Mason Hickok
@masonhickok.bsky.social
Urban & regional planning grad student at UT San Antonio | Digital Journalist at KSAT 12 News
Reposted by Mason Hickok
The story of how Denver got its neighborhood shapes begins in 1959.
How Denver's neighborhoods got their shapes
The process to create those neighborhoods was the first time Denver mapped inequality, even if the city didn't know it.
denverite.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:40 AM
The story of how Denver got its neighborhood shapes begins in 1959.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Planetizen’s Top Urban Planning Books of 2025
Planetizen’s Top Urban Planning Books of 2025
How thoughtful deregulation could unlock a housing and infrastructure boom, the social histories that lie behind a globalizing economy, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in planning.
dlvr.it
November 26, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Planetizen’s Top Urban Planning Books of 2025
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Texas has no regulations to protect workers from the state’s blistering heat and overturned city ordinances that required rest breaks. What does that mean for workers in one of the hottest parts of the country? @keertigopal.bsky.social and I spent months investigating for @insideclimatenews.org (1)
November 25, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Texas has no regulations to protect workers from the state’s blistering heat and overturned city ordinances that required rest breaks. What does that mean for workers in one of the hottest parts of the country? @keertigopal.bsky.social and I spent months investigating for @insideclimatenews.org (1)
Texas lands 11 mentions in this FTA release for low- and no-emission bus grants.
Working on getting a story out this week on the City of San Marcos’ award—$1,762,476 likely tied to Texas State University’s fleet.
www.transit.dot.gov/funding/gran...
Working on getting a story out this week on the City of San Marcos’ award—$1,762,476 likely tied to Texas State University’s fleet.
www.transit.dot.gov/funding/gran...
www.transit.dot.gov
November 25, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Texas lands 11 mentions in this FTA release for low- and no-emission bus grants.
Working on getting a story out this week on the City of San Marcos’ award—$1,762,476 likely tied to Texas State University’s fleet.
www.transit.dot.gov/funding/gran...
Working on getting a story out this week on the City of San Marcos’ award—$1,762,476 likely tied to Texas State University’s fleet.
www.transit.dot.gov/funding/gran...
Reposted by Mason Hickok
MARTA was awarded over $20 million this week through an FTA grant to replace some older, end-of-life buses with new ones.
This is good news, and it will be a nice compliment to the new bus system that supposedly rolls out next April.
www.transit.dot.gov/funding/gran...
This is good news, and it will be a nice compliment to the new bus system that supposedly rolls out next April.
www.transit.dot.gov/funding/gran...
www.transit.dot.gov
November 20, 2025 at 9:46 PM
MARTA was awarded over $20 million this week through an FTA grant to replace some older, end-of-life buses with new ones.
This is good news, and it will be a nice compliment to the new bus system that supposedly rolls out next April.
www.transit.dot.gov/funding/gran...
This is good news, and it will be a nice compliment to the new bus system that supposedly rolls out next April.
www.transit.dot.gov/funding/gran...
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Offering no new plans to cut fossil fuels, the U.N.’s COP30 climate conference failed to produce a roadmap to stop global warming.
COP30 Backpedals on Climate Action - Inside Climate News
BELÉM, Brazil—After negotiators at COP30 retreated from meaningful climate action by failing to specifically mention the need to stop using fossil fuels in the final conference documents published Sat...
insideclimatenews.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Offering no new plans to cut fossil fuels, the U.N.’s COP30 climate conference failed to produce a roadmap to stop global warming.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
After launching an ambitious global effort to reduce methane emissions in 2021, the U.S. is rolling back methane regulations and urging the European Union, the initiative’s co-founder, to follow suit.
International Effort to Curb Emissions of a Climate Super Pollutant Falls Short, UN Report Reveals - Inside Climate News
Methane emissions continue to climb despite a pledge by countries to curb climate pollution.
insideclimatenews.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:21 PM
After launching an ambitious global effort to reduce methane emissions in 2021, the U.S. is rolling back methane regulations and urging the European Union, the initiative’s co-founder, to follow suit.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
DC is enforcing a “crackdown” on streeteries—outdoor seating for cafes—charging the cafes huge amounts of money to keep the facilities in place, and forcing them to use seating that doesn’t work in the winter. It’s a huge self-own, likely to end up hurting businesses, reducing street vibrancy.
Exclusive: Le Dip streetery to come down as D.C. crackdown reshapes outdoor dining
It's over for many D.C. streeteries, as the city starts to charge what you might call "road rent" and other fees.
www.axios.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:47 PM
DC is enforcing a “crackdown” on streeteries—outdoor seating for cafes—charging the cafes huge amounts of money to keep the facilities in place, and forcing them to use seating that doesn’t work in the winter. It’s a huge self-own, likely to end up hurting businesses, reducing street vibrancy.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Enjoyed that. Newcastle United 2 Man City 1.
November 22, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Enjoyed that. Newcastle United 2 Man City 1.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
The U.S. Supreme Court will now make a final decision on whether Texas can use its new congressional map, which was drawn this summer to benefit Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.
