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Harris County Charts Bold Path with Nation’s First Countywide Climate Justice Plan

Edward Saenz
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Harris County Charts Bold Path with Nation’s First Countywide Climate Justice Plan

Harris County is taking a landmark step in environmental leadership with the launch of its first-ever Climate Justice Plan. Designed to address climate change through the lens of equity and resilience, the plan marks a historic milestone—not just for the county, but for the nation.

Developed in partnership between the Office of County Administration’s Office of Sustainability and the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience, the plan outlines a roadmap toward a sustainable future that centers community voices and environmental justice.

“This initiative is the first time a US County has prepared a resiliency plan that covers its entire population, as opposed to its bureaucracy alone,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo. “At the heart of this plan are realistic steps to advance issues like clean air, resilient infrastructure, and housing affordability and availability. Many portions of the plan are already in progress, and I look forward to continued advancement over the years.”

Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Precinct 1 highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for bold and coordinated responses. “The climate crisis is among the most urgent and complex challenges facing government and society which demands coordinated action to safeguard our future,” Ellis said.

“All communities deserve equitable solutions that protect the most vulnerable and ensure a livable planet for everyone. I am proud to have championed the creation of the Office of Sustainability, and I am equally proud to see this work culminate in the Climate Justice Plan.”

Community engagement is central to the initiative, and the inclusion of resident voices has been vital to its development.

“I’m honored to see the voices of Precinct 2 residents reflected in this bold Climate Justice Plan. Their time, energy, and lived experiences helped shape a roadmap that speaks to our shared vision for a healthier, more just Harris County. I look forward to continuing this work together to turn these ideas into action and build a future where every community can thrive,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2.

Commissioner Lesley Briones of Precinct 4 noted that elements of the plan are already being implemented locally. “I am proud that Harris County is leading the way as the first county in the nation to adopt a community-driven Climate Justice Plan. In Precinct 4, we’ve already been putting this vision into action—expanding green spaces through the Burnett Bayland Master Plan, planting trees in the Barbara Quattro Forest to reduce the urban heat island effect, and fortifying community centers with backup generators so they can serve as resilience hubs. I’m deeply grateful to the community for your input, passion, and partnership. Together, we’re turning bold ideas into real progress for a greener, healthier, and more resilient Harris County,” she said.

Core Elements of the Plan

The Harris County Climate Justice Plan is rooted in a long-term vision for inclusive, community-led sustainability. It includes:

  • A Cross-Cutting Sustainability Framework: Targeting five areas—Ecology, Infrastructure, Economy, Community, and Culture—the plan aims to shape a thriving and sustainable Harris County.
  • Residents First: The plan emphasizes climate justice by addressing unequal environmental impacts and engaging affected communities to co-create tailored solutions.
  • Community-Driven Approach: Informed by the voices of over 340 residents and organizations, the plan reflects the priorities and diversity of Harris County’s neighborhoods.
  • Integrated Systems Thinking: The approach links climate actions to broader systemic issues such as utility stability, housing affordability, food access, and economic opportunity.
  • Ongoing Collaboration: The plan is designed as a living document, built to evolve through continued community engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and interdepartmental collaboration.

“We’re at an important moment for Harris County, and this plan is our blueprint for the future. It’s not just about tackling climate change—it’s about ensuring that every resident, no matter where they live or what they do, has a chance to thrive in a healthier, more sustainable community. Together, we’re creating a legacy of justice, resilience, and opportunity for generations to come,” said Diana Ramirez, Harris County Administrator.

The Road Ahead

Implementation is the next key phase. County departments and community partners will work together to assess the potential emissions reductions and social impacts of proposed actions. A detailed implementation roadmap will follow, assigning responsibilities, tracking metrics, and establishing timelines for progress.

“There is a lot of momentum around some of these actions today,” said Lisa Lin, Director, Office of Sustainability, OCA. “The implementation phase will bring focus and clarity, ensuring that we work together across departments, organizations, and communities to achieve these goals.”

The initiative is also a realization of long-standing community advocacy.

“From the founding of the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER), we have called upon our local elected officials to commit to a vision of our region rooted in equity that addresses pollution, place, and the public’s health. Harris County’s Climate Justice Plan will build a more resilient region. The people of Harris County have been hit hard by disaster after disaster. Now is the time to support our communities so that people can thrive, not merely survive,” said Stefania Tomaskovic, Ph.D., Coalition Director, CEER.

