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IRS Acting Commissioner Resigns Amid Controversial Data-Sharing Deal with IRS Against Undocumented Taxpayers

Edward Saenz
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IRS Acting Commissioner Resigns Amid Controversial Data-Sharing Deal with IRS Against Undocumented Taxpayers

IRS Leadership Shakeup Following Data Agreement

Melanie Krause, the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, is set to resign following the agency’s controversial data-sharing agreement with the Department of Homeland Security. The agreement allows DHS access to tax information on undocumented immigrants, aligning with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Third IRS Leader to Step Down in 2025

Krause’s departure marks the third resignation of a top IRS official this year. Senate-confirmed Commissioner Danny Werfel resigned on Inauguration Day, and his successor, acting commissioner Doug O’Donnell, retired a month later. Their exits highlight growing concerns over the administration’s handling of the agency.

Concerns Over Policy and Legal Implications

Many IRS officials are troubled by the legality of the data-sharing agreement, with some considering resignation. Some senior officials reportedly learned of the finalized deal only after it was publicized by Fox News.

An IRS source told ABC News, “People at the IRS take pride in tax administration and protecting taxpayer rights. What’s happening now doesn’t align with those principles.”

Treasury’s Justification and Legal Framework

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed the agreement with DHS. The IRS maintains that the deal adheres to Section 6103 of the federal tax code, which generally keeps taxpayer data confidential but allows exceptions for law enforcement with court approval.

Impact on Tax Compliance

Critics worry the policy could discourage undocumented immigrants from filing taxes, affecting overall tax collection. Despite reassurances from the IRS about safeguarding taxpayer privacy, the controversy surrounding the agreement continues to grow.

Krause has not publicly commented on her resignation, and the IRS faces further uncertainty as more officials weigh their futures with the agency.

Keep up with this development with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Mount Spurr: Scientists Warn of Potential Eruption

Indira Zaldivar
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Mount Spurr: Scientists Warn of Potential Eruption

Increased Volcanic Activity Raises Concerns

Residents of South Central Alaska face many natural challenges, from harsh winters to frequent earthquakes. Now, scientists warn of another looming threat: a potential eruption from Mount Spurr, one of America’s most dangerous volcanoes. The Alaska Volcano Observatory has urged locals to “start preparing” as seismic activity continues to rise in the Tordrillo Mountains.

Signs of an Impending Eruption

Observation flights in early March detected increased volcanic gas emissions, persistent seismic activity, and small underground eruptions near the summit vent—the same location of Mount Spurr’s last eruptions. While these signs do not guarantee an immediate eruption, scientists remain vigilant for additional warning indicators, such as ground deformation and steam emissions.

Risks for Residents and Visitors

The main hazards of a Mount Spurr eruption include pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and mudflows. While no towns are directly adjacent to the volcano, the area is a popular destination for tourists and hikers. The Alaska Volcano Observatory advises visitors to stay informed and adhere to any emergency restrictions.

History of Mount Spurr Eruptions

Mount Spurr has erupted multiple times in recent history. In 1953, an eruption sent ash 30,000 feet into the air, disrupting Anchorage’s primary airport for two days. The 1992 eruptions caused widespread ashfall, temporarily closing three airports and affecting air travel as far as the Midwest.

Staying Prepared

Though an eruption is not imminent, scientists stress the importance of preparation. Previous eruptions have shown the wide-ranging impact of volcanic activity, from travel disruptions to life-threatening conditions. Monitoring efforts continue as experts assess the evolving risks posed by Mount Spurr.

Keep up with more environmental news along with Que Onda Magazine.

Southeast Houston home raid leads Katy police to $100 million theft ring with ties to Mexican cartel

ABC13 Houston
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Southeast Houston home raid leads Katy police to $100 million theft ring with ties to Mexican cartel

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A theft investigation at a Houston area mall was found to have ties to a nationwide theft ring “directly tied to Cartel Organizations in Mexico,” court records say.

On March 31, law enforcement surrounded a short-term rental home on Wempe Way in southeast Houston to execute a search warrant.

In the court record, the investigating officer with Katy police said he was investigating “large-scale thefts” at the Katy Mills Mall. He saw four men enter the mall on surveillance video wearing earpieces, which he noted is a common form of communication for individuals committing theft.

In total, they got away with suitcases full of about $5,000 worth of merchandise from the Tommy Hilfiger and Guess stores.

The investigating officer was able to track the car to the home on Wempe Way, and on the same day, a search warrant was executed on the home. The court document said investigators seized three bags worth of stolen clothing, two Mexico IDs, a Beverly Hills police release, three airline tickets, and more.

Investigators found two men involved at a Home Depot in nearby Pearland and recognized one of them as part of a larger investigation, court records read.

