AUSTIN – Registration is open for the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas annual state conference on Friday, Sept. 13, in Austin.

The conference brings together journalists, government leaders, attorneys and interested citizens to delve into current issues regarding government transparency and free speech. 

Sewell Chan, the editor in chief of the Texas Tribune, will join the Columbia Journalism Review full time as the new executive editor, effective Sept. 16. 

Report for America is looking to add more than 50 newsroom positions next summer and applications are now open for local newsrooms interested in partnering to host early-career and experienced journalists for up to three years.

Promotions, new hires and other employee changes reported at Texas Newspapers and published in the August 2024 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

DAVID BARBER

Van Zandt Newspapers, LLC

CANTON – David Barber has been named editor of the Canton Herald, Wills Point Chronicle and Van Zandt News.

Obituaries published in the August 2024 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

MICHAEL CORCORAN

AUSTIN — Austin music journalist and historian Michael Corcoran – whose unique, astute and often hilarious writing style captured the energy and spirit of the Texas music scene – has died. He was 68.

TPA President Bill Patterson presented the Past President's Award to Ken Esten Cooke during closing activities at the 2024 TPA Convention & Trade Show. Cooke will serve as chairman of the TPA board this year.