Whether showing rabbits or steers, competitors took pride in the results of their hard work in feeding and tending their animals.
Justin Hamel
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 strong visuals. His goal is to create meaningful photos that reflect Waco by listening deeply to people within the community; photographing not only the concerns impacting their lives, but also the celebrations, dreams and traditions. Before joining the Waco Bridge, Justin Hamel spent six years in El Paso as a freelance photojournalist covering migration along the U.S.-Mexico border and the energy industry in the Permian Basin.
Posted inEducation
Photographer’s notebook: Behind the scenes of “Becoming Mariachis”
What started as a routine photo essay became something more as the Bridge team got to know the student mariachis and saw their confidence bloom.
Posted inEducation
Becoming Mariachis: A season with University High’s Los Mariachi Troyanos
The teenage members of Los Mariachi Troyanos learn confidence and connection in their journey through traditional Mexican music.
Posted inCommunity
Photo essay: Honoring MLK’s legacy of peace and justice
Waco celebrated the civil rights leader with a peace march across the Suspension Bridge, followed by a gospel extravaganza.
Posted inCommunity
Photo essay: The shimmering glow of late-night Waco
The Waco Bridge’s photojournalist captures the mysterious shadows and the riot of neon light that paint the dark streets of Waco at night.
Posted inCommunity
Photo essay: Experiencing the wonder and welcome of Waco in 2025
Night swimming, punk rock shows, polka madness and dinnertime with a family are among the indelible memories of the Bridge’s photojournalist in his first year getting to know Waco.
Posted inCommunity
Photo essay: Tru Jamaica back to dishing out Caribbean delights on Taylor Street 3 years after fire
Customers kept Tru Jamaica alive in food trucks and temporary locations while it rebuilt from a fire. Owners are hoping they’ll rediscover the rebuilt location.
Posted inGrowth
‘They should have warned us’ says Rep. Curry at packed anti-data center meeting
A group of more than 100 opponents to the Infrakey data center site near Ross gathered to organize ahead of Tuesday’s Lacy Lakeview City Council vote on a proposed agreement.
Posted inEducation
Photo Essay: TSTC alumni roll up sleeves to build $72M construction center
Texas State Technical College graduates are building the center that will teach generations of students how to build.
Posted inCommunity
Photo Essay: Baylor class gets a Dia de Los Muertos assignment – Build a puppet
Students in the Creative Economies class at Baylor not only studied the Dia de los Muertos festival’s impact on Waco. They built a parade puppet.