Jill Valley

Missoula

Anchor and Assistant News Director at KPAX-TV (Missoula, MT)

News woman, cancer slayer, mom and M hiker.

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Articles

Remembering Robert Leonardi: A family's mission to create safer paths for children

6 days ago | kpax.com | Jill Valley

HAMILTON — Six years ago, a tragic accident claimed the life of young Robert Leonardi, a vibrant 9-year-old boy with a passion for play and a love for life. As he made his way to a friend’s house on a Sunday morning, just 100 yards from his front door, he was struck and killed by an impaired driver. Robert’s loss was a devastating blow to his family and the Hamilton community.
Arlee family finds justice and purpose following tragic loss of daughter

1 week ago | kxlf.com | Jill Valley

May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Native women face murder rates more than 10 times the national average. Here in Montana, Indigenous women are four times more likely to go missing. MTN is sharing some of the stories from the MMIW crisis; some of which you might know, some of which you won't. What began as an unimaginable tragedy for one Montana family has transformed into a powerful movement for justice.
Arlee family finds justice and purpose following tragic loss of daughter

1 week ago | kpax.com | Jill Valley

ARLEE — What began as an unimaginable tragedy for one Montana family has transformed into a powerful movement for justice. Carissa Heavy Runner and her family have turned their grief into action following the conviction of Sunny White, the driver responsible for the death of 22-year-old Mika Westwolf in March 2023. The incident occurred on Highway 93 near Arlee, Montana, when White struck Westwolf and fled the scene.
Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez surprise crowd at University of Montana

4 weeks ago | kpax.com | Jill Valley

MISSOULA — The Fighting Oligarchy Tour featuring U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was held on Wednesday at the Adams Center. The Adams Center reached capacity less than an hour before the event began. However, there were still long lines of people waiting outside who would not get in.
Missoula fifth grade student prepares for national spelling bee after state win

1 month ago | kbzk.com | Jill Valley

MISSOULA — Ruby Wang, a fifth grade student at Saint Joseph's School, is gearing up for the Scripps National Spelling Bee after clinching the state title last month. The 11-year-old is training with her older sister, Cheyenne, a former state champion herself. “I was like, did I actually win? Or am I just dreaming about it?” Ruby said, reflecting on her recent victory.
Missoula fifth grade student prepares for national spelling bee after state win

1 month ago | kpax.com | Jill Valley

MISSOULA — Ruby Wang, a fifth grade student at Saint Joseph's School, is gearing up for the Scripps National Spelling Bee after clinching the state title last month. The 11-year-old is training with her older sister, Cheyenne, a former state champion herself. “I was like, did I actually win? Or am I just dreaming about it?” Ruby said, reflecting on her recent victory.
'Hands Off' rally in Missoula

1 month ago | krtv.com | Jill Valley

MISSOULA — Thousands of people gathered on the Missoula courthouse lawn Saturday morning to express their solidarity and concerns about Trump administration policies. The crowd, consisting of people of all ages, described the event as both a rally and a protest, emphasizing their desire for Montana's congressional delegation to listen to their concerns. “Please do your job. Please think about the people these decisions affect.
Thousands turn out for Missoula's "Hands Off" Rally

1 month ago | kpax.com | Jill Valley

MISSOULA — Thousands of people gathered on the Missoula courthouse lawn Saturday morning to express their solidarity and concerns about Trump administration policies. The crowd, consisting of people of all ages, described the event as both a rally and a protest, emphasizing their desire for Montana's congressional delegation to listen to their concerns. “Please do your job. Please think about the people these decisions affect.
Ronan’s Jake's Farm in the Dell receives $35,000 grant

1 month ago | kpax.com | Jill Valley

MISSOULA — The month of April is Autism Acceptance Month and it's starting out strong for a facility in Ronan that will be a home for adults with autism. The Gianforte Family Foundation granted $35,000 for a commercial kitchen at Jake's Farm in the Dell, also known as Proactive Living Facility. Board member Julie Janssen says this commercial kitchen will not only be used for daily meals to feed residents, but it will help them develop social and job skills, as they prepare food together.
Federal food assistance cuts impact Montana Food Bank Network

1 month ago | kpax.com | Jill Valley

MISSOULA — The Montana Food Bank Network supplies food to more than 170 food banks and pantries statewide, distributing millions of pounds of food each year to cities, rural areas, and reservations. The network depends on funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase nutritious food for families in Montana. However, earlier this month, the news grew grim as the Department of Government Efficiency began trimming the federal budget, placing food programs in jeopardy.