Stories and Multimedia

From local culture pieces to policy coverage. Each one started with curiosity and ended with connection. Journalism with intention. Personal, visual, and always grounded in what matters to the people living it.

MY Stories

These are stories I’ve reported, produced, and photographed.

One Final Spin: Alchemy Records Bids Farewell — For Now

This feature chronicles the final show at Alchemy Records, a beloved DIY record shop and music venue in San Marcos. What began as a one-man record stand evolved into a community hub for punks, artists, and outsiders. Through interviews with the owner, staff, and local organizers, the story explores how Alchemy became a third space for San Marcos’ alternative scene — and why it chose to close its doors on a high note, rather than burn out. More than a closure, it’s a reflection on community, sustainability, and holding space for the weird.

River Fest 2025 Makes a Splash

A quick-turnaround story covering Texas State’s revival of an annual spring festival, featuring performances by Mike Posner, ACRAZE, and Loud Luxury. I conducted follow-up interviews with vendors, attendees, and university leadership, and wrote the full piece on a three-hour deadline. Selected as that week’s front-page feature, above the fold.

Repair, Resist, Reuse: Corinne Loperfido’s slow fashion comes to San Marcos

A feature on the artist-activist behind a traveling slow fashion pop-up that blends sustainability, community, and degrowth politics—offering a mobile alternative to fast fashion and fast living.

Run, thrift, dance: market aims to redefine SMTX nightlife

A look into a collaborative night market hosted by a local thrift collective, a San Marcos run club, and a nightclub. Offering an alternative nightlife experience for those craving community over chaos.

Not curated, just connected: San Marcos Studio Tour enters third year

A feature on the San Marcos Studio Tour and how it brings together artists, students, and longtime locals through open studios and shared creativity.

SB3: the future of Texas hemp

A look at legislation impacting hemp-derived THC products in Texas, and what it means for local business owners and consumers in San Marcos.

Freelanced News Photo Features

A selection of news photographs published in online features for The Austin Chronicle. Shot independently and featured alongside reported stories on activism in Austin. Unassigned stories. Seized opportunity.

Advocates Rally Against Removal of Disability Rights at Capitol

Photographs from the 'Don't Mess with 504' rally at the Texas State Capitol, where disability rights advocates opposed the Texas v. Becerra lawsuit aiming to eliminate Section 504 protections.

UT Students Walk Out Demanding Immigrant Student Protections

Photograph from a student walkout at the University of Texas at Austin calling for protections for immigrant and international students.

Broadcasts Episodes

Two episodes produced for Star News Network, a student-run broadcast program for The University Star. I wrote the scripts, edited the final episodes, and created all teasers and bumpers to support each broadcast.

Beyond The Headlines: The University Star

A short documentary spotlighting the leadership behind Texas State’s student newspaper. Through interviews with the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, and News Editor, the film explores the challenges, goals, and daily realities of running a student newsroom.

Directed, Produced, and Edited by: Diego Medel

Teaser: Beyond The Headlines: The University Star

A short social media teaser created to promote the full documentary “Beyond the Headlines,” highlighting the editorial team behind The University Star.

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