Travis Mateer

@travis

Travis "William Skink" Mateer is an artist and citizen journalist documenting the New Normal in Missoula, Montana. Read more of his work at Zoom Chron.

Are Montana Republicans the Party of Reality TV?

Before I make my argument that Montana Republicans are the party of reality TV, we need to define what we are talking about, so here’s a definition from Wikipedia: Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as […]

A tentacle grows from the belly of a local police officer with a Hollywood camera at the end of it.

September 5, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

When Kangaroos Run Courts, A Relationship with AI Becomes Inevitable

Facing a legal system stacked against him, Travis Mateer turns to AI for help in navigating the complexities of civil law and ‘lawfare’ in Missoula.

Missoula County's Kangaroo Court with Kangaroo Judges presiding over a journalists pleas

August 29, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

Is Anything About Surajit Khanna’s Returning Youth Initiative Real?

The Khanna Con: Is Dr. Khanna exploiting Montana’s well-meaning do-gooders for photo-ops, while offering little real help to those he claims to serve?

A sign outside the Hamilton, Montana location for Dr. Surajit Khanna's Returning Youth Initiative named "The Safe Haven"

August 22, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

Journalism Is Not A Popularity Contest

Facing criticism and opposition, Travis Mateer highlights the importance of independent journalism in uncovering the truth about homelessness in Missoula.

A shopping cart filled with trash surrounded by more trash near the Clark Fork River waterfront

August 15, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

A Reluctant Citizen Journalist’s First Date With AI

Travis Mateer explores his first experience with AI, sharing insights and humorous reflections on a ‘date’ with ChatGPT.

August 8, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

It’s Clear As Mud Where The Rubber Hits The Road In Missoula

Explore the complexities of Missoula’s homeless initiatives as Travis Mateer investigates rumors of church parking lots hosting “urban car campers”.

First Methodist Church, Missoula

August 1, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

Mayor Davis’ Culture of Controlled Curiosity, Brought to You by Lee Enterprises

Travis Mateer critiques media framing of Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis’ involvement in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, covering local politics, city officials, affordable housing, and media narratives for Western Montana News.

July 25, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

Lawfare: A Very Effective Tool Of Attack

Travis Mateer reflects on how lawfare is used in politics to attack and delegitimize opponents. He shares his personal legal battles and creative resistance with the Lego Meth Lab, highlighting the high stakes of truth-telling.

Mobile Lego Meth Lab

July 18, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

Am I Seeing the Twilight of Missoula’s Rattlesnake Democrats?

Explore the hidden power center of Missoula in the exclusive Rattlesnake neighborhood. Discover the waning influence of Westridge Creative, the legacy of Pat and Carol Williams, and how urban development and environmental issues shape local politics.

Sign in Sergeant Don Gregory Park that reads, "The Gateway To The Rattlesnake".

July 11, 2024 . By Travis Mateer

From Local Ordinance to Supreme Court: Unpacking Missoula’s Urban Camping Debate

In his latest piece, Travis Mateer explores the complexities of Missoula’s Urban Crisis Camping Ordinance and its implications in light of the Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass v. Johnson.

Many people in vehicles lined up on Hawthorne Street behind The Poverello Center have been camping at the intersection of Pine for over a year.

July 4, 2024 . By Travis Mateer