The Evening Brief: Dec. 18, 2012

New in The Texas Tribune:

•   Villalba Will File Bill to Allow Teachers to Carry Concealed Guns: "In response to last week's Connecticut school shooting, state Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, says he will file legislation to allow public school teachers to carry concealed weapons while on campus."

•   Dewhurst, Patrick to Announce School Reform Legislation: "Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Sen. Dan Patrick on Wednesday will unveil education reform legislation that some expect to reignite a fiery debate over the potential use of school vouchers in Texas."

•   University Adjusts to Meet Growing Demand for Mental Health Services: "Like many other colleges, the University of Houston has seen an increasing number of students needing mental health services. Its counseling center has been creative in meeting the growing challenge."

•   Bill Aims to Increase Child Sex Assault Convictions: "State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, a former prosecutor and judge, has filed a bill that would allow prosecutors to include accusations by other victims in child sexual assault cases, arguing that it is difficult to obtain a conviction when there is no physical evidence. Defense attorneys worry the proposal would lead to more wrongful convictions."

Culled:

•   Joaquin Castro laments that gun control is 'third-rail issue,' debate is 'skewed towards paranoia' (Houston Chronicle): "While appearing on the Charlie Rose Show last night, the Castro twins waded into the politically sensitive issue of gun control. 'It is very … it has become kind of a third rail issue in America and it shouldn’t be,' said newly elected Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat."

•   "Bush courthouse" bill heading to Obama's desk (The Dallas Morning News): "The Senate has just agreed to rename a federal building and courthouse in Midland after the 41st president and his son, the 43d president. Once the 44th president signs it into law, the facility at 200 East Wall Street will be known as the 'George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush United States Courthouse and George Mahon Federal Building.'"

•   Restaurant owner’s shooting comments prompt online anger (Austin American-Statesman): "The owner of an Austin restaurant sparked online outrage after his controversial comments regarding last week’s Connecticut school massacre. On Friday, Eddie Nimibutr, who owns the Thai Noodle House on Guadalupe Street, wrote on his Facebook page: 'I don’t care if a bunch of white kids got killed. … When kids from minority groups get shot, nobody cares.'"