As Harris County moves into action, it sets a national precedent—demonstrating how large local governments can lead climate action with equity and resilience at the core.

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

Historic All-Female Crew including Katy Perry Fly Through Space

Indira Zaldivar
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Historic All-Female Crew including Katy Perry Fly Through Space

Blue Origin made history Monday morning with its first all-female crewed mission, which included pop icon Katy Perry among its six trailblazing passengers. The brief but powerful suborbital flight marked a milestone in space travel, lasting approximately 11 minutes and reaching over 60 miles above Earth.

Breaking the Boundary of Space

The mission aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket soared beyond the Kármán line—an internationally recognized boundary of space located 62 miles above sea level. This achievement officially places the crew among the select group of individuals who have traveled to outer space.

The launch, known as NS-31, lifted off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in western Texas just after 8:30 a.m. CDT.

A Star-Studded Space Crew

In addition to Katy Perry, the all-woman flight included:

  • Lauren Sanchez, journalist, helicopter pilot, and fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos
  • Gayle King, renowned broadcast journalist and television host
  • Aisha Bowe, former NASA rocket scientist and aerospace entrepreneur
  • Amanda Nguyen, bioastronautics researcher and civil rights advocate
  • Kerianne Flynn, film producer

This diverse group of women represents a wide range of professional backgrounds—from science and journalism to entertainment and activism.

Perry’s Emotional Tribute and Onboard Serenade

After a safe landing, Katy Perry was seen emotionally raising her hand to the sky and kissing the ground. Speaking afterward, she revealed that she brought a daisy flower onboard in honor of her 4-year-old daughter, Daisy, whom she shares with actor Orlando Bloom.

Fellow crewmate Gayle King shared that Perry sang “What a Wonderful World” during their time in space, adding a poetic touch to the group’s shared cosmic moment.

A Flight Decades in the Making

This flight marks the first all-female space mission since 1963, when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel to space alone. Blue Origin’s mission celebrates not only technological advancement but the increasing representation of women in all areas of exploration.

In a heartfelt social media post the night before the launch, Perry wrote:
“I’ve dreamt of going to space for 15 years and tomorrow that dream becomes a reality.”

The successful NS-31 mission is Blue Origin’s 11th crewed launch, and with it, the company continues to push boundaries in commercial spaceflight.

Keep up with more space updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Our sunny and warm week will come to an end with rain chances increasing Easter Weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Our sunny and warm week will come to an end with rain chances increasing Easter Weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our sunny and warm week will eventually come to an end with rain chances increasing Easter weekend.

Monday will be a tad more humid but not oppressively so. And with a sunny day ahead high temperatures will climb into the upper 80s once again. The current forecast high for Monday is 87 degrees, which is just a couple degrees shy of the daily record high temperature of 89 set back in 1996.

Are anymore cool fronts on the way?

Another weak front is predicted to arrive on Tuesday. This front will bring us one morning in the upper 50s before the sticky air returns with a strong Gulf breeze. Those winds will be powered by an upper-level storm system approaching Texas for Easter weekend.

What’s the early outlook for Easter weekend?

We’ll be keeping a watchful eye on that upper-level Pacific storm that should approach the state of Texas around Easter weekend. At this time it looks like the low will track just north of the state, giving us warm, humid, and breezy weather with just a 30% chance for rain on Easter Sunday. If the low tracks farther south, then our rain chances will go up.

Any more severe weather on the horizon?

In the near-term, nope! The next best chance Houston and Southeast Texas could be in the storm zone would be Easter Sunday and the few days following that. Still, lot’s can change between now and then.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

City of Houston to honor boxing legend George Foreman with memorial service today

ABC13 Houston
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City of Houston to honor boxing legend George Foreman with memorial service today

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Family, friends, and the public are preparing to remember boxing legend, pastor, and entrepreneur George Foreman during a memorial service in his hometown of Houston.

George Foreman IV, one of five sons of the boxing legend, along with Houston Mayor John Whitmire and former boxer Michael Moorer, whom Foreman defeated in 1994 to become the oldest man, at age 45, to win the heavyweight championship, are expected to speak at the service on Monday.

The service, which ABC13 will have available to stream live at 11 a.m. CT, will be hosted by Foreman’s family and the city of Houston at the Wortham Theater Center, a performing arts center home to the city’s ballet and opera companies.