In November of 2024 and January of 2025, Houston police and Homeland Security executed search warrants in Laredo and recovered $2 million in stolen retail merchandise.

They identified one of the men related to the Katy Mills Mall theft as being tied to the Laredo raid. The search warrant notes that the individual sent five boxes from Minnesota containing approximately $200,000 worth of stolen merchandise to Laredo.

“These boosters travel from major cities to major cities and rent Airbnb homes and typically stay for approximately a week before moving on to another city,” the search warrant reads. “Previous search warrants at Airbnbs around the nation resulted in the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen retail merchandise.”

So far, the search warrant says 98 individuals have been linked to what is referred to as a South American Cartel Organization. In total, investigators say they are believed to be responsible for more than $100 million in theft across the U.S.

It is not clear if anyone has been arrested or charged in relation to the ring, despite individuals being named in the search warrant.

ABC13 contacted Katy police, the agency that wrote the search warrant, several times on Tuesday for comment, but did not hear back.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Temperatures rise but a weak front moves in Friday

ABC13 Houston
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Temperatures rise but a weak front moves in Friday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our stretch of award-winning weather continues into Wednesday! Temperatures Wednesday morning started off chilly but will warm quickly. By noon it will be in the mid-to-upper 70s with most of the afternoon spent in the low 80s.

Good news! Oak pollen remains down significantly from last week, so hopefully those with allergies can enjoy the weather outside, too! Unfortunately though, today is an Ozone Pollution Watch Day as unhealthy levels of ozone could get produced in the afternoon hours.

Are any other cold fronts in the works?

We are expecting a weak front to move through Southeast Texas on Friday, but it won’t move the mercury much. This front will reinforce the dry and sunny conditions and lower humidity heading into the weekend. Another weak front could slip in here next Tuesday or Wednesday.

Any other rain chances coming up in the forecast?

Not really. In fact, it should stay perfectly sunny through the weekend ahead. Late next week we’ll have enough moisture back for at least a small chance for rain.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Chevron to lay off 600 workers in California as it prepares corporate move to Houston

Edward Saenz
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Chevron to lay off 600 workers in California as it prepares corporate move to Houston

Chevron is in the process of laying off about 600 employees based in its California office as the company prepares to move corporate operations to the Houston area.

First reported by Houston Chronicle the layoffs will affect several different departments, but all will come from Chevron’s hub in San Ramon, California.

The company plans to lay off about 25% of its workforce during the next two years as it restructures operations, and more cuts are likely to occur.

Officials with the company say they’re making the move because Texas offers a more “business-friendly environment.”Houston currently has the companies biggest employee base in the U.S., with about 7,000 workers.

Scientists Revive Dire Wolf Through De-Extinction Technology

Indira Zaldivar
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Scientists Revive Dire Wolf Through De-Extinction Technology

A Groundbreaking Scientific Feat

Colossal Biosciences, a U.S.-based biotech company, has achieved a historic milestone: the revival of the dire wolf, a species that went extinct approximately 10,000 years ago. This marks a major step in the company’s ambitious goal of using genetic engineering to bring back extinct species, including the woolly mammoth by 2028.

The Process of Resurrection

The revival process began with sequencing the dire wolf genome. Scientists extracted DNA from two existing fossils and combined it with the genome of a gray wolf, which shares 99.5% genetic similarity with dire wolves. Using precise gene-editing techniques, they modified the gray wolf cells to reflect the dire wolf’s genetic makeup.

Chief scientist Beth Shapiro expressed confidence in the project’s success.

“If it looks, acts, and fills the role of a dire wolf, then you’ve done it,” she told ABC News.

This dire wolf pup is among the first of its species born in around 10,000 years.
Colossal Biosciences

Debate Over Authenticity

Not all experts are convinced. Dr. Julie Meachen, a wolf expert and former research collaborator with Shapiro, remains skeptical. “I don’t think they are actually dire wolves. What we have is something new—a mostly gray wolf that looks like a dire wolf,” she told ABC News.

Despite the debate, three dire wolf pups have been born. Two arrived in late 2024, named Romulus and Remus after the mythological founders of Rome. The third, Khaleesi, was born in early 2025, named after a “Game of Thrones” character. They now reside in a secure 2,000-acre nature preserve.

Ethical and Ecological Concerns

While Colossal sees de-extinction as a way to restore lost species and ecosystems, others worry about potential risks. Bioethicist Dr. Robert Klitzman warns of unforeseen consequences. “You may produce a wolf that’s twice as ferocious. We need to be careful when altering ecosystems,” he told ABC News.

