2026 Houston Celebrity Dairy Goat Milking Contest

Houston media personalities gathered to take part in the annual Celebrity Goat Milking Contest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where competitors race to squeeze out every last drop.

For 2026, David Smith, officer-in-charge of the Sheep and Goat Committee, claimed the Grand Champion title, winning both the traditional contest and the inaugural father-daughter round.

FOX 26 Houston KRIV Executive Producer of Local Programming Initiative Matt Horn finished just behind Smith, earning the Reserve Grand Champion title after a strong showing in the heats.

From what I could piece together on social media, other media participants included KHOU 11 reporters Anayeli Ruiz, Julissa Garza, Maria Aguilera, and Matt Dougherty. Other goat-milking celebrities included ABC13 KTRK weekend morning anchor Charly Edsitty, FOX 26 host Chelsea Edwards, KPRC 2 reporters Corley Peel and Rilwan Balogun, plus Houston Life host Derrick Shore. The rodeo also noted that KKBQ 93Q Country morning host Riggs took part in the competition.

So if your favorite Houston media celebrity wasn’t mentioned, I might lose my title as the G.O.A.T. of Houston media reporting!

KPRC 2 "Houston Life" co-host Tessa Barrera returned to host the event.

Goats used in the competition were provided by exhibitors participating in the Livestock Show.

The contest featured three heats, with competitors given 30 seconds to milk their goat. There was no practice round. Participants jumped straight into the competition, with the top two milkers from each heat advancing. The six finalists were then compared to determine the overall champion.

This year’s event also introduced a father-daughter milking round. Smith teamed up with his daughter, Ella, to win the inaugural round before going on to secure the overall championship.

- 2025 Houston Celebrity Dairy Goat Milking Contest

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Drew Karedes leaves Boston 25 News

Drew Karedes left Boston 25 News WFXT in March 2026 after nine years.

Houston TV viewers might remember the reporter from his time at KHOU 11 in Houston before New England.  Karedes joined KHOU back in 2012.

Before moving to Houston,  Karedes reported for KTNV in Las Vegas and the NBC affiliate in Green Bay, WI.

And then where it all began for him, behind the scenes at 7News WHDH Boston during his college years as a student of Northeastern University’s School of Journalism. 

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Sam Stark leaves KXAN for Austin Current

Sam Stark left KXAN Austin in December 2025 to join the Austin Current as a government and communities reporter.

The Austin Current is a newsroom affiliated with The Texas Tribune that focuses on community-centered journalism in the Austin, Texas area. In his role, Stark covers issues across Travis County and Austin, focusing on how local policy decisions affect residents.

He first arrived at KXAN in May 2022 as an investigative intern with the station’s Investigations Team, one of the few interns to have his work featured on-air. After completing the internship and earning his graduate degree, he joined the newsroom full-time in September 2022 as a digital reporter.

In January 2024, Stark transitioned into a reporter and multimedia journalist role, covering a range of local stories impacting Central Texas. During his time at KXAN, he developed experience reporting on city government, community issues, and public policy affecting Austinites.

Before joining KXAN, Stark reported for the Austin Monitor as a freelance journalist, covering local government and civic issues in the Austin area. 

Stark earned a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Francisco State University.

KXAS 5 DFW 1984 "Wall to Wall News" - Stephen Arnold Music

Pat Cavlin joins WPIX New York City

Pat Cavlin has returned to his hometown television market, joining WPIX PIX11 in New York City in March 2026 after departing KHOU 11 in Houston in February.

“From channel 11 in Houston to channel 11 in NYC… I’m HOME,” Cavlin posted on social media. “After 13 years in this career, 8 of which were spent in living in 3 different states, I’ve finally made it back to my home TV market of NYC. I cannot even fit into this post what this means to me, but if you know me on any level, you know it’s all I’ve ever talked about. Beyond grateful to be back in my home market doing what I love… for good. ”

Cavlin joined KHOU 11 as a weekend evening meteorologist in March 2022.

Prior to arriving in Houston, he worked at WBBH-TV in Southwest Florida, where he had been a meteorologist since January 2020. Earlier in his career, he forecast at News 12 Long Island and 13WMAZ in Macon, Georgia, beginning his television career with the News 12 Networks in New York.

