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 Montana Department of Labor & Industry co-hosted a job fair alongside the Chippewa Cree community. It’s part of a broader effort to boost employment across the state. -
In 2023, the DEQ listed sections of the Gallatin River as impaired due to recurring algal blooms. The blooms choke out fish and degrade water quality. State scientists are amid a six-year study trying to understand what's causing the harmful blooms. The state says it will use the results to inform local development regulations and a plan to protect the river. -
Big Sky Resort plans to use wastewater for making snow. Hemorrhagic disease may be killing deer in western Montana, FWP says. State releases resources on abuse and human trafficking education for teachers. -
Plans for a new mental health facility in eastern Montana are advancing. Deer Lodge County proposes two sites for a new women's prison. An Idaho man has been charged with running a Ponzi scheme that allegedly defrauded several elderly Montanans.
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A Flathead nonprofit is suing over a state law that allows local police to check immigration status during traffic stops. -
Many U.S. Department of Agriculture services are frozen as a result of the government shutdown. The freeze could have significant impacts for Montana’s farmers. -
Many of Montana’s wheat producers have struggled with drought for five straight years. Now they’re facing economic headwinds because of President Trump’s tariffs. -
Gov. Greg Gianforte joined mining executives from the U.S. Antimony Corporation for a groundbreaking ceremony in Thompson Falls. Antimony is considered a “critical mineral” that’s used to develop military equipment.
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Public comment period opens for proposed Medicaid work requirements. Chippewa Cree Tribe awarded $2.5 million for hepatitis C treatment. Missoula County awarded $1.2 million for wildfire mitigation. Trump administration appoints new director of Montana's Rural Development office. UM, MSU report growth in enrollment and student retention
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More than 500 agricultural groups from around the country are urging congress to pass a farm bill. But, they say it must support local farmers.
