Texplainer

Several government entities — from appraisal districts to city councils — play independent roles that collectively determine how much money Texas landowners owe local governments each year. Full Story 

Average Texans and lawmakers alike are going back to the basics on school finance, as the state Legislature prepares to tackle a longstanding challenge. Full Story 

A group of Texans is headed to court in hopes of blocking the Trump administration from including a citizenship question on the 2020 census. Here's a primer on the legal fight and what it could mean for the state. Full Story 

For the few months of each new 140-day legislative session, the respective chambers typically adjourn after meeting for less than an hour. There are several reasons lawmakers can't get off to a faster start. Full Story 

It can and it has. Last year, Texas lawmakers voted to override several local ordinances with new statewide measures — including relaxing regulations for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. Full Story 

And should Texans expect to give up more of their property to the government as border wall and high-speed train projects move forward? Full Story 

Most states have ended straight-ticket, or “one-punch,” voting, but Texas kept it going — as long as it helped the majority party. The state is getting rid of it starting in 2020. Full Story 

Tuition and fees at Texas universities have more than doubled since 2003. There's plenty of blame to go around. Full Story 

More than 72 percent of those on death row in Texas are people of color. Studies show race plays a role in the state's harshest punishment. Full Story 

The national debate came home to Texas again this year when a 17-year-old opened fire at Santa Fe High School, killing 10 and wounding several others. Full Story 

Texas' Economic Stabilization Fund holds more than $11 billion and is the largest in the country. There's a lot of disagreement over how and when to spend the money. Full Story 

The Texas House is about to get a new speaker and more than two dozen new members. While they all have started transitioning into their new roles, they can't do much until they are officially sworn in to their new positions next month. Full Story 

Some voters have complained that their votes at the top of the ballot were changed, but the Texas secretary of state's office said the voting machines are not at fault. Full Story 

On Nov. 6, Texas voters will decide who will hold several statewide, legislative and congressional seats. To help Texans navigate Election Day, we’ve compiled an overview of everything you need to know about casting a ballot in the 2018 midterms. Full Story 

Election officials who often receive thousands of voter registration cards just before elections must manually enter each new voter’s information into their database — a time-consuming process that often leads to massive backlogs. Full Story 

Each Texas candidate for U.S. Senate has criticized the other for raising money outside the state. But campaign finance rules make it difficult to say who has raised more. Full Story 

Cities, school districts and other local governments can provide discounts on property tax bills through the homestead exemption process. But not all Texans qualify for every exemption. Full Story 

Sometimes, incumbents are reluctant to give attention to their underfunded, less-well-known opponents. Full Story 

Here are four things to keep in mind when you see a poll on a statewide race in Texas. Full Story 

Texas has eight independent candidates running for office, and the Libertarians will be on the statewide ballot once again. Full Story