“We’re going to celebrate the life of George Foreman, two-time heavyweight champion of the world and certainly the face of how great Houston is,” Whitmire said.

Foreman died on March 21 at age 76. Foreman’s family has not disclosed his cause of death, only saying on social media that he “peacefully departed … surrounded by loved ones.”

Born in Marshall, Texas, Foreman was raised in Houston’s Fifth Ward, one of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods.

He began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist in 1968, turning pro the next year.

Foreman became the world’s heavyweight champion when he beat Joe Frazier in 1973. But he lost the title the following year when Muhammad Ali beat Foreman in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in Zaire.

Foreman then gave up boxing and after a religious awakening, became an ordained minister in 1978. He began preaching in Houston, later founding The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1980.

The middle-aged fighter returned to the ring after a 10-year absence and, in 1994, pulled off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history, flooring Moorer – 19 years his junior – with a surgical right hand to claim Moorer’s two heavyweight belts.

Foreman retired in 1997 with a 76-5 career record.

He then moved to the next chapter in his life as a businessman, pitchman, and occasional actor.

He became known to a new generation as the face of the George Foreman Grill. The simple cooking machine sold more than 100 million units and brought him more wealth than boxing. A biographical movie based on his life was released in 2023.

Foreman had 12 children, including five sons, all of whom were famously named George Edward Foreman.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

IRS Grants Tax Extension in 9 States Due to Disasters: What You Need to Know

Indira Zaldivar
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IRS Grants Tax Extension in 9 States Due to Disasters: What You Need to Know

While most Americans are racing to file their taxes before the April 15 deadline, residents across nine states are getting a bit more breathing room thanks to the Internal Revenue Service.

Why the Extension?

Every year, April 15 is the cut-off for filing individual federal income tax returns. The IRS, which opened tax season on January 27, anticipated over 140 million filings this year. But by late March, they’d received nearly a million fewer returns compared to last year—possibly due to economic uncertainty or taxpayer confusion.

Ordinarily, if someone can’t file by April 15, they can request an extension to submit their return by October 15. However, any taxes owed are still due in April to avoid penalties.

But for millions of Americans living in federally declared disaster zones, the IRS has automatically extended the filing and payment deadline to May 1—no paperwork required. In some areas, the extension goes even further.

Who Qualifies for the Tax Extension?

The IRS has confirmed that taxpayers in the following areas qualify for the May 1 deadline:

  • Entire states:
    • Alabama
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
  • Selected localities:
    • Alaska – City and Borough of Juneau
    • New Mexico – Chaves County
    • Tennessee – Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties
    • Virginia – Numerous counties and cities including Albemarle, Roanoke, Montgomery, Danville, and others

Additional extensions include:

  • Los Angeles County, California – Deadline moved to October 15 due to severe wildfires in January
  • Kentucky (entire state) and parts of West Virginia – Residents now have until November 3 to file

Disasters Behind the Delay

The IRS tax relief is a response to significant natural disasters that affected these areas:

  • Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction across several southeastern states in September 2024
  • Flooding in Juneau, Alaska in August and severe storms in New Mexico in October disrupted daily life and local infrastructure
  • Parts of Tennessee and Virginia were also hit hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, further justifying the tax reprieve

What Happens if You Miss Your Deadline?

Failing to file by the appropriate deadline—even with an extension—can be costly. The IRS imposes a 5% penalty per month on unpaid taxes, up to a maximum of 25%. So while disaster-affected areas have some relief, everyone is encouraged to file or pay as soon as they’re able.

For those in unaffected areas, April 15 remains the deadline. If you think you may need extra time and aren’t in a declared disaster zone, you’ll need to request an extension the traditional way—and still pay your estimated taxes by Tuesday to avoid penalties.

Keep up with more financial tips with us on Que Onda Magazine.

The Legacy of Healthcare Continues at Newly Renovated Harris Health Casa de Amigos Health Center in Near Northside

Que Onda Editorial
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The Legacy of Healthcare Continues at Newly Renovated Harris Health Casa de Amigos Health Center in Near Northside

Harris Health recently completed a major renovation and construction project of its Harris Health Casa de Amigos Health Center to modernize the facility located in Houston’s historic Near Northside. The $19 million multi-year project involved the renovation and addition of new space.

