Guides

Hey, Texplainer: Which state and federal agencies were responsible for overseeing and regulating the fertilizer plant in West that exploded last week? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Can a regent of a university system be recalled or impeached? If so, how could that happen? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: All anyone is talking about right now is sequestration and the harm it might do to our government. How would Texas fare? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: I keep hearing that the money the state spends on public education has increased over the past decade. But the ruling in the school finance trial said Texas schools are underfunded. Who is right? Full Story 

The blocker bill, a tradition of the Texas Senate, gives the minority party power, because it requires that two-thirds of the Senate must agree before a bill is heard on the floor. Full Story 

With a major school finance trial under way, lawmakers are reluctant to take up public education funding before a court ruling on the matter. What they'll do in the meantime remains uncertain. Full Story 

One year ago, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp moved one of his vice chancellors, Frank Ashley, into a new position unlike any in the state's university systems: vice chancellor for recruitment and diversity. Full Story 

State Sen. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston, died Tuesday, but his name will still appear on the November ballot. What happens to his seat — and how soon his district will have representation in the Senate — is in the hands of Gov. Rick Perry. Full Story 

The University of Texas at Austin's use of race as a factor in some admissions decisions is being challenged before the U.S. Supreme Court this week. What will happen to the admissions process if UT loses the case? Full Story 

The Texas secretary of state's office doesn't allow online voter registration, because it requires a signature. But there are other simple ways to register to vote. Full Story 

Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Texas public schools are supposed to have 100 percent passing rates in reading and math by 2014. The chances of meeting that benchmark are slim. So what happens next? Full Story 

After Ted Cruz's win in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, his name is being thrown around as a future presidential candidate. But is the Canadian-born Cruz eligible to run for the United States' highest office? Full Story 

To remove their names from the primary ballot, candidates must file a request at least 63 days in advance of the election. But if a party's nominee withdraws ahead of the general election, the party probably can't replace the candidate. Full Story 

When legislators die or resign, their seat is filled through a special election. The new representative serves out the end of the old representative's term. Full Story 

Is Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst drawing more donations from Texas voters than former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz? Which campaign is dominated by money from out-of-state groups? Neither answer is clear-cut. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Why are the Texas runoffs being held nine weeks — rather than the usual three to six weeks — after the end of the first balloting? Full Story 

A 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. Full Story 

The announcement earlier this month that a bachelor’s degree was available at Texas A&M University-San Antonio for less than $10,000 was met with understandable enthusiasm. But it may only be available for a very small group. Full Story 

The death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin has put self-defense laws like Florida's into focus. What does Texas law say about using deadly force in self-defense? Full Story 

Why did Gov. Rick Perry opt out of the National Governors Association conference last weekend? The answer is part penny-wise, part political. Full Story