Meachen also questions whether resources should instead focus on conserving endangered species rather than reviving extinct ones. “The mission to save species from the brink of extinction is something I fully support,” she said.

Looking to the Future

Colossal has also cloned critically endangered red wolves and introduced the “woolly mouse,” a thick-furred rodent inspired by the woolly mammoth. The company hopes to continue using genetic breakthroughs to aid biodiversity conservation.

As Colossal pushes toward reviving the woolly mammoth within the next three years, Shapiro argues that avoiding such technology also carries risks. “If we decide these technologies are too risky and don’t try to save species, that choice has consequences too,” she said.

With ongoing advancements in de-extinction, the world may soon see more species brought back to life—but the debate over the ethics and impact of such efforts continues.

Keep up with environmental news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump vs. Obama: Who Would Win a Hypothetical Third Term?

Indira Zaldivar
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Trump vs. Obama: Who Would Win a Hypothetical Third Term?

Trump’s Interest in a Third Term

President Donald Trump has openly expressed interest in running for a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment barring anyone from serving more than two terms. In recent weeks, Trump floated the idea of running in 2028, prompting speculation about a hypothetical rematch between him and former President Barack Obama.

When asked about this possibility, Trump responded enthusiastically: “I’d love that. Boy, I’d love that.” However, a new poll suggests he may not fare well against Obama.

Poll Results: Obama Leads Trump

A recent Overton Insights poll conducted on April 2 surveyed 1,100 registered voters. The results showed 53% would vote for Obama, while 47% would support Trump. This hypothetical scenario would require a constitutional amendment, making such a contest highly unlikely.

The Constitutional Barrier

The 22nd Amendment states that no person can be elected president more than twice. Changing this amendment would require approval from two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures—a formidable challenge.

Despite this, Trump and his allies have hinted at potential ways around the restriction. Trump recently told NBC, “There are methods by which you could do it.” His personal attorney, Boris Epshteyn, reportedly claimed to have studied legal pathways for a third term.

Political Reactions and Speculation

Reactions to Trump’s remarks have been mixed. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the idea, emphasizing that Trump’s focus remains on his current term. Some Congressional Republicans believe he was joking, while others, like Rep. Andy Ogles, have even proposed revising the 22nd Amendment to allow Trump another run.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, however, warned against dismissing Trump’s comments. “The idea of a third term? Why not? They don’t believe in the rule of law,” he told CBS News, suggesting Trump’s ambitions should be taken seriously.

Conclusion

While Trump’s musings about a third term have sparked debate, the constitutional hurdles make such a scenario improbable. Nevertheless, political allies and opponents alike continue to weigh the implications of his statements, keeping the conversation alive in Washington.

Keep up with politics with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Houston loses NCAA championship to Florida in nail-biting finish that came down to the last minutes

ABC13 Houston
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Houston loses NCAA championship to Florida in nail-biting finish that came down to the last minutes

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KTRK) — Houston’s historic season ended in heartbreak Monday night as the Cougars fell 65-63 to Florida in a thrilling NCAA championship showdown that came down to the final seconds.

The Coogs faced the Florida Gators on Monday night in San Antonio.

ABC13’s Brandon Hamilton was in San Antonio along the River Walk Monday morning and spoke to Houston fans packing the Alamo city for the many festivities.

“One of the best experiences in my life. After having kids, getting married, this is number three for sure,” one Coog fan said.

Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. finished with 11 points, all in the second half, but what he’ll be remembered for most is getting Houston’s Emanuel Sharp to stop in the middle of his motion as he tried to go up for the game-winning 3 in the final seconds.

Clayton ran at him, Sharp dropped the ball and, unable to pick it up lest he get called for traveling, watched it bounce there while the clock ticked to zero.

Will Richard had 18 points to keep the Gators (36-4) in it, and they won their third overall title and first since 2007, this time led by third-year coach Todd Golden. The Cougars (35-5) and coach Kelvin Sampson were denied their first championship.

This was a defensive brawl, and for most of the night, Clayton got the worst of it.

He was 0 for 4 from the field without a point through the first half. He didn’t score until 14:57 was left in the game. He finished with one 3-pointer and, before that, a pair of three-point plays that kept the Gators in striking range.

It was Florida’s defense, not Houston’s, that controlled the final minute.

After Alijah Martin made two free throws to put Florida ahead 64-63 – its first lead since 8-6 – the Gators lured Sharp into a triple-team in the corner, where Richard got him to dribble the ball off his leg and out of bounds.

Florida made one free throw on the next possession, and that set up the finale. The ball first went to L.J. Cryer, who led the Cougars with 19 points. Blanketed by Richard, he threw to Sharp, who was moving to spot up for a 3 when Clayton ran at him. That left him with no choice but to let the ball go.

