The Waco director of American Gateways says new federal and state policies and enforcement tactics have shaken local immigrant communities.
J.B. Smith
J.B. Smith is the editor-in-chief of the Bridge, where he oversees the news operation. He has spent 33 years in Texas journalism, including 27 at the Waco Tribune-Herald. As a reporter, he covered city government, the environment, immigration and housing. His reporting has won numerous statewide awards, including a Headliners award for a series tracing the deadly journey of teens from Mexico into the Arizona desert, and the Baylor University DNA scientist who helped identify their remains. As managing editor for the past seven years, he enjoyed coaching young reporters in daily and in-depth coverage.
Posted inCommunity
Young square dancers take a bow at national gathering in Waco
As more than 3,000 square dancers from around the world gathered in Waco last week for their annual convention, the spotlight was on the next generation. “We need the youth,” said Gary Lester, who serves as co-chair of the National Square Dance Convention with his wife, Claudia. “We need their energy.” The event marked one […]
Posted inGrowth
See results from city and school races in McLennan County
Preliminary results show a losses for incumbents in Lacy Lakeview and China Spring ISD and re-election for a Bellmead council member.
Posted inEducation
Ready to vote in Saturday’s local school and city elections? Read our guide first.
Contested elections are scheduled in Waco, Bellmead and Lacy Lakeview, as well as China Spring Independent School District.
Posted inUncategorized
Waco Bridge staffers win top awards in Texas Managing Editors contest
A deported chef, a data center fight and slices of Waco life were part of our award-winning coverage in 2025, our first year.
Posted inEducation
Early voting ends Tuesday in the May 2 local elections. Here’s what you need to know.
Check our listing of early vote centers and information on candidates and key races before you cast your ballot in school and city elections.
Posted inGrowth
In their own words: Bellmead at-large candidates on their priorities
Hopefuls in a four-way race talk about taxes, development and governing priorities.
Posted inCommunity
“Waco Voices Live” storytellers share what it means to be Hispanic in Waco
Remembering a landmark corner grocery store, a beloved newspaper, a grandmother’s house and the neighborhoods that defined Waco’s Hispanic community.
Posted inCommunity
Bridge Building: What two Waco “builders” taught me about vision and persistence
Jimmy Dorrell and Bill Falco believed in Waco’s future when many thought its best years were in the past. In their own ways, they helped make this a more compassionate and beautiful city. An appreciation from our editor-in-chief.
Posted inCommunity
Here are the results from McLennan County’s contested primaries
Here are unofficial results from McLennan County-centered races as of Wed., March 4. Incumbents are shown in italics. Races without a check mark indicate no majority winner, signaling a future runoff. U.S. Rep. District 17 GOP✔ Pete Sessions DEM Milah Flores20,017 / 42.5% J. Gordon Mitchell5,303 / 32.5% Casey Sheppard11,800 / 25% Texas Senate District […]
