As staffers packed up the official belongings of former HHSC general counsel Jack Stick, a question arose: What should be done with his custom black leather chair?
Terri Langford
Terri Langford is the Tribune's health services reporter based in Austin. Langford is a veteran journalist, having worked at the Florida Times Union, The Associated Press, The Dallas Morning News, the Houston Chronicle, WNYC, Honolulu Civil Beat and Texas Standard/KUT. Langford has a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin. She has covered various city and state agencies, criminal justice and health and human services for the Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, The Associated Press, WNYC and Texas Standard at KUT.
The HHSC-21CT Contract Investigations: How Did It Get to This Point?
A now-canceled deal between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and a software maker is the subject of scrutiny and is also causing greater talk of state contract reforms. Here’s a look back at the deal and what led to the current investigations.
Perry Attorneys File New Request to Dismiss Indictment
Noting the “serious, well-founded concerns” a judge had in a ruling allowing a case against Rick Perry to proceed, lawyers for the former governor filed a new request Friday to get an indictment against him dismissed.
What Next for Perry Campaign, Criminal Case?
Back on his home turf, the former governor vowed Wednesday that the criminal charges that haven’t been resolved won’t deter the presidential campaign that hasn’t been announced.
Day After Judge’s Ruling, Perry Vows to Keep Fighting Indictment
Former Gov. Rick Perry defended his actions related to a controversial 2013 veto Wednesday, a day after a judge ruled that a criminal case related to the veto could proceed against him.
Perry’s Dark Legal Day Came With Silver Linings
While a judge Tuesday refused to throw out the indictments against former Gov. Rick Perry, his ruling pointed out some significant problems with the legal underpinnings of the case. Prosecutors are being given a chance to shore up their arguments.
Case Against Former Gov. Perry to Proceed
A judge on Tuesday rejected former Gov. Rick Perry’s attempt to throw out a two-count indictment against him, saying it’s too early in the case to challenge the constitutionality of the charges.
State Auditor Sees Weaknesses in Agency Contracting
When it comes to contracting, state agencies struggle with shopping for a vendor and monitoring that vendor’s performance, the Texas state auditor’s office says in a new report.
Health Commission Ditching Anti-Fraud Initiative Started by Stick
After Jack Stick joined the Health and Human Services Commission’s Office of Inspector General, he incorporated sales quota-like performance standards for investigators. The effort got results, but reviews have been mixed and the initiative is being shut down.
TxDOT Spends Millions in Tuition Reimbursements
The Texas Department of Transportation has spent about $10.6 million in education costs since 2002, nearly half what state agencies have spent in total on tuition reimbursements and other educational programs. Check out our breakdown.


