Texas House lawmakers are currently debating a bill that would require voters to provide proof of citizenship before registering to vote. This proposal mirrors the federal SAVE Act, which recently passed in the U.S. House.
The Texas bill, already passed by the Senate, mandates that voters provide a U.S. passport, a certified copy of their birth certificate, or citizenship papers to register. Supporters argue it’s necessary to prevent noncitizen voting, while opponents contend it’s unconstitutional and creates unnecessary hurdles for eligible voters, particularly those who may lack easy access to the required documents.
The bill faces opposition from voting rights groups and Democratic lawmakers who liken it to a poll tax, citing the costs associated with obtaining new passports or passport cards. They argue that existing safeguards, like the requirement for applicants to swear they are U.S. citizens under penalty of perjury and the secretary of state’s regular checks on voter rolls, are sufficient.
Data suggests that a significant percentage of voting-age citizens in Texas, particularly people of color and Republicans, may not have easy access to proof of citizenship. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on elderly voters and married women who have changed their names.
If passed, the bill would make voter registrars responsible for vetting applicants and checking their citizenship status against a state database. Those unable to provide proof of citizenship would be limited to voting only in Congressional elections, unless they provide documentation within six days after the election.
The law would also create a new illegal registration offense with potential jail time and fines, and local election officials could face similar penalties for allowing noncitizens to register.
For now, the bill remains pending. But the debate over voting rights in Texas is far from over.
The Texas House gave preliminary approval to Senate Joint Resolution 3 on Monday, which would allow voters to decide whether to spend $3 billion in state funds on dementia research.
Both chambers had previously voted to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, modeled after the state’s cancer institute. This initiative, a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, aims to study dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other brain conditions.
While the institute has received bipartisan support, funding for the project is contingent upon voter approval. SJR 3, if fully approved by the House, will put the allocation of $3 billion in general revenue for this research on the ballot at the next election.
Rep. Senfronia Thompson emphasized the widespread impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s, highlighting the importance of research funding to improve the quality of life for those affected. The bill passed 123-21.
However, the funding measure’s fate was briefly uncertain due to a Democratic attempt to leverage constitutional amendments for a school voucher program. Both chambers approved a $1 billion private school voucher program, but Democrats sought to put the proposal to voters and threatened to block all constitutional amendments until their demand was met.
This “blockade” led to the postponement of several pieces of legislation, including the dementia funding measure. However, after a clash in which Republicans killed uncontroversial Democrat bills, some Democrats relented, allowing the dementia funding and other constitutional amendments to proceed.
Following extensive discussions about the enabling legislation, the funding vote on Monday was swift. Rep. Thompson and Rep. Tom Craddick, both long-time advocates for the bill, urged their colleagues to support the measure, emphasizing its potential to address Texas’ high rate of Alzheimer’s disease and its nonpartisan nature.
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.
LONDON — Millions of people in Spain, Portugal and parts of France lost power on Monday due to an unknown grid issue, the Spanish government confirmed to ABC News.
The Spanish government said it called an emergency crisis meeting to fix the situation as soon as possible.
Authorities, meanwhile, asked people to stay at home and to avoid circulating, while emergency generators were also being put in place.
Red Eléctrica, the corporation that operates the national electricity grid in Spain, confirmed power outages across the country.
“Plans to restore the electricity supply have been activated in collaboration with companies in the sector following the zero that occurred in the peninsular system,” it wrote in a post to X. “The causes are being analyzed and all resources are being dedicated to solving it.”
A later post said power was recovered in some areas.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story,click here.
GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — Galveston officials are hosting two free fire safety meetings for historical buildings after a historic mansion caught fire earlier this month.
The George Ball House on 24th Street caught on fire on April 12, injuring two people inside.
The Galveston Historical Foundation had planned a fire safety session on Wednesday for people with historic homes.
However, the foundation postponed it in observance of the passing of one of the owners of the George Ball House, it said on a Facebook post. ABC13 has reached out to UTMB Health for further confirmation.
