The Society of Professional Journalists updated its Code of Ethics with advice from 16 journalists, educators, ethics scholars and leaders from a range of platforms, regions and backgrounds, and input from more than 700 members.
The code was last revised in 2014 and now recognizes that fewer people work in traditional newsrooms. It helps journalists decide what they stand for and addresses fake images. We’ve updated our ethics statement. Do your favorite podcasters or creator journalists recognize these guidelines or share their ethics?
Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek relevant sources whose voices are seldom amplified.
Never publish fabricated content that could be confused with reality. Clearly label illustrations and reenactments.
Clearly identify the sources and technology that shape the creation of news.
TL;DR
Empire Garage building up for sale - Austin Business Journal
Gov. Abbott blocks Flock cameras - Texas Tribune
China expands oil and gas - Semafor
ShinyHunters hacker detained in Jordan Reuters
TOP NEWS IN THE LEAGUE
Former Empire Garage building on Red River up for sale Austin Business Journal
The two Empire properties on Red River Street are listed for $7 million, the Austin Business Journal reported Oct. 2, after complicated legal battles between the venues' founders. The owner was formerly Heard Entertainment and is now 606 Holdings.
“We’re talking to AEG (Presents), we’re talking to Live Nation, but what would be ideal is a large operator who knows how to run a room that size, and is big enough to do it right,” said Scott Studzinski, majority investor in 606 Holdings.
Red River known as Austin’s “Music Mile” has three other venues changing ownership: Valhalla, Elysium and 13th Floor. Nicole Klepadlo, Executive Director of the Red River Cultural District, Nicole Klepadlo, said the venues are closing because the landlord decided to sell, not because of the venues' finances in a forum hosted by ATX Musicians this week.
ShinyHunters hacker in FBI data theft detained in Jordan Reuters
A key member of the ShinyHunters hacking group was detained in Jordan, Reuters reported Oct. 3. The group hasbreached institutions that hold sensitive data, including Canvas, Madison Square Garden, and most recently the FBI. Authorities have arrested the group's key figure in Amsterdam and another member in Jordan. Brett Leatherman, assistant director of the FBI Cyber Division, called on other members to turn themselves in.
Gov. Abbott blocks state agencies from spending money on Flock cameras Texas Tribune
An investigation by the Texas Tribune found Texas used a $1 annual insurance fee meant to combat catalytic converter theft to buy and maintain about 2,000 Flock cameras. The fee funded $50.8 million in 234 grants that reimbursed police departments.
After the Tribune requested comment on its findings, Gov. Greg Abbott's office barred the use of grant money for Flock cameras.
China expands ultra-deep oil and gas drilling Semafor
The U.S. was the top producer of crude oil in 2025, breaking the global record set in 2024, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said. Production grew fastest in the Texas Permian Basin and New Mexico.
To shield itself from war-related oil insecurities, China is expanding its drilling. The country’s embrace of green technologies has given Beijing strategic leverage over island neighbors that depend on imported energy, Semafor reported.