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Free Tax Preparation Help Available for Houston Seniors and Families

Indira Zaldivar
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0
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:

Radack Community Center
18650 Clay Road, Houston, TX 77084
Saturdays through March 28
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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.

Nine Skiers Confirmed Dead After Sierra Nevada Avalanche; Investigation Underway

Edward Saenz
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0
Nine Skiers Confirmed Dead After Sierra Nevada Avalanche; Investigation Underway

All nine missing skiers have been found dead following a catastrophic backcountry avalanche near Castle Peak in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, authorities confirmed. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said recovery teams located the victims over two days after the Feb. 17 slide, which is now under investigation for possible criminal negligence.

Sheriff Shannan Moon said officials are still determining what decisions were made before the avalanche, which occurred during the final day of a three-day ski tour. The slide happened amid “high” danger warnings issued by the Sierra Avalanche Center and was classified as a powerful D2.5 avalanche spanning roughly a football field.

Many victims were Marin County parents connected to a nearby ski academy, along with three professional guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides. Six others survived after sheltering for hours in hazardous conditions before being rescued.

A separate workplace safety review has also been opened by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Families of the victims say they still have unanswered questions as investigators work to determine whether negligence contributed to the tragedy.

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

Expedited Airport Programs Suspended Amid DHS Shutdown: What Travelers Need to Know

Edward Saenz
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0
Expedited Airport Programs Suspended Amid DHS Shutdown: What Travelers Need to Know

A partial funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is forcing a rare nationwide suspension of expedited airport screening programs, including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, beginning Sunday morning. The move is expected to cause longer lines at airports and ports of entry across the United States, particularly as winter weather disruptions and the upcoming spring break travel season strain the system.

Why TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Are Being Halted

DHS officials say the suspension is necessary to redirect personnel to standard screening operations during the shutdown. According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, staff assigned to expedited programs will instead assist the broader traveling public.

The programs, which provide faster security screening for pre-approved travelers, were not paused during the previous year’s government shutdown—making this decision unusual and potentially more disruptive.

Longer Lines Expected Nationwide

The timing could worsen travel delays:

  • A major winter storm has already caused thousands of flight cancellations nationwide.
  • Airports are preparing for increased passenger volume as flights resume.
  • Spring break travel demand is expected to surge in the coming weeks.

Without expedited screening lanes, travelers who normally rely on PreCheck or Global Entry may face standard security wait times.

Additional Impacts: FEMA Shifts Priorities

The shutdown is also affecting disaster preparedness. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pause non-disaster operations to focus resources on active emergencies, highlighting the broader consequences of the funding lapse across DHS agencies.

Political Backlash and Industry Concerns

The decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers and travel industry leaders. Representative Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, condemned the move, arguing it would increase wait times and place additional strain on unpaid federal workers.

Meanwhile, U.S. Travel Association warned that travelers should not be caught in political disputes, emphasizing that efficient travel is critical to the U.S. economy.

What Travelers Should Do Now

With expedited programs suspended, travelers should prepare for:

  • Earlier airport arrival times (at least 2–3 hours before departure for domestic flights).
  • Potentially longer customs processing for international arrivals.
  • Continued disruptions from weather-related delays.

Officials say the suspension will remain in effect until DHS funding is restored.

For more on the TSA screening updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Thieves steal multiple AC units from northwest Harris County church, executive pastor says

ABC13 Houston
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Thieves steal multiple AC units from northwest Harris County church, executive pastor says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The First Metropolitan Church in northwest Harris County isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a place with a food pantry that provides for many in need.

“That’s all we want to do, serve people and do the work of the Lord.” But lately to fulfill that mission, Evelyn Ogletree, who is the church’s executive pastor, says they’re having to jump through several hurdles.

“Our budget is already slim. You know, churches are trying to recover from COVID, the freeze and all the stuff we had to miss out on.” And this past Monday, came another setback.

Ogletree told ABC13 that a group of thieves stole four of their air conditioning units. She feels, after looking through security footage, the suspects knew what they were doing.

“They took out our light that comes in when you come. But the light came on enough for us to get the picture. One of the guys got up on the ladder and unscrewed that. And they went on the poles to turn the cameras out of view.” And to get their hands on the units, she says they got through an iron fence.

“They are just cutting the locks off, and cutting the gate and coming on in, so that’s never happened to us before.” Not only do church leaders have to worry about serving the community, they have to find a way to take care of their own volunteers.

“They need to get out of the heat into the air conditioning, just for a little while. Most, if not all, are seniors, so they need to sit down and rest and cool off.” In the meantime, Ogletree and others are relying on their strong faith to help get through this difficult time.

