KHOU: Is your Christmas tree real or not?

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Tony Dokoupil to broadcast from DFW

New NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas just visited Houston, and newly minted CBS Evening News Anchor Tony Dokoupil is also going on a live broadcast tour, including a Texas stop.

For LIVE FROM AMERICA – 10 cities in 10 days, Dokoupil will be live from Dallas on January 7, 2026, his third day on air in his new network anchor gig!

“Growing up a bit ramshackle, moving between Florida, Maryland and West Virginia, traveling the country playing high school and college baseball, I learned to love talking to new people. As a journalist, I realized there are some things you’ll never understand until you’re standing there with the people in the middle of it,” Dokoupil said. “Being there, and bringing others there, is what I love most about this job, and what makes me so excited about this trip.”

“Tony’s superpower is listening to people. We want to serve Americans in the best way possible by meeting them where they are every night – and we’ll do that with this cross-country kick-off tour,” said Kim Harvey, executive producer of the CBS EVENING NEWS.

Dokoupil, who has co-anchored CBS Mornings, succeeds Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson. He starts on the evening newscast on January 5th and will be live from Miami.

Paramount, which owns CBS, also owns CBS News Texas, AKA CBS 11 KTVT in North Texas where Tim Hinson was recently named the new president and general manager.

FULL CBS EVENING NEWS WITH TONY DOKOUPIL LIVE SCHEDULE

Week One:

Mon. 1/5 MIAMI

Tues. 1/6 ATLANTA

Wed. 1/7 DALLAS

Thur. 1/8 DENVER

Fri. 1/9 SAN FRANCISCO

Week Two:

Mon. 1/12 DETROIT

Tues. 1/13 MINNEAPOLIS

Wed. 1/14 CHICAGO

Thurs. 1/15 CINCINNATI

Fri. 1/16 PITTSBURGH

Mega 101.1 Raises $156,432 for Texas Children’s Hospital

Mega 101.1 KLOL, an Audacy station in Houston, raised $156,432 for Texas Children’s Hospital during its annual “Mega Radiothon.” All proceeds go toward providing services to the local community that would otherwise lack access to proper medical care. Since its inception, the station has raised over $2.5 million for the kids. 

The radiothon took place on December 11-12, and throughout the two days, the station’s hosts featured stories from patients and their families who had received care from the hospitals. They expressed their gratitude for the resources the hospitals provided.

“This milestone belongs to our community. The money raised for Texas Children’s Hospital represents compassion in action, hope for families, strength for children, and proof that collective kindness can change lives,” said Cindy Burbano, Host, Mega 101.1. “We are honored to stand alongside an audience that believes in giving back and lifting others.”

Texas Children’s Hospital operates 80 locations across Texas and the greater Houston area, providing life-changing care. 

Lisette Hernandez joins "Your Mornings" on Spectrum News 1 Texas

Lisette Hernandez joins Alex Stockwell as "Your Mornings" co-anchor on Spectrum News 1 Texas.

Charles Divins moves to "Your Evenings."

Hernandez joined the Texas cable news network in early 2022 as a multimedia journalist (MMJ). She later worked as a morning traffic anchor for DFW viewers and as an "Your Afternoon" on Spectrum News 1 anchor across all Texas zones. 

She previously worked for KLST/KSAN, the NBC/ABC affiliates in San Angelo as a weekday evening anchor from 2019 to 2021.

In between KLST and Spectrum, Hernandez took a break from the TV biz to work as an HCA Healthcare communications manager.

Raised in San Antonio, Hernandez graduated from Sam Houston State University and interned at FOX 29 KABB/News 4 San Antonio, WOAI, and KPRC 2 Houston.

“Frito & Katy’s Christmas Kids” Holiday Campaign

100.3 The Bull (KILT-FM), an Audacy station in Houston, checked off Christmas lists for 102 kids during its inaugural “Frito & Katy’s Christmas Kids” presented by Mac Haik Chevy Cares. All proceeds go towards DePelchin Children’s Center, the oldest and largest adoption and foster care center in Texas. 

The holiday campaign ran from November 10 to December 10. To kick off the campaign, Frito and Katy placed 50 Christmas lists on a Christmas tree at Mac Haik Chevy for listeners and community members to pick and grant wishes for. Listeners immediately picked up all 50 of those kids’ lists and additionally donated online. 

