With the April 15 tax deadline here, millions of Americans are rushing to file their returns—or request more time through an extension with the Internal Revenue Service.
Make an online tax payment and mark it as an extension request
Once submitted by April 15, the extension is automatically approved—no explanation required.
Important: You Still Have to Pay
An extension only delays filing your return, not paying taxes owed.
If you owe money and don’t pay by April 15, you could face penalties and interest, even if your extension is granted.
Does Filing an Extension Cost Money?
Filing directly through the IRS is completely free. However, some private tax services may charge small fees to submit the form.
There’s no penalty for filing an extension on time. But penalties can apply if:
You miss the extension deadline
You fail to pay taxes owed by April 15
Key 2026 Tax Dates
Tax Day: April 15
Extension Deadline: April 15
Extended Filing Deadline: October 15
Some groups, including Americans living abroad and certain military members, may qualify for additional time.
If you’re running out of time, filing an extension with the Internal Revenue Service is quick, free, and helps you avoid costly late-filing penalties—but make sure to pay what you owe to minimize extra charges.
For more financial information and recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
A major 2026 study published in theProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found no evidence that fluoride in drinking water lowers IQ, adding to growing research supporting the safety of community water fluoridation.
Long-Term Research Across Decades
Researchers from the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, and University of Michigan analyzed data from more than 10,000 individuals in Wisconsin. The study tracked participants from childhood through late adulthood, comparing those exposed to fluoridated water with those who were not.
The study aligns with earlier U.S.-based research, including a 2025 report in Science Advances, which also found no connection between fluoride exposure and reduced cognitive ability. Researchers emphasized that their findings are based on fluoride levels commonly used in U.S. public water systems, making them highly relevant to policy decisions.
Public Health Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water sources and is widely recognized for its dental benefits. According to the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoride helps prevent cavities, strengthens enamel, and repairs early tooth damage.
The CDC has even named water fluoridation one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century. Studies show it can reduce tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults.
Ongoing Debate and Policy Impact
Despite scientific consensus, fluoride remains a topic of political debate. Some states, including Florida and Utah, have recently moved to restrict or ban fluoridation. Critics argue it may pose health risks, though many studies cited involve fluoride levels significantly higher than those used in the U.S.
Researchers note some limitations, including estimating fluoride exposure based on residence rather than direct biological measurements. Still, experts say the overall evidence strongly supports fluoridation as a safe, effective public health measure.
Bottom Line
The latest research provides strong reassurance: fluoridated drinking water does not harm cognitive development and continues to offer significant dental health benefits.
For more health recommendations and guidelines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
Pentagon data: 13 US troops killed, 346 wounded in Operation Epic Fury
Nearly 400 U.S. service members have been wounded in the recent conflict with Iran, according to a U.S. official, highlighting the ongoing toll even after a ceasefire.
Injury Count Continues to Rise
As of Tuesday, 399 service members have been reported injured. Officials say the number has increased slightly in recent days due to delayed diagnoses—particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can take time for symptoms to appear.
Severity of Injuries
Among those wounded, three troops are classified as seriously injured, though it remains unclear whether they were included in earlier reports. Most injuries are considered less severe but still required medical evaluation and treatment.
Majority Have Returned to Duty
Despite the high number of injuries, the military reports that 354 service members have already returned to duty, suggesting many cases were not life-threatening.
Ongoing Impact After Ceasefire
The updated figures underscore how the effects of modern warfare can continue even after active fighting ends. Medical experts note that injuries like TBIs are often underreported initially, contributing to rising totals days after incidents occur.
While most troops are recovering, the growing injury count reflects the lasting human impact of the conflict.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — What’s a great way to celebrate Earth Month, offload electronics you no longer use, and help a local business ring in its 30th anniversary?
How about joining ABC13 and CompuCycle for the 19th annual ABC13 Earth Day E-Cycle Drive, an event focused on helping our communities safely recycle electronics.
From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, you can stop by CompuCycle at 8019 Kempwood Dr., Houston, TX 77055 to drop off old or unwanted electronics.
1 of 10
Take a look through some of the action (and big equipment donations!) during 2025’s drive at CompuCycle.
CompuCycle, who is celebrating 30 years in business and sponsoring this event, will take care of the rest, and you can leave knowing you’ve played a part in reducing harmful e-waste.
You don’t even have to get out of your car as the CompuCycle team will assist once you arrive.
Each year, the amount of electronic waste dropped off for recycling has grown with the drive hitting 100,000 pounds or more multiple times over the years.
