TOM NICHOLS Tribune Content

World's largest rocket to thunder over Texas this week in vital SpaceX flight

SpaceX will launch the world's largest rocket for the second time in 2026 as the race heats up for Elon Musk's spaceflight company to be ready for NASA's next moon mission.

Go away with ... Oli Higginson

Oli Higginson is an actor who's best known as Footman John in the “Bridgerton” franchise. But he also has the musical alter ego Modern Oli who released the song “People Pleaser” and toured the U.S. earlier this year, before finishing…

Rick Steves’ Europe: Stratford-upon-Avon: To see or not to see?

Nonliterary types might find England's Stratford-upon-Avon to be much ado about nothing, but Shakespeare's hometown is blanketed with opportunities for Bardolatry. It's an easy side-trip from London, but an overnight stay is best to take in a performance.

LETTERS: Housing bill in spite of Trump: HOTNIR seeks help

Higher standard

Tom Nichols: Iran, not Trump, Is in control of this war

If Donald Trump ever had any control over the war he started with Iran, he’s lost it. The Iranians are now setting the terms of this conflict.

Jimmy Dorrell: A different approach to investment banking

Jordan Walker stuns home favorite Kyle Schwarber in HR Derby final

The Boston Red Sox's Willson Contreras and St. Louis Cardinals' Jordan Walker each clubbed 13 homers to top the leaderboard in Round 1 of the Home Run Derby on Monday.

Bellmead man accused of threatening neighbor with gun indicted

A Bellmead man who police believe pointed a stolen gun at a neighbor he was arguing with last month has been indicted on two felony charges.

Man indicted on assault, DWI charges in Robinson moped crash

A man arrested by Robinson Police last month in a drunken driving crash was indicted Thursday on an aggravated assault charge.

Texas A&M basketball ahead of schedule this offseason, Coach Bucky McMillan says

Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan says the Aggies are ahead of schedule this offseason, while forward Mackenzie Mgbako works his way back from injury. Aggie Basketball Offseason UpdateTexas A&M basketball head coach Bucky McMillan says the Aggies are ahead of schedule this offseason, but still ...

Leon County commissioners reject initial tax break application for Crusoe Technologies data center

Leon County commissioners reject initial tax break application for Crusoe Technologies data centerWatch the full story here: Leon County commissioners reject initial tax break application for Crusoe Technologies data centerMore than 200 residents packed Leon County's Annex 2 building Monday as co...

Mike Copeland: Pizza Ranch progress; Downtown talk; Laminate award; Backpack giveaway; Fuel prices

Pizza Ranch has a building permit for its Waco location. A chamber talk will cover downtown redevelopment. Waco Laminate Technologies picked up a safety plaudit, and more local business news.

Why has the US restarted strikes against Iran now?

The United States launched a third straight day of strikes against Iran Monday, as the U.S. and Iran sparred over the Strait of Hormuz, and President Trump sought to up pressure in the waterway with the resumption of a blockade and new payments.U.S. Central Command said the strikes will continue ...

Eleven athletes file lawsuit to challenge new NCAA eligibility rules

A collection of 11 athletes from around the country and across multiple sports have filed a class action lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging its new eligibility rules.

Multiple agencies respond to North Zulch oil well fire

NORTH ZULCH, Texas (FOX 44) - Multiple agencies responded to a fire at an oil well location in Madison County on Monday afternoon, (July 13, 2026). The North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department reports that they were dispatched to a fire at an oil well location on FM 2865, just west of North Zulch. N...

Our Town: Hewitt Fire Department Grows Under Fire Chief

HEWITT, Texas (FOX 44) — In Hewitt, Fire Chief Jonathan Christian has brought about millions of dollars in change, including a new fire engine and a fire station. Coming to the Hewitt Fire Department, Fire Chief Jonathan Christian had a plan. The department was already making big changes, such as...

Waco police warn residents about AI-generated crime alerts that may spread false information

Waco police warn residents to verify AI-generated crime alerts after a false report about an officer shooting turned out to be a training exercise. Waco police are warning residents to be cautious of AI-generated crime alerts after a false report spread through a crime reporting app An app merged...

Latest Forecast with Chief Meteorologist Mike LaPoint

Additional scattered storms are expected across parts of North and Central Texas Tuesday and Wednesday. The main timing of storms will be the afternoon and evening, but overnight storms will remain possible across southern Central Texas. Locally heavy rainfall will be the primary concern.

Pet of the Week: Crown Apple the Collie/Aussie Shepherd Mix

WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Every week, FOX 44 will be featuring a furry friend up for adoption through the Humane Society of Central Texas. You can take a look at Crown Apple in the video above! If you're thinking about adopting this furry friend, you can contact the Humane Society of Central Texas b...

Fatal Houston ICE shooting follows agency’s increased focus on street arrests

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Texas and across the country have increasingly targeted people who are not already in law enforcement custody, according to a Texas Tribune analysis.

