EDITOR’S NOTE: Most bills that passed during the regular session of the 89th Texas Legislature have gone into effect as of Sept. 1.
Listed as positive or negative to newspapers, here are new laws of interest to our industry, along with names of the authors.
POSITIVE:
This year’s Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas annual conference will be held Friday, Sept. 26 at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center with Jan Crawford, chief legal correspondent for CBS News, as keynote speaker.
The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Annual Conference in Austin brings together journalists, government leaders, attorneys and interested citizens to delve into the current issues of government transparency and free speech.
Report for America will host an information session for Texas Press Association members to learn about the program and consider applying during the application period Sept. 15 through Oct. 20.
The Zoom session is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 25. For more information, visit the Report for America website at www.reportforamerica.org. Contact Candace Velvin at TPA at cvelvin@texaspress.com for the Zoom session link.
TCCJ Director Austin Lewter with retiring Silsbee Editor Dan Eakin
Dan Eakin, 85, editor of the Silsbee Bee, announced his retirement in July after almost seven decades in the newspaper industry.
By AUSTIN LEWTER, Texas Center for Community Journalism
A reception was held in his honor Aug. 1 at the Bee office.
Eakin began his career as a copy boy and typesetter at the DeQueen Bee in his hometown of DeQueen, Arkansas, when he was still in high school.
Alice Echo News-Journal switches to digital printing
ALICE - The Alice Echo News-Journal has become a tabloid print product as part of owner CherryRoad Media’s use of digital printing.
New hires, promotions and other employment news reported in Texas newspapers and published in the September 2025 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
BRIAN SMITH, The Bowie News
BOWIE - Brian Smith is the new sports editor at The Bowie News.
Publisher Michael Winter announced the appointment.
Online Media Campus
• Navigating career uncertainty: Guidance for Journalists, Sept. 18, 1-2 p.m.
The media landscape is rapidly changing. To help journalists navigate career changes with confidence, Bridget Thoreson will lead a frank discussion of the limitations of linear models for career success in today’s working world. She will cover strategies for recognizing and responding to burnout, how to define progress, advice from news professionals who have navigated being laid off and building skills to take on new roles.
Obituary published in the September 2025 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
PHILLIP LATHAM
LINDALE - Veteran East Texas journalist and publisher Phillip Latham, 70, died Aug. 15.
Those who knew Latham said readers, colleagues and community leaders respected him for his sense of integrity, fairness and objectivity – especially on controversial but pertinent issues.
Born Aug. 30, 1954, in Fort Worth, Latham lived throughout the state his entire life. He lived in Lindale at the time of his death.
DallasNews Corporation announced July 28 its board of directors has “reviewed and rejected the unsolicited, nonbinding proposal” from an affiliate of Alden Global Capital and agreed to an amended definitive merger agreement from Hearst, which increased its offer to $15 a share.
By AMY HOLLYFIELD
Managing Editor, Dallas Morning News , Published July 28, 2025
Panhandle Press Association members show off their awards in the annual PPA newspaper contest. Awards were presented at the annual convention in Amarillo. (PPA photo)
The 116th annual meeting of the Panhandle Press Association was held July 18-19 in Amarillo.