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Texas lawmakers advance bill to ban kids from social media

Edward Saenz
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Texas lawmakers advance bill to ban kids from social media

The Texas House of Representatives has passed two bills aimed at increasing online safety for minors and sent them to the Senate. One bill proposes a ban on social media for minors, while the other would mandate social media platforms to display warning labels about potential mental health impacts.

These legislative efforts reflect a growing concern among Texas lawmakers regarding the dangers children face online. House Bill 186, authored by Representative Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), is a key piece of this initiative. It seeks to prevent minors from creating social media accounts, implement age verification for new users, and grant parents the authority to demand the deletion of their child’s account, requiring companies to comply within 10 days. Patterson emphasized the bill’s significance, stating it would allow children “to be kids again.” The bill passed the House with 116 votes.

The House also passed House Bill 499, introduced by Representative Mary González (D-Clint). This bill would require social media platforms to include a warning label addressing the link between social media use by minors and significant mental health issues. González drew a parallel to cigarette warning labels, noting their effectiveness.

Both bills are anticipated to receive support in the Senate, potentially leading to new regulations for platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram later this year or early next year. However, if enacted, these laws are expected to face legal challenges from tech companies, which often argue that such government mandates infringe upon First Amendment free speech rights.

Other related bills, including House Bill 4456, which would mandate age verification, and House Bill 4338, focused on requiring third-party safety software for managing children’s online interactions, are currently under consideration in committees.

These legislative actions are part of a broader trend in Texas and other states to address the negative impacts of social media. Patterson stressed the urgency of these measures, warning that the harms observed in children today will worsen without intervention.

Studies indicate widespread social media use among youth, with 95% of 13- to 17-year-olds reporting usage and over a third being online “almost constantly.” Furthermore, nearly 40% of children aged 8 to 12 use social media despite minimum age requirements, leading to concerns about the long-term effects on this “chronically online” generation.

A third of eligible Houston employees accept buyout package, saving city $11M this fiscal year

ABC13 Houston
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A third of eligible Houston employees accept buyout package, saving city $11M this fiscal year

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — More than 1,000 City of Houston employees will show up to work for the last time on Thursday after accepting a retirement buyout package.

In March, Mayor John Whitmire exclusively told ABC13 that the retirement incentive package was being introduced to help combat the city’s projected $330 million budget shortfall.

About a third of the 3,000 eligible city employees accepted the retirement package.

On Wednesday, City Finance Director Melissa Dubowski told the Houston City Council the retirements are expected to slash the budget deficit, saving approximately $11 million in the city’s general fund this fiscal year and more than $30 million the following.

Houston’s first Black city secretary, Pat Daniels, accepted the package after over 40 years of city service. Whitmire issued a proclamation in her honor on Wednesday, declaring it Pat Daniels Day.

“I was in this office when I was, I guess, 23,” smiled Daniels. “I said I was gonna stay for two years, and here I am. Those two years turned into 41. I’m just thankful.”

U.S. Economy Shrinks at Start of Trump’s Second Term

Indira Zaldivar
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U.S. Economy Shrinks at Start of Trump’s Second Term

Economic Growth Reverses

The U.S. economy contracted at an annualized rate of 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant reversal from the 2.4% growth seen at the end of 2024, according to data from the U.S. Commerce Department.

The contraction followed a wave of tariff proposals from President Donald Trump’s administration that sparked widespread uncertainty among businesses and consumers.

Imports Spike Ahead of Tariffs

The drop in GDP was largely driven by a surge in imports—up more than 40%—as businesses stockpiled goods ahead of new tariffs set to take effect in April, including the so-called Liberation Day tariffs.

“The decline in GDP primarily reflected an increase in imports,” the Commerce Department said. Economists noted that the GDP formula subtracts imports to avoid counting foreign production, meaning the spike in early-year shipments distorted the numbers.

Federal Spending, Consumer Confidence Down

Federal government spending also fell by about 5% during the same period. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment worsened as markets responded to policy uncertainty.