In fact, ABC13’s Earth Day E-Cycle Drive holds the Guinness World Record for the largest single day e-waste collection, set in 2014 when we collected 138,174 lbs. of electronics.
But records were meant to be broken!
We want to top that this year. Will you help us?
Here’s what else to know before the big day.
How much is it?
Free! You can drop off and all will be handled at no cost to you. No appointment necessary.
Is there anything I should prepare?
Yes! Before you drop off electronics, back up any important data and perform a factory reset on devices that store personal information. Remove any accessories like cables and chargers.
What can I drop off?
Old computers and phones are just the tip of the iceberg. CompuCycle accepts various items from fax machines and Wi-Fi extenders to e-readers, MP3 players, streaming devices, and charging cables.
So whether you have one device or several, you can drop them off during the drive.
What happens to my electronics after I drop them off?
Once collected, CompuCycle sorts your old electronics, hard drives are wiped clean for your safety, and all materials are then processed for use in new consumer products.
Goods are also recycled in compliance with their e-Stewards certification, according to CompuCycle’s website, adding that they will guarantee secure data destruction on all devices with storage capabilities to protect your personal information.
Why does safely recycling electronics matter?
Diverting hundreds of thousands of pounds of e-waste from Houston landfills promotes a healthier city, preventing the release of toxins in our air, soil and water.
Typically, the impact and response during the drive is great.
In 2024, ABC13 viewers recycled the equivalent of 382 refrigerators worth of electronic waste.
240.92 lbs. of toxic metals diverted
Reduction of 45.37 metric tons of greenhouse gas
Saved 383.72 gallons of oil
Like removing nearly 10 cars from the road
293.60 cubic yards of landfill space saved
3,736,637.20 hours of electricity saved
What if I can’t make it?
We really want to see you on Friday, April 24, but we know things happen.
CompuCycle accepts drop-offs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Business deliveries can be scheduled by calling (713) 869-6700.
In addition, both residential and corporate drop-offs are welcome during the drive.
Judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled the inquiry risked interfering with executive branch authority, particularly on matters tied to national security and foreign policy.
Disputed Deportations
The case stems from a 2025 decision by the Trump administration to deport alleged gang members under the Alien Enemies Act. Migrants were sent to El Salvador’s high-security CECOT prison despite a judge’s order attempting to stop the flights.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg later found probable cause to pursue contempt proceedings, arguing officials may have defied the court.
Divided Court and Legal Debate
The appeals court majority sided with the government, while Judge J. Michelle Childs dissented, warning the ruling undermines judicial authority. She argued courts must be able to investigate potential violations of their orders.
Broader Impact
Attorneys representing the migrants called the decision a setback for the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of enforcing court rulings.
Many of the Venezuelans deported to CECOT were later returned home as part of a prisoner swap, but the legal battle over the deportations—and executive power—continues.
Authorities say Anna Kepner died in November while traveling on the Carnival Horizon, operated by Carnival Cruise Line. The ship was in international waters en route to Miami when the incident occurred.
Prosecutors allege the suspect sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner. Officials determined her cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation. Her body was later discovered under a bed in her cabin.
Family Speaks Out
Anna’s father, Chris Kepner, and stepmother, Shauntel Kepner, released a statement expressing grief and concern. They described the loss as “devastating” and called the situation “deeply painful and complex” for the entire family.
The couple also noted that the suspect had not yet been taken into custody at the time of the announcement, raising concerns about accountability. “We are placing our trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity,” they said.
Remembering Anna
Family members remembered Anna as a bright high school senior with a promising future, describing her as “happy” and “bubbly.”
Ongoing Legal Process
The case remains under federal jurisdiction due to the alleged crime occurring in international waters. Authorities have not released additional details as the legal proceedings move forward.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A caregiver, hired to take care of a woman, is now accused of hiding the woman’s death and then stealing more than half a million dollars from her bank account.
Investigators said the caregiver even had the woman’s body cremated without her family’s permission.
Heather Carmichael, 48, is accused of stealing from 79-year-old Patricia Carberry.
Investigators said her arrest is a warning for families with older relatives.
“They isolate them to keep them away from other people, so that they should only trust them, that these are the only people who care about them,” Capt. John Schmitt with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said. “Which is why they’re there with them all the time.”
Capt. Schmitt said the sheriff’s office was first alerted to a possible problem when Carberry’s sister called.
She told investigators nobody had notified her that her sister had died, and when she got to her home a week after her death, she said the locks had been changed.
“She realized that Patricia’s vehicle had been taken, she noticed some credit cards were missing, and her cell phone,” Capt. Schmitt said. “She later found that Heather had made arrangements to transfer Patricia’s body to Port Arthur. She basically portrayed her to be Patricia’s daughter and was able to take her there and had arrangements for her to be cremated.”
Neighbors said Carberry died during the 2025 freeze.
Businesses were closed, and streets were difficult to get through.
“They discovered that Heather had basically withdrawn over $520,000 within a week after Patricia’s death. That money was transferred to her account,” Capt. Schmitt said.
ABC13 reached out to Carmichael on the phone, but she did not want to respond to any questions.
If found guilty, she faces anywhere from five to 99 years in prison.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Officials said a fugitive who has escaped Louisiana law enforcement on four separate occasions is now in custody following a search in the Channelview area on Monday afternoon.
According to the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, authorities were searching for an escaped fugitive along Sheldon Road between I-10 and Bear Bayou. Officials said the suspect was found on Monday and identified as Raymond Howard.
The Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office confirmed Howard was arrested shortly before 1 p.m. outside a Family Dollar store on Dell Dale Street in Channelview. Video from the scene shows officers surrounding a vehicle before taking him into custody.
Louisiana officials from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Opelousas Police Department said that Howard has escaped authorities on four separate occasions. Howard first escaped in January 2023 before being caught about a month later, St. Landry Parish officials said.
Howard then escaped a second time in September 2024 after kicking out a window in a transport van while stopped at a red light, Louisiana officials said, adding that he was recaptured a few days later.
Opelousas PD said that Howard then escaped a third time in July 2025 before being taken into custody again. Howard then escaped a fourth time in December 2025 after popping off the glass of a transport vehicle at a stop sign, according to police. Opelousas PD said that Howard was being moved to a different facility at the time due to his prior escapes.
Howard was seen in the Channelview area, according to Pct. 3 authorities, which started the search in the area on Monday and later led to his recapture.
According to authorities, Howard was charged with third-degree rape before accumulating more charges for his multiple escape attempts.
“Well, he’s locked up. I guess that’s a good thing,” Charleston Malveaux, a nearby business owner, added that he hopes the area returns to normal. “Hopefully, he doesn’t escape again.”
Louisiana authorities said Howard will be returned to St. Landry Parish, where he is expected to face charges.
An 86-year-old French woman is being held at a detention facility operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Louisiana, drawing concern from her family and French officials. Marie-Thérèse, originally from Nantes, was arrested in Alabama earlier this month while awaiting a legal hearing tied to her immigration status, The BBC reported.
Her son told French media she was handcuffed “like a dangerous criminal,” despite her age and health conditions, which include heart and back problems.
A Romance Decades in the Making
Marie-Thérèse moved to the U.S. in 2025 after marrying Billy, an American she first met in the 1960s when he was stationed in France with NATO. The couple lost touch for decades, later reconnecting in 2010 before eventually marrying after both were widowed.
Described as being “in love like teenagers,” the couple began a new life together in Alabama. Marie-Thérèse applied for a green card following their marriage.
Legal Dispute and Sudden Detention
Her situation became more complicated after Billy’s sudden death in January. Reports indicate a dispute arose between Marie-Thérèse and her stepson over inheritance. While there is no confirmed link, she was detained by ICE just one day before a scheduled court appearance related to her case.
Health Concerns and Diplomatic Response
The French government has since intervened, and Marie-Thérèse has received a consular visit. Her family is pushing for her release and return to France, citing concerns over her health and the conditions of detention.
Immigration Enforcement in Focus
Her detention comes amid expanded immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, whose administration has prioritized deportations and increased ICE operations nationwide.
For her family, the ordeal feels surreal. “It’s like a bad American film,” her son said, as they continue efforts to secure her release.
For more on Trump’s anti-immigration agenda and its effects, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The search is on for a suspect accused of shooting and killing a man outside a northwest Houston gas station overnight, according to police.
Houston Police Department officers said they responded to the shooting at the Texaco on Gessner Road near Hardison Lane just after 8 p.m. on Monday.
“When they arrived, what they found was two males were either in an altercation or having a conversation in the parking lot when one of them started firing at the other one,” HPD Lt. J.P. Horelica said.
The man who was shot died at the scene, the lieutenant added.
Police said they’re now looking for a suspect in his 20s with dreadlocks who took off in a small red car.
HPD asks anyone with information on this case to call them at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
