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Free Tax Preparation Help Available for Houston Seniors and Families

Indira Zaldivar
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Free Tax Preparation Help Available for Houston Seniors and Families

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is partnering with AARP to offer free tax preparation assistance to seniors and residents of all ages during the 2026 tax season.

The initiative aims to help families save money, avoid costly filing fees, and maximize eligible tax credits as many households continue to face rising living expenses. Services will be provided in both English and Spanish on a first-come, first-served basis, and no registration is required.

Who Can Get Help

The free assistance is open to:

  • Seniors
  • Working families
  • Individuals needing help filing taxes
  • Spanish- and English-speaking residents

Organizers say the program is designed to ensure residents keep more of their earnings while receiving accurate filing support from trained volunteers.

Locations, Dates, and Times

Residents can receive assistance at three Harris County community centers:

Tracy Gee Community Center
3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042
Mondays and Tuesdays through April 14
Noon – 4 p.m.

Fonteno Senior Education Center
6600 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074
Weekdays through April 15
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Helping Residents Keep More Money

County leaders say free tax preparation services can make a meaningful financial difference for households, especially those eligible for credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit.

Officials encourage community members to share the information with friends, family, and neighbors who may benefit from the program before tax deadlines arrive.

For more community resources, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Japan Deploys First Long-Range Missiles

Michael Esparza
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Japan Deploys First Long-Range Missiles

Japan has deployed its first long-range missiles as it ramps up defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions, particularly with China.

New Military Capability

The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, are now operational at Camp Kengun in southwestern Japan. With a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), the missiles significantly extend Japan’s reach compared to earlier versions.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the move strengthens Japan’s deterrence and ability to respond to threats.

Shift From Defensive Posture

The deployment marks a major shift for Japan, which has long maintained a self-defense-only policy under its pacifist constitution. The new “standoff” capability allows forces to strike targets from a distance, including potential enemy bases.

Expanding Military Plans

Japan is also deploying hypersonic weapons and plans to add U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles to its naval fleet. Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country approved a record defense budget to strengthen coastal defense and counter growing military activity in the region.

Local Concerns

Some residents near deployment sites have protested, warning the move could increase tensions and make their communities potential targets.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

US Gas Prices Surge Past $4 Amid Iran War Oil Shock

Edward Saenz
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US Gas Prices Surge Past $4 Amid Iran War Oil Shock

Gas prices in the United States have climbed above $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, driven by a global oil shock linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.

According to AAA, the national average reached $4.018 per gallon Tuesday—marking a more than 30% increase since the war began on Feb. 28.

What’s Driving the Spike?

The surge follows escalating tensions involving Iran and its closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. The disruption has tightened global supply and pushed crude oil prices up more than 50%, reaching roughly $117 per barrel.

Although the U.S. produces more oil than it consumes, fuel prices remain tied to global markets—meaning Americans still feel the impact of overseas conflicts.

Economic Concerns Grow

Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency warned the crisis could surpass the energy shocks of the 1970s, calling it a “major threat” to the global economy.

Higher crude prices directly affect drivers, as oil accounts for more than half the cost of gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Government Response

In an effort to stabilize markets, IEA member nations plan to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves—the largest coordinated release in history. The U.S. is expected to contribute nearly half, alongside measures aimed at easing supply constraints and restoring tanker traffic in the region.

What It Means for Drivers

With prices rising fastest in the South and West, experts warn that relief may take time if supply disruptions continue. For now, drivers across the country are bracing for sustained high costs at the pump.

For more on the soaring gas prices due to the U.S. war with Iran, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas SNAP recipients won’t be able to buy certain items starting in April

ABC13 Houston
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Texas SNAP recipients won’t be able to buy certain items starting in April

Starting in April, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will no longer be able to buy certain things using their Lone Star cards, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website.

As a result, sodas, candy, and anything with more than five grams of added sugar will be off the list of approved items. The restrictions also apply to fruit, raisins, and nuts that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel, according to THHS’ website.