SCOTUS to weigh pivotal decision on which congressional map Texas can use in the 2026 midterm elections
The U.S. Supreme Court will now make a final decision on whether Texas can use its new congressional map, which was drawn this summer to benefit Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. The outcome could have a huge impact on which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives in the future.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:44 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court will now make a final decision on whether Texas can use its new congressional map, which was drawn this summer to benefit Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
We have a current deficit of 500k nurses. There are 260k enrolled in BSN & another 60k registered in associate degrees. Nowhere near enough. Not to mention all the degrees deemed non-professional are in female dominated fields. Limit women access to economic freedom. www.newsweek.com/nursing-not-...
Nursing is no longer counted as a 'professional degree' by Trump admin
The Department of Education has excluded nursing as a "professional degree" program as it implements various changes to student loans.
www.newsweek.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:38 PM
We have a current deficit of 500k nurses. There are 260k enrolled in BSN & another 60k registered in associate degrees. Nowhere near enough. Not to mention all the degrees deemed non-professional are in female dominated fields. Limit women access to economic freedom. www.newsweek.com/nursing-not-...
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Overseeing all of this are dozens of Trump appointees who used to work in industries regulated by DOT: lobbyists, consultants, CEOs, trade group lawyers and more.
Some of them disclosed $12M to $52M in financial interests in transportation companies and adjacent industries.
Some of them disclosed $12M to $52M in financial interests in transportation companies and adjacent industries.
November 20, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Overseeing all of this are dozens of Trump appointees who used to work in industries regulated by DOT: lobbyists, consultants, CEOs, trade group lawyers and more.
Some of them disclosed $12M to $52M in financial interests in transportation companies and adjacent industries.
Some of them disclosed $12M to $52M in financial interests in transportation companies and adjacent industries.
An excellent thread and even better story from ProPublica. More of this.
NEW: Sean Duffy frequently calls safety his “top priority” as transportation secretary. But I spent months wading through regulatory notices and found something far different: that USDOT has been delaying, weakening and killing dozens of safety rules, many opposed by the transportation industry.🧵
November 21, 2025 at 11:24 AM
An excellent thread and even better story from ProPublica. More of this.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Trump is insulting and seeking to intimidate reporters. He's also sending a message to media bosses: you better play ball.
My analysis from today's Morning Edition
one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5613...
My analysis from today's Morning Edition
one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5613...
🔊 Listen Now: Trump lashes out at reporter, highlighting a pattern of attacking press he dislikes
Morning Edition on NPR One | 3:55
one.npr.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Trump is insulting and seeking to intimidate reporters. He's also sending a message to media bosses: you better play ball.
My analysis from today's Morning Edition
one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5613...
My analysis from today's Morning Edition
one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5613...
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Powerful personal narratives are key to reducing traffic deaths. For things to change, the average person needs to know the stories of the victims of road accidents. f-st.co/Ru3rpJQ
To change our safety culture, we need storytellers
Powerful personal narratives are key to reducing traffic deaths. For real change, the average person needs to know the stories of the victims of road accidents.
f-st.co
November 21, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Powerful personal narratives are key to reducing traffic deaths. For things to change, the average person needs to know the stories of the victims of road accidents. f-st.co/Ru3rpJQ
Reposted by Mason Hickok
San Antonio’s new Museo del Westside opened in October. It honors the unique heritage, culture, and people of the historic West Side. It’s housed in a former ice house that served as a grocery and gathering place for the community for decades.
Read More👉 ebx.sh/P8lwhq
Read More👉 ebx.sh/P8lwhq
November 20, 2025 at 11:03 PM
San Antonio’s new Museo del Westside opened in October. It honors the unique heritage, culture, and people of the historic West Side. It’s housed in a former ice house that served as a grocery and gathering place for the community for decades.
Read More👉 ebx.sh/P8lwhq
Read More👉 ebx.sh/P8lwhq
Reposted by Mason Hickok
RFK Jr had committed to Bill Cassidy, as a condition to win his vote, that he would keep website language.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
November 20, 2025 at 2:42 AM
RFK Jr had committed to Bill Cassidy, as a condition to win his vote, that he would keep website language.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Trump Admin is planning to ask Congress to dramatically cut funding for transit as part of the 2026 infrastructure law.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
POLITICO Pro: Trump administration proposals seek to eliminate transit funding
DOT recently sent two proposals to the White House budget office seeking to pare back transit money.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Trump Admin is planning to ask Congress to dramatically cut funding for transit as part of the 2026 infrastructure law.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
The proposal would eliminate the transit account, which funds billions of dollars in capital expenses. It would also prevent states from “flexing” roads funds for transit.
