As Texas reopened for business in stages, newspapers focused on their communities as they and their fellow hometown businesses navigated the “new normal” of the COVID-19 era.

As the state tentatively began reopening an economy ravaged by the coronavirus shutdown,Texas newspapers relied on grit and ingenuity to keep fighting, providing vital coverage in the face of a financial firestorm.

Another Pulitzer Prize winning journalist has been added to the history of Texas newspapers.

Spring conventions for Texas’ five regional press associations didn’t happen this year, thanks to COVID-19.
Government prohibitions of mass gatherings in response the coronavirus pandemic began in early March. Shelter-in-place orders to ensure social distancing soon followed.

Although the annual North and East Texas Press Association spring convention was canceled, results of the regional group’s contest were announced April 4, the day the awards presentation was originally scheduled.
The NETPA contest included two daily divisions, one semiweekly division and three weekly divisions.

GRANBURY – Jerry Tidwell retired April 2 after 47 years in the newspaper business, the last 41 years as publisher of the Hood County News.