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.

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.

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.

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.