The Richmond, Va., alt-weekly won two Awards of Merit from the Grade 2007 awards, sponsored by the Richmond chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). Led by Art Director Jeffrey Bland, Style Weekly received kudos for "24 Reasons to Love Richmond" and "Original Tales."

Continue ReadingStyle Weekly Wins AIGA Design Awards

Mayor Frank Melton of Jackson, Miss., was jailed yesterday for violating the terms of his probation that were established last fall after he pleaded guilty to three gun charges. Stories by the Jackson Free Press led directly to those gun convictions, and last month, the alt-weekly broke the news that Melton had violated his probation by breaking midnight curfew. The Jackson Free Press' coverage also led directly to five felony charges Melton faces in April for allegedly leading police officers and juvenile friends on a warrantless raid.

Continue ReadingMayor Dogged by Jackson Free Press Sent to Jail

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved H.R. 1309 this morning, just two days after it was reported out of subcommittee. It's "the most comprehensive legislation to reform the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in a decade," says the Sunshine in Government Initiative, a coalition of media groups that includes AAN. The bill restores meaningful deadlines for government agencies; requires agencies to create hotlines and tracking systems for requests; creates an ombudsman to resolve disputes and avoid litigation; makes it easier to recover legal fees if a requester is forced to sue; and penalizes agencies for delays. H.R. 1039 is scheduled to hit the House floor next Tuesday. AAN members are encouraged to contact their representatives to voice support for the bill.

Continue ReadingHouse Committee Approves FOIA Reform Bill

Lacey Phillabaum, a former staff writer for The Source Weekly and C-Ville Weekly, entered a federal detention center in January, six months before she will be sentenced for her role in torching a $4 million University of Washington horticulture facility, the Hook reports. Phillabaum pleaded guilty to three counts of arson in October, and faces three to five years in prison. "She's really eager to put this behind her," says friend James Johnson. The Hook also reports that friends of Phillabaum have set up an informative website about her in part "to counter the radical left-wing blogs that have accused her of being a snitch."

Continue ReadingFormer Alt-Weekly Reporter Heads to Prison Early