Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 16, 2026

This agreement governs your access to and use of:

  • nbtxnews.org
  • app.nbtxnews.org (formerly app.frousa.org)
  • The NBTX News mobile applications available through the Apple App Store and Google Play

Collectively, these are referred to as the “Services.”

By accessing or using the Services, you agree to the terms and practices described below. If you do not agree, do not use the Services.

PART I — TERMS OF SERVICE

1. About NBTX News

NBTX News is an independent digital media platform serving New Braunfels, Comal County, and the surrounding Hill Country region.

The Services may include original reporting, commentary, newsletters, civic information, event listings, multimedia content, and related communications.

NBTX News may distribute newsletters or communications connected to affiliated civic initiatives, including Felicia’s Action Network (F.A.N.). Distribution of such communications does not alter NBTX News’ editorial control over its published content.

2. Use of the Services

You agree to use the Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with this agreement.

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any portion of the Services at any time without prior notice or liability.

3. Accounts

Certain features may require registration.

If you create an account, you agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete information
  • Maintain updated information
  • Safeguard your login credentials
  • Accept responsibility for activity under your account

We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate this agreement.

4. Content Sources and Attribution

NBTX News publishes a combination of:

  • Original reporting and commentary
  • Contributor submissions
  • Partner or collaborative content
  • Licensed or syndicated material
  • Publicly available information used in accordance with applicable law

Where content is provided by third parties or syndicated sources, appropriate attribution will be provided when required or appropriate.

Syndicated and third-party content remains the property of its respective owners.

5. User Submissions

If you submit comments, tips, photographs, audio, video, or written materials, you:

  • Represent that you have the legal right to submit the content
  • Grant NBTX News a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, publish, archive, distribute, and display the content in connection with operating and promoting the Services

Submission does not guarantee publication.

We may edit submissions for clarity, formatting, or legal compliance.

6. Contributor Agreement

If you submit journalistic work for publication:

  • You represent that the work is original or properly licensed
  • You grant NBTX News the right to publish and distribute the work across digital platforms and media formats
  • Editorial decisions remain at the sole discretion of NBTX News
  • Compensation, if any, must be agreed upon in writing

Contributors are responsible for accuracy and lawful sourcing.

7. Community Standards

You agree not to:

  • Post unlawful, abusive, threatening, or defamatory content
  • Harass or intimidate others
  • Impersonate any person or entity
  • Spread knowingly false information
  • Attempt unauthorized access to systems
  • Interfere with platform functionality

We may remove content or suspend accounts at our discretion.

8. Intellectual Property

All original NBTX News content, including branding, graphics, layout, and editorial work, is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce or distribute content without permission except as allowed by law.

9. DMCA and Copyright Complaints

If you believe material on the Services infringes your copyright, submit a written notice including:

  • Your contact information
  • Identification of the copyrighted work
  • The URL of the material
  • A good faith statement
  • A statement under penalty of perjury
  • Your signature

Notices should be sent to:

me@feliciarayowens.com

We may remove allegedly infringing material.

10. Subscriptions, Advertising, and Paid Services

NBTX News may offer subscriptions, memberships, advertising placements, sponsored content, or other paid services.

By purchasing paid services, you agree to:

  • Pay applicable fees and taxes
  • Authorize payment processing
  • Comply with disclosed billing terms

Unless otherwise stated, payments are non-refundable.

11. Donations

Donations are voluntary contributions supporting journalism and operations. Unless otherwise stated, donations are non-refundable.

12. Political Advertising and Sponsored Content

NBTX News may accept political advertising or sponsored content in compliance with applicable laws.

Sponsored or paid content will be identified where required.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement unless explicitly stated.

Advertisers are responsible for legal compliance.

13. Disclaimer

The Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

We make no warranties regarding:

  • Accuracy or completeness
  • Continuous availability
  • Technical performance
  • Absence of harmful components

News reporting may involve developing events.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, NBTX News shall not be liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from:

  • Use of the Services
  • Inability to access the Services
  • Unauthorized access to data
  • Reliance on published content

15. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Disputes shall be resolved in Texas courts.

PART II — PRIVACY POLICY

16. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We may collect personal information when you:

  • Subscribe to newsletters
  • Register for events
  • Submit comments or tips
  • Create an account
  • Make a donation
  • Contact us

This may include your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, login credentials, and payment information.

Information Collected Automatically

When you use the Services, we may collect:

  • IP address
  • Device type and operating system
  • Browser type
  • App version
  • Pages visited
  • Usage data
  • Performance diagnostics

17. Comments and Public Content

When visitors leave comments, we collect the data shown in the comment form along with IP address and browser information to assist with spam prevention.

Profile images associated with public comment services may be visible after comment approval.

Comments and related metadata may be retained indefinitely.

18. Media Uploads

If you upload images, avoid including embedded location data. Visitors may be able to download and extract metadata from publicly available images.

19. Cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Improve user experience
  • Remember login sessions
  • Store user preferences
  • Enable secure access

Login cookies may persist for a limited duration depending on your selections.

You may adjust browser settings to manage cookies. Disabling cookies may affect functionality.

20. Embedded Content

Articles may include embedded content from third-party platforms. Embedded content behaves as if you visited the external site directly and may collect data in accordance with that third party’s policies.

21. Data Sharing

We may share limited data with service providers who assist with hosting, payment processing, analytics, security, or communications.

If you request a password reset, technical information such as your IP address may be included for security purposes.

We do not sell personal information.

22. Data Retention

  • Comments and metadata may be retained indefinitely.
  • Registered users may access, edit, or delete their personal information, except usernames.
  • Administrators may access user account data for operational purposes.
  • Certain data may be retained for legal or security obligations.

23. Your Rights

If you have an account or have left comments, you may:

  • Request a copy of your personal data
  • Request correction
  • Request deletion, subject to legal obligations

Requests may be sent to:

me@feliciarayowens.com

24. Children’s Privacy

NBTX News does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

25. Security

We implement administrative and technical safeguards to protect information. No system is completely secure.

26. Updates

We may update this combined Terms and Privacy Policy. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of updates.

27. Contact

NBTX News

me@feliciarayowens.com