The duo also hosted a radiothon on December 8, where they shared stories from children who have been helped by DePelchin. One was a story of a young foster child who wanted a Spider-Man suitcase so he wouldn’t have to carry his belongings in a trash bag. One listener called in crying and donated not just money, but also suitcases for other children. That story then inspired an anonymous donor to step in and sponsor 20 additional kids. The radiothon had only one DePelchin representative and five phone lines that never stopped ringing. 

“In Houston, our mission is community connection. Frito and Katy bridged The Bull’s big-hearted listeners with DePelchin to ensure children who have faced immense challenges don’t go without a Christmas,” said Sarah Frazier, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Houston. “What made this holiday campaign different is that it went beyond gifts; it’s about meeting and addressing real needs. Most of these kids asked for essentials like jackets, shoes, socks, underwear, and even hygiene items.”

“DePelchin Children’s Center is deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of Frito and Katy’s Christmas Kids, and all the amazing listeners who are bringing the magic of the holiday season to life for more than 100 children in our community,” said Jenifer Jarriel, President and CEO,  DePelchin Children’s Center. “Because of your kindness, our children and families will experience a truly special celebration filled with joy and hope. Thank you for making this season brighter for those who need it most!”

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Audacy.)

NBC DFW team announces most watched status

The NBC 5 KXAS Dallas-Fort Worth 6pm news team of Brian Curtis, Meredith Land, Rick Mitchell, and Newy Scruggs took to Facebook to thank viewers for making them the number-one most-watched newscast in the November 2025 Nielsen Media Ratings sweeps period among adults ages 25 to 54.

Collin Myers debuts on WFAA 8 DFW

My old meteorologist Collin Myers blog posts started shooting up the charts today as Dallas-Fort Worth television viewers saw him on WFAA 8's Saturday morning newscast.

Myers previously worked for the CBS Station innovation lab in DFW on the syndicated CBS 'NOW,' with current KHOU 11 weekend morning anchor Trason Bragg, which shut down a few years ago. He has also filled in on CBS News Texas.

He was a popular Houston TV fixture, working for four years at ABC13 KTRK, followed by FOX 26 KRIV.

Before Houston, Myers worked for CBS Austin KEYE.

The University of Oklahoma grad began his career with WIBW 13 in Topeka, Kansas.  He interned at KOCO 5 in Oklahoma City.

- Collin Myers to be contestant on 'Millionaire'

Dave Ward's funeral service was a touching tribute to a Houston icon

ABC13 Houston KTRK Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward was laid to rest today, starting with his funeral service at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Sage. 

Ward, 86, died Saturday evening after several years battling medical challenges culminating in a bout of pneumonia.

I was asked to be an honorary pallbearer for the service, which meant a lot to me.

Many in the crowd felt this day marked the end of an era for television news, but even amid the sadness, the palpable celebration of a man who had impacted Houston in so many ways was evident.

The touching ceremony began with biblical readings from his stepdaughters, Rachelle Rowe and Corey Flores, with an additional reading from his granddaughter, Sarah Heatley.

Three emotional eulogies were offered by friends of Ward's who all saw a different side of the iconic Houston journalist: Dave Strickland, his former producer and eventual news director; Jim McGrath, his biography's co-author; and restaurant magnate, Houston Rockets owner, and current United States Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta.

A surprise recording Ward made a year ago played through the church's speakers as the anchor's last goodbye. Hearing that familiar booming voice echo through the sanctuary was as close to an in-person goodbye as attendees could get.

The white gloved pallbearers were Dr. Mohammed Attar, Jim McGrath, Jeff Bagwell, Jim McInvale, Gary Becker, Dan Pastorini, Anthony Buzbee, Dave Strickland, Tilman Fertitta, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

Honorary pallbearers included Tom Abrahams, Ted Oberg, Mike McGuff, Elvin Bethea, John Mubarak, Wayne Dolcefino, Don Nelson, Tony Gracely, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Tim Heller, Dr. Tom Sawyer, Bob Jackson, Justin Sternberg, Don Kobos, Bob Slovak, and Tom Koch. 

The Rev. Dane E. Boston and The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson oversaw the funeral.

The funeral was aired live on Channel 13 and live-streamed on ABC13+. You can watch the service with the additional KTRK coverage here.

- Dave Ward honored at ABC13 and Crime Stoppers

Karys Belger joins FOX 26 Houston

Karys Belger joins FOX 26 Houston as a reporter in December 2025.

Here is what Belger posted on social:

"If you care to find me… look to the western sky. 

