Brandon Formby
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Managing editor for news & state affairs @texastribune, where we inform Texans about #txlege, state policy and seismic events.
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Articles by Brandon Formby
Meet our new class of fall fellows Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . Six stellar college students and one recent graduate are joining us this fall as we cover a marquee midterm election cycle and produce The Texas Tribune Festival, our signature politics and policy event. To say it’s an exciting time to welcome them is an understatement.
Harris County immigrant legal services program paused as court battle continues
By Brandon Formby, The Texas Tribune November 11, 2025 The Texas Supreme Court has temporarily blocked Harris County’s legal aid program for undocumented immigrants while a legal battle continues, saying on June 26 it’s not clear that the county has “constitutional statutory authority to conduct” it.
Judge blocks feds from using immigration database to check voter eligibility Original
This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Texas’ free newsletters here. A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration’s overhaul of an immigration verification system to check voter eligibility across the nation, striking down a central pillar of the government’s efforts to exercise more federal control over elections.
U.S. Supreme Court unanimously sides with Texas man, rules it’s not a crime for marijuana users to have guns
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court sided Thursday with a Texas marijuana user who wants to legally own a firearm, the latest in a line of firearm cases from a court that has expanded gun rights. The justices, in a unanimous decision, sided with Ali Danial Hemani, who argued that a law barring guns from anyone who uses drugs illegally violates the Second Amendment. Hemani wasn’t charged with any other crimes or accused of using the weapon under the influence.
The Texas GOP wants closed primaries. Here’s what that would mean for voters.
This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Texas’ free newsletters here. During the Texas Republican Convention last week, Gov. Greg Abbott publicly backed a push to close primaries and require voters to register with a party. “We are going to make clear that in the future, only Republicans vote in Republican primaries,” he said Friday, addressing the convention in Houston.
Texas takes over voter registration in Val Verde County amid struggles with registration Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Texas’ free newsletters here.
The Tribune introduces 11 summer fellows Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . The Texas Tribune this week welcomes 11 talented college students and recent graduates to its fellowship program. This summer, these up-and-coming professionals will help the state’s premier nonprofit newsroom navigate the breaking news, political developments and industry challenges Texas news outlets face.
Texas’ raucous primary runoffs end today. Here’s what to watch. Original
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Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . Texans are returning to the polls Tuesday to pick their party’s nominees in an array of runoffs, capping one of the liveliest primary seasons in the state’s recent political history.
By Gabby Birenbaum Verified, Eleanor Klibanoff Verified, Alejandro Serrano Verified, Brandon Formby Verified
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Texas Tribune
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Texas child abuse investigations over gender-affirming care no longer blocked Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . The Texas Supreme Court tossed temporary injunctions Friday that halted child abuse investigations against parents who allowed their transgender kids to access puberty blockers and hormone therapy, in large part because the state has closed such inquiries into three families who sued and a fourth child is now an adult.
Eva-Marie Ayala will lead the Tribune’s education team into a new era Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . When we began searching for a new education editor, we knew we needed someone with the perfect mix of energy, thoughtfulness and expertise to lead our reporters as they help Texans navigate a period of transformative changes in how the state prepares students for success.
Eva-Marie Ayala will lead the Tribune’s education team into a new era
Trending Published: April 21, 2026 at 5:51 PM Sign up for our Newsletters Published: April 21, 2026 at 5:51 PM (Brandon Formby/The Texas Tribune, Brandon Formby/The Texas Tribune) When we began searching for a new education editor, we knew we needed someone with the perfect mix of energy, thoughtfulness and expertise to lead our reporters as they help Texans navigate a period of transformative changes in how the state prepares students for success.
Texas teachers union sues state education agency for investigating social media posts about Charlie Kirk
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a rally for vice presidential nominee JD Vance at Arizona Christian University in Glendale, Arizona on July 31, 2024. One of Texas’ largest teacher unions wants a federal court to block Education Commissioner Mike Morath and the state education agency from investigating teachers accused of making inappropriate remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination on social media, saying the act violates legally protected speech.
Was Midland's city manager finalist financially savvy or a master of spin?
