local
Who doesn't have AC? Maps show the places with the least
By By Ignacio Calderon, Swasti Singhai and John Heasly USA Today at Waco Tribune-Herald
· July 3, 2026
· 1 min read
Air conditioning will be keeping millions of Americans safe and comfortable over the holiday weekend as a heat dome brings dangerous conditions to millions. But not everyone has access to the cooling power of AC.
Key takeaway But not everyone has access to the cooling power of AC.
Why this matters in The Waco
In Waco , the lack of air conditioning is a concern that intersects with poverty and housing conditions. Neighborhoods with older homes and lower income levels are more likely to have residents without access to AC, exacerbating the risks associated with extreme heat. As the city experiences temperatures that can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children, the disparity in access to cooling becomes a public health issue. Local organizations and city government may need to consider initiatives that provide relief, such as public cooling centers or programs to help low-income residents install air conditioning units. The heat dome's impact on Waco will be closely watched, particularly in areas where residents are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to limited access to cooling.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Air conditioning will be keeping millions of Americans safe and comfortable over the holiday weekend as a heat dome brings dangerous conditions to millions. But not everyone has access to the cooling power of AC.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by By Ignacio Calderon, Swasti Singhai and John Heasly USA Today at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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