The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents will meet on Thursday to consider renaming a historic building on the flagship College Station campus after a famous alumnus: Gov. Rick Perry.

Reeve Hamilton: http://trib.it/1GqHHZ4

No one disputes that high levels of methane have shown up in several Parker County water wells. But the source of the gas has stirred a heated debate involving homeowners, academics, the Railroad Commission and the EPA.

Jim Malewitz reports: http://trib.it/1AzZkSj

State lawmakers, the oil and gas industry and national environmental groups are asking deep questions about Denton, home to two universities, 277 gas wells, and now, thanks to a rag-tag group of local activists, Texas’ first ban on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Jim Malewitz on how one Texas city banned fracking: http://trib.it/1BQAaTy

Give a gift that's easy on the wallet and good for Texas — a Texas Tribune membership! http://www.texastribune.org/holiday/

Ross Ramsey: In politics, fight often beats flight http://trib.it/1xb33s0

The instinct for flight in the face of fright often turns one-day stories into running narratives, and hurts the reputations of the runners.

(Photo by Bob Daemmrich)

Looking for an affordable, easy-to-give gift this holiday season? We've got just the thing! http://www.texastribune.org/holiday/

.Jim Malewitz's dive into how Denton banned fracking: http://trib.it/1BQAaTy

The story also ran in @politico: http://ow.ly/FYqHY

"[S]tate lawmakers, the oil and gas industry and national environmental groups have become acutely aware of Denton, home to two universities, 277 gas wells and now, thanks to a rag-tag group of local activists, Texas’ first ban on fracking."

Getting at the roots of the Denton fracking ban; Regulators pan study on methane gas in wells; UT-Austin launches center for molding athletes; Video: A bid to attract more mental health workers.

John Reynolds with The Brief for Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014: http://trib.it/1IVNgRo

Today in TribTalk:
Knowing my students' struggles, by Hector Joshua Galindo http://trib.it/16pqC59

The University of Texas at Austin announced on Monday it is launching a new center to help its athletes — as well as high school student athletes — with character development, financial literacy and responsible decision making.

Bobby Blanchard reports: http://trib.it/1zgG7XM

Battery storage could revolutionize the state’s electrical grid, making it more reliable and friendlier to renewable energy. The problem? It is likely to require a fundamental change in state law.

Jim Malewitz has the story: http://trib.it/13hMlur

A year out, but Houston mayoral race already hot; Brenham synagogue moving to Austin, and a new life; State law could short-circuit battery breakthrough; Analysis: In politics, fight often beats flight; Perry planning farewell speech to legislators.

John Reynolds with The Brief for Monday, Dec. 15, 2014: http://trib.it/1BNNFDt

Today in TribTalk:
How one race could chart Texas Democrats' future, by Mark P. Jones http://trib.it/1GorWlk

(Photo by Todd Wiseman)

Three Texas breweries filed a lawsuit against the state for allegedly "stifling the craft beer renaissance," so Reeve begins this week's news-inspired playlist with "Tears Over Beers" by Modern Baseball.

Reeve Hamilton: http://trib.it/1BwHUHr