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?
-
Montana ranks among the lowest in the country when it comes to internet access and speed. Rural areas are among the most underserved. Since 2019, around $900 million in federal funding for rural broadband expansion has flowed into the state. It's starting to make an impact, but much work remains. -
Gov. Gianforte issues disaster declaration over storm damage; State senator Jason Ellsworth faces official misconduct charges; Gallatin County appoints replacement for open legislative seat. -
An extreme cold front drove powerful winds into Montana Wednesday, knocking down trees, obstructing roads and cutting power. Gusts over 90 mph were recorded in parts of the state. -
Gianforte requests federal disaster declaration due to northwestern Montana flooding; Feds delay Medicaid work requirement applications; 51 people arrested in St. Regis drug bust. -
A federal program that supports schools and infrastructure in rural communities lapsed two years ago. This month, Congress revived it. In 2023, 30 Montana counties received a collective $16 million from the program. -
Heavy rains brought severe flooding to northwestern Montana, flooding homes and washing out several roads and bridges. Lincoln County declared a state of emergency Thursday. The City of Libby has issued a boil water order for all users on the city water system. -
The federal government says it will give farmers $12 billion in aid payments early next year. State agriculture leaders are torn on the plan. -
The agriculture advocacy organization Montana Farmers Union just established its first Indigenous chapter in the state. Chapter President Dan Barcus says he hopes they can organize concerted efforts around local and federal policies that impact their producers. -
After months of pleading from the nation’s agricultural sector, the federal government says farmers and ranchers will get much needed financial aid at the end of the year. Numerous federal policy changes this year led to record-high costs for things like fertilizer and equipment. -
Mine workers sue Sibanye Stillwater over alleged labor law violations; National park entrance fees to increase by hundreds of dollars for foreign tourists; Missoula County reports its first flu-related death of the season.
