He founded The Texas Tribune, a model for nonprofit grass-roots news organizations nationwide, and the American Journalism Project, which supports them. Thornton, John (1965-2025), News and News Media, Finances, Nonprofit Organizations, American Journalism Project, Emerson Collective, Houston Endowment, Texas Tribune, Smith, Evan (1966- ), Deaths (Obituaries), Venture capitalism He founded The Texas Tribune, a model for nonprofit grass-roots news organizations nationwide, and the American Journalism Project, which supports them. NYT > Business