Brandon Formby, Dallas Morning News July 10, 2023 Editor’s Note: The following story was written in 2013 after Midland City Manager finalist Tommy Gonzalez and the City of Irving separated. Gonzalez later served as city manager in El Paso. -- Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez steered City Hall through a devastating recession without the deep layoffs and service cuts suffered in cities across the nation. And he did it while saving taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.
Fox News fires Abby Grossberg, citing disclosure in Dominion case
This story, plus the Texas Observer is closing, Twitter blocks accounts in India at government’s request and more, all in today’s media headlines. Top Stories Mar 24, 2023 Mar 26, 2023 Mar 24, 2023 Media Business Mar 24, 2023 Mar 24, 2023 Mar 24, 2023 Social Media Media Ethics Mar 24, 2023 Mar 24, 2023 Mar 24, 2023 International Mar 27, 2023 Mar 26, 2023
Legendary crusading liberal magazine Texas Observer is closing and laying off its staff
The Texas Observer, the storied progressive publication known for its feisty, combative and often humorous investigative journalism, is shutting down and will lay off its 17-person staff, including 13 journalists, several members of its board said Sunday. The decision marks an end to 68 years of publication, starting with its founding in 1954 by Ronnie Dugger and including a six-year period under the helm of the legendary Molly Ivins from 1970 to 1976.
Houston officials say state made the call on water boil notice
By Sneha Dey and Brandon Formby, The Texas Tribune Nov. 29, 2022 “Houston officials say state made the call on water boil notice” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Two charged in the deaths of 53 migrants found in San Antonio
Two Texas men were indicted Wednesday on federal charges for their roles in the deaths of 53 people in what officials have called the deadliest migrant smuggling case in U.S. history. The migrants — from Mexico and Central America — were found in a sweltering tractor-trailer in Southwest San Antonio last month. Their deaths drew international outrage.
Two men indicted in deaths of 53 migrants found in tractor-trailer
Police and officials man a roadblock near a tractor-trailor on the side of the road leading to the location where migrants were found dead on a roadway near railroad tracks in San Antonio, Texas on June 28. Photo by Adam Davis/EPA-EFE July 21 (UPI) -- Two Texas men were indicted Wednesday on federal charges for their roles in the deaths of 53 people in what officials have called the deadliest migrant smuggling case in U.S. history.
Two men indicted in connection with deaths of 53 migrants who were found in tractor-trailer
Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Two Texas men were indicted Wednesday on federal charges for their roles in the deaths of 53 people in what officials have called the deadliest migrant smuggling case in U.S. history. The migrants — from Mexico and Central America — were found in a sweltering tractor-trailer in Southwest San Antonio last month. Their deaths drew international outrage.
U.S. representatives from Texas criticize federal contract given to San Antonio events company
The entrance of a convenience store in downtown Austin last week. (Photo credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune.) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s award of a $39 million food distribution contract to a San Antonio events company has drawn criticism from two members of Congress from Texas, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Democratic U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro has asked for an investigation into CRE8AD8’s contract for a food relief program during the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic U.S. Rep.
Poll: Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders
Texas' economy is taking a catastrophic hit - and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work - as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment's operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. But while Texans' optimism about the state's economy has fallen, they largely support those measures, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Poll Shows Texas Voters Approve Of Business Closures, Stay-At-Home Orders Despite Blow To Economy
Texas' economy is taking a catastrophic hit — and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work — as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment's operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. But while Texans' optimism about the state's economy has fallen, they largely support those measures, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Two-thirds of registered Texas voters agree with decisions by Gov.