That meeting has been postponed to next Tuesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 30, at noon. The meetings will be held at the Wortham Auditorium inside the Rosenberg Library at 2310 Sealy Avenue.
Following the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Catholic cardinals have now set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect his successor. The delay gives them extra time to build relationships, find consensus, and prepare spiritually before they are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel to begin the sacred process.
Pope Francis, who died Monday, April 21, just after Easter Sunday, at the age of 88 following a stroke and heart failure, had requested a simple funeral and was the first pope since 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican walls. His burial at St. Mary Major — a basilica dear to him — marked a historic moment, breaking with recent tradition.
Now, the focus shifts to choosing the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Cardinals Seek Unity Ahead of Conclave
Cardinals gathered on Monday for their first day of informal meetings, known asGeneral Congregations. These sessions include cardinals over the age of 80, who will not participate in the conclave but can influence discussions. Many cardinals emphasized the need for unity, continuity of Francis’ pastoral mission, and a return to core doctrines, depending on their theological leanings.
“There is the hope of unity,” said Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, one of Francis’ recent appointees British Cardinal Vincent Nichols similarly stressed as reported by AP NEWS.
“The role of the pope is to essentially hold us together, and that’s the grace we’ve been given from God.”
Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo predicted the voting process would move quickly once it begins, estimating a new pope could be elected within two or three days.
A Diverse, Francis-Shaped College of Cardinals
The College of Cardinals is the most diverse in Church history. Out of 135 electors under the age of 80, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis. Only about 40% are European — a dramatic shift from the Eurocentric compositions of past conclaves. Today, the electors include:
23 cardinals from Asia
18 from Africa
17 from South America
16 from North America, including 10 Americans
Many of the newer cardinals, especially those from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are participating in their first conclave and are still getting acquainted with one another. “We’ve got all week,” said Nichols, acknowledging the challenge.
The 10 U.S. cardinals eligible to vote include prominent figures such as Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C., and Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego — many known for supporting Francis’ vision of a more inclusive, pastoral Church.
Tensions and Controversies
Despite the emphasis on unity, underlying tensions remain. Conservatives hope to steer the Church back toward the doctrinal focus championed by St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, while others want to continue Francis’ emphasis on social justice, outreach to marginalized groups, and reform.
One point of controversy concerns Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of finance-related crimes by the Vatican’s criminal court in 2023. Although officially listed as a “non-elector,” Becciu has argued he should be allowed to vote, leading to legal scrutiny and unresolved debate among the cardinals.
Another dynamic to watch: African cardinals may influence the conclave’s outcome, especially after their unified stand against Francis’ 2023 directive allowing blessings for same-sex couples. Nigerian Cardinal John Onaiyekan, though too old to vote, stated bluntly, “We have not come here for a political rally. We have come to get a pope out.”
The Road Ahead
Only cardinals under 80 will enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7, where — after prayers and reflection — they will vote by secret ballot. To elect the next pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority.
Among rumored candidates are Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, known for his work on peace initiatives, and potential candidates from Africa and Latin America.
Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola expressed hope that, “Anyone who is coming up must be the successor of St. Peter, and we all hope that he will be a good pope.”
As Rossi put it with a smile when asked how he felt about participating in his first conclave, according to AP News: “Afraid.”
Still, many cardinals believe the spirit of Pope Francis — centered on “mercy, closeness, charity, tenderness, and faith” — will guide them as they choose the next shepherd of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story,click here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got a warm week ahead with rain chances increasing into the end of the week. The next best chance for showers and storms, potentially a few strong to severe ones, is Thursday.
Temperatures Monday morning will start off in the low 70s. It will be humid and cloudy with a breeze picking up throughout the day. Winds could gust up to 25 mph at times with temperatures rising into the upper 80s. It will be a little cloudier, but we should a few breaks in the clouds, for some sun in the afternoon.