“This renovation signals to the community that we’re keeping up,” says Kelsie Reed, MSN, senior operations manager, Casa de Amigos Health Center. “Sometimes there’s a perception that a safety-net healthcare provider doesn’t provide the same quality care as other systems. The new Casa de Amigos dispels that myth.”

The center offers expanded services, greater access to high quality care and beautification of the facility in a rapidly changing part of the city. Through its bright, open and airy remodel, Casa de Amigos has 29,000 square feet of space, including 3,000 square feet of new construction.

“We’re almost like a brand-new facility at this point,” says Hammad Mahmood, MD, MBA, medical director, Casa de Amigos, Harris Health. “We offer family medicine and pediatrics. Altogether, we have eight primary care providers who are internists and family medicine specialists, and two pediatricians on staff.” 

Originally built in 1982, the newly expanded facility now houses obstetric and gynecological care, as well as midwifery services, rheumatology, optometry, psychiatry, behavioral health, podiatry, clinical pharmacy and nutrition under one roof. Additionally, the remodel expanded radiology capabilities by adding state-of-the-art digital equipment—considered the best on the market. 

“With this expansive renovation, the community knows we’re here to stay,” Mahmood adds. 

For Jennifer Small, AuD, CEO, Ambulatory Care Services, Harris Health, a key aspect of the renovation is its lasting positive impact on healthcare accessibility. 

“Harris Health and the medical school partnership is something that fosters excellence and derives a lot of quality improvement, performance enhancement, meaningful change and advocacy for our patients,” she says. “Our partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and UTHealth is invaluable. We can’t do this alone.”

To learn more about Harris Health and the services it provides, visit harrishealth.org

UHD Invites Community to Inaugural Latinx Identity Symposium

Indira Zaldivar
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UHD Invites Community to Inaugural Latinx Identity Symposium

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

The University of Houston-Downtown’s Center for Latino Studies is hosting its first-ever Latinx Identity Symposium this Saturday, inviting the community to engage in discussions about Latino identity in fields such as history, education, and media.

The event will bring together student researchers, guest speakers from across Texas, and Hispanic-led media, including Que Onda Magazine. Co-organizer Dr. Anthony Ramirez, assistant director at UHD’s Center for Latino Studies, shared insight into the symposium’s purpose and what attendees can expect.

A Gathering of Houston’s Latinx Community

Dr. Ramirez described the symposium as “a one-day conference” that aims to unite all University of Houston system campuses, including UH Main, UH Central, and UH Clear Lake, along with various community partners.

“We wanted to be able to bring all these guests in one space together,” Ramirez said. “We were trying to think, how can we do that in a cool way that our community can enjoy?”

Although this is the symposium’s inaugural year, it has been nearly a year in the making.

“Even though this is small for us, this is still a very large test,” Ramirez explained. “We’ve been working on it for almost a year.”

Creating Conversations and Connections

A key goal of the symposium is fostering dialogue about Latinx identity and representation.

“I hope that people can take away a greater sense of pride within their own identity,” Ramirez said. He emphasized that the event will also highlight resources available to Houston’s Latinx community.

Beyond discussions, the symposium presents an opportunity for students to network with professionals in their fields. “Who knows—for students, this could be a networking opportunity,” Ramirez added. “They can meet somebody that they’re like, ‘Oh, I want to work with them down the line or collaborate or see if I can intern for them.’”

Looking to the Future

Ramirez and his team hope to establish the symposium as an annual tradition. “This is just kind of a small little thing that we’re doing that hopefully can become an annual symposium,” he shared. “Not just here at UHD, but at these different campuses that we’re collaborating with as well.”

The Latinx Identity Symposium is free and open to the public, with breakfast and lunch provided. To learn more, follow @UHDLatinoStudies on Instagram or visit the UHD Center for Latino Studies Facebook page and website.

Keep up with more community events with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Judge Orders U.S. to Return Wrongfully Deported Maryland Man

Edward Saenz
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Judge Orders U.S. to Return Wrongfully Deported Maryland Man

Federal Hearing Set After Supreme Court Ruling

A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for Friday after the Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported to El Salvador by mistake last month.

U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis, in an order filed late Thursday, directed officials to take all available steps to bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. “as soon as possible.” The administration must also submit a declaration confirming his current location and detailing the steps being taken to secure his immediate return.