Poll: Texas Voters Overwhelmingly Back Closures, Stay-at-Home Orders
A sign on the door of a Waco restaurant in March notes its temporary closure. Credit: Angela Piazza for The Texas Tribune Texas’ economy is taking a catastrophic hit — and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work — as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment’s operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state's economy, says UT/TT poll
Shuttered restaurant in Waco on March 25, 2020. Angela Piazza for The Texas Tribune Texas' economy is taking a catastrophic hit — and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work — as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment's operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. But while Texans' optimism about the state's economy has fallen, they largely support those measures, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state's economy, says UT/TT poll
Texas Sign up for our Newsletters Latest News Shuttered restaurant in Waco on March 25, 2020. Angela Piazza for The Texas Tribune Texas' economy is taking a catastrophic hit — and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work — as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment's operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state's economy, says UT/TT poll
Detalles BRANDON FORMBY AND ROSS RAMSEY 26 Abril 2020 Texas' economy is taking a catastrophic hit — and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work — as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment's operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. But while Texans' optimism about the state's economy has fallen, they largely support those measures, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state's economy, says UT/TT poll
Shuttered restaurant in Waco on March 25, 2020. Photo credit: Angela Piazza for The Texas Tribune Texas' economy is taking a catastrophic hit — and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work — as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment's operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. But while Texans' optimism about the state's economy has fallen, they largely support those measures, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Brandon Formby and Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune
by Brandon Formby and Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune April 26, 2020April 26, 2020 The poll results come as Gov. Greg Abbott prepares to announce his plans for reopening a wide range of Texas businesses. Reach us on the Signal App: tel: 210-727-3924 COVID-19 Hotline Phone: 210-207-5779 or dial 3-1-1 Email: COVID-19@sanantonio.gov Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday – Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Online Screening The City has also set up a free online, self-screening form.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state's economy, says UT/TT poll
Texas Sign up for our Newsletters Latest News Shuttered restaurant in Waco on March 25, 2020. Angela Piazza for The Texas Tribune Texas' economy is taking a catastrophic hit — and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work — as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment's operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state's economy, says UT/TT poll
By: BRANDON FORMBY AND ROSS RAMSEY Texas' economy is taking a catastrophic hit — and hundreds of thousands of Texans are out of work — as officials shutter businesses and limit some establishment's operations to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. But while Texans' optimism about the state's economy has fallen, they largely support those measures, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Two-thirds of registered Texas voters agree with decisions by Gov.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state's economy, says UT/TT poll
By Brandon Formby and Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune April 26, 2020 “Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state’s economy, says UT/TT poll” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Angelo State University president reportedly steps down
After serving four years as president, Angelo State University President Brian May submitted his resignation to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. Angelo State University website Brian May has abruptly stepped down as president of Angelo State University, according to KTXS. The TV station said May has led the school, which is part of the Texas Tech University System, since 2012 and that the school in San Angelo set enrollment records in three of the last four years.
Angelo State University president Brian May reportedly resigns
The university set enrollment records under Brian May, who abruptly resigned, according to KTXS. by Brandon Formby April 11, 20207:04 PM San Angelo, home to Angelo State University. Photo credit: Courtesy of ASU Brian May has abruptly stepped down as president of Angelo State University, according to KTXS.
Dallas County bans elective medical procedures to focus resources on climbing coronavirus cases
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins prohibited elective medical procedures through April 3 as that county and Texas grapples with the new coronavirus public health crisis. Martin do Nascimento for the Texas Tribune Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins on Saturday banned elective medical procedures through April 3 so health care resources can be steered toward patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Dallas County Bans Elective Medical Procedures To Focus Resources On Climbing Coronavirus Cases
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins on Saturday banned elective medical procedures through April 3 so health care resources can be steered toward patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Throughout the state, many medical providers have already started canceling or delaying elective procedures themselves. Nearly 100 people in his county have tested positive for the virus.
Dallas County bans elective medical procedures to focus resources on climbing coronavirus cases
...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT... AT 730 PM CDT, DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM NEAR LAKE SOMERVILLE DAM TO SHELBY. MOVEMENT WAS EAST AT 50 MPH. PEA SIZE HAIL WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH THESE STORMS. LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... BRENHAM, NAVASOTA, HEMPSTEAD, PRAIRIE VIEW, WASHINGTON, SHELBY, WALLER, MAGNOLIA, SOMERVILLE, PINE ISLAND, MONTGOMERY, INDUSTRY, BURTON, TODD MISSION, LAKE SOMERVILLE DAM, DOBBIN, INDEPENDENCE, QUARRY, DACUS AND PLANTERSVILLE.
Dallas County bans elective medical procedures to focus resources on climbing coronavirus cases
Coronavirus in Texas Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins' order, which runs through April 3, came the same day Gov. Greg Abbott sought to increase the state's number of practicing nurses. by Brandon Formby March 21, 20207:39 PM Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins prohibited elective medical procedures through April 3 as that county and Texas grapples with the new coronavirus public health crisis.
