Latest Contributions

• Reports: Odessa shooter bought gun via private sale without background check

  By Brandon Formby Sept. 3, 2019

  ABC News reported that the shooter had failed a previous gun purchase background check because he had been diagnosed with a mental illness. Full Story 

• A widely circulated photo shows the bodies of a man and his toddler daughter who drowned trying to seek asylum in the U.S.

  By Brandon Formby June 25, 2019

  The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the photograph “highlights the perils” that thousands of Central Americans face as they travel through Mexico in hopes of reaching the U.S. border. Full Story 

• In Texas, property tax levies can be as individual as homeowners themselves

  By Chris Essig and Brandon Formby Feb. 22, 2019

  State lawmakers are trying to reform a complicated taxing system where everything from suburban growth to gentrification and a homeowner’s age influence how much Texans pay their local governments. Full Story 

• Texas officials call it "property tax relief" — but legislation won't lower tax bills or decrease budgets

  By Chris Essig, Ben Hasson and Brandon Formby Feb. 21, 2019

  The fight over property tax rates is really about state leaders telling local officials how much their revenues can grow before voters get to step in. Full Story 

• How do Texas governments calculate your property taxes? Here’s a primer.

  By Brandon Formby, Chris Essig and Ben Hasson Feb. 20, 2019

  Several government entities — from appraisal districts to city councils — play independent roles that collectively determine how much money Texas landowners owe local governments each year. Full Story 

• Days after heated meeting, Texas Senate property tax committee passes 2.5-percent rollback rate bill

  By Brandon Formby, Cassandra Pollock and Edgar Walters Updated: Feb. 11, 2019

  The Senate panel's vote came despite fierce pushback from city and county leaders, who say a lower election threshold on increased property tax revenues could hamstring their budgets. Full Story 

• Texas leaders want voters to OK property tax revenue growth over 2.5 percent. They couldn't get 4 percent in 2017.

  By Brandon Formby, Aliyya Swaby and Arya Sundaram Updated: Jan. 31, 2019

  The leaders of both legislative chambers say they will be united this year — even if cities and counties push back — and that local officials should come to Austin with solutions in hand if they don't like new proposals. Full Story 

• Domestic abusers can trap their victims with financial debt. This Texas bill seeks to provide a way out.

  By Brandon Formby Jan. 14, 2019

  A bill authored by state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, would make it a felony to threaten a romantic partner into taking on debt or financing expensive items like cars. Full Story 

• Where Ted Cruz’s close victory over Beto O’Rourke stands among Texas' historical election results

  By Chris Essig, Ryan Murphy and Brandon Formby Nov. 7, 2018

  It was the closest a Democrat came to toppling a Republican incumbent U.S. senator since 1978. And while O'Rourke beat Cruz in some traditional GOP strongholds, it wasn't enough to overcome rural Texas counties and some suburbs that remain fiercely loyal to Cruz. Full Story 

• Battles between firefighters and mayors among several down-ballot issues in Texas cities

  By Brandon Formby Nov. 5, 2018

  Houston and San Antonio firefighters are at odds with their mayors over local ballot measures. Austin is asking residents for $250 million for affordable housing. And in Dallas, voters will replace a city council member facing jail time for corruption. Full Story