S&P Global Ratings warned in a note to clients: “We anticipate a marked slowdown in the U.S. economy during the first quarter, driven by increasing policy uncertainty surrounding trade, tariffs, and immigration.”

They added that the data might not fully reflect the economy’s true condition:
“The first-quarter GDP reading may not provide an accurate reflection of underlying economic conditions because it’s significantly influenced by the frontloading of imports.”

Recession or Not?

While one quarter of economic contraction doesn’t confirm a recession, analysts are closely watching whether a second consecutive decline will follow. The National Bureau of Economic Research uses a broader range of indicators to determine recessions.

Despite this contraction, some economic fundamentals remain strong:

  • Unemployment is near historic lows
  • Job growth continues, albeit slower
  • Inflation has eased significantly from its 2022 peak

Fed Chair Offers Cautious Optimism

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell commented earlier this month at the Economic Club of Chicago, saying the U.S. economy remains in a “solid condition,” but warned of possible turbulence ahead.

“Life moves pretty fast,” Powell said.

Keep up with the U.S. economy during Trump’s second administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Tornado Watch until 8 pm north of Houston, Harris County NOT included

ABC13 Houston
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Tornado Watch until 8 pm north of Houston, Harris County NOT included

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Tornado Watch has been issued for our northern counties until 8pm including Brazos, Walker, Grimes, Burleson, Washington, and Trinity Counties.

A few tornadoes, scattered hail up to ping pong size, and damaging winds up to 70 mph will be possible within the watch area. This threat will materialize as a line of storms moves south from central Texas late this afternoon into the evening. This line of storms should weaken as it gets closer to I-10 but an isolated strong to severe storm cannot be ruled out anywhere in the area.

Before that line moves in, we could see scattered showers moving through SE Texas. It’ll also be breezy with warm afternoon temps.

What are rain chances looking like during this unsettled weather pattern?

Rain chances rise to 60% Wednesday night and 40% for Thursday when scattered thunderstorms could redevelop in the unstable air. The rain chance remains high on Friday when a weak cool front blows in from the north. We have your chance of rain Friday at 60%. The front will still be close enough Saturday for a 40% chance of additional showers and thunderstorms, especially southwest of Houston.

Any potential severe weather for Houston?

It’s possible that we could see severe storms especially north of Houston Wednesday evening. The risk goes down as you move south through SE Texas. Thursday and Friday are certainly days to watch for severe weather with the atmosphere extremely unstable.

How does the weather look for the weekend?

We expect the front blowing in Friday’s storms will push just far enough into Southeast Texas to give most of us a little humidity drop with lows in the mid 60s both days this weekend. The front won’t completely clear Southeast Texas, so there could still be some showers and thunderstorms southwest of Houston toward Matagorda Bay. High temperatures will still warm into the low-to-mid 80s, which is typical for the first week of May.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Texas House approves antisemitism bill in response to pro-Palestinian protests

Edward Saenz
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Texas House approves antisemitism bill in response to pro-Palestinian protests

The Texas House of Representatives has given initial approval to a bill that would mandate schools to adopt a widely recognized but contentious definition of antisemitism for student disciplinary procedures. The preliminary vote was 134-2, with Representatives Christian Manuel (D-Port Arthur) and Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos (D-Richardson) dissenting. Having already passed the Senate, the bill will proceed to Governor Abbott’s office for final approval upon the House’s final vote.

During the House floor debate, Representative Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake), who sponsored Senate Bill 326, assured colleagues that the legislation would not punish constitutionally protected speech. He clarified that the proposal does not establish new student conduct violations related to antisemitism for public K-12 schools, open enrollment charters, or higher education institutions. Instead, it provides administrators with a definition and examples to guide their decisions on whether existing code of conduct violations were motivated by antisemitism, without dictating specific disciplinary actions. Capriglione emphasized that students would not be penalized for expressing views on Middle East policy or debating Zionism.

