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Friday Forum with The Waco Bridge

November 14 News Roundup + Estrellita Doolin

By J.B. Smith,
Rachel Velasco
Published November 14, 2025 at 11:15 AM CST

This week JB Smith and guest host Rachel Velasco will be discussing local impacts of the end to the government shutdown, two big developments across lake Waco, and an update on next years primary elections.

JB will also be speaking to Estrellita Doolin, CEO of Meals on Wheels Waco. She'll be discussing the organizations 'Step Up for Seniors' fundraising campaign.

You can learn more about the campaign and Meals on Wheels Waco via their website https://mowwaco.org/

This weekly show is produced by KWBU in partnership with the Waco Bridge. 

Partnerships like this are only possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this programming valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.

PREVIOUS EPISODES OF FRIDAY FORUM WITH THE WACO BRIDGE
May 22 News Roundup + MCC Homeschool Resource Fair interview
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith dive into the latest on a new development off I-35 and leadership changes at Kendrick Elementary school.
May 15 News Roundup + Kathleen Knight interview, Future Educator's Academy
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith give an update on data centers around Central Texas and ongoing redevelopment at the former Floyd Casey Stadium.
May 8 News Roundup + Josh Borderud Interview
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith give an update on the state's appointment of Connally ISD's superintendent and board and talk about results from last week's elections.
May 1 News Roundup + Baylor Lariat Interview
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith give an update on the new Central Texas Food Bank hub in Waco and talk about this weekend's elections.
April 24 News Roundup & Hob Howell Interview
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith talk about dueling political events at Baylor and their repercussions, Waco ISD's budget surplus and a new brewery coming to town.
April 17 News Roundup + Dr. Cory Smith Interview
This week, JB Smith is joined by guest co-host, Andrea Kosar, to discuss upcoming local elections and the contests to keep an eye on.
April 10 News Roundup + Matthew Scheuritzel interview
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith talk about Willie Nelson’s long-awaited return to Baylor and a surprising housing development east of town.
April 3 News Roundup + Kacie Birkes Interview
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith talk about a renovation project at the former Estella Maxey Apartments and give a preview of May’s local elections..
March 27 News Roundup + Emily Humphrey Interview
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith break down the latest in education news and give an update on construction projects around town.
News Roundup March 20 + Jason MacGregor
This week, co-hosts Molly-Jo Tilton and JB Smith break down the latest on the state’s voucher program, a change coming to Waco’s yard waste collection and talk about a fire in Gatesville early this week.

Friday Forum with The Waco Bridge
J.B. Smith
Before joining The Waco Bridge in February as editor-in-chief, J.B. Smith had 33 years of Texas journalism experience, most of it as local government reporter and managing editor at the Tribune-Herald. He has won numerous statewide awards for enterprise journalism, including a series on migrant deaths on the Mexico border. A Sulphur Springs native and Southwestern University graduate, he is grateful for the opportunity to build a nonprofit newsroom in his adopted hometown of Waco.
See stories by J.B. Smith
Rachel Velasco
A love for people and the greater Waco community has always been the heart of Rachel’s work. A 2005 UT Austin graduate with a degree in English, Rachel began her career as a classroom English teacher. Through various professional opportunities in the education field, health and wellness industry, and the private business sector, she cultivated a love for building strong communities through service. She joined KWBU in August of 2023. She is also the Saturday Market Manager for the Waco Downtown Farmers Market. She has four nearly-grown children and loves tending her herbs and roses and growing things.https://www.kwbu.org/people/rachel-velasco
See stories by Rachel Velasco