AUSTIN — Submissions are sought for the 2017 Texas Gavel Awards, which honor outstanding journalism that fosters public understanding of the legal system.

Entries published or broadcast during the 2016 calendar year will be accepted for print, broadcast, and online categories until 5 p.m. April 3. There is no entry fee.

The Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities announces the Barbara Jordan Media Awards call for nominations for media content created or published in 2016. 

Ideas for assessing the impact of a community newspaper were shared by UT instructor Griff Singer at the recent Texas Press Midwinter Conference and Trade Show.

With the North and East Texas Press Association’s 91st annual convention set March 16-18, entry deadline for the regional group’s newspaper contest is fast approaching.

Contest entries are due Feb. 5, according to Todd A. Griffith, NETPA contest chairman. Awards will be presented at the NETPA convention in Sulphur Springs. 

The best examples of journalism and community service are celebrated each year through the Texas Press Association Better Newspaper Contest. 

This year, the contest entry period opens Feb. 15. TPA members are invited to upload entries through the Texas BNC online contest platform. Deadline for entries is 5 p.m. March 23.

Q: I am new to Texas and want to check on laws regarding the advertising of alcohol and tobacco products in print and online that are specific to tobacco barns and liquor stores. 

A: First, here is a link to a list of laws affecting advertising in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage code: