The Brief: Feb. 2, 2015
The weekend saw more lengthy stories on problems in the way the state contracts out services. Full Story
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John Reynolds was the newsletters editor for the Tribune from 2013 to 2017. Prior to that, he was a reporter for Quorum Report, a non-partisan online political newsletter focusing on the ins and outs under the Dome, for more than seven years – covering the waterfront from health and human services and redistricting to pensions and elections. A native of Atlanta, Ga., he started his journalistic career one day after the attacks of Sept. 11 in Lubbock, Texas, where he rotated through a slew of beats at The Avalanche-Journal. He received his undergraduate degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and studied at the University of Georgia's graduate school in journalism. When not at work, he actively attempts to convince himself he is adept at tennis with varying levels of success. And he has adopted the Austin custom of appreciating smoked meats and listening to music in grassy/muddy fields.
The weekend saw more lengthy stories on problems in the way the state contracts out services. Full Story
A new chairman for the state GOP will be selected March 7, budget writers are gearing up and a breakdown of Senate committees by party and gender — all that and more in the latest issue of our subscriber-only newsletter for political insiders ($). Full Story
In a week where the news was driven to a large degree by rallies on the Capitol grounds — from open carry activists to anti-Muslim protesters — it's perhaps fitting that the week closes with another one. Full Story
Also, budget writers on both sides of the Capitol are starting work, and speculation heats up over when the House might name committees. Full Story
Also, a Senate Higher Ed member defends tuition deregulation, and the latest school finance case still has a long way to go before a final resolution. Full Story
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gave the green light Wednesday on a push for open carry legislation in the Senate, a day after he indicated in a Texas Tribune interview that the votes weren't there for passage. Full Story
In this week's edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Water wars in Hays County and on the Edwards Aquifer, the new ag commissioner says water is a top issue and an interview with Anthony Tarquin of the University of Texas at El Paso Full Story
A judge's decision on Tuesday not to dismiss two indictments against Rick Perry has both legal and political implications. Full Story
Guns were a big topic of conversation inside the Capitol and outside of it on Monday. Full Story
The Tribune's Abby Livingston has the details on how Rick Perry spent the rest of his weekend in Iowa following his high-profile appearance at Saturday's Iowa Freedom Summit. Full Story