When’s our next rain chance?
Rain chances climb this week with a few showers and storms possible Wednesday, though the best chance for rain this week at this point is Thursday. A cold front will move through North Texas, allowing for strong storms to develop near Waco and Dallas. those storms could then push towards the coast Thursday evening, moving through Southeast Texas. That front will then reach Houston Friday, with lingering showers and storms possible the last day of the week. This weather pattern could also open the door for a bit of an unsettled stretch with a daily rain chance in the forecast next weekend and heading into the first week of May.
Any potential severe weather for Houston?
At this time Southeast Texas is not included in any severe weather risk areas of the week, but that doesn’t rule it out completely. Thursday and Friday will be two days to watch., though whenever there’s rain in the forecast we can’t rule out the chance for an isolated strong storm.
Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here Triumphs at the 2025 Platino Awards
Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles dominated this year’s Platino Awards in Madrid, where I’m Still Here emerged as the evening’s top winner. Salles received the awards for Best Director and Best Ibero-American Fiction Film, solidifying his celebrated reputation across the Ibero-American film and television industry.
Standout Acting Performances Recognized
Among the night’s major honors, Fernanda Torres earned Best Actress for her acclaimed role in I’m Still Here, adding another significant achievement to her already distinguished career. Eduard Fernández was named Best Actor for his performance in Marco, while Daniel Fanego won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Luis Ortega’s Kill the Jockey. Clara Segura took home Best Supporting Actress for her performance in El 47.
Technical Excellence Celebrated
Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language debut, The Room Next Door, made a strong showing, picking up two major technical awards. Edu Grau was honored for Best Cinematography, and Alberto Iglesias received the award for Best Original Score.
Eva Longoria Honored with Special Award
Eva Longoria, known for her roles in Desperate Housewives and Only Murders in the Building, received the prestigious Platino Honorary Award. The surprise presentation came from fellow Latina star Sofía Vergara, who praised Longoria’s philanthropic work and enduring influence.
“Eva, you’re the best. Everything you’ve done, with your foundation, for the children you’ve helped, for the people you’ve helped — I mean, you deserve this award,” Vergara said.
Accepting the honor, Longoria expressed deep gratitude to Spain and reflected on her heritage. “I love being here, especially in this country that I’ve loved so much for many years,” she said. “Whenever I’m here, in Spain, I feel at home, I feel happy, I feel protected, honestly.”
Longoria also shared a heartfelt message about her roots and pride in representing Hispanic women in Hollywood: “I was born in Texas. I’m Mexican-American. I have Spanish blood in my veins. Since I started my career in 1998, I dreamed of proudly representing my countries, honoring Hispanic women, and showing that we are hardworking, passionate, humane, and good-hearted people. Today, the world needs more of that spirit.”
Full List of 2025 Platino Awards Winners
Best Ibero-American Fiction Film I’m Still Here, Walter Salles
Best Ibero-American Comedy Film Idol Affair, Teresa Bellón and César F. Calvillo
Best Director Walter Salles, I’m Still Here
Best Supporting Actor Daniel Fanego, Kill the Jockey
Best Supporting Actress Clara Segura, El 47
Best Screenplay Amelia Mora and Arantxa Echevarría, The Infiltrator
Best Original Music Alberto Iglesias, The Room Next Door
Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Television Series Claudio Cataño, One Hundred Years of Solitude
Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Television Series Candela Peña, The Asunta Case
Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Television Series Jairo Camargo, One Hundred Years of Solitude
Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Television Series Carmen Maura, Land of Women
Best Animated Film Black Butterflies, David Baute
Best Documentary Feature The Echo, Tatiana Huezo
Best Ibero-American Fiction Debut The Dog Thief, Vinko Tomicic
Best Editing Direction Victoria Lammers, The Night Shift
Best Art Direction Eugenio Caballero and Carlos Y. Jacques, Pedro Páramo
Best Cinematography Edu Grau, The Room Next Door
Best Sound Direction Diana Sagrista, Alejandro Castillo, Eva Valiño, Antonin Dalmasso, Second Prize
Best Cinema and Education in Values Memoirs of a Burning Body, Antonella Sudasassi
Best Ibero-American Miniseries or Television Series One Hundred Years of Solitude
Best Male Performance Eduard Fernández, Marco
Best Female Performance Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here
Best Creator of a Miniseries or Television Series Vicente Amorim, Fernando Coimbra, Luiz Bolognesi and Patrícia Andrade, Senna
The Vatican has shared the first official images of the tomb of Pope Francis, who was laid to rest on Saturday inside Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major. The photos were released early Sunday as the tomb was opened to the public for the first time.
