Texplainer

The United States Supreme Court ruled in 2003 that a ban on "homosexual conduct" — the act of sex between members of the same sex — was unconstitutional. So why is it still on the books? Full Story 

Hey Texplainer: A state lawmaker who was hit in the head by a stray bullet during a New Year’s celebration says he plans to file a bill to stop "celebratory gunfire." Isn't shooting your gun into the air already illegal in Texas? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: A federal judge in Arizona just ruled that witnesses have the right to see the full process of an execution, including the administration of lethal drugs. Will this affect how Texas carries out executions? Full Story 

President-elect Donald Trump believes those who burn the flag should be jailed. Is it legal to burn the American flag? Full Story 

Can I wear my partisan political gear when I show up to vote? Full Story 

Am I breaking Texas law if I take a ballot selfie while casting my vote? Full Story 

Some Texans are complaining of years-old posters and poll workers who were inaccurately describing the state's newly softened voter identification rules. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: When I show up to the polls to vote, do I need my photo ID? Full Story 

Hey Texplainer: I hear that a poll watcher may be lingering nearby while I vote. What does Texas law say they can and cannot do? Full Story 

What's an anti-Trump Republican in Texas to do on Election Day? Aside from leaving the top of your ballot blank, here are your options. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: I'm hearing a lot about Florida and Trump University, particularly related to a donation Trump gave the state's attorney general. Didn't Texas also have some problems with the school, and didn't Trump also make a controversial donation? Are the two cases the same? Full Story 

Under federal law, checkpoints are legal. But officers do have limits in what they can ask you. What questions do you have about the U.S.-Mexico border? Share it with our reporters. Full Story 

Our Texplainer runs down Julián Castro’s Hatch Act violation, and why the White House got to decide whether to punish a member of its own Cabinet. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Britain voted to leave the European Union. Can Texas secede from the United States? Full Story 

Paxton has indicated he won't resign after being indicted Monday on three felony securities fraud charges. But, hypothetically, what would happen if the case makes its way through the legal maze and Paxton is found guilty? Full Story 

The rules are a little different for how to complete the terms of statewide executive officials who leave office early. Full Story 

The Democratic National Committee nixed the Texas Two-Step, ending a nearly 40-year-old tradition that allowed state Democrats to vote for a president in both a primary and caucus election. What does this mean for 2016? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: I heard that oil prices are plunging – down more than 20 percent since June. What does that mean for the state budget? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: I know the state plans to appeal a judge's recent decision that Texas' school finance system is unconstitutional. But what will the state's defense be moving forward? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: If high school students take AP U.S. history, does that mean they are studying Common Core? Wouldn't that be illegal in Texas? Full Story