ICE partnership with McLennan County questioned ahead of vote
The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office is pursuing new powers to interrogate and arrest suspected undocumented immigrants during routine interactions as part of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement partnership.…
EDUCATION
TSTC Waco’s star is on the rise with new funds, facilities: A Q&A with Beth Wooten
This has been a banner year for the Waco-based Texas State Technical College system. In February, TSTC opened its $17 million WorkSITE job training center in Waco’s main industrial park, with funding assistance from McLennan County and the city of Waco. In November, Texans approved a constitutional amendment creating an $850 million endowment for capital…
‘Fundamental mission failure’: Texas education chief will replace Connally ISD board, install conservator
The Texas Education Agency will appoint a conservator of Connally Independent School District and replace its elected school board with a state-appointed board of managers after two campuses failed to meet state academic standards for five consecutive years, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath announced Thursday. Morath on Thursday also announced takeovers of Beaumont and Lake Worth…
Growth
Waco Family Medicine CEO paints ‘dire’ picture of state, federal impact on Waco healthcare
Waco’s safety net for low-income patients is facing “dire” threats due to state and federal decisions, Waco Family Medicine’s top executive told the Waco City Council on Tuesday. The nonprofit clinic system has cut staff 12% and closed three clinics since 2024, while facing continued challenges due to tightening Medicaid eligibility and issues with pharmacy…
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, 2025. The following are county, state…
Community
Photo essay: Tru Jamaica back to dishing out Caribbean delights on Taylor Street 3 years after fire
Aniceto Charles Jr. was gratified to see the community rally after his family’s Tru Jamaica restaurant at 937 Taylor St. burned three years ago this December. He saw his loyal customers follow the business to food trucks and temporary locations, then stream into the restaurant when it reopened Oct. 15. “We started off like a…
Meals on Wheels seeks help to nourish and connect seniors amid funding cuts
Ninety-five-year-old Joshua Jegede opened his door, eager for a hot meal and a familiar face. It was Meals on Wheels volunteer Ethan Gonzales, bringing lunch to Jegede’s home in the Carver Park neighborhood of East Waco. Ethan’s dad, Meals on Wheels board member David Gonzales, remained in the minivan at the curb. He shouted out…
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