Representative Jon Rosenthal (D-Houston), the House’s only Jewish member, initially withheld his support until an amendment explicitly stating that the bill was not intended to punish First Amendment-protected speech was adopted. Following the amendment’s adoption, Rosenthal noted that Jewish communities hold diverse opinions on the bill. He mentioned that some Jewish Texans believe it would highlight rising antisemitism, citing a 135% increase in K-12 schools reported by the Center for Antisemitism Research in the past year.

However, Rosenthal also conveyed that other Jewish Texans are concerned that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition and examples could dangerously equate legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism. He quoted Jewish critics who fear the legislation could single out the Jewish community and inadvertently reinforce antisemitic tropes portraying Jews as privileged and influential. Rosenthal suggested that a broader law addressing all forms of religious persecution in bullying would be a more comprehensive approach to tackling religious discrimination.

The bill follows last spring’s pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses across the nation, including in Texas, where students called for universities to divest from companies linked to Israel or weapons manufacturing.

Some Texas leaders condemned these protests as antisemitic, leading to over a hundred arrests at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Dallas after authorities were called in by university presidents. Critics argue that the bill could stifle or penalize students for exercising their free speech rights, with Representative Manuel stating his belief that the bill is overly broad and “too un-American.”

Keep up with the latest from the Texas Legislature with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Bill clarifying when doctors can perform medically necessary abortions clears Senate

Edward Saenz
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Bill clarifying when doctors can perform medically necessary abortions clears Senate

A Texas Senate bill clarifying the circumstances under which doctors can perform abortions under the state’s near-total ban has been unanimously approved and will move to the House. Senate Bill 31 is supported by anti-abortion groups, medical and hospital associations, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers.

The bill emerged following numerous accounts of women facing severe medical complications or death after being denied necessary abortions due to physician uncertainty or fear of strict legal penalties under Texas’ abortion laws, which only permit abortions to save the pregnant patient’s life.

According to the bill’s author, Republican Senator Bryan Hughes, the legislation aims to provide clarity in the law to remove any hesitation for doctors in providing necessary care. The bill does not broaden abortion exceptions but instead specifies when an abortion is legally permissible under existing law.

The Senate-passed version of the bill states that a patient must have a life-threatening condition caused or worsened by pregnancy, but clarifies that their death does not need to be imminent for a doctor to act. It also aligns definitions across Texas’ abortion bans, formalizes court decisions, and mandates training on the laws for doctors and lawyers.

Despite its passage, the bill was the result of intense negotiations between anti-abortion groups and medical associations. Some Democrats expressed reservations, wishing the bill would have expanded abortion access further. Democratic Senator Molly Cook, while voting for the bill, described it as a difficult and narrow victory, highlighting the suffering and deaths of women over the past four years as evidence of a broken system in Texas.

Other Democrats, like Senators Carol Alvarado and Roland Gutierrez, voiced their disappointment that the bill did not include exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or lethal fetal diagnoses. Alvarado expressed hope for future legislative action on these issues, while Gutierrez emphasized his personal belief in a woman’s right to choose in cases of rape. Hughes countered that the focus should not be on punishing an unborn child for the actions of a rapist.

Concerns were also raised during the session about the bill potentially reviving pre-Roe statutes that could criminalize individuals who have abortions or assist in the process. An amendment was added to SB 31 to maintain neutrality on the enforceability of these pre-Roe laws, pending court rulings, and explicitly stated that women undergoing abortions would not face criminal charges under this bill. Democratic Senator Sarah Eckhardt questioned Hughes on the lack of an effort to repeal these older statutes.

Despite voting in favor, Senator Eckhardt expressed her belief that while the bill may provide clarity, it does not diminish the cruelty of the state’s abortion laws. She hoped it would lead to improvement, acknowledging the dire situation surrounding abortion access in Texas.