The changes come after lawmakers passed a bill during the last legislative session to try to encourage Texas families to buy vegetables, meats, and whole grains with their SNAP benefits each month.

For more, visit THHS’ SNAP food benefits website.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Rain chances creeping up ahead of Easter weekend cool front

ABC13 Houston
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Rain chances creeping up ahead of Easter weekend cool front

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve had two weeks of dry weather in Houston, but rain chances are back this week! You just might need to bring some Easter egg hunts indoors as it’s looking more likely that storms will visit us along with a cool front on Easter weekend.

Tuesday will feature another mild morning with temperatures starting in the mid-upper 60s and climbing into the mid 80s. There’s also a 20% chance of rain, and those rain chances are set to climb a little more Wednesday and Thursday as our first weather system of the week just grazes Southeast Texas. Oak pollen levels are expected to remain extremely high until we can get some heavy rain to help wash it away.

When can we expect that rain to pay us a visit?

We have two prime opportunities for rain this week. The first comes in the Wednesday to Thursday timeframe, the second arrives on Easter weekend.

What are we expecting the weather to do Easter weekend?

We now expect a front to push through Southeast Texas on Saturday. A line of showers and thunderstorms should accompany this front, and we’ve raised rain chances to 60%. While cooler and drier air will try to blow in behind it, there will be extensive moisture left behind for Easter Sunday, keeping a 40% chance of showers in the forecast. Temperatures on Saturday will peak in the mid 80s, but on Easter we predict a low in the mid 50s and highs struggling to climb out of the 60s. It’s still a bit early to try to pinpoint the exact rain timing on Saturday and Sunday, but we should definitely prepare for a chance of rain over the holiday weekend, especially from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning.

Is any severe weather or flooding possible?

We cannot rule out severe weather at this time when the front arrives Saturday. While minor street flooding is possible when the front first blows in, we do not anticipate any widespread or significant flooding. Any rain lingering behind the front for Easter Sunday will occur in cooler air, therefore no severe weather is expected. Outdoor worship services and Easter egg hunts could certainly be impacted by the changing weather. We’ll keep you posted.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Man tied up, stripped and beaten with cinderblocks during nightclub robbery, prosecutors say

ABC13 Houston
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Man tied up, stripped and beaten with cinderblocks during nightclub robbery, prosecutors say

PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) — A man and woman were arrested after prosecutors say they tied up, stripped, and beat a man while trying to rob a nightclub.

Andre Partee and Jasmine Rohne are each charged with two counts of aggravated robbery.

Robert Cerny says he was working on cars behind Tropical Night Club on Spencer Highway Sunday night when the suspects approached with a laser-equipped gun.

He said he was struck over the head several times with the butt of the gun.

“When they came up and struck me with the gun, I think they expected me to go down. You know what I mean? But, like, he was, like, real thin and wiry…so he didn’t really have power when he hit me, so it didn’t work,” Cerny said.

Cerny said the couple stripped him of his shirt, then used his belt and shoelaces to tie his wrists before forcing him to lie facedown on the ground.

He said the two beat his legs with cinderblocks before piling the cinderblocks on his back.

“They had about four or six cinder blocks, and then the girl would sit on top of it,” he said.

He said the man held a gun to his head and repeatedly told him he would shoot him before both suspects returned to their original mission: robbing the nightclub.

A surveillance camera captured one of them crouching behind a wheelbarrow while holding bolt cutters.

Cerny said to cut power to the business, which prompted a woman working there to investigate.

“She goes around front saying, ‘What’s going on?’ They came out on her with a gun,” Cerny said.

Police say the suspects stole cash and were in the middle of making their getaway when officers arrived.

Both are due in court on Tuesday morning.

Report a correction or typo

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Pct. 4 announces arrest warrant for man seen wielding machete at woman in NW Harris Co.

ABC13 Houston
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Pct. 4 announces arrest warrant for man seen wielding machete at woman in NW Harris Co.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — An arrest warrant has been issued for a man police said wielded a machete at a woman last week in northwest Harris County, according to charging documents.