Facade of the United States Supreme Court in Washington D.C.
STOCK PHOTO/Adobe Stock

Supreme Court Upholds Lower-Court Order

Earlier Thursday, the Supreme Court upheld Judge Xinis’ previous ruling, reinforcing that the government must work to correct its error.

“The order properly requires the Government to ‘facilitate’ Garcia’s release from custody in El Salvador and to ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador,” the high court stated.

Despite having legal protections against deportation due to fleeing political violence in 2011, Abrego Garcia was mistakenly sent to El Salvador, where he was detained in the notorious CECOT mega-prison.

Government Pushes Back on Court Intervention

The Trump administration claims Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang—an accusation his attorneys and wife deny. Officials argue that because he is no longer in U.S. custody, courts cannot compel his return.

The Supreme Court, while upholding the lower court’s order, acknowledged the government’s role in foreign affairs and instructed Judge Xinis to clarify her ruling with respect to executive authority.

Legal Battle Over Deportation Mistake

The Justice Department defended the administration’s position, stating, “It is the exclusive prerogative of the President to conduct foreign affairs.” A department spokesperson criticized judicial intervention, calling it an overreach into executive authority.

Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia’s attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. “The rule of law prevailed,” he told ABC News. “Now they need to stop wasting time and get moving.”

With the federal hearing set for Friday, pressure mounts on the administration to correct its deportation mistake swiftly.

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

NYC Helicopter Crash: Family was celebrating wife’s 40th birthday

Indira Zaldivar
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NYC Helicopter Crash: Family was celebrating wife’s 40th birthday

Victims Identified

Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children—ages 4, 8, and 10—were among the victims of the crash, while they were celebrating the wife’s 40th birthday, just a day before the 8-year-old’s birthday, according to NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The 36-year-old pilot, whose identity has not been publicly released, also perished.

Tragic Incident Over the Hudson

The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, crashed into the Hudson River between Lower Manhattan and Hoboken, New Jersey, on Thursday afternoon—just over 15 minutes after taking off from the Wall Street Heliport.

“We are devastated,” a company representative told ABC News. “My staff hasn’t stopped crying.”

Crash Details and Investigation

The aircraft, on its sixth flight of the day, was found upside-down in the 50-degree water near the New Jersey side of the river. Video footage captured the helicopter plunging into the water without a tail rotor or main rotor blade.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that four victims died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Jersey City Medical Center staff worked tirelessly to save the injured, according to Mayor Steven Fulop.

Witnesses Describe the Horror

Dani Horbiak, who saw the crash from her apartment, described hearing loud noises “like gunshots in the sky” before watching the helicopter fall. Another witness likened the sound to a “sonic boom,” adding that the helicopter split in two mid-air.

Calls for Safety Reforms

Mayor Fulop emphasized concerns about air traffic safety over the Hudson, hoping the tragedy sparks stricter regulations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the incident an “unimaginable tragedy,” while former President Donald Trump described the crash footage as “horrendous.”

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

For more national news, keep up with Que Onda Magazine.

Houston med spa owner under arrest after police found fake fillers at her office

ABC13 Houston
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Houston med spa owner under arrest after police found fake fillers at her office

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston med spa owner is under arrest after police found fake fillers at her Westchase office.

The doors at Lilac Touch Med Spa on South Gessner were locked on Thursday, a day after Aseel Al-Tameemi’s arrest for violating the Texas Medical Practice Act.

Court documents accuse her of practicing without a license and purchasing counterfeit medication, which a law enforcement source confirms included counterfeit Juvederm fillers.

Al-Tameemi wasn’t at her Cypress home Thursday, and her adult son didn’t seem to know much about his mother’s business.

“I’m not really sure to be honest with you,” he told Eyewitness News.

Posts on Lilac Touch Med Spa’s Facebook page offer liquid rhinoplasty and touts their $7-per-unit Botox injections.

“That’s crazy,” said board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franklin Rose after reviewing the posts.

Rose said Botox is commonly priced at $14 to $15 per unit and that Al-Tameemi’s prices should have tipped off clients that something wasn’t right.

“You don’t know what they’re injecting. You don’t know what it is,” he said.

Rose suggests researching the medical staff before committing to a procedure and asking to inspect anything that’s being injected into them.

“Just ask: Who’s injecting me? Can I see what is being injected into me?” he said.

Al-Tameemi was released from jail on a $100 bond.

Police are asking anyone who’s visited her business to reach out.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

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