Editor’s note: A version of this column first appeared in The Waco Bridge’s July 9 newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter, which keeps readers caught up on Waco news and information.
Today marks a new chapter in the story of The Waco Bridge, and we welcome you to turn the page with us.
Our nonprofit local newsroom has put in long hours preparing for the relaunch of wacobridge.org as a full-fledged news site chronicling the life of Waco.
Bookmark the site and return any time you want to experience the full range of work by our professional journalists. Our content is free, so share it with your friends.
You’ll see in-depth news features, starting today with reporter Sam Shaw’s exploration of the prospects for a downtown minor league ballpark.
Later in the week, reporter Raquel Villatoro will bring you the story of South Waco families dealing with the loss of their tight-knit neighborhood school, Alta Vista Elementary, in a school consolidation move. It’s typical of our approach to news, told through the lens of everyday people.
You’ll also see the work of photojournalist Justin Hamel, whose striking photography will mark The Waco Bridge as a visual innovator.
You’ll also find updated and expanded versions of content we have recently featured in our newsletter, including an explainer about the city’s landfill gas program and stories on new mental health funding and Waco Independent School District teacher salaries.
You’ll get a recap of our recent “Texas Decisions, Waco Impact” event that brought together top local leaders and state Rep. Pat Curry for a spirited discussion about the local effects of the recent legislative session.
In coming days and weeks, look for coverage of community events and a series celebrating people making a difference in Waco far from the limelight. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram , LinkedIn and TikTok to stay connected with us there.
This is just the beginning. Our coverage will evolve as we hear from you. What would you find interesting and useful as a Waco resident? What questions do you want answered? (We’d love to hear from you at community@wacobridge.org.)
This website isn’t our only way of getting news and information out to Waco, and it will not be the main way. We have a growing list of subscribers to our free newsletter, which provides a quick skim of Waco news, and we urge you to sign up for it.
I see the newsletter as a food truck – nimble, quick and nourishing for people on the go. The website is our sitdown restaurant, where you’ll find the full menu and more elaborate dishes. The choice is yours.
Finally, we are planning to follow up our “Waco Impact” event with smaller events where you can learn about local issues and we can learn more about what you want in local news. Got some ideas? Let us know!
At The Waco Bridge, we’re excited about trying to expand the audience for local news by any means we can. We’re having fun doing this, and we hope you’ll join us for the ride.
