Houston Public Media renews resiliency fund campaign, closing in on $4.4 million goal

 

HOUSTON, TX (July 20, 2026) – Building on the strong support of donors across the region, Houston Public Media today announced that it is renewing its Resiliency Fund campaign, noting that it is very near to its fundraising goal of $4.4 million. With $3.7 million raised to date, the Resiliency Fund was started in 2025 to help offset two years of annual federal funding losses resulting from the government rescission.

Due to broad support from across Greater Houston, Houston Public Media expects this next phase of the campaign, including an on-air drive from July 20-24, to achieve the fundraising goal before the campaign concludes in August. The Resiliency Fund helps enable the nonprofit multimedia organization to continue providing access to trusted journalism, educational programming and essential public services for an audience of more than 2.7 million monthly across Greater Houston and Southeast Texas.

“This campaign proves that Houston believes in the value of public media,” said Josh Adams, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media. “Our funding changed, but our commitment to this community never did. Because of the generosity of thousands of supporters, we’re entering this next chapter with confidence and a focus on long-term growth and innovation.” 

Adams added that donor response, including more than 5,300 total gifts and 1,100 new contributors, is positioning the organization to enter the new fiscal year with confidence as it invests in technology improvements, expands local programming and reaches audiences in new ways.

“We recognize that millions of people are counting on us to deliver the content they value and trust,” Adams noted. “That drives us to constantly look for ways to innovate and to deliver more of what our audiences want.”

Recent investments include enhanced multiplatform studios, modernized production technology, improved digital workflows and expanded distribution of local content across streaming, social media and emerging platforms. Houston Public Media recently launched HPM+, a new live and on-demand streaming platform which gives smart TV audiences expanded access to local and national content. The organization also continues to grow original programming, including the two-hour daily talk show Hello Houston, and expanding Houston Matters to audiences across YouTube and other digital channels.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to support Houston Public Media’s Resiliency Fund, including The Hamill Foundation, whose significant lead gift helped build momentum for the campaign,” said Lynne Cook, chief development officer for Houston Public Media. “Every contribution, regardless of size, sends the same message: this service matters.  We’re hoping that those who have not yet given will join us now to help surpass the goal and build a stronger Houston Public Media for generations to come.”

Houston Public Media provides trusted local and national news, educational programming for children and adults, emergency and public safety information, and storytelling for the entire family across its radio, TV, streaming and digital platforms, reaching audiences throughout the region.

To learn more or contribute to the Resiliency Fund, visit houstonpublicmedia.org/resiliency.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Houston Public Media)

Emichelle Frias joins Telemundo Las Vegas

Emichelle Frias has joined Noticiero Telemundo Las Vegas KBLR as a multimedia journalist, beginning today, Monday, July 20, 2026.

Frias joins KBLR from the Dallas-Fort Worth market, where she served as a digital multimedia journalist for Univision 23 / KUVN. In that role, she reported, shot, wrote, edited and produced stories for broadcast, digital and social media platforms.

“Emichelle brings strong reporting skills and passion for community-centered journalism,” said Johali Carmona, News Director for Telemundo Las Vegas. “Her commitment to amplifying local voices and telling meaningful stories that inform and connect with audiences will make her a valuable addition to our newsroom. We are excited to welcome her to Las Vegas.”

Before joining Univision 23 Dallas full-time, Frias was part of KUVN’s Proyecto U program, where she pitched, researched, reported, edited, and produced hard-news stories. Her work with Proyecto U was recognized with a 2023 Lone Star Emmy Student Production Award in the College Newscast category.

Frias also gained experience as a reporter for UTA News en Español while attending the University of Texas at Arlington.

Noticiero Telemundo Las Vegas airs weekdays at 12 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Xitlaly Ruiz joins ‘Noticias Telemundo Colorado’

Xitlaly Ruiz has been named anchor and multimedia journalist for Noticias Telemundo Colorado KDEN.

Ruiz joins Telemundo Colorado from Univision Arizona / KTVW , where she has served as multimedia journalist, traffic anchor, fill-in anchor and producer since April 2022. In that role, she has covered breaking news, traffic and stories impacting local communities, while also producing and anchoring the station’s morning newscasts.

“Xitlaly is a versatile journalist whose experience as a reporter, anchor and producer makes her an outstanding addition to our newsroom,” said Emmanuel López-Capó, News Director of Telemundo Colorado. “She understands the responsibility that comes with informing our viewers and has demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving Latino communities. We’re excited to welcome her to Colorado and look forward to the connection she’ll build with our audience.”

Ruiz began her career in Palm Springs, California, where she worked as a news reporter for Entravision Communications from 2014 to 2018. In that role, she researched, shot, wrote, edited and presented daily news stories, reported live during breaking news and covered issues impacting the local community.

Her work has earned her two Emmy Award nominations and the Citizenship Award, presented by the Consulates of Guatemala and Mexico. Ruiz has also received recognition from local and state government officials for her service to the community.

