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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Abortion-rights advocates have asked the Montana Supreme Court to force the secretary of state to allow signature gathering to begin on a ballot initiative. It’s part of a fast-moving legal back-and-forth ahead of a June deadline to collect signatures needed to certify the constitutional initiative for the ballot.
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A group of public education advocates sued the state’s leader of K-12 schools to prevent what they say is “an additional layer of red tape” to the opening of new public charter schools.
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Lawyers argued before the Montana Supreme Court Friday in a case that could determine the future of the proposed Black Butte Copper Mine in Central Montana.
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In this special episode of The Big Why, A New Angle host, Justin Angle, joins Austin Amestoy to answer two questions.
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More state officials are voicing frustration over what they say are misinterpretations of education laws from Montana’s leader of K-12 schools, Elsie Arntzen.
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A panel of Montana air quality experts met with federal environmental officials Thursday to discuss funding to reduce harm from wildfire smoke. The state is still waiting to receive those funds.
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A federal court in Idaho has blocked wolf trapping in grizzly bear habitat. New data shows statewide high school graduation rates held steady last school year.
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New statewide data show a dip in public school enrollment for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. State education officials shared more new data this week that show a decline in schools participating in a program intended to improve pay for new teachers.
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Missoula County’s last traditional lumber mill is shutting down after 75 years in business. Pyramid Mountain Lumber’s owners said they can no longer weather the current economy.
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Board members voted last month to hire former Billings Public Schools leader Greg Upham as Heart Butte's new interim superintendent to help stabilize the school. He spoke with Montana Public Radio's Austin Amestoy.