Sampson, who designed a defense that held Florida under 70 points for only the second time this season, looked on in shock.

Instead of the 69-year-old becoming the oldest coach to win the title, the 39-year-old Golden becomes the youngest since N.C. State’s Jim Valvano in 1983 to win it all — also against Houston.

The Gators trailed by 12 points early in the second half, and Clayton wasn’t the only one getting frustrated.

The Florida bench got a technical foul during a quick span of three foul calls in less than a minute. Later in the second half, Houston’s smothering defense baited Rueben Chinyelu into a technical after committing a foul.

But that wasn’t enough. Houston ends up at the same place as the Phi Slama Jama teams of the 1980s – in second place, but memorable.

This gut-wrenching loss came two nights after the Cougars fashioned a wild comeback of their own, from 14 down against Duke.

All three Final Four games were decided down the stretch, none by more than six.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with University of Houston sports with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Man shoots his ex and her current boyfriend in murder-suicide at car meetup, police say

ABC13 Houston
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Man shoots his ex and her current boyfriend in murder-suicide at car meetup, police say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Police are investigating a murder-suicide they say stemmed from domestic violence in a northwest Houston parking lot on Monday night.

The Houston Police Department told ABC13 that a man showed up to an unsanctioned car meetup in a parking lot at 14191 Northwest Freeway and saw his ex-girlfriend with a new boyfriend.

The man reportedly shot his ex-girlfriend multiple times and shot the new boyfriend once.

Then, police say, he shot the ex-girlfriend several more times and then turned the gun on himself.

The shooter and the ex-girlfriend are dead, and the new boyfriend is at the hospital with a gunshot wound, expected to survive, police said.

Police say a Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy heard the gunshots while driving in the area, and rendered aid to the new boyfriend’s gunshot wound.

The shooter has only been identified as a 26-year-old man. Police say the other victims appear to be in their 20s.

If you need help getting out of a domestic violence situation, call the Houston Area Women’s Center 24/7 hotline at 713-528-2121 or call AVDA at 713-224-9911. You can also click here to chat with an advocate online. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and need help, call 713-528-3625.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with domestic violence awareness with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Archaeologists uncover an ancient Egyptian tomb belonging to a mystery king

Edward Saenz
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Archaeologists uncover an ancient Egyptian tomb belonging to a mystery king

Archaeologists have recently uncovered an ancient Egyptian tomb that sheds light on a king from over 3,600 years ago, but the exact identity of the ruler remains a mystery. The tomb, found in Abydos, Egypt, was discovered in January. It features a large limestone burial chamber with multiple rooms and a decorated entryway, but the name of the king who was buried there is unclear. Unfortunately, graverobbers damaged some of the hieroglyphic text on the tomb, making it unreadable.

The tomb, which does not contain any skeletal remains, is believed to belong to a king from the Abydos Dynasty. This dynasty, which ruled Upper Egypt between 1640 and 1540 BC, is one of the least understood in ancient Egyptian history. The king’s identity is unclear, and it’s possible he’s one of several rulers who are not mentioned in traditional records of ancient Egyptian monarchs.

Josef Wegner, the Egyptologist who led the excavation, explains that the Abydos Dynasty was largely forgotten due to political instability during that period. The discovery of this tomb opens up new opportunities for research into this mysterious dynasty.

The tomb was found about 23 feet underground in a necropolis in Abydos, an ancient burial ground. Abydos was considered a sacred site and was the burial place of the first pharaohs. It also held the tombs of many kings from different dynasties.

Over a decade ago, Wegner and his team uncovered a tomb that confirmed the existence of the Abydos Dynasty. That tomb belonged to King Seneb-Kay, a ruler who was not recorded in historical texts. So far, they’ve discovered eight tombs from this dynasty. The newly discovered tomb is larger than Seneb-Kay’s, which suggests it may belong to an earlier ruler from the dynasty.

The researchers suspect the tomb could belong to either King Senaiib or King Paentjeni, two other rulers from the dynasty. However, they acknowledge it’s possible the tomb belongs to a completely unknown king.

The tomb still features two painted images of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys, which are often seen in funerary art. The researchers plan to explore more of the area in hopes of finding additional tombs, using advanced technology like ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry.

Salima Ikram, an expert in Egyptology, praised the discovery for helping to better understand this little-known period of Egyptian history. She hopes future excavations will reveal more tombs and provide further insight into the Abydos Dynasty.

The tomb had three rooms in total with the main burial chamber measuring about 1.9 meters (6.2 feet) wide by 6 meters (19.7 feet) long. Researchers say the unknown king’s name was once painted on the entryway to the chamber (bottom right). 
Josef Wegner/The Penn Museum
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