Noticias Telemundo Colorado airs weekdays at 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Derick Garcia signs off CBS4 Rio Grande Valley

Derick Garcia is leaving CBS4 News Rio Grande Valley after 10 years, with the evening anchor and investigative reporter's final newscast set for July 17, 2026.

Here is what Garcia posted on social:

"Thank you for 10 years of trust and truth. You have made a Brownsville kid’s dream come true.

This Friday, July 17, at 10 pm will be my final broadcast with CBS4 News. 

More than a quarter of my life has been in this newsroom, starting from writing the stories for the anchors, to becoming one, and now enjoying life as a father of two incredible children with the love of my life.

You have been with me along the way and for that I am grateful beyond words. 

I love y’all."

In recent years, he helped launch the station's "4 Investigates" unit, leading in-depth investigations and accountability reporting while also anchoring the evening newscasts and providing live coverage of breaking news and community events.

Garcia joined CBS4 in 2016 as a reporter before becoming morning anchor, a position he held for several years. In 2022, he transitioned to investigative reporting, and in 2023, he added evening anchor duties to his role.

Garcia's connection to Valley television began even earlier. Before joining the station on-air, he worked behind the scenes as a producer for CBS4 in Harlingen. He later moved to Austin, where he produced newscasts for Time Warner Cable News (now Spectrum News), focusing on breaking news, government oversight, and investigative reporting before returning to the Rio Grande Valley.

Before launching his journalism career, Garcia served four years in the United States Navy. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Mass Communications from Texas State University.

While attending Texas State, Garcia gained experience across multiple media platforms. He was a radio DJ and producer at KTSW 89.9 FM, served as lead anchor and program director for the university's *La Bella Vida* television program, and completed internships with Austin alternative rock station 101X KROX on both the "Jason and Deb Morning Show" and "No Control Radio."

Shay Lawson joins KVUE Austin

Shay Lawson is joining KVUE in Austin, with her first day at the TEGNA ABC affiliate set for July 21, 2026.

Lawson comes to Central Texas from KESQ News Channel 3 in Palm Springs, California, where she has worked as a multimedia journalist (MMJ) in the Coachella Valley since May 2024. 

A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Lawson is a graduate of the University of Missouri's renowned School of Journalism, where she earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism with an emphasis in television reporting in 2024.

While at Missouri, Lawson gained extensive hands-on newsroom experience as a multimedia journalist with the university-owned NBC affiliate KOMU 8, covering local news and producing stories across multiple platforms. She also anchored newscasts while completing her studies.

In addition to her reporting duties, Lawson was active on campus as a member of the Journalism Student Council executive board, a Journalism Ambassador, a JAM Mentor, a Journalism FIG teacher, and a member of Delta Delta Delta.

- Chase Franks joins KVUE Austin
- Allison Hill joins KVUE Austin
- Kelsey Sanchez leaves KVUE Austin
- Laura Sather named KVUE Austin assistant news director

Leslee Lacey joins KXXV as Good Morning Texas meteorologist

Leslee Lacey joined 25 News KXXV in Waco-Temple-Killeen in January 2026 as the meteorologist for Good Morning Texas.

Lacey succeeded Josh Johns, who departed the station that same month to become a meteorologist at FOX 4 KDFW in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Before moving to Central Texas, Lacey spent three years as a meteorologist and reporter at ABC 7 WWSB in Sarasota, Florida, serving viewers across the Tampa Bay region.

In addition to her television work, Lacey was a sports reporter for Knock Out Radio from January 2024 through May 2026, covering sports throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.

Earlier in her career, Lacey was a familiar face to Tampa Bay viewers as the morning traffic anchor and news reporter for WFLA-TV News Channel 8 and WTTA-TV, a role she held from 2010 to 2018. Before that, she spent two years as the morning traffic anchor at Bay News 9.

Lacey also worked for a decade at Metro Networks in Los Angeles, where she anchored and reported news, sports and entertainment for multiple radio outlets, including KABC Radio, KRLA Radio and KSPN Radio. Her responsibilities included covering breaking news, reporting from the field, anchoring sports broadcasts, and conducting red-carpet entertainment interviews.

Her bio says Lacey was an actress in the 1990s.  A check on IMDB shows Lacey had a role in the Superboy TV series. 

Jennifer Reyna is fill-in anchoring

Jennifer Reyna inquiries have been hitting my inbox as the KHOU 11 Houston traffic anchor has been filling in as a morning anchor too as of late.

Readers tell me she has been filling in this summer while anchors Jacob Rascon and Ilona Carson have been on vacation.

After a little digging, multiple sources tell me that Reyna has been designated as the morning anchor fill-in.

I started hearing about Reyna delivering the news back in June when I wrote about KPRC 2 bringing back its morning traffic anchor position. Mentioning Channel 2 and morning traffic anchor clearly still brings a strong connection to Reyna in viewers' minds from her time there.

Speaking of Reyna's time at KPRC, she also anchored the news there, too.

