Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, prepares to leave the Senate chamber after he tried to generate support for his guns-on-campus bill SB354 on April 11, 2011
Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, prepares to leave the Senate chamber after he tried to generate support for his guns-on-campus bill SB354 on April 11, 2011

Updated: Jones Files Counterclaim to Wentworth Lawsuit

Elizabeth Ames Jones, a candidate in SD-25, has filed her response to a defamation suit filed against her by incumbent state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. Her campaign calls his suit "frivolous and politically-inspired."

The Evening Brief: May 18, 2012

Your evening reading: documents revealed in HD-19 race say candidate left teaching job over sexual references; ruling on state incentives sparks Combs, Patterson spat; Dewhurst invested extra $6 million in campaign

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UT's Reform-Minded Chairman Finds Himself at Center of Controversy

UT Board of Regents Chairman Gene Powell asks the Board to support Chancellor Dr. Franciso Cigarroa at their Austin meeting on May 12, 2011.
UT Board of Regents Chairman Gene Powell asks the Board to support Chancellor Dr. Franciso Cigarroa at their Austin meeting on May 12, 2011.

Gene Powell, chairman of the UT System's board of regents, has drawn lots of attention. The latest commotion surrounds a report — which he denies — that he asked the chancellor to recommend the firing of UT-Austin's president.

Helium Sales Legislation Would Impact Panhandle

AMARILLO, Texas (5/11/12) -- Entrance to plants about 15 miles northwest of Amarillo.
AMARILLO, Texas (5/11/12) -- Entrance to plants about 15 miles northwest of Amarillo.

A site near Amarillo operated by the federal government produces about a third of the world's helium, which is  needed for MRIs and semiconductors. Lawmakers are looking to keep vital sales of the gas from being interrupted. 

The Evening Brief: May 17, 2012

Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, during debate on higher education bill SB5 on May 3, 2011.
Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, during debate on higher education bill SB5 on May 3, 2011.

Your evening reading: Wentworth files defamation suit against Jones; Paul campaign still raising money; Texas now one of five "minority-majority" states

How Does Tuition Compare at Texas' Public Universities?

The cost of college in Texas is back at center stage, following speculation last week that University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers' job could be in jeopardy over his frustration with a tuition freeze. Here's a look at the average tuition and fees at every public university in Texas for fiscal year 2012. 

Texplainer: Who Can Fire a UT System President?

University of Texas at Austin President, William Powers - Dec. 14, 2011
University of Texas at Austin President, William Powers - Dec. 14, 2011

Texas Monthly blog post last week ignited controversy over University of Texas President Bill Powers' future at the university — and raised questions about who decides whether he stays or goes. The answer? It's not one person's decision.


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Video: Texas vs. Planned Parenthood Fight Goes On

The Weekly TribCast: Episode 132

Evan, Ross, Reeve and Ben try their hands at determining which U.S. Senate candidate is the Deb Fischer of Texas and separating facts and rumors from the latest brouhaha at the University of Texas.