New from me:
“A street safety project in Beacon Hill cleared review by San Antonio’s art commission this week, advancing despite a call from Gov. Greg Abbott to “remove all political ideologies” from Texas streets.“
“A street safety project in Beacon Hill cleared review by San Antonio’s art commission this week, advancing despite a call from Gov. Greg Abbott to “remove all political ideologies” from Texas streets.“
Beacon Hill street art project moves ahead with conditional approval amid Abbott’s ‘ideologies’ order
A street safety project in Beacon Hill cleared review by San Antonio’s art commission this week, advancing despite a call from Gov. Greg Abbott to “remove all political ideologies” from Texas streets.
www.ksat.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:18 PM
New from me:
“A street safety project in Beacon Hill cleared review by San Antonio’s art commission this week, advancing despite a call from Gov. Greg Abbott to “remove all political ideologies” from Texas streets.“
“A street safety project in Beacon Hill cleared review by San Antonio’s art commission this week, advancing despite a call from Gov. Greg Abbott to “remove all political ideologies” from Texas streets.“
Reposted by Mason Hickok
NEW: ProPublica has identified dozens of instances in which the Trump administration’s DOT has moved to cut, weaken or delay safety regulations for cars, trucks, planes, trains and even oil pipelines.
Experts say the changes will cost lives.
Experts say the changes will cost lives.
How Trump’s Transportation Department Is Loosening Safety Rules Meant to Protect the Public
ProPublica has identified dozens of instances in which the Trump administration’s DOT has moved to cut, soften or delay safety regulations for cars, trucks, planes, trains and even oil pipelines. Experts say the changes will cost lives.
www.propublica.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM
NEW: ProPublica has identified dozens of instances in which the Trump administration’s DOT has moved to cut, weaken or delay safety regulations for cars, trucks, planes, trains and even oil pipelines.
Experts say the changes will cost lives.
Experts say the changes will cost lives.
A great read with several pertinent planning takeaways, such as addressing housing needs and community disinvestment.
How connecting with nature helps Black women have healthier pregnancies
Research shows that women who spend time in nature have healthier pregnancies. It's especially vital for Black women, who have a higher maternal mortality rate. In New York City, more than 80% of thes...
www.healthbeat.org
November 20, 2025 at 8:47 AM
A great read with several pertinent planning takeaways, such as addressing housing needs and community disinvestment.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
Development Near Dallas Light Rail has ‘Directly Created’ Over 5,000 Jobs, Generated $18 Billion Over 25 Years - h/t Railway Age
Development Near Dallas Light Rail has ‘Directly Created’ Over 5,000 Jobs, Generated $18 Billion Over 25 Years - h/t Railway Age
Transit-oriented development has spurred billions in economic activity along DART light rail.
dlvr.it
November 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Development Near Dallas Light Rail has ‘Directly Created’ Over 5,000 Jobs, Generated $18 Billion Over 25 Years - h/t Railway Age
KSAT landed a mention in this morning’s top headlines from @usa.streetsblog.org for coverage of World Day of Remembrance.
In an unfortunate news, yet another pedestrian was killed on a San Antonio roadway early Sunday morning, hours before the city recognized lives lost to traffic violence.
In an unfortunate news, yet another pedestrian was killed on a San Antonio roadway early Sunday morning, hours before the city recognized lives lost to traffic violence.
Monday's Headlines Remember — Streetsblog USA
Fifty U.S. cities and others around the globe memorialized the victims of traffic violence on Sunday.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 17, 2025 at 1:27 PM
KSAT landed a mention in this morning’s top headlines from @usa.streetsblog.org for coverage of World Day of Remembrance.
In an unfortunate news, yet another pedestrian was killed on a San Antonio roadway early Sunday morning, hours before the city recognized lives lost to traffic violence.
In an unfortunate news, yet another pedestrian was killed on a San Antonio roadway early Sunday morning, hours before the city recognized lives lost to traffic violence.
Reposted by Mason Hickok
“The biggest reason there aren't more walkable neighborhoods in the U.S. is that they've basically been banned … People feel they need a car, and then we mistake that as people wanting a car, when really they just didn't have an alternative.” – Ryan Johnson, Culdesac founder
This car-free neighborhood was designed to revolutionize American cities » Yale Climate Connections
A discussion with the founder of Culdesac, a real estate developer devoted to building walkable places.
yaleclimateconnections.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:38 PM
“The biggest reason there aren't more walkable neighborhoods in the U.S. is that they've basically been banned … People feel they need a car, and then we mistake that as people wanting a car, when really they just didn't have an alternative.” – Ryan Johnson, Culdesac founder
New from me:
“San Antonio’s Transportation Department is hosting four planned community open house meetings beginning this week, inviting the public to provide feedback on pedestrian safety around the forthcoming Green Line ART project.”
“San Antonio’s Transportation Department is hosting four planned community open house meetings beginning this week, inviting the public to provide feedback on pedestrian safety around the forthcoming Green Line ART project.”
Public feedback sought for safety, walkability around VIA’s Green Line corridor
San Antonio’s Transportation Department is hosting four planned community open house meetings beginning this week, inviting the public to provide feedback on pedestrian safety around the forthcoming G...
www.ksat.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM
New from me:
“San Antonio’s Transportation Department is hosting four planned community open house meetings beginning this week, inviting the public to provide feedback on pedestrian safety around the forthcoming Green Line ART project.”
“San Antonio’s Transportation Department is hosting four planned community open house meetings beginning this week, inviting the public to provide feedback on pedestrian safety around the forthcoming Green Line ART project.”