Austin Amestoy
Morning Edition Host and ReporterAustin graduated from the University of Montana’s journalism program in May 2022. He came to MTPR as an evening newscast intern that summer, and jumped at the chance to join full-time as the station’s morning voice in Fall 2022. He also hosts MTPR's podcast The Big Why, where he joins other MTPR reporters in answering listener questions about Montana.
Austin grew up in Laurel, Montana, and loves covering all things state politics, policy and beyond. In his free time, Austin enjoys creative writing, watching and critiquing films, and long walks through Fort Missoula.
He is best reached by emailing austin.amestoy@umt.edu.
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Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is the third Republican in 24 hours to enter Montana's western district U.S. House race after Rep. Ryan Zinke announced he would retirement at the end of his term next January. -
"Harmonic rippling pattern" might seem like a description of the soothing sounds from a white-noise generator lulling you to sleep. That's close. But in this case, the noise machine is your car and the rippling pattern is the washboard road you're bouncing over. One listener wants to know what causes these washboard patterns. -
Missoula’s white-hot housing market continued to cool in 2025. That’s according to a new report from local realtors. Housing affordability also improved, though it remains out of reach for many. -
Montana is falling far short of best practices when it comes to paying for school maintenance. That’s according to a new nationwide report on school facilities. The message from Montana’s school maintenance directors to lawmakers is straightforward: “We need help.” -
Montana is one of a shrinking number of states that doesn’t have a law regulating student cell phone use in school. Research increasingly suggests the devices play a role in rising rates of anxiety, depression and distractedness in kids. Some schools are taking matters into their own hands — and taking input from students along the way. Montana PBS reporter Hannah Kearse joined MTPR’s Austin Amestoy to discuss the trend. -
New analysis from Montana legislative staff shows the state’s share of school budgets has gone up in dollar amount over the last two decades. But due to inflation, the value of that money has stayed almost exactly the same as it was in 2008. -
The 23rd Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is underway in Missoula. The annual event celebrates nonfiction films and creators from around the world – including right here in Montana. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy sat down with the filmmakers behind “Big Sky Falling,” a film about a web of Montana State University student athletes connected to a killing and drug dealing ring. -
A former Montana solicitor general has been nominated to become one of the state’s three federal judges. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is being sued for refusing to draft a national recovery plan for wolves. Montana’s highest court has upheld the conviction of a Kalispell man for obstructing police officers while he was filming a traffic stop. -
Pencils down! Does that phrase bring back some anxiety-inducing memories? What if, like in your bad dreams, it's an exam you haven't studied for? A listener wants to know why student test scores have stopped rising. The answer involves triangles and time. Learn more in this lesson of The Big Why. There won't be a quiz afterward. -
A federal investigation found “systemic” problems in a Helena hospital that resulted in sexual abuse allegations against employees going undocumented for weeks or months. That’s according to new reporting from Montana Free Press on St. Peter’s Health in Helena. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy sat down with Montana Free Press reporter Mara Silvers to learn more, and spoke with St. Peter’s Health CEO Wade Johnson for the hospital’s response.