- Jennifer Reyna and Outlaw Dave reunite at ‘Runaway Radio’ River Oaks Theatre screening

- Trevor Birchett Joins KHOU 11 Houston
- Brheanna Berry debuts on KHOU 11 Houston
- Trason Bragg promoted to KHOU 11 Houston noon anchor
- Sally Ramirez to be inducted into the NAHJ Hall of Fame Class of 2026
- Brheanna Berry returns to Houston at KHOU 11
- Tim Geraghty named KHOU 11 news director

Jennifer Stanonis joins CBS Sacramento

Jennifer Stanonis has been named chief meteorologist at CBS Sacramento, KOVR/KMAX, returning to her hometown to lead weather coverage for the region. 

Stanonis officially joins the station on July 27, 2026.

With more than 20 years of experience, Stanonis has reported on major weather events ranging from tornado outbreaks and blizzards to wildfires, floods and extreme heat. She will spearhead CBS Sacramento’s weather strategy.

“Joining the CBS Sacramento team and coming back home to serve the community I grew up in is a tremendous honor,” said Stanonis. “Growing up in Northern California, I learned and experienced the complex local microclimates and extreme weather, including flooding rain events, historic mountain snowstorms, wildfires and severe heatwaves. I look forward to keeping our community informed and prepared.”

Stanonis’ career spans multiple markets, including on-air meteorology roles at: WGRZ-TV (Buffalo, N.Y.), where she served two tenures, most recently as the main weekday evening meteorologist; WKBW-TV (Buffalo, N.Y.); and KCWY-TV (Casper, Wyo.). She has earned numerous honors for her weather coverage, including a New York Emmy Award.

“Jennifer is one of the most respected meteorologists in the industry, with a proven track record of helping communities navigate severe and rapidly changing weather conditions,” said Scott Warren, regional president and general manager of CBS Bay Area and CBS Sacramento. “For Northern California viewers, weather coverage isn’t just about forecasting – it’s about providing timely, accurate information that helps people make decisions and stay safe. Jennifer’s experience, deep connection to this region and passion for public service make her the ideal leader for our weather team, and we’re eager to welcome her back home to Sacramento.”

Beyond broadcasting, Stanonis is a passionate advocate for science education. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book Willy and Lilly’s Adventures with Weather, which introduces young readers to complex meteorological concepts in an engaging, accessible way.

A Northern California native, the Emmy Award-winning meteorologist began her broadcasting journey in the Sacramento region and the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a degree in meteorology from SUNY College at Brockport and a degree in broadcasting from San Francisco State University, and has earned the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation from the American Meteorological Society, the highest certification in the field.

Sophia Beausoleil named NBC 5 DFW weekend morning anchor

Sophia Beausoleil has been promoted to weekend morning anchor at NBC 5 KXAS in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Here is a portion of Beausoleil's post on social:

"A little life update. I’m officially going to the dark side.  I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted the opportunity to become the @nbcdfw Weekend Morning Anchor while continuing to report during the week in the morning. 

It’s an honor to help North Texans start their day! I’m so grateful for this new chapter and the ability to work with the awesome AM team! 

As a mom of 4 under the age of 6, this opens up a whole new world and the ability to have dinner ready before 5pm! Here’s to early mornings, learning to sleep-on-time and a new adventure!" 

Houston viewers will remember Beausoleil from her time at KPRC 2 in Houston, where she worked before joining NBC5 KXAS in 2020. 

She and her husband relocated to North Texas for his medical studies.

Fun fact: Beausoleil and then-Channel 2 colleague Haley Hernandez both gave birth on Thursday, September 26, 2019! That was back in the KPRC baby boom of 2019.

Before Houston, Beausoleil spent nearly five years at KXAN in Austin starting in 2012.  Before that, she was with WCIA in Champaign, Illinois, as a reporter

Beausoleil earned her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in business from the University of Missouri.

A Katy, Texas native, Beausoleil began her television career at KOMU 8 in Columbia, Missouri, where she worked as a multimedia journalist and anchor while attending Mizzou.

Tiffany Liou leaves WFAA 8 for ABC7 San Francisco

Tiffany Liou signed off from WFAA 8 in Dallas-Fort Worth after more than eight years at the station.

- Erin Heft joins WFAA 8

"I love this team to my core," Liou posted.  "WFAA will always be a part of me."

Liou announced her departure from the Tegna-owned ABC affiliate, with her final day at WFAA on July 1, 2026. She is returning to the Bay Area to join ABC7 KGO-TV in San Francisco as the station's evening South Bay reporter.

Liou joined WFAA in April 2018 as a multi-skilled journalist and general assignment reporter. During her time in North Texas, she covered many of the region's biggest stories, including the Uvalde and Allen mass shootings, the Hill Country flooding, major severe weather events and countless breaking news stories. She also helped produce WFAA's first 30-minute Asian American and Pacific Islander community special, highlighting the AANHPI experience across North Texas.

Her reporting