Originally from the New York City area, Cavlin earned a Bachelor of Science in meteorology from SUNY Oswego in 2013.

Cavlin has volunteered as an EMT with the East Meadow Fire Department on Long Island and has held a pilot’s license since April 2015.

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Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo Houston partner with Soccer Forward to deliver grants to Houston-area nonprofits

Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo Houston / KTMD, in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Soccer Forward Foundation, announced today [LINK] that Houston-area nonprofits reVision FC and the YMCA of Greater Houston are among the 17 organizations receiving grants through the Vamos World Cup Initiative leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026TM in North America, which begins June 11.

The Vamos World Cup Initiative, part of Telemundo’s Tu Momento. Tu Jugada., is providing a total of $600,000 in funding to nonprofits that use soccer to create opportunity, build leadership and move communities forward. Recipients include two local nonprofits located in each of the eight FIFA World Cup 2026TM host cities served by Telemundo-owned stations, along with national organization Soccer Without Borders.

Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer’s legacy platform and the driving force behind its efforts to expand access and strengthen communities through the game, is facilitating the grants through Comcast NBCUniversal funding. Telemundo Houston will partner with the local nonprofits to spotlight the grant recipients and amplify their impact through media coverage and community engagement events leading up to and during FIFA World Cup 2026TM.

"We’re proud to stand alongside community partners like reVision FC and the YMCA of Greater Houston, who are using the power of soccer to change lives,” said Jose Flores, KTMD President and General Manager. “Their programs foster confidence, leadership, and connection - values that reflect the heart of Houston and the mission of the Vamos World Cup initiative. At Telemundo Houston, we believe in uplifting local programs that create meaningful opportunities and strengthen the communities we serve."

Houston-Area Vamos World Cup Initiative Grant Recipients:

• reVision FC: reVision FC is a soccer program that is breaking the cycle of juvenile justice involvement and homelessness among youth in Harris County, Texas. Through soccer, reVision FC provides young people with mentors, life-changing resources, and a sense of community.

• YMCA of Greater Houston: The YMCA is uniquely positioned to serve Greater Houston by building healthier families, empowering youth and fostering inclusive communities. The YMCA is part of Soccer for Good efforts with Houston reVision and the Houston World Cup Host Committee.

The other local grant recipients and their in-market partner Telemundo-owned stations, which are part of Telemundo Station Group, serve the following cities hosting FIFA World Cup 2026TM matches: New York (Telemundo 47 / WNJU), Los Angeles (Telemundo 52 / KVEA), Philadelphia (Telemundo62 / WWSI), Dallas (Telemundo 39 / KXTX), San Francisco (Telemundo 48 / KSTS), Boston (Telemundo Boston / WNEU), and Miami (Telemundo 51).

The Vamos World Cup Initiative Grants are part of Telemundo’s Tu Momento. Tu Jugada. – Telemundo’s Next Play – a nationwide community initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders through the transformative power of sport. Anchored in Telemundo’s exclusive Spanish-language coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, the initiative creates access, opportunity and mentorship experiences that help young people turn their passion into purpose. The initiative builds on Telemundo’s commitment to ensuring the FIFA World Cup 2026TM leaves a lasting impact beyond the pitch in the communities hosting the tournament.

KSAT 12 meteorologist arrested, accused of assault

Elliot Wilson, a newly hired KSAT 12 San Antonio meteorologist, has been arrested and charged with assault bodily injury to a family member, according to the Graham Media Group station's report on its website.

UPDATE:  Wilson has been removed from the KSAT 12 bios page on its website.  He also released a statement Saturday night:

"Well, after getting out this morning and seeing that it’s viral, I figured I’d make a statement.

I am sorry for letting down my company, supporters, my family, and most of all my wife.

There will be a trial on April 15th. I won’t be talking much more about the trial as I work with my legal team."

Here is more from KSAT:

"KSAT Meteorologist Elliot Wilson was arrested Thursday evening after Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies said he was involved in an altercation with a woman.

Deputies were called to a home where a woman told deputies she was assaulted by Wilson earlier in the day when he was driving her to a medical appointment, according to the sheriff’s office."

READ THE REST

The station reports the woman was taken to a local hospital, where medical staff confirmed that she had a broken nose.