Keep up with more on the Texas Legislature with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Man killed in home invasion in southwest Houston, his dog missing after chasing away suspects

ABC13 Houston
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Man killed in home invasion in southwest Houston, his dog missing after chasing away suspects

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A home invasion in southwest Houston left one man dead, his wife running to hide in a bedroom, and the family dog missing.

Houston police told Eyewitness News that they believe the homeowner was being watched elsewhere and then followed to his house on Ludington near Sandpiper Drive.

It was around 10 p.m. Monday when two suspects kicked down the back door, police said, and shot the victim, identified by his wife as 50-year-old Michel Badia Cremadichi, multiple times. He did return fire, according to HPD.

His wife of 12 years, Veronica Badia, told ABC13 that she did not know why they were targeted.

Michel Badia Cremadichi and Veronica Badia

They had just gotten home. She was upstairs when she heard the gunshots, and when she went to see what was happening, she came face-to-face with one of the suspects, she said. Shen then turned around and ran back to lock herself in a bedroom. There, she called 9-1-1.

Surveillance video shows the two suspects, who were wearing masks, running out of the back of the house. One suspect was carrying a large pistol, and both were being chased by Nala, the couple’s German Shepherd, which still has not been found.

One neighbor said that the truck seen in the video had nothing to do with this scene.

Bullet holes pierced the walls inside the home. Four in the room where the victim was killed. One bullet sailed through a front window.

On Tuesday, the victim’s wife, found comfort in the support of family and friends, but she told ABC13 she is heartbroken and wants justice for her husband.

If you know anything about this case, authorities urge you to contact the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with this tragic story and ways to help with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Marvel Bets Big on Underdogs as ‘Thunderbolts⁎’ Launches Summer Box Office

Edward Saenz
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Marvel Bets Big on Underdogs as ‘Thunderbolts⁎’ Launches Summer Box Office

A Fresh Start for the MCU
After weathering recent box office ups and downs, Marvel Studios is hoping to strike gold once again with Thunderbolts⁎, its newest ensemble superhero film. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film brings together a ragtag team of lesser-known Marvel characters, marking a shift from the studio’s usual big-name approach.

Unlikely Heroes, Unlikely Hit?
Thunderbolts⁎ follows a crew of antiheroes — misfits and loners with questionable pasts — who discover the power of unity when forced into a deadly setup. The cast includes Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), and breakout newcomer Lewis Pullman as Bob, whose mental health struggles take center stage in a surprisingly emotional storyline.

The Asterisk That Says a Lot
One small but significant detail is the asterisk in the film’s title. It’s more than a stylistic quirk — it serves as a meta-commentary on the team’s role as a substitute for the Avengers, as emphasized in Marvel’s marketing. The symbol also alludes to their label as the “New Avengers,” suggesting their unofficial and temporary status within the broader MCU. On a deeper level, it hints that this group may exist solely within the confines of this film, reinforcing the story’s themes of impermanence and reinvention.

Opening Projections and the Stakes
Early tracking projects a domestic debut of $70–73 million and a global opening between $160–175 million. While those numbers would once have been underwhelming for a summer MCU release, shifting post-pandemic audience behavior and rising ticket sales — now up 11% year-to-date — have studios recalibrating expectations.

Marvel has also emphasized that Thunderbolts⁎ isn’t a typical superhero blockbuster, but rather a more grounded, character-driven story with thematic depth.

Critical Response and Audience Potential
Initial reviews are promising. The film debuted with a critics score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its emotional weight and fresh ensemble. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney called it “soulful” and noted the film’s unexpected heart and originality.

Fans will get their say once Thursday night previews begin in North America. The film is already rolling out in overseas markets, including China, ahead of its full U.S. release on Friday.

Can Lightning Strike Again?
While recent Marvel entries have seen mixed results — Captain America: Brave New World opened to $88.8 million with poor reviews, and Deadpool & Wolverine soared with $211 million — Thunderbolts⁎ could carve out its own path by embracing vulnerability, teamwork, and redemption through a more intimate lens.

