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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Caring for a loved one at the end of life can be scary — even traumatizing. One western Montana organization has been working to support families through that process. -
The musician John Lennon was many things — a songwriter, an activist and certainly not least, a Beatle. To his former companion, music executive May Pang, he was “complex.” Their whirlwind 18-month relationship in the early 1970s, while he was separated from his wife, Yoko Ono, became known to fans as “the lost weekend.” It’s the title of a documentary recounting Pang’s time with Lennon — and a gallery of her photographs immortalizing their love. Pang is in Missoula this week on her gallery tour. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy caught up with her. -
Missoula County commissioners this week pressed pause on data center development. They voted unanimously for a one-year moratorium on proposals. -
As fire season heats up across Montana, officials say people living in areas prone to wildfires should be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. -
A Bozeman man arrested by immigration authorities last week has been ordered released after a federal judge found his detention likely unconstitutional. -
A partner in a proposed data center east of Missoula says he’s backing out of the project after robust public opposition. It’s a win for locals who rallied against it. -
Montana wildlife officials warn residents to check boats for invasive mussels, Congress honors Montana 'transportation innovators,' and a Bozeman man arrested by ICE pushes back.
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Missoula has a reputation for attracting all kinds of wayward characters, but it’s likely never hosted the driver of a pear on wheels — yes, we’re talking about the fruit. That changed in June with the arrival of a social media celebrity on a road trip for the ages. -
Just years after the game of basketball was invented, an all-girls team of Indigenous players was going full-court — in woolen dresses. The Fort Shaw Indian Girls Basketball Team blazed a trail for those who’d come after them. So — what made the team so special? MTPR’s Victoria Traxler caught wind of the team and wanted to find out. -
The death of a key administrator at the Montana Lottery is behind nearly $20m in misreported agency finances. That’s according to lottery employees following a state audit.
