Every few years, our industry finds itself chasing the next thing.
First it was websites. Then Facebook. Then Twitter. Then video. Then SEO. Then newsletters. Now it’s artificial intelligence.
By AUSTIN LEWTER, TCCJ director
Each innovation arrives with promises that it will either save newspapers or destroy them. Sometimes, depending on who’s making the pitch, it’s somehow both.
I’ve found myself thinking lately about Neil Postman.
Texas newspaper publishers in 2026 find themselves in the midst of another election season. And we know that in Texas, politics is a contact sport.
By DON RICHARDS, Richards, Elder and Frost, PLLC
Therefore, it’s a good time to go over a few of the basic Texas laws and considerations applicable to election news coverage, letters to the editor and political advertising.
1. The legal rights of a ‘free press’
Attractive design in print and digital editions is all-important in today’s fractured media landscape. Attention to specific elements is requisite to create a functional, easy-to-read layout that balances text, images and white space to guide readers.
By JIM PUMARLO, Consultant
I admittedly was the “word” guy when sitting behind the editor’s desk. Others more talented in layout handled those responsibilities. Today, in the training business, I also defer to experts such as News Guru Kevin Slimp for guidance on effective and useful design.
Cyclosporiasis mostly in two regions in state
Nearly three-fourths of cyclosporiasis cases detected in Texas have been confined to two regions, The Dallas Morning News reported. The Texas Department of State Health Services provided numbers for each of the state’s eight public health regions. Most cases this year, from the beginning of May until late July, have been reported in two regions: Region 11 and Region 6/5S.
New challenge to school funding system
The Midland school district is suing Education Commissioner Mike Morath and other state leaders in another challenge to the state’s public school finance system, known as “Robin Hood,” according to The Texas Tribune.
Flooding batters Hill Country once again
A massive amount of rain once again engulfed the Hill Country, causing widespread flooding in several counties, including Uvalde, Kerr, Kendall and Gillespie. At least two fatalities were reported near Comfort and Uvalde.
We enjoyed seeing everyone at the Texas Press Association Convention and Trade Show last month in Dallas.
And we are continually grateful to the Texas Newspaper Foundation for recommitting their annual TCCJ funding for another year.
By AUSTIN LEWTER, Director, Texas Center for Community Journalism
What we do is making a difference, and we could not do it without their support.
Each summer, the convention gives us a chance to take stock of the previous year and look ahead.
I offered my annual TCCJ report to the TNF board in Dallas.
From the Public Notice Resource Center
Public and legal notices are more than just another advertising category. They are a vital part of government transparency and one of the most important public services newspapers provide to their communities.
Texas home insurers see record profits
Preliminary data indicates Texas home insurers earned a 22% profit on premiums collected last year, according to the Houston Chronicle. It was the best year insurers have had in two decades and follows several years of double-digit rate increases and flat or slightly negative returns for insurers due to increased natural disasters.
Abbott wants ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods
Gov. Greg Abbott is calling for a ban on data center construction in rural neighborhoods, according to the Houston Chronicle. Opposition to the facilities is growing because they require large amounts of electricity and water and can be noisy. The governor had previously touted Texas as “the epicenter of AI development.”