Thousands Gather to Pay Their Respects
Crowds poured into the basilica on Sunday to honor the late pontiff. According to Italy’s ANSA news agency, more than 13,000 people visited the tomb throughout the day, with thousands more still waiting outside in long lines.
Later in the afternoon, all cardinals present in Rome were expected to visit the tomb in a formal gesture of respect, the Vatican announced.
A view of the tomb of Pope Francis, who was buried on Saturday, April 26, in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, in a photo released on Sunday, April 27, 2025, by Vatican Media. Vatican Media
A Path Through the Holy Door to the Madonna
The cardinals were scheduled to enter through the Holy Door, a significant symbol in Catholic tradition, before visiting Pope Francis’ tomb. Afterward, they would move to the nearby chapel housing the Salus Populi Romani — a revered Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin Mary.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis often prayed before this image before and after each of his international journeys, a ritual that underscored his devotion to the Madonna.
A Historic Burial
Pope Francis passed away last Monday at the age of 88. His burial at St. Mary Major marks a historic departure from tradition, as he became the first pope in more than a century to be interred outside the Vatican. Additionally, he is the first pontiff in over 300 years to be laid to rest within the walls of the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Donald Trump has set a new record—one he likely did not want. A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll shows Trump holding the lowest 100-day approval rating of any U.S. president in 80 years, with widespread disapproval of his policies and deepening economic anxieties among voters.
Presidential job approval at or near 100 days ABC News / Washington Post / Ipsos poll
Economic Concerns Dominate Public Sentiment
Just 39% of Americans approve of the job Trump is doing as president, a decline of six points since February. Meanwhile, 55% say they disapprove of his performance. This puts Trump even below his own 2017 approval low of 42% at the same milestone.
Economic worries are a major factor driving dissatisfaction. Nearly three-quarters of Americans—72%—believe Trump’s policies are likely to spark a recession in the near future. Seventy-three percent rate the economy as being in poor condition, while more than half, 53%, think it has deteriorated since Trump assumed office earlier this year. Additionally, 41% of Americans say their personal financial situation has worsened under his leadership.
Tariffs Blamed for Rising Prices
Trump’s tariffs are a particular target of criticism. Sixty-two percent of respondents report seeing prices climb, and 71% attribute this inflation directly to the tariffs on international trade. Only 31% buy into Trump’s argument that these measures will ultimately strengthen the U.S. economy.
Beyond financial concerns, 65% of Americans believe Trump’s administration is actively trying to circumvent federal court orders, and 64% think he is pushing too hard to expand presidential powers. A notable 62% say they feel Trump’s White House does not respect the rule of law.
Broad Opposition to Key Policies
Trump’s actions on the issues ABC News / Washington Post / Ipsos poll
The poll reveals consistent disapproval across a range of Trump’s major initiatives:
67% disapprove of how he is handling recent stock market turmoil
64% disapprove of his approach to tariffs
61% disapprove of his overall handling of the economy and international relations
58% believe he is not advocating for the interests of average Americans
On specific proposals, public opposition is even more pronounced. Seventy-seven percent oppose cuts to federal medical research funding, 70% are against increasing federal control over private universities, and 67% reject ending birthright citizenship.