“I know God is looking out for us and I know God is going to make sure they get caught.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For updates, follow Mo Haider on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine and ABC13 Houston.

Winter has returned with chilly morning temperatures through Tuesday

ABC13 Houston
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0
Winter has returned with chilly morning temperatures through Tuesday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Saturday’s cold front will pave the way for a couple of cooler, wintry days for Southeast Texas.

It will feel like we are back in winter as temperatures will fall in the mid 40s and warm in the mid 60s. The north wind blowing up to 20 mph will also add an extra chill to the air on Sunday, even with a mostly sunny sky. Afternoon highs temperatures will only rebound into the low 60s.

Could we get another freeze or frost this season?

Yes! The colder air that’s moving in this weekend could send us down into frost territory both Monday and Tuesday mornings. While a widespread frost is not expected, you might want to cover cold-sensitive plants or bring them inside just in case. The areas with the best chance for frost will be along and north of I-10. On average, Houston’s last freeze occurs around Valentine’s Day with the last frost the first week of March.

With it feeling more like spring, any signs of oak pollen yet?

Nope, not yet! Tree pollen has been a bit high this week with counts of Cedar, Birch and Elm. Mold spore counts have also increased this past week because of the humidity, but those counts should go down early next week.

Any more strong cold fronts on the way?

After this weekend’s front we are monitoring another cold front that could swing through Southeast Texas Thursday. This front looks to be significantly weaker though with not much rain or even a temperature drop behind the front. Long range models also hint at another front within the first week of March that could bring both rain and cooler temperatures but it’s still way to early to promise either.

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!

Free Tax Preparation Help Available for Houston Seniors and Families

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
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:

Radack Community Center
18650 Clay Road, Houston, TX 77084
Saturdays through March 28
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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.

Hilary Duff Confirms Song Reflects Rift With Sister Haylie Duff

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Hilary Duff Confirms Song Reflects Rift With Sister Haylie Duff

Hilary Duff is opening up about a deeply personal chapter in her life, confirming that her song “We Don’t Talk” was inspired by her estrangement from her older sister, Haylie Duff. The revelation came during a recent interview with Rolling Stone, where the singer discussed how family struggles shaped her latest music.

The emotional track appears on Duff’s sixth studio album, Luck…or Something, and includes lyrics referencing shared roots and distance between loved ones—fueling fan speculation about the sisters’ relationship.

A Personal Decision to Share Her Story

Duff explained that releasing such an intimate song was not easy. She compared the vulnerability to the public scrutiny she experienced during her 2015 divorce from former hockey player Mike Comrie.

She admitted the period surrounding the estrangement was one of the loneliest times in her life, but ultimately decided to include the song on the album because it reflected her truth.

Fans, she said, have followed her life since childhood, so many already understand the people and events behind her music—even when she does not explicitly name them.

Addressing Fan Theories and “Easter Eggs”

While Duff acknowledged the personal inspiration, she dismissed elaborate fan theories analyzing hidden clues in visuals or lyrics. She emphasized that the track was simply an honest reflection of her emotions, not a puzzle designed for fans to decode.

The singer is now married to musician Matthew Koma and balances her career with family life, which she noted leaves little time for crafting secret messages.

Family Relationships Remain Complicated

In the same interview, Duff also discussed her relationship with her father, referenced in another album track titled “The Optimist.” She described their connection as inconsistent, saying there are periods when they speak and others when they do not—something she views as part of life’s complexities.

Despite the challenges, Duff maintains a generally positive outlook, acknowledging that difficult experiences have shaped who she is today.

For more celebrity updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Donald Trump Announces New 15% Global Tariff After U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Trade Policy

Edward Saenz
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0
Donald Trump Announces New 15% Global Tariff After U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Trade Policy

President Donald Trump says he plans to impose a new 15% global tariff on imports after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down much of his previous tariff program, calling the ruling “deeply disappointing.”

The announcement came just hours after Trump signed an order establishing a temporary 10% tariff on most imports using a different legal authority. He later said the rate would increase to 15%—the maximum allowed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974—though it remains unclear when the higher rate will take effect.

Court Ruling Deals Blow to Economic Agenda

In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not give presidents unilateral authority to impose broad tariffs. The majority opinion was delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts.

The decision marked a major setback for Trump’s trade strategy, a cornerstone of his second-term economic agenda. Trump sharply criticized the ruling and the justices who sided against his administration.