I’m so excited to share that I’ve joined the team at FOX26 in Houston, Texas!

I love this work and cannot wait to see what The Space City has in store for me!"

Belger comes to Houston from 11Alive WXIA in Atlanta, where she shot, wrote, and edited all her own stories as a multi-skilled journalist for 11Alive Morning News.

Her career also includes MSJ roles at WGRZ 2 Buffalo and FOX 4 WFTX Southwest Florida, along with political reporting experience on Capitol Hill through Medill’s Washington Program. Guess who  Belger worked with at WGRZ who now works at another Houston station??

A native of Washington, D.C., Belger grew up in a household of news enthusiasts. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Spelman College and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School.

- Jonathan Mejia leaves FOX 26 Houston
- Peyton Galyean joins FOX 26 Houston
- Angie Rodriguez joins FOX 26 Houston
- Abigail Dye leaves FOX 26 Houston

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(Thanks Taylor)

Haley Hernandez is author of School Makes You Super

Haley Hernandez is the KPRC 2 health reporter, but she can add a new title to her resume...author of School Makes You Super!

The mother of two boys was inspired to write her upcoming book for her son. It is published by Greenleaf Book Group Press and is geared toward 3- to 5-year-olds.

According to its description, School Makes You Super is meant to prepare and excite young heroes about going to school. With a wonderful message that hopes to inspire and empower new students, this book is a source of encouragement and positivity for kids beginning their schooling journey. It illustrates the potential that awaits them in this big life transition. 

Hernandez was kind enough to answer some of my questions about her new book, which will be released on January 13, 2026. But on Amazon, you can pre-order it now.

Mike McGuff:  Tell us about "School Makes You Super" and what was the inspiration behind writing it?

Haley Hernandez:  I wrote this book for my son. He struggles with transitions, and when he was first heading off to school, it was a little bit difficult to convince him why it was so important to go. There's lots of books out there that explain how to go to school for the first time: you pack a lunch, you ride a bus, and you meet new friends. But I couldn't find something on why they needed to go and discover skills that they wouldn't otherwise learn without an education. So, I decided to create my own book!

MM: As a medical reporter, you have to translate complex science into 'plain English.' Do you find that writing for children requires a similar type of translation or simplification?

HH: Yes, I'd say one of my strongest skills is explaining complicated subjects in ways that are easy to understand, and it's very similar when trying to explain to kids why something is important. A lot of things that seem matter-of-fact to adults (like why you go to school) are foreign concepts to a kid. We underestimate how overwhelming that transition is; they have to leave their guardians, their safe spac,e and stay somewhere for longer than many of them have ever had to stay before. There can be new sounds, smells, routines, and strangers. We often forget to explain the "why" when emphasizing the importance of going to school. The truth is, their superpowers have yet to be discovered and it's going to take years of schooling to find out what those are, and that's a journey that begins as a child and have to chart on your own. 

MM: In TV, you’re always thinking about the 'visuals' for a segment. How did that influence how you collaborated with your book's illustrator?

HH: The illustrations were some of the first things I was dreaming up when I wrote the book. I was thinking about how my son loved building with Magnatiles. I thought, I wish there was a book that could show a little boy building with toys and how that manifests his future into being an architect. Then that led me to thinking about how playing doctor might mean a child has a true skill to save lives one day, and the ideas just kept coming from there, thinking about all these natural skills we are born with that really get fine-tuned with an education. I worked closely with the illustrator on my vision for every single page and Tammie Lyon really did something extraordinary in bringing my book to life. I'm thrilled with how they turned out!

MM: In the news, you can’t make things up. Was it liberating or challenging to suddenly have the freedom to write a fictional story?

HH: Yes, the book definitely shows my playful side. You'll be able to see how I talk to my kids! But in some ways it was still kind of similar to reporting, right, because I had this factual objective of wanting kids to be inspired to go to school but I had to write it a language they can understand.

MM: Reporting on health can be heavy, especially in a major city. Does writing children's stories serve as a form of 'self-care' or emotional processing for you?

HH: I never thought of it that way, but you're right that it's been one of the happiest times of my life getting to have this side hobby of working with the publisher and illustrator to write for children. Now that I think about it, yes, working in news can bring a heaviness to it and getting to go home and talk about superheroes did bring me a lot of joy. I guess for that, I'm thankful to get my book out into the world for many reasons.

School Makes You Super is available via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I will have to add the new book to my Texas TV, radio and media holiday gifts guide.

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