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Brandon Formby works with The Texas Tribune’s beat editors and reporters to bring Texans the news, analysis and explanatory journalism they need to put pressing issues into perspective. Previously, as an editor on the news desk, he helped steer coverage of legislative sessions, natural disasters, prolonged power outages, mass shootings and the coronavirus pandemic. As a reporter, he covered urban affairs. Before joining the Tribune in 2016, he reported on transportation, politics and local government for The Dallas Morning News. Brandon grew up in Plano and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech University. He is based in Austin.
As state lawmakers and city officials gear up to battle over land-use legislation, a liberal watchdog group says $34 million in campaign donations from real estate and construction industries "paved the way" for this month's special session agenda. Full Story
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Noemi Pina is among hundreds of West Dallas residents who have been ensnared in a battle between their landlord and Dallas City Hall. Full Story
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In rare move, the Dallas City Council replaced half of its appointees to one of the state's largest transit boards as city officials push for more investment in improving bus service over building out its regional rail network. Full Story
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A new Harvard study found that Americans — especially poorer ones — are having a harder time find a suitable place to call home. Texas lawmakers, experts and development industry leaders say there are plenty of reasons why that's true here, too. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill backed by auto manufacturers that explicitly allows autonomous vehicles to operate on Texas roads without a driver inside. Full Story
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Some urban officials say the governor's list of priorities for a summer session will harm the state's economy and undercut local Texans' abilities to influence their communities. Full Story
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Urban Democrats said they opposed the bill because it didn't allow planning regulations for land around military bases. They feared that could lead to development that interferes with the installations' operations. Full Story
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The San Antonio Republican defied threats of a special session and stood his ground on the GOP's battles over bathroom legislation and property tax elections. Now, he's eyeing a sixth term leading the lower chamber. Full Story
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The House adjourned for the day Saturday without appointing conferees to work out its differences with the Senate on property tax legislation. Full Story
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The House unanimously approved a Dallas pension bill aimed at preventing first responders' retirement fund from becoming insolvent within a decade. Full Story
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