A Wuhan evacuee was released from quarantine in Texas - and later tested positive for coronavirus
Image via / Shutterstock. by Brandon Formby March 2, 2020 Written by Brandon Formby / The Texas Tribune March 2, 2020 “Patient with “weakly positive” test for coronavirus was released for a time in San Antonio” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Brandon Formby, The Texas Tribune
A person released from federally managed quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base has been placed back in quarantine, according to San Antonio Metro Health. – via @texastribune
Patient Briefly Released in SA Has 'Weakly Positive' Coronvirus Test
A person in the San Antonio area had a “weakly positive” test result for the new coronavirus after being released from federally managed quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base, local health officials said Sunday. The person has since been placed back in quarantine, according to a statement from San Antonio Metro Health.
Patient with "weakly positive" test for coronavirus was released for a time in San Antonio
Medics prepare to transfer a patient on a stretcher to an ambulance at the Life Care Center of Kirkland, the long-term care facility linked to the two of three confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, in Kirkland, Washington on March 1, 2020. REUTERS/David Ryder A person in the San Antonio area had a “weakly positive” test result for the new coronavirus after being released from federally managed quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base, local health officials said Sunday.
Patient with "weakly positive" test for coronavirus was released for a time in San Antonio
A person in the San Antonio area had a “weakly positive” test result for the new coronavirus after being released from federally managed quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base, local health officials said Sunday. The person has since been placed back in quarantine, according to a statement from San Antonio Metro Health.
Patient with “weakly positive” test for coronavirus was released for a time in San Antonio
A person in the San Antonio area had a “weakly positive” test result for the new coronavirus after being released from federally managed quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base, local health officials said Sunday. The person has since been placed back in quarantine, according to a statement from San Antonio Metro Health.
Patient with "weakly positive" test for coronavirus was released for a time in San Antonio
A person in the San Antonio area had a “weakly positive” test result for the new coronavirus after being released from federally managed quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base, local health officials said Sunday. The person has since been placed back in quarantine, according to a statement from San Antonio Metro Health.
Two of U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry's political supporters won "potentially lucrative" Ukraine energy deal, report says
Detalles BY BRANDON FORMBY 13 Noviembre 2019 After U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry proposed political backer Michael Bleyzer as an adviser to Ukraine’s president, the Houston man and a former University of Texas System regent “secured a potentially lucrative” energy deal from the Ukrainian government, the Associated Press reported Monday.
Two of U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry's Political Supporters Won 'Potentially Lucrative' Ukraine Energy Deal, Report Says
After U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry proposed political backer Michael Bleyzer as an adviser to Ukraine’s president, the Houston man and a former University of Texas System regent “secured a potentially lucrative” energy deal from the Ukrainian government, the Associated Press reported Monday.
Two of US Energy Secretary Rick Perry’s political supporters won “potentially lucrative” Ukraine energy deal, report says
The Associated Press reports that the oil and gas exploration contract was awarded after Perry recommended one of his backers as an energy adviser to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. After U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry proposed political backer Michael Bleyzer as an adviser to Ukraine’s president, the Houston man and a former University of Texas System regent “secured a potentially lucrative” energy deal from the Ukrainian government, the Associated Press reported Monday.
Two of U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry's political supporters won "potentially lucrative" Ukraine energy deal, report says
After U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry proposed political backer Michael Bleyzer as an adviser to Ukraine’s president, the Houston man and a former University of Texas System regent “secured a potentially lucrative” energy deal from the Ukrainian government, the Associated Press reported Monday.
Two of U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry's political supporters won "potentially lucrative" Ukraine energy deal, report says
By Brandon Formby, The Texas Tribune Nov. 11, 2019 “Two of U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry’s political supporters won “potentially lucrative” Ukraine energy deal, report says” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Starting in 2009, the Texas Tribune and pollsters from the University of Texas have conducted statewide surveys on politics and issues of public interest several times each year. Each poll has illuminated trends in public policy and electoral politics; together, the polls reveal changes and trends in public opinion on a variety of public issues and public figures over time.
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