Victoria Traxler
Rural Policy ReporterVictoria Traxler is MTPR’s Rural Policy Reporter. She graduated from Elon University in 2020 with a degree in Journalism and International Studies. She then moved to New Mexico where she worked as a Public Safety Reporter at the Santa Fe New Mexican. Afterwards, she came to Missoula to complete a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism at the University of Montana in 2024. During her time as a graduate student, Victoria interned with MTPR’s news team and fact-checked The Wide Open podcast. When she’s not reporting, she can often be found romping around mountain trails or playing with her tabby cat, Pico.
406 -282-4668
victoria.traxler@mtpr.org
MTPR wants to do a better job delivering news to, and telling stories from, the rural towns and tribal communities in Montana. What issues are at the forefront of your mind, and how are state or federal policies impacting your life?
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The federal government has made significant changes to a large pot of funding intended to expand internet access in rural areas. A state advisory commission met June 25 to discuss next steps. -
A group of Montana politicians is backing a ballot proposal to rein in campaign spending. State launches investigation into Lee Enterprises over data breach. State park visitation has nearly doubled over the past decade, a new report says. -
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and Yellowstone National Park implemented the first "hoot-owl" restrictions of the summer Thursday. Montana schools will split $50 million in grant funding to improve reading instruction. State officials are reminding Montanans to watch for harmful algal blooms this summer before recreating in Montana’s rivers and lakes. -
BLM to begin speedy review of central Montana gas pipeline plan. Flathead Lake dam operators aim to preserve water levels. Ag irrigation ends early on the Milk River.
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Pesticides threaten the health of Montana’s wildlife and people when they’re disposed of incorrectly. Montana’s Department of Agriculture is working to keep pesticides out of the state’s waterways. -
In 2023, a state audit found a culture of retaliation among Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks’ leadership. Last week, legislators were told the agency has made progress, but there’s more work ahead. -
With the legislative session over, lawmakers are beginning to look at how to solve some of the state’s biggest issues. They'll study competitive bidding for government contracts, and which branch of government should estimate the cost of a proposed law, among other issues. -
Amid ongoing federal efforts to revitalize the timber industry, an annual intertribal timber symposium took place in Montana last week. -
Communities across Montana are learning about policy that passed during the 2025 Legislative Session and how it affects them. -
A recent Bozeman summit brought together cultural and education advocates focused on preserving tribal languages by teaching their children. The event drew over 100 educators, language speakers and community members from Montana’s seven tribal nations, Canada and the western U.S.