Wilson is currently off air, according to the report.

He joined KSAT in December 2025 after working as the morning meteorologist for Good Day OK on FOX 25 KOKH in Oklahoma City.

Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston...what happened?

Tim Geraghty named KHOU 11 news director

Tim Geraghty has been named the new KHOU 11 Houston news director, effective March 26, 2026.

“I’m thrilled to be moving within the TEGNA family from one great newsroom to another at KHOU,” Geraghty said. “The team in Houston is known for great journalism that’s led to positive changes in the community. I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition while working to ensure that content is available where and when the 2026 news consumer expects it on digital, social, and linear TV.”

He takes over for Kathryn Bonfield, who left in January after a little more than a year. Assistant News Director Wiley Post has been serving as interim news director since then. I hear some KHOU staffers thought Post would be the next news director.

Geraghty brings 26 years of senior newsroom leadership experience across multiple markets, most recently serving as news director at KSDK 5 in St. Louis, Missouri.

- See which Houston anchor just left for St. Louis

KHOU owner TEGNA says Geraghty, "known for his calm demeanor and positive leadership style," has extensive experience covering major weather events, particularly hurricanes — a key area of focus for the Houston region. 

Before joining KSDK, he was news director at WKRC 12 in Cincinnati, senior director of news at Central Florida News 13 in Orlando, and vice president of news at ABC10 KXTV in Sacramento.

“As we began the search for the perfect person to lead this large news operation, it became clear that the best‑qualified candidate was already at TEGNA,” said Raquel Amparo, vice president of content at TEGNA. “Tim brings an extraordinary depth of experience to KHOU, including time spent covering demanding weather events. He runs a tight, focused newsroom and consistently delivers to the audience. I am thrilled to welcome him to Houston.”

Ana Mafud joins Telemundo 39 DFW

Ana Mafud has been named co-anchor of Noticiero Telemundo 39 KXTX Dallas-Fort Worth, weekdays at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., beginning March 16, 2026. 

Mafud joins Telemundo 39 from Telemundo Phoenix / KTAZ and Telemundo Tucson / KHRR, where, since January 2023, she anchored Noticiero Telemundo Arizona at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. and served as a reporter covering breaking news and community stories.  

“Ana brings a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to serving our audiences, qualities that will strengthen our coverage and elevate our evening newscasts,” said Rossyris Silva, Vice President of News at Telemundo 39 Dallas. “We look forward to the expertise and energy she will contribute as she becomes part of our North Texas community.” 

Prior to KTAZ and KHRR, Mafud was an anchor and reporter for Televisa Univision in Monterrey and Tampico, Mexico. Her journalism experience also includes roles as a radio host and digital interviewer for multiple local outlets.  

Originally from Mexico, Mafud holds a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences from the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas.  

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Telemundo 39 / KXTX, parte del Telemundo Station Group de NBCUniversal Local, anunció hoy que la periodista veterana Ana Mafud ha sido nombrada co-presentadora de Noticiero Telemundo 39 de lunes a viernes a las 5 p.m. y 10 p.m., a partir del 16 de marzo. 

Mafud se une a Telemundo 39 tras su paso por Telemundo Phoenix / KTAZ y Telemundo Tucson / KHRR, donde desde enero de 2023 condujo Noticiero Telemundo Arizona a las 5 p.m. y 10 p.m., además de desempeñarse como reportera cubriendo noticias de última hora e historias de la comunidad. 

“Ana aporta una perspectiva renovada y un profundo compromiso con el servicio a nuestras audiencias, cualidades que fortalecerán nuestra cobertura y enriquecerán nuestros noticieros vespertinos,” dijo Rossyris Silva, vicepresidenta de Noticias de Telemundo 39 Dallas. “Esperamos con entusiasmo la experiencia y la energía que aportará al convertirse en parte de nuestra comunidad en el Norte de Texas.” 

Antes de su trabajo en KTAZ y KHRR, Mafud fue presentadora y reportera para TelevisaUnivision en Monterrey y Tampico, México. Su trayectoria periodística también incluye funciones como conductora de radio y entrevistadora digital para diversos medios locales. 

Originaria de México, Mafud tiene una licenciatura en Ciencias de la Comunicación por la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas.