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July 24, 2026 Friday Forum Episode

Here’s what’s coming up on Friday Forum for the week of July 3, 2026. Check below for updated story links and audio.

Waco Independent Film Festival marks 10 years with growing national reputation

More than a thousand filmmakers and enthusiasts descended on downtown Waco last weekend for the 10th annual Waco Independent Film Festival. The festival is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top film festivals in the nation.

Our team was there all weekend and has this feature about what sets Waco Indie apart.

At Waco Indie, 'Donnie Darko' screening highlights new color display technology

One of the educational panels included in this year’s festival showed off a brand new color display technology. The panel and special screening of Donnie Darko showed what the future of movie-going could look like.

Hood County judge sides against proposed data centers

KERA’s Emmanuel Rivas reports the ruling clears the way for county officials to continue reviewing the developments.

Gov. Abbott issues executive order to crack down on "birth tourism"

Houston Public Media’s Anbdrew Schneider reports the move responds to the recent U-S Supreme Court ruling upholding birthright citizenship, despite efforts by President Trump to restrict it.

Central Texas Food Bank Waco Hub draws close to opening, aims to close gaps in East Waco food desert

This interview was edited by summer intern Scarlett Ucci.

The Central Texas Food Bank, based out of Austin, serves 21 counties through both direct distribution and a network of nonprofits. The organization is the largest provider of food to Waco’s food ministries, including Shepard’s Heart and Caritas.

The Waco Hub is wrapping up construction and expects to open in the coming months. Sari Vatske, CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank, joined Friday Forum to talk about the new facility.

As floodwaters rise again, Texas Hill Country bar owner relives last year's devastation

Last week's heavy rainfall in Central and South Texas caused floods that killed two and left hundreds of homes and businesses damaged. For many Hill Country residents, the experience has meant reliving the trauma of last summer's catastrophic floods.

The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez went to Kerr County, where one couple found that rebuilding means learning to live with a river they know will rise again.

Molly-Jo Tilton joined KWBU in 2024 as the station's Multimedia Reporter. She covers all things Waco and McLennan county for KWBU, from City Council to the local arts scene. Her work regularly appears on The Texas Standard and has appeared on NPR's All Things Considered and the Texas Tribune. She also co-hosts the weekly news show, Friday Forum with the Waco Bridge.