Guides

Total spending on public education has stayed relatively steady over the past decade. But who is paying for it has shifted. Full Story 

Running for speaker in a chamber that's nearly two-thirds Republican seems like a long shot for Rep. Eric Johnson, D-Dallas. But there might be things he could gain other than the gavel. Full Story 

There’s no state or federal law requiring employers to give their workers paid sick leave. But under the mandate recently passed by the Austin City Council, many private employers in the state's capital city will be required to allow their workers to accrue up to 64 hours of paid sick leave per year. Full Story 

A special election doesn't play out like normal elections. For starters, there are no primaries. Every candidate who files for the seat – regardless of party affiliation – will appear on one ballot. Full Story 

If history is any guide, candidates that earned first place in their primary race are likely to win their runoff — especially if they finished with a lead of more than 10 percentage points. But there are instances when second-place primary finishers come out on top. Full Story 

Benefits for Texas teachers have been a point of contention between educators and lawmakers for years — and often a hot topic at the Legislature. But where does Texas fall nationally when it comes to teacher pay, health care and retirement benefits? Full Story 

Labor groups are praising Democrat Laura Moser's campaign for its collective bargaining agreement. But some argue campaigns are too unpredictable to guarantee workers the benefits that come with unionizing. Full Story 

In most cases, it’s illegal to gamble or place a bet in the state. But there are some exceptions. Full Story 

Angela Paxton is the favorite to win a Texas Senate seat and have a vote on the state budget, which includes funding for her husband’s office. Legal experts and ethics lawyers weigh in on how such a situation is addressed in Texas law. Full Story 

If no candidate in a primary election receives a majority of the vote, the top two vote-getters go head-to-head in a runoff. Here's everything you need to know about how they work and how to vote. Full Story 

Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton are all heavy favorites to win their Republican primary races next week. Texas law allows them to give their campaign funds to other politicians in more precarious positions. Full Story 

Lack of interest, lack of money and lack of support can all contribute to a major party failing to put a candidate up for election in a given race — especially in heavily gerrymandered districts. Full Story 

The National Rifle Association contributed thousands of dollars to Texas politicians in recent years. But that's not nearly enough to make it one of the most prolific political donors in the state. Full Story 

Lawmakers say local property taxes are getting too high. School leaders say the taxes are increasing because the state is taking on a smaller share of public education funding. Hey Texplainer, what's really happening? Full Story 

How do I know if I’m registered to vote? What am I voting on? How do runoffs work? We've got answers to the basic questions about how to cast a ballot in the March 6 Republican and Democratic primaries in Texas. Full Story 

Participants in party conventions set rules, elect leaders and set the platform. Party leaders say getting involved is easy. Full Story 

We’ve compiled an overview of everything Texans should know about campaign finance reports and why they’re important. Full Story 

Texas liquor laws are infamously complex, and the reason dates back to the end of Prohibition. Full Story 

A shutdown is poised to take place unless Congress passes a new spending bill and President Donald Trump signs it into law by Jan. 19. That could mean closed parks, furloughed workers and the temporary closure of NASA in Texas. Full Story 

No, because the state has no warning system like Hawaii does. Full Story