The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office says that last Thursday, a woman said she was on her way to work and stopped at a light in the 9500 block of Grant Road near Champion Forest Drive.

At one point, the woman said that the suspect, identified in court documents as Lawrence Taylor, began yelling from his Ford F-150 truck and called her an obscenity.

The woman said she was unaware of what he was upset about, but as the light turned green, the man pulled in front of her and got out, holding a machete.

Court records said that the man began hurling obscenities at the woman, saying, “cut your (expletive) head off.” Officials said the man then drove away.

Precinct 4 posted on social media that Taylor has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and has a bond of $50,000.

Police said anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact law enforcement.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Houston Prepares for Artemis II Launch Watch Party at Space Center Houston

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston Prepares for Artemis II Launch Watch Party at Space Center Houston

HOUSTON, Texas — As excitement builds for NASA’s next chapter in lunar exploration, Space Center Houston is set to host a highly anticipated watch party for the upcoming Artemis II launch.

Community Invited to Celebrate Historic Mission

The live watch party will take place Wednesday, April 1, with doors opening at 4:50 p.m. for the public and 4:30 p.m. for media. The event will commemorate NASA’s first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years, marking a major milestone in space exploration.

The event has officially sold out, underscoring Houston’s deep connection to NASA and strong public interest in the mission.

Event Details and Speakers

The evening will be emceed by Robert Southers and will feature remarks with William Harris and Keesha Bullock.

Hosted by the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, the event offers Houstonians a front-row seat to history as astronauts prepare to return to deep space.

Artemis II Crew Ready for Launch

Meanwhile, the Artemis II astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — have officially arrived at Kennedy Space Center in preparation for liftoff.

The 10-day mission will send the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft on a lunar flyby, the first human journey to the Moon since Apollo 17.

A Milestone Moment for Houston

With a launch window extending through early April, Artemis II represents a major step forward in NASA’s Artemis campaign and a proud moment for Houston—long known as the heart of human spaceflight.

Even for those unable to attend the sold-out event, the mission serves as a powerful reminder of Houston’s role in pushing the boundaries of exploration.

For more on the Artemis II mission, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

‘Fireball Season’ Brings Surge in Meteor Sightings

Edward Saenz
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‘Fireball Season’ Brings Surge in Meteor Sightings

Peak Viewing Across the U.S.

Skywatchers across the United States are spotting more bright meteors as “fireball season” reaches its peak. According to NASA, sightings typically increase from February through April, with a 10% to 30% rise in visible meteors.

Unusual Spike in 2026

This year, activity has extended into March, marking one of the most active periods in recent years. The American Meteor Society reports a surge in larger, brighter meteors—known as fireballs—compared to previous years.

Why It Happens

Scientists believe Earth may pass through regions of larger space debris during this time, making meteors more visible. Improved technology, including smartphones and security cameras, has also increased the number of reported sightings.

What to Expect

Fireballs are brighter than typical shooting stars and can produce loud sonic booms as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. While the exact reason for this year’s spike remains unclear, experts say the heightened activity could continue in the coming weeks.

For the latest on space, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

NATO Intercepts Iranian Missiles Over Turkey

Michael Esparza
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NATO Intercepts Iranian Missiles Over Turkey

Escalation Continues One Month Into Conflict

The conflict involving Iran has intensified, with NATO confirming it intercepted Iranian missiles traveling through Turkish airspace. Iran has previously denied launching projectiles toward Turkey.

The developments come as the war—sparked by large-scale U.S.-Israeli strikes announced by Donald Trump on Feb. 28—enters its second month.

Regional Tensions Widen

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf nations, while also attempting to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Fighting has expanded across the region, including intensified Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Shipping Incident Near Dubai

In a separate development, a Kuwaiti oil tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile” near Dubai, sparking a fire. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental damage has been confirmed.

Uncertain Outlook

With ongoing military strikes, maritime threats, and conflicting claims, tensions remain high across the Middle East as international efforts to stabilize the situation continue.

For more on the U.S. military operations in Iran, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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