You can’t buy liquor on Sundays and car dealerships can only be open one day over a weekend because of the last remnants of so-called “blue laws” in Texas. But a state Senate bill would change that for alcohol sales.
Guides
Looking for information on how to prepare for a weather emergency? Or do you have questions about Texas politics? The Tribune offers several resources, such as explainers, guides, and articles to provide answers and equip Texans with the right context. You can browse our collection of articles to understand how Texas politics and policies affect you.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Can a Judge Still Serve After Losing an Election?
Ever wonder what a defeated judge is doing up on the bench? Texplainer’s got your answer.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Are Illegal Immigrants Importing Illness?
In a recent Tribune article, state Rep. Leo Berman alleged that illegal immigrants are bringing infectious diseases into Texas. Is he right?
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Can Wisconsin Happen Here?
Gov. Scott Walker should come to Texas, where much of what he’s seeking already exists. The right to bargain collectively isn’t allowed among state employees, and no public employee in Texas may legally go on strike.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Where Did the Sunset Commission Get Its Name?
Nothing scares the good men and women of state agencies more than one word: Sunset. But where did the Sunset Commission get its name?
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: What Happened to SO 6?
The DMV numbers and assigns each plate to each state office, from the governor on down. So how come I’ve never seen State Official 6 on the road?
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Can the Lege Overrule Perry on Education Money?
Gov. Rick Perry has said he can’t sign an application to receive $10 billion in federal education aid because it requires an assurance he cannot constitutionally make: that the Lege will not use the money to offset state funding of public education.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Will My Electricity Bill Go Up Because of the Blackouts?
Lots of Texans are asking that question in the wake of last week’s electricity mess, and nobody’s going to be happy with the answer, which is: “It depends” (if you ask the electricity industry); or “Yes” (if you ask consumer advocates).
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Could Texas Fire Up Old Sparky?
The short answer is yes — and no. It’s still around, and would work if it was plugged in. But it can’t be used for executions in Texas anymore.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: What’s a Tier-One University?
There’s no universal definition but essentially, the term refers to the country’s top research-focused universities. While there are specific benchmarks to be considered part of that group, some aren’t clear or rely purely on perception.