Some Texans dodge bullet train, others are square in its path
Federal officials identified the likely route a planned Dallas-Houston bullet train will take through rural counties as it connects the state's two largest urban areas. Full Story
Brandon Formby leads the news desk, working most closely with the general assignment reporters who bring Texans the urgent news and necessary nuance that put pressing issues into perspective. Brandon was previously the night news editor through two regular and three special legislative sessions, the first two years of the coronavirus pandemic and the deadly 2021 winter storm. Before editing, Brandon was the Tribune’s Dallas-based urban affairs reporter, covering the state’s worsening housing affordability crisis, transportation challenges and Hurricane Harvey. He grew up in Plano, received a journalism degree from Texas Tech University and worked at The Dallas Morning News for more than 13 years. He is based in Austin.
Federal officials identified the likely route a planned Dallas-Houston bullet train will take through rural counties as it connects the state's two largest urban areas. Full Story
As state officials vie for limited federal disaster dollars, housing advocates fear Texans with destroyed homes may fall through a patchwork of government agencies. Full Story
Late Thursday, transportation officials released a statement saying they were dropping several toll projects from long-term plans due to public response. Full Story
A state lawmaker has asked the attorney general to weigh in on whether the state's transportation agency can use voter-approved funds to rebuild or expand highways that will also include toll lanes alongside them. Full Story
Officials from battered towns and counties — including one who said he's had suicidal thoughts — told lawmakers that too many residents are sleeping in tents and hotels more than two months after Hurricane Harvey. Full Story
State officials want as few parameters as possible on federal disaster relief funds, but housing advocates say that could lead to public works projects getting federal funds over Texans who lost everything. Full Story
Some — but not all — southeast Texans could see property tax breaks after the hurricane damaged their homes. The inequity has reignited intra-GOP tensions from earlier this year over disaster-related property tax re-assessments. Full Story
State officials estimate that it will take $60 billion in long-term federal funds to repair and replace the houses, buildings and infrastructure Harvey damaged. Full Story
It could be months, if not years, before southeast Texans receive federal funds to pay for the long-term rebuilding and recovery of homes and communities battered by Hurricane Harvey’s epic rains, officials told legislators Monday. Full Story
While several Texas officials have thrown support behind some expensive flood control projects, a Houston City Council meeting Monday highlighted the political and financial hurdles that may await such efforts. Full Story