Correction, Sept. 19, 2026 10:45 am:
An earlier version of this article misstated the number of suspense voters in the summary.
Nearly 1 in 5 McLennan County voters is on the “suspense” list. How to check it, and how to get off.
Correction, Sept. 4, 2026 12:33 pm:
An earlier version of this story incorrectly described the conference attended by Pooler and a clergy abuse survivor. It was not affiliated with the Restored Voices Collective.
A Baylor scholar of clergy sexual abuse faces accusations from survivors
Clarification, Aug. 14, 2026 2:52 pm:
An earlier version of this story stated that South Waco Elementary had received its fifth consecutive F rating. However, the TEA clarified that it does not count this year's F because of the Third Future contract.
More Waco ISD campuses receive Fs on state report card, but contract prevents state takeover
Clarification, Aug. 6, 2026 12:25 pm:
This story has been updated with a sentence explaining the impact of the budget on renters.
Streamlined Waco budget could raise fees, lower taxes for some
Correction, May 19, 2026 11:49 am:
An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the original charge for Rakim Sharkey. In 2017, Sharkey was charged with "continuous trafficking of persons."
Inside the Waco child sex abuse plea deal that’s making trouble for Ken Paxton
Correction, May 13, 2026 10:50 am:
The story has been updated to clarify that recommendations from the Lake Whitney reallocation study are awaiting approval.
Lacy Lakeview needs Waco’s help to realize its data center dreams. It’s not going well.
Correction, April 1, 2026 10:51 am:
An earlier version of this story misstated the number and percentage of students who would be in schools controlled by Third Future Schools.
Third Future wins $11.7M contract to run struggling Waco schools, starts hiring next week
Clarification, March 27, 2026 4:27 pm:
This story has been updated to reflect Waco ISD's response to an open records request.
Strict schedules, long days, high pay: What two Waco schools can expect under Third Future
Clarification, March 13, 2026 10:24 am:
This guide has been updated to clarify that the Waco and Midway school boards voted to maintain current practices and not create a dedicated time for prayer in school, a vote required by state law.
How Waco Works: School boards have a say in how students learn and how much you pay in taxes
Correction, Feb. 27, 2026 9:29 am:
This story has been updated to reflect newer estimates of utility rate impacts and interest savings under the financing plan.
City ups investment ante to $213M as developer deadline nears for downtown project
Correction, Feb. 25, 2026 5:21 pm:
This story has been updated with new estimates from the city of Waco of the cost of the Barron's Branch project. The price tag has risen in recent months from $167 million to $213 million with the addition of new drainage tunnels and structured parking.
In addition, the caption on the main image has been corrected to show that Orlando Rodriguez is a graduate of A.J. Moore Academy.
A riverside school known by many names will be gone – but not forgotten.
Correction, Feb. 23, 2026 11:29 am:
This story has been changed to correct the years that Virginia DuPuy served as mayor. It was 2005 to 2010.
Waco is on a park-building spree. Here’s a glimpse of three set to finish this year
Correction, Feb. 19, 2026 12:26 pm:
A caption has been updated to correct the name of a participant, Emerson Williams.
Sawdust, dynasties and prize buckles: Youth livestock show tests animal rearing skills
Correction, Feb. 3, 2026 11:34 am:
A previous version of this article misstated the job Chen took after she graduated from Baylor School of Social Work. She was a counselor at Family Abuse Center.
Waco Voices: Connecting through boba tea, therapy and Asian culture
Correction, Dec. 19, 2025 1:27 pm:
This article has been updated to include Kathaleen Wall as a Republican challenging District 13 State Rep. Angelia Orr. Also, the year of the 2026 general election was corrected.
Here’s everyone running for office in McLennan County in 2026
Correction, Dec. 19, 2025 1:19 pm:
This article has been updated to correct the year that Scott Felton began as county judge. He was appointed in 2012 to fill the unexpired term of Jim Lewis and won election the following year.
McLennan County leadership to turn over in 2027 with Rick Tullis in top post
Correction, Dec. 17, 2025 3:35 pm:
An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the new $72 million building at TSTC Waco. It is the Construction Technologies Center.
TSTC Waco’s star is on the rise with new funds, facilities: A Q&A with Beth Wooten
Correction, Sept. 19, 2025 11:43 am:
An earlier version of this story misstated the background of Willie F. Williams. He is a Waco ISD educator and cousin of former La Vega ISD Coach Willie Williams.
Celebrating East Waco’s legacy of song, schools and culture
Correction, Sept. 16, 2025 2:34 pm:
An earlier version of this story misstated the full name of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance. It has been corrected.
TSTC’s WorkSITE gains steam as workforce training dynamo
Correction, Aug. 27, 2025 12:46 pm:
This story has been corrected to show that Connally ISD had two schools with five consecutive F ratings. The school district itself has a D rating, not an F.
Some Waco-area schools stumbled on the state report card. What’s next?
