The act of war that took place at Ft. Hood on Thursday, rightfully overshadowed the launch of another non-profit news venture. It was an exciting launch, nonetheless, according to New York Times media critic David Carr:

The big coverage on the site, TexasTribune.org, on Friday was not about the aftermath of the shootings, but the 50 highest paid state employees and an exclusive about a state representative who had switched parties.

The Texas Tribune was conceived and devised to cover the politics and policy of Texas state government…

The Tribune is a nonprofit attempt to use a mix of donations, sponsorships, premium content and revenue from conferences to come up with a sustainable model for journalism that neither depends on nor requires a print product…

Various Web sites have carved out a business, or at least an audience, by shaving off some aspect of news, including crime, gossip or entertainment, but state government would not seem to be the sexiest corner of the realm.

“The business of state government is health care, education, immigration, the most important issues around, and there are plenty of people who have a stake,” said [Tribune Editor Evan] Smith, sitting in his second floor office in Austin with the Capitol visible just up the hill. “The reaction from the people at the statehouse about our launch has been gratitude and fear. They’ll say, ‘I’m so glad that you are doing this, and I hope you do a great job of covering everyone but me.’ ”

Hear, hear Mr. Smith