Rick Tullis will be the first new McLennan County Judge in more than a decade after running unopposed. He says he’ll bring a laser focus on local issues, from data centers to mental health services.
Sam Shaw
Sam Shaw covers government and growth for the Bridge. Previously, he spend the past two years at the Longview News-Journal, where he covered county government, school board and environmental justice issues. His work on the emerging lithium extraction industry in Northeast Texas has won statewide attention. Before Longview, he wrote for several publications in his native Colorado and reported news features for the High Country News. Sam earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a master’s in journalism from Goldsmiths University in London.
Posted inCommunity
How Waco Works: A new series on navigating local government and four tips to make change happen
Local government can feel like a labyrinth. We’re creating a guide series to help you understand how decisions are made in Waco and how to get involved.
Posted inCommunity
McLennan County Dems see party ‘rejuvenated’ by primary; local GOP incumbents coast to victory
Democrats saw the biggest voter turnout since 2008. Donations, incumbency and ground game were decisive for most Waco-area GOP races. Both parties face a May 26 runoff.
Posted inCommunity
Voting in Tuesday’s primary? Here’s what McLennan County voters should know
It’s a hefty ballot, with three Republicans gunning for State Sen. Brian Birdwell’s seat, and two Democrats battling in the redrawn Commissioner Precinct 2.
Posted inGrowth
Ceremony kicks off “pocket neighborhood” at old Sanger school site
Grassroots Waco is preparing to start site work for Renaissance at Sanger Heights, featuring 25 homes and interior green space.
Posted inGrowth
City ups investment ante to $213M as developer deadline nears for downtown project
Developers have until March 12 to pitch ideas for Barron’s Branch, which now is expected to include a major parking garage and additional water and drainage features.
Posted inGrowth
Waco is on a park-building spree. Here’s a glimpse of three set to finish this year
From a sprawling regional park in South Waco, to a “pocket park” on Austin Avenue, Waco is on a park building spree with little precedent.
Posted inGrowth
GOP candidates for open Texas Senate seat tout Waco representation
Waco’s clout in the Texas Legislature is at issue in the Republican primary race to replace departing state Sen. Brian Birdwell.
Posted inGrowth
Texans want their local governments to push pause on data centers. Can they?
Texans from Waco to Harlingen are raising concerns about the energy and water data centers use. Local governments have a few tools to fight them – if they want to.
Posted inGrowth
Waco seeks pollution measure to clear way for a park at old Hillcrest hospital
The city of Waco is pursuing a state groundwater designation that could clear hurdles for a long-sought city park at the former Hillcrest hospital site.