about COVID-19 safety sits in the sidewalk in Yellowstone National Park after reopening in 2020. (AP Photo, Ryan Berry)

Tracking the Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism

2020 has proved to be anything but a normal year for the travel industry in Montana.
Cannabis consultant Juan Aguilar assists customers shopping for cannabis products in the Herban Legends store in Seattle. (AP Photo, Elaine Thompson)

The Looming Vote on Recreational Marijuana

This November, Montanans will have the opportunity to vote on legalizing recreational marijuana.
Bella Summers disinfects the cashier stand at The Base Camp in Helena, Montana, on the business’s first day open since the lifting of some coronavirus-related closures. (AP Photo, Thom Bridge)

COVID-19 Creates Economic Uncertainty

As states reopen their businesses, what does the future hold for jobs and the economy?
Traffic crosses Main Street in historic downtown Missoula. (Ian Dagnall)

Missoula Housing Prices Soar

Home prices in Missoula have seen their largest jump in a decade, making it harder for residents to find affordable living situations.