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.
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
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 […]
Posted inCommunityElections
McLennan County’s state and federal primary races favor incumbents
State Reps. Pat Curry, R-Waco; and Angelia Orr, R-Hill County, fended off primary challengers Tuesday to clinch the Republican nomination for the Nov. 3 election. Meanwhile, State Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, won a three-way race for the GOP nomination for Texas Senate District 22. State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, is stepping down from the post […]
Posted inCommunity
Bridge Building: On angels, mariachis, civic news and what makes Waco life “wonderful”
Our editor-in-chief’s column reflects on fictional and real-life heroes who leave a legacy of “social capital” in their communities.
Posted inCommunity
Waco Family Medicine CEO: 9,000 locals could lose insurance as ACA subsidies expire
“It’s a little bit like fighting a multi-front war,” Dr. Jackson Griggs said. “If you have one challenge ahead of you, you can organize around it and attack it. We’re just seeing policy impacts from every direction that are undermining the safety net, and that’s what’s creating the challenge.”
Posted inEducation
School struggles, data centers, downtown visions and more: Six storylines we’re following in ’26
Amid optimism about Waco’s growth and opportunities, some worry about school takeovers and cuts to social safety net services.
Posted inCommunity
Waco JP who refused same-sex weddings targets gay marriage rights in federal lawsuit
Judge Dianne Hensley has fought the State Commission on Judicial Ethics since 2018 over her decision to perform only heterosexual weddings. Her new federal lawsuit filed in Waco takes aim at the commission and legalized gay marriage.
Posted inEducation
TSTC Waco’s star is on the rise with new funds, facilities: A Q&A with Beth Wooten
The state system opened its Waco job training center this year and is finishing a $72 million building at its flagship campus. New demand and new funding spells growth, says the Waco campus’ chief academic official.
Posted inGrowth
Waco among nearly 1,000 cities in Texas AG probe related to new property tax law
While Ken Paxton did not allege any wrongdoing, his move is intended to enforce a new law that prevents cities from raising property taxes if they fail to follow transparency requirements.
Posted inGrowth
Q&A: County Judge Scott Felton talks data centers, growth, redistricting and his last lap in office
The tenure of McLennan County’s top elected official has been marked by stable finances and regional planning for water, transportation and economic growth.
