Mason Rouser

Pflugerville City Council heats up during debate over ESD No. 2

Pflugerville approves relocation of cigar lounge, but not without concerns from residents

Pflugerville City Council gives initial OK to rezone land, expand industrial complex

Pflugerville City Council approves $105 million for new water pipeline

Is Blackshear the oldest operating elementary school in Austin?

The school in East Austin opened in 1891 as a one-room school intended for Black students only. Now, it operates as a public fine arts academy.

Austin and Travis County approve new plan aimed at making food access more equitable

The new food plan looks to bring together community partners and stakeholders to implement better practices to divert food from landfills and to expand and improve food composting efforts.

New proposal reimagines Congress Avenue as a walkable downtown destination

The City of Austin is looking for community feedback on its proposed plans to turn Congress Avenue into a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly zone, including constructing an entirely new car-free plaza.

APD, DPS resume partnership with revised strategies following community criticism

In light of community backlash, a revised partnership between the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety resumed this month after a pause in May. The partnership was initially introduced in March due to a staffing shortage in the Austin Police Department but was put on pause after Gov.

UT commits to stabilizing the Watson Chateau, LGBTQ+ landmark known by few

Perched atop a cliff overlooking Waller Creek next to the School of Nursing stands the Watson Chateau, one of the oldest buildings on campus. The home is a LGBTQ+ cultural landmark in disrepair, however, last month UT committed to preserving it. Originally built in 1853, the house became notable for its last private owners: Arthur...

Senate Bill 14, which bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth, goes into effect despite...

A law preventing transgender minors in Texas from receiving gender-affirming care went into effect last week despite a state district court ruling the law likely violates the Texas Constitution. Senate Bill 14 outlaws the administration of gender-affirming health care, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery to minors experiencing gender dysphoria.

Supreme Court strikes down Biden's student loan forgiveness program

On June 30, the United States Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden's program to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt, citing an overreach of authority by the President and Secretary of Education. The Court ruled 6-3 in Biden v. Nebraska, where Nebraska and several other states sued the Biden administration for unlawfully...

From pen to production

How Moody College screenwriting students are shaping the future of TV and film

Renowned photographer Eli Reed 'lives in the moment' - and he thinks you should too

Reed's work is currently on display in the School of Journalism and Media Photo Gallery

'Mean Girls' musical filmmakers recount their journey to the big screen

'Mean Girls' musical directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez, Jr.

Austin Airport worker's union avoids strike

The Austin Airport worker's union narrowly avoided a strike this month after securing a higher wage. A representative of the union said workers, who are primarily Black and Latino, are still fighting to get a pension and lower health insurance costs. I wrote and produced the radio spot, which can be heard at minute 2:40.

Central Texas Food Bank gives out 30,000 turkeys

The Central Texas Food Bank will be giving out 30,000 turkeys to families across the region this Thanksgiving. It's the food bank's largest giveaway since the initiative first began. I wrote the script and produced the clipped audio for the radio spot. The story can be heard at minute 4:19.

City holds open house for feedback on I-35 plans

The city is holding an open house to show revised concepts, after getting initial feedback, to connect the east and west sides of Austin over I-35. Known as caps, the city plans to build them after the Texas Department of Transportation lowers the upper decks of the highway. I wrote the script and produced the clipped audio for this story. You can hear it at minute 4:33.