Harris County DA’s office to treat ICE shooting as criminal investigation, says it may take months or years to complete

Harris County officials say they will fund an independent investigation to identify the ICE agents involved in Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's killing.

Our Town: A Public Library Of Proven Excellence

HEWITT, Texas (FOX 44) - Hewitt's calling card for making it a great place to live is its proximity to big city attractions and amenities with a small town feel. One of the great attractions is the Hewitt Public Library - which earned the 2025 Achievement of Excellence from the Texas Municipal Li...

Feed the need: 25 News and Shepherd's Heart team up to fight summer food insecurity in Central Texas

As children lose access to school meals for the summer and grocery prices remain high,25 Newsis partnering with Shepherd's Heart for the annual "Feed the Need" food drive to help support local families.Watch Full Story Here: Feed the need: 25 News and Shepherd's Heart team up to fight summer food...

Killeen city council to vote on ADA transition plan aimed at improving accessibility across the community

Killeen City Council is set to vote on an ADA transition plan that would improve accessibility across the community, following a settlement agreement reached with the Department of Justice in 2021.Watch the story here: Killeen city council to vote on ADA transition plan aimed at improving access...

Temple alum Naeten Mitchell hoping to make the leap in first season at Colorado

Naeten Mitchell was prepared for the rigors of college after what he learned at Temple. After a breakout year at New Mexico State, he's ready to step up at Colorado.

Houston protesters call on feds to release more information, and witnesses, to ICE killing

HOUSTON — Hundreds gathered at Houston City Hall’s steps Saturday evening, holding umbrellas in one hand and signs in the other, reiterating demands many have been making for days: answers on what led to the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado…

Our Town: Historical Landmarks of Hewitt, Texas

HEWITT, Texas (FOX 44) - While the City of Hewitt is second to none when it comes to its public services, it also boasts a couple of landmarks! The Hewitt Baptist Church was founded in November 1894 with the help of Whitehall Baptist Church. Hewitt Baptist joined the Waco Baptist Association and ...

US strikes targets in Iran for third straight day as blockade resumes

The U.S. continued strikes against Iran Monday, according to U.S. Central Command.The strikes, which have now continued for three consecutive days, were directed by President Donald Trump. The U.S. is seeking to "degrade" Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping and civilian vessels in the St...

The Open has new codes of conduct for players and spectators. One requires no clarification

The R&A confirmed to Golfweek that the following policy covering “serious misconduct” is in effect this week at Royal Birkdale.

MCC professor named Texas Country Music Awards finalist

WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - A McLennan Community College (MCC) music professor is one of five finalists for Keyboard/Pianist of the Year in the 2026 Texas Country Music Awards! The College is celebrating the recognition of Music Industry Careers professor and alumnus Shane Hall, who was recognized for...

Midway's gritty 10U all-stars claim state championship

Showing ample guts and resolve along the way, the Midway 10U softball all-stars are state champions.

Chick‑fil‑A dethroned as America’s fast-food favorite

For the first time in more than a decade, a different name sits at the top of the fast‑food satisfaction rankings.

South Carolina governor appoints Lindsey Graham's sister to serve out his term

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday that he would appoint Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham's sister, to serve out the remainder of his term in the Senate.The appointment comes after Graham, the Republican Senator from the state, died over the weekend from heart complications...

Cooler and wetter July week

There is nothing like getting a break from all the heat here in Texas during the month of July. This week should bring below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. It may not rain at your house every day this week, but there should be some scattered activity around through Friday.Ton...

Brice Cherry: Chasing chains in the 'Waco Birdie Challenge'

Birdies are hard to come by, but what if I could create the perfect, 18-hole course for my own game? That idea begat the Waco Birdie Challenge.

US renews strikes in Iran

DUBAI — The U.S. military carried out a third consecutive night of strikes against Iran on Monday as President Donald Trump reinstated a blockade of Iranian shipping and proposed charging a 20% fee to guard the Strait of Hormuz.

Waco's 2026 ATG Expo postponed

WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Organizers for the 2026 ATG Expo in Waco have made the difficult decision to postpone this year's event. The event will not be taking place on September 12–13. Event organizers say circumstances outside of their control resulted in the Expo being once again moved from June ...

B-52's to drop bombs on Ft Hood range again Monday

Fort Hood, Texas (FOX 44) - Increased aircraft sound along with the sounds of detonations will return next week as B-52's again will drop bombs on the Fort Hood impact area. B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from the 20th Bomb Squadron out of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, will conduct training ...

The World Cup’s final four is set. Here's who's in as the final week begins

Were going to miss this World Cup when its over next week.We were treated to two brilliant quarterfinals over the weekend, which saw both England and Argentina advance to the last four at the expense of Norway and Switzerland.For England, it was all about one name: Jude Bellingham. Ive given up o...

Trump wants to isolate International Criminal Court

* Options under consideration include travel bans, visa revocations and increased sanctions, State Department official says * Rubio and other US officials are pressuring countries to diplomatically