Temporary Tariffs and Legal Limits

The administration is now turning to alternative authorities, including Section 122, which allows tariffs for up to 150 days without congressional approval. Trump suggested he may not need Congress to extend the measures, despite statutory limits.

He also signaled plans to launch investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act, a process often used to respond to unfair foreign trade practices but one that can take months.

Countries Affected and Key Exemptions

According to White House officials, the tariffs would apply broadly, including to nations that already negotiated trade agreements with the U.S., such as:

  • The United Kingdom
  • India
  • Japan
  • The European Union

Some products will be exempt, including certain foods, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and electronics. Imports covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will also avoid the new tariffs.

Low-Value Imports Targeted

Trump also extended the suspension of the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. The change means low-cost shipments—often linked to online retailers—will now face tariffs.

Refund Disputes Could Trigger More Litigation

As of late 2025, the administration had collected roughly $142 billion from tariffs. The Supreme Court decision raises questions about whether businesses could receive refunds, a possibility Trump downplayed, suggesting legal battles could continue for years.

For more tariff’s coverage, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Juan Orlando Hernández Received Special Handling After Pardon by Donald Trump, Records Show

Que Onda Editorial
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0
Juan Orlando Hernández Received Special Handling After Pardon by Donald Trump, Records Show

Federal records reviewed by ProPublica reveal unusual steps taken by prison officials after former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was granted a presidential pardon on Dec. 1. Instead of being transferred to immigration custody, Hernández was transported overnight from a high-security federal prison in West Virginia to a luxury hotel in Manhattan.

The move followed the removal of an immigration detainer that would normally place a noncitizen into federal immigration enforcement custody upon release.

Conviction and Sentence Before Pardon

Hernández had been sentenced in June 2024 to 45 years in prison after a federal jury in New York convicted him of cocaine importation and weapons offenses. Prosecutors argued he used his political power to protect traffickers responsible for sending hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States.

At the time, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Hernández had “abused his power” to facilitate massive drug shipments northbound.

Immigration Detainer Removed Late at Night

According to the records, prison staff were called back late at night to process Hernández’s release paperwork. Immigration officials lifted the detainer shortly after 11 p.m., allowing him to leave custody rather than be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Immigration policy experts noted that such treatment is rare. Lena Graber of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center said most individuals convicted of drug crimes would not have their detainers removed simply because of a pardon.

Allegations of Preferential Treatment

Accounts from current and former prison staff also claim Hernández was allowed to use a government phone to speak with Bureau of Prisons leadership, including Deputy Director Joshua Smith, who had previously received a presidential pardon himself.

A retired prison official described the situation as the agency “rolling out the red carpet,” adding that some staff members were frustrated by the perceived preferential treatment.

Defense Argument and Political Context

Hernández’s court-appointed attorney, Renato Stabile, defended the decision not to deport him immediately, arguing it would have been “particularly cruel” to pardon him only to send him back to Honduras, where he could face arrest or violence.

The case gained additional attention after reporting from Axios revealed a letter Hernández wrote from prison requesting clemency. In the letter, he claimed his prosecution was politically motivated and addressed Trump as “Your Excellency.”

Trump later defended his decision, saying he reviewed the case and believed Hernández had been treated unfairly.

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

A cold front brings the return of winter temps on Sunday

ABC13 Houston
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0
A cold front brings the return of winter temps on Sunday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Spring air is on its way out as a cold front arrives Saturday bringing back a winter feel to Houston by Sunday morning. This chill could have you reaching for your jackets a few days next week.

It’ll stay muggy and foggy ahead of the cold front along with an isolated light shower possible. Temps will warm in the 70s before the cooler air arrives overnight into Sunday morning. Temperatures will fall into the upper 40s, making for a cool start to the day.

What is the cold front expected to do to our weather this weekend?

The cold front should push through Southeast Texas during the day on Saturday, but it only has a 20% chance of producing any rain and no severe weather is expected. Temperatures on Saturday could still get close to 80 ahead of the front, but it will feel like we are back in winter on Sunday with lows in the mid 40s and highs in the mid 60s. The north wind blowing up to 20 mph will also add an extra chill to the air, even with a mostly sunny sky.

Could we get another freeze or frost this season?

Yes! We know it already feels like we’ve launched into the spring season, but the air coming in behind our next cold front could send us down into frost territory Monday night and Tuesday morning. On average, Houston’s last freeze occurs around Valentine’s Day with the last frost the first week of March.

With it feeling more like spring, any signs of oak pollen yet?

Nope, not yet! Tree pollen has been a bit high this week with counts of Cedar, Birch and Elm. Mold spore counts have also increased this week because of the humidity.

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!

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