Republican Loyalty Holds, But Cracks Emerge
Despite declining numbers overall, Trump maintains a stronghold within his party. Eighty-three percent of Republicans say they approve of his performance, although only about half strongly approve. Meanwhile, 93% of Democrats and 60% of independents disapprove, with independents particularly critical—44% strongly disapprove compared to only 15% who strongly approve.
Support among a key Trump constituency, non-college-educated white men, has also softened. Approval among this group stands at 54%, tied with his previous low during his first term. Alarmingly for Trump, 43% of them now believe the economy has worsened under his watch, and one-third report that their personal finances have declined.
Trust in Trump Over Democrats—But Both Sides Struggle
While Trump’s approval numbers are underwater, he still edges out Democrats in Congress when it comes to public trust on key national issues. Thirty-seven percent of Americans say they trust Trump to handle the country’s main problems, compared to 30% who trust congressional Democrats. However, a striking 30% say they trust neither party.
Both major parties are viewed as disconnected from the concerns of average Americans. Sixty percent of respondents believe Trump is out of touch—yet 69% say the same about the Democratic Party, and 64% feel that way about the Republican Party overall.
Among independents, 62% say Trump is out of touch, but even more—76%—believe the Democratic Party is similarly disconnected from everyday concerns.
Courts, Compliance, and Presidential Power
When it comes to the courts, most Americans reject the Trump administration’s accusations of judicial overreach. Sixty-two percent say federal judges are simply enforcing existing legal limits on the president’s authority, not interfering with it.
Additionally, by a two-to-one margin, Americans agree that judges should have the authority to block potentially harmful or illegal administration policies pending trial.
There is also widespread belief—67%—that Trump’s team is actively trying to evade compliance with federal court orders, rather than respecting them.
Shrinking Government: Divided Opinions
Majorities express concern that Trump is pushing too aggressively to shrink the size and role of the federal government. Fifty-eight percent worry he will go too far in cutting back federal agencies, mirroring concerns expressed about government expansion under previous administrations.
Views on deregulation are more divided. Fifty-two percent say they fear the Trump administration will eliminate regulations necessary for public health and safety, while 46% believe unnecessary red tape will be cut without endangering essential protections.
Global Leadership and Relations with Russia
Trump’s impact on America’s standing in the world also draws criticism. Nearly half of Americans—49%—believe Trump has weakened U.S. leadership globally, compared to 34% who think he has strengthened it.
On relations with Russia, 46% say Trump is too friendly toward Moscow, while 40% feel his approach strikes the right balance. Only 11% think he is being too confrontational. These numbers closely resemble attitudes seen early in his first term.
Methodology
The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll was conducted April 18–22, 2025, using the probability-based Ipsos KnowledgePanel®. Surveys were completed online in English and Spanish with a random sample of 2,464 adults. The partisan breakdown among respondents was 30% Democrat, 30% Republican, and 29% independent. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.
Keep up with the latest from the Trump administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.
GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (KTRK) — With the 2025 NFL Draft now wrapped up on Saturday, ABC13 Sports gives you a recap of the prospects that the Houston Texans selected on the final day.
To start off in Round 4, the Texans selected USC running back Woody Marks with the 116th overall pick.
In Round 6, Houston drafted Penn State safety Jaylen Reed with the 187th overall pick and Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz with the 197th overall pick. The Texans traded their 216th and 241st overall picks for the 197th overall pick.
In Round 7, the Texans selected Rutgers defensive lineman Kyonte Hamilton with the 224th overall pick and added Iowa tight end Luke Lachey with the 255th overall pick.
On Friday, Houston selected four players in Day 2 of the NFL Draft. In Round 2, Texans drafted Iowa State wideout Jayden Higgins (No. 34) and Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery (No. 48). In Round 3, the team added Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel (No. 79) and USC cornerback Jaylin Smith (No. 97). The Texans selected a total of nine players in the 2025 NFL Draft.
