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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A nearly $10 million gift to the University of Montana College of Education aims to keep new teachers in Montana and improve mental health in public schools. -
Montana voters approved a constitutional amendment in November to protect access to abortion. What would federal anti-abortion laws mean for Montana's new amendment? -
A first-of-its-kind state report on teacher pay in Montana shows the average educator can’t afford housing and receives wages that haven’t kept pace with inflation. -
Fewer than a third of Montana’s state lawmakers have signed a waiver allowing the public to view behind-the-scenes information used to draft bills. That’s a change from previous legislative sessions, when those files were fully public. -
As property taxes surge in Montana, some say the state’s tax code is letting luxury real estate owners benefit from a tax break intended to support farms and ranches. The longstanding policy passes sizable tax savings to property classified as “agricultural.” But, critics say it may be too easy for high-value homes to qualify for that tax break. -
A new investigation from Montana Free Press and High Country News found thousands of people who own luxury homes in Montana benefit from a tax break intended for agricultural producers. -
The Montana Supreme Court Thursday ruled that Gov. Greg Gianforte may be allowed to withhold certain documents from public review. The case centered on the question of whether or not the governor has “executive privilege.” That’s the legal right to keep files and communications private and unavailable for public access. -
Sunny K. White pleaded "guilty" to charges of vehicular homicide after striking and killing Mika Westwolf in March of 2023.
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Next month, the state education department will have a new leader for the first time in eight years. Townsend Public Schools Superintendent Susie Hedalen is set to take over the Office of Public Instruction following a campaign promising to “bring education back to basics.” She joined MTPR’s Austin Amestoy to talk about her plans for her first term. -
The state’s highest-ranking K-12 education leader is set to leave her post next month after eight years in office. Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Artnzen presided over an education landscape rocked and reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. She joined MTPR’s Austin Amestoy to reflect on her two terms and look ahead to the future of Montana’s schools.
