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 state program lets Montana nonprofits design special license plates to help raise funds for their organization. There’s an option for any charismatic Montana animal, university sports team or social cause you want to support. There are also three versions of a 'Don't Tread on Me' plate. One listener wants to know why. MTPR's John Hooks has the story behind the state's 200 license plate options – including the most popular choice. -
More than 150 people gathered to dedicate the brand-new Hope Hospice Center in west Missoula on Tuesday. The facility offers 12 private rooms and all-day care to residents and their families navigating the end of life. -
Missoula urban foresters the last 10 months clearing debris left by a powerful storm that tore through the region last July.That storm and another in August destroyed thousands of trees in western Montana. Now, volunteers and grant dollars are helping fill in that lost canopy. -
Private equity investors are one step closer to owning a historic lakeside lodge on public land in the Swan Valley. Eric Jacobsen and business partner Thomas Knowles are now permitted by the forest to operate Holland Lake Lodge for at least 20 years. -
Frenchtown High School is celebrating a first-of-its-kind milestone in Montana. Nearly two dozen seniors are graduating with a year’s worth of college under their belts. -
Gov. Greg Gianforte this month vetoed two bills that would’ve protected or expanded the public’s right to access government records – including his own. -
This week’s topic comes from a listener who asks, ‘Why is there no hog industry in Montana?’ While Montana famously has more cows than people, as we dug into this question, we found out that pigs are a big deal in Montana. -
The Missoula airport is opening its second concourse this year after more than half a decade of construction. Montana’s largest airports are all growing as passenger numbers take off. -
Here's a list of major bills from Montana's 2025 legislative session signed into law or left behind in the Legislature. -
A board that oversees public education in Montana has agreed to improve the way schools teach Indigenous culture and history. Montana Free Press Indigenous Affairs Reporter Nora Mabie has been following the lawsuit that sparked the settlement. She joined MTPR's Austin Amestoy with the details.