As the summer movie season kicks off, all eyes are on Thunderbolts⁎ to see if this team of unlikely heroes can reignite the MCU’s box office momentum.

Keep up with the latest from Hollywood with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Papal Conclave expected to last up to three days, cardinal says

Edward Saenz
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Papal Conclave expected to last up to three days, cardinal says

Cardinal Predicts Two to Three Days of Deliberations
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako of Baghdad anticipates a swift papal conclave, telling journalists at the Vatican on Tuesday that the process to elect Pope Francis’ successor could last just two or three days.

“There is a very fraternal atmosphere and a spirit of responsibility,” Sako said as reported by ABC News, suggesting broad agreement among the cardinals.

Conclave Timeline Set
The Vatican confirmed that the conclave will begin Wednesday, May 7. Cardinals from around the world will gather to choose the Catholic Church’s 267th pope.

Historical Precedents Suggest a Quick Decision
Recent conclaves have been similarly brief. The elections of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013 each concluded in two days. Pope John Paul II was elected after three days in 1978.

Pope Francis Laid to Rest
Pope Francis, who passed away last Monday at age 88, was buried on Saturday in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. His passing has set in motion the solemn process of selecting the next spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.

Keep up with the Papal conclave leading up to Pope Francis’ successor with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump’s First 100 Days: An Unprecedented Expansion of Presidential Power

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump’s First 100 Days: An Unprecedented Expansion of Presidential Power

President Donald Trump’s second term has launched with a flurry of executive actions and sweeping policy shifts that legal experts say are testing the limits of presidential authority.

A Presidency Driven by Executive Orders

In just his first 100 days, Trump has signed more than 130 executive orders—more than any president in nearly nine decades. His actions include freezing federal regulations, slashing environmental protections, exiting an international climate agreement, and attempting to dismantle agencies like the Department of Education.

“He’s trying to do government by executive order on a whole range of issues,” David Schultz, a constitutional law professor, told ABC News. Critics argue this marks a shift from normal governance to what one expert called “government by decree.”

Legal Theories and National Emergencies

Trump has embraced a controversial conservative theory that the Constitution gives the president sweeping control over the federal government. He has declared at least eight national emergencies to advance his immigration and economic agendas.

Among the most contentious uses of emergency powers:

  • The 1798 Alien Enemies Act was used to deport Venezuelan migrants.
  • The 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act served as justification for new tariffs on major U.S. trading partners—despite lacking congressional support.

Elizabeth Goitein of the Brennan Center called this approach “unprecedented,” warning that the sheer scale and legal justification of Trump’s actions go beyond any previous administration.

Targeting Opponents and Gutting Institutions

Trump’s critics accuse him of using presidential power to punish political enemies. He has:

  • Ordered investigations into former officials who criticized him.
  • Signed executive actions aimed at specific law firms.
  • Fired civil servants en masse, undermining the independence of federal agencies.

He has also moved to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs throughout government.

A Fragile System of Checks and Balances

While the judiciary has challenged several Trump initiatives, Congress has largely stayed silent. Despite GOP control of both chambers, few Republicans have spoken out. Sen. Lisa Murkowski acknowledged that “retaliation is real” for those who dissent.

Trump’s rhetoric has intensified tensions with the courts. He’s called judges “radical” and pushed the idea that lower court rulings could be ignored, though later claimed he would follow Supreme Court decisions. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public rebuke in response.

Judiciary in the Crosshairs

The arrest of a Milwaukee judge accused of obstructing immigration agents marked a new low in executive-judicial conflict. When asked if more action could be taken against federal or Supreme Court judges, the White House left the door open.

“He thinks he can either ignore or bully his way through,” said Schultz.

A Warning for Democracy

Experts fear that if Trump’s approach becomes the norm, it could permanently damage the system of checks and balances. “If this is the new normal, then we can say goodbye to democracy,” said Goitein.

As Trump continues to govern by executive power, constitutional scholars warn the balance between branches of government may be slipping beyond repair.

Keep up with Trump’s administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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