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One year ago today, I walked into the Waco Bridge newsroom for the first time, having no idea what to expect. Twelve months, 238 stories, and upwards of 45,000 photos later, The Waco Bridge and I have arrived at our one year anniversary of covering Waco online. 

You might wonder: Why would a small nonprofit newsroom like ours put so much effort into pictures – and ask our followers to support that work with their own hard-earned dollars?

More than words alone, photojournalism provides proof of reality, whether it’s an experience of struggle or celebration. There is a power to being seen in the reflection of another person experiencing the world in a similar way that helps create human connections across a community.

Policy decisions and laws – like data center decisions, swimming pool fees, food benefit cuts or school takeovers – are no longer impersonal issues. You see the face of your son or daughter, mother or father, tía or tío. It is in this moment when journalism feels the most real.

I hope you’ll become a supporting member of The Waco Bridge by donating in any amount so I can continue showing that your story matters to us and Waco.

Daniel May moves cattle from their holding pens to the auction ring at the West Auction barn in West, Texas on June 11. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Waco High School’s Lion Pride Color Guard performs in Waco’s Juneteenth parade on Saturday, June 20. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Community members swim in the Doris Miller Community Pool on May 29. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Michael Dionne exclaims after being baptized in the Middle Bosque river by Jimmy Dorrell and Kevin Brown during Church Under the Bridge’s Easter service west of Waco on April 5. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, gives a stump speech at the Waco Multi-Purpose Facility on primary election day on March 3. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
More than 200 students from University High School walk out in protest against ICE in Waco on Jan. 30. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
A community member asks a question about the proposed Infrakey data center during a community meeting in Ross, Texas, on Dec. 7, 2025. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Connally ISD Board President Steven Carter holds his head during a March 23 conversation about canceling a $5.9 million bond election in favor of consolidating three elementary schools. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Brighton Meurer after showing her market steers during the McLennan County Jr. Livestock Auction on Feb. 04,. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
An IMCA Stock Car driver waits in line to race at the Heart O’ Texas Speedway in Elm Mott on March 20. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Amy Knight poses in her shop, Jezebel Gypsy Boutique, on Oct. 23, 2025. Knight, who opened her store in July 2025, worried that a city ban on eight-liner games effective in January 2026 would devastate her business. The business is now closed. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
DFW hardcore band ICBM performs at Narcan Fest on July 26, 2025, at the Performing Arts Community Center on Austin Avenue. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
University High’s Los Troyanos Mariachi band director, Archie Hatten, plays the French horn during practice on Sept. 8, 2025. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
University High School mariachi band students smile after trying on and playing in their new trajes (uniforms) for the first time on Dec. 2, 2025. The trajes, which had been on the program’s wish list for years, were custom-made in Mexico thanks to a grant from the Cooper Foundation. Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America

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Justin Hamel is a visual journalist for the Bridge through a partnership with Catchlight and Report for America. He’s excited to help shape the Bridge’s visual journalism by ensuring every story includes...