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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If you’ve been to a taproom, you know that at most breweries across the state there’s a three pint limit and they stop serving at 8 p.m. One listener wants to know why. We've got answers. Pull up a stool, crack open a local brew and settle in for a taproom tale – or some barroom banter, depending on the time of day. -
A law that went into effect this school year requires volunteers at public schools to have their fingerprints taken. Schools generally support the policy, even as some bear a big new expense — $20,000 per month, in the case of Missoula schools. -
Homeowners can apply for reduced property tax rates on primary residences. A former Missoula County teacher has been charged with felony sexual abuse following an undercover investigation. Chronic wasting disease has been detected for the first time east of Great Falls. -
Former gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse, and Missoula smokejumper and union leader Sam Forstag join Matt Raines and Russel Cleveland in the western U.S. House district primaries. Alani Bankhead, A U.S. Air Force veteran and leadership coach is now in the race for one of Montana’s U.S. Senate seats. -
When it comes to winter driving, everyone wants their route clear and dry, and they want it done quickly. Why don't the plows come sooner or more often? Why don't they drop more salt or deicer? Why not get more drivers on the road? Tag along as a Montana snowplow driver prepares for a big winter storm and find out more about the logistical, environmental and technical challenges that come with keeping the roads clear of snow. -
Montana forecasters say 2025 was the second most active year for severe weather in at least four decades. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy takes a look back at our year in weather. -
The pending federal scholarship tax credit program will offer individuals up to $1,700 in tax credits if they donate to qualified student scholarship organizations. Students awarded scholarships can put them toward public or private school expenses like tuition, supplies or educational therapies. -
The Marshall Scholarship provides a full ride to a school of the winner’s choice in the United Kingdom. The award is the latest feather in UM senior Paul Straw's hat — and a big step forward on a path he never thought he’d walk. -
Missoula City Council members this month voted to draw up final plans for the $25 million Downtown Safety, Access and Mobility Project. The multi-million-dollar project has been in development for more than 15 years. -
How do cabbage and spices become ingredients for community building? In Korea, the answer is kimjang, the fall tradition of making and sharing kimchi. This week on The Big Why, we visit a farm in the Bitterroot Valley where a group of Montanans came together to keep a food custom alive and find comfort and connection among the cabbage.
