The Waco Bridge

09/03/2026

Professor and therapist David Pooler was known for advocating for abuse survivors. Some of those survivors say he violated their trust.

09/03/2026

McLennan Community College connected more students with career-focused programs under a new state funding formula. Now a $3.1 million state shortfall has left MCC’s taxpayers to make up the difference.
"They did grow, and they’ve been very successful, and again they’re being punished for being successful," said state Rep. Pat Curry, R-Waco.

McLennan Community College boosted career-focused programs under a new state funding formula. But the state ran out of money, and local taxpayers are footing a $3.1 million bill

08/31/2026

A backlash has built against the surveillance camera network, funded in part by state fees. Robinson's mayor has turned against the cameras, and Woodway will not pursue them.

A fee meant to combat catalytic converter theft provided millions for the network of surveillance cameras, including in Central Texas.

08/31/2026

City officials say the formal “legacy tree” protections once proposed in the building code of Barron's branch aren't needed to preserve the grove of trees, though one old oak is set for removal.

A “legacy tree” designation was deleted from the design code for the Barron’s Branch development, but officials say future agreements will protect most of the live oak grove at the site.

08/19/2026

The special election would run parallel with the Nov. 3 general election, in which State Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, faces Democrat Amy Martinez-Salas.

08/19/2026

📣📣📣 The Waco Bridge newsletter has a brand new look! Now it's easier than ever to stay informed about local decisions that affect you. Every Tuesday and Thursday, plus news updates and photo essays through the week. Sign-up link in comments.

08/18/2026

“I am deeply proud of what our team has accomplished together and of the strong foundation we have built for the future," said Johnette McKown, president of McLennan Community College since 2009. See story link in comments.

08/14/2026

For now, the district is safe from a state takeover but challenges lie ahead. See how your campus or district did -- link in comments.

08/14/2026

Five Texas school districts including Austin ISD are in danger of state sanctions because of chronic academic underperformance, while Waco appears to be safe for now. Look up your school district with this interactive tool from The Texas Tribune.

Find 2026 school ratings for Waco, Midway, Connally and other area school districts with this lookup tool.

08/14/2026

(Corrected) South Waco Elementary School was among those campuses with several years of consecutive F grades. But a management contract with Third Future Schools for that school and Dean Highland Elementary will shield the district from state intervention for two years.

The school accountability ratings are based largely on Waco student performance on state standardized tests.