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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Mountain goat populations have been on the decline in Montana for 70 years. Researchers are working to learn more about the nimble climbers, which means going where the goats go – and that's easier said than done. But no mountain is too high, no weather too extreme to stop us from answering this week's question: What happened to the mountain goat population in the Bitterroot Mountains? -
The U.S. Senate Tuesday confirmed former Montana solicitor general Katie Lane as one of the state’s three federal judges. The Kootenai National Forest just got 160 acres bigger thanks to a land purchase near Troy. Montana families can pick up free meals this summer for kids under 18 at sites across the state. Montana workers have a new way to submit wage concerns to the state labor department. -
It’s true all elections have consequences. But sometimes, a single vote can make a bigger splash than usual. That may be the case during Montana’s June 2 primary election. Montana Free Press reporter Zeke Lloyd sat down with MTPR’s Austin Amestoy to explain. -
As teachers seek ways to keep students engaged in learning, a 30-year-old program offers one solution: raising tanks of trout right in the classroom. May say it's a perfect blend of hands-on science and fun.
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Montana’s top law enforcement officer joined Vice President J.D. Vance for an anti-fraud roundtable this week. President Donald Trump earlier this year declared what he called a “full-scale war” on fraud in public benefit programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance. -
Two of Montana’s three Independent candidates for federal office are confident they gathered enough signatures in time to appear on the ballot this fall. -
The Montana Historical Society is receiving national attention for its work opening the new $100-million Montana Heritage Center in Helena. -
In the wilds of Montana, you might find yourself in awe at the sight of a grizzly bear lumbering down a trail in Glacier Park, or entranced by the sounds of an elk bugling in the mist at dawn. But this week on The Big Why, a listener wants to know more about the not-so-wild critters eating our gardens, popping up in front of our cars and sleeping in our yards. What's life like for urban deer? -
The Montana Republican Party has taken aim this year at incumbent state lawmakers it feels have strayed from the party line. At the top of its ouster list is one of the Legislature’s most powerful members: Rep. Llew Jones of Conrad. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy sat down with Montana PBS reporter Sam Wilson to learn more. -
Montana Public Radio this spring aired interviews with 20 candidates for federal office. MTPR's Shaylee Ragar joined Austin Amestoy to recap our coverage and share what voters should expect ahead of the primary election.
