Austin

Founded in 1993 in Houston, the menu features burgers, nachos, seafood, tacos, chicken fried steak, sandwiches, soups, salads, beer and margaritas. Willie’s has 20 locations across the state and touts a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Several lawsuits threatened to block substantial property tax cuts and other constitutional amendments from going into effect. But state officials argue the cases should be thrown out.

Texas lawmakers passed two border security bills during their fourth special legislative session, while education savings accounts, teacher pay raises and school safety funding fell victim to a growing rift between top Texas Republicans.

The Texas Senate passed a bill Dec. 1 that would shorten the period to challenge constitutional amendment elections, including the policies voters approved in November.

Senate Bill 5 would create a grant program to help school districts hire armed guards. Its fate is unclear in the Texas House, which passed a separate school safety proposal in November.