Opponents said the agreement could undermine trust with the Hispanic community and increase the likelihood of racial profiling. But sheriff’s officials said only two officers, both non-patrol, will be authorized for immigration issues.
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 inGrowth
Updated: Emerson, Holt among four finalists for Waco city manager
The two internal candidates and two external candidates all have extensive experience in midsized Texas cities.
Posted inCommunity
ICE partnership with McLennan County questioned ahead of vote
Immigrant advocates say the deal could incite fear and lead to racial profiling. Sheriff’s officials say they chose the least burdensome of the possible partnership options.
Posted inGrowth
McLennan County leadership to turn over in 2027 with Rick Tullis in top post
Tullis, a longtime business and Midway ISD leader, is set to replace County Judge Scott Felton. Felton’s son, Perry, is unopposed in the Precinct 4 commissioner race.
Posted inCommunity
Waco Family Medicine CEO paints ‘dire’ picture of state, federal impact on Waco healthcare
If state and federal funding trends regarding Medicaid and pharmacy discounts continue, “we will see major negative impacts on our community,” Dr. Griggs said.
Posted inCommunity
Here’s everyone running for office in McLennan County in 2026
Filing ended Dec. 8 for the March 3 Texas Republican and Democratic party primaries. You must be registered to vote by Feb. 2 but will not be asked to declare party participation until you vote in the primary. The primary winners will face a general election on Nov. 3, 2026. The following are county, state […]
Posted inGrowth
Water, power, politics: Three challenges for the $10B data center project
The Infrakey data center could bring huge tax wealth to Lacy Lakeview and McLennan County, but it would require huge resources.
Posted inGrowth
Tensions high with neighbors, city of Waco as Lacy Lakeview moves data center deal along
Opponents packed Lacy Lakeview City Hall but were not allowed to speak until after the vote for a nonbinding annexation and infrastructure agreement. Waco City Manager Bradley Ford attended and said it was “highly unusual” that Waco leaders were not notified of the plans.
Posted inCommunity
Meals on Wheels seeks help to nourish and connect seniors amid funding cuts
Facing deep cuts to federal reimbursements, the charity is working to raise $1 million clear its waitlist of 400 seniors and disabled people.
Posted inGrowth
Texas law could let Lacy Lakeview lasso a $10 billion data center site and its tax riches
The city of 7,300 aims to annex the Infrakey site so it can reap some $50M in taxes a year. A 2023 state law could allow the site to exit Waco’s annexation zone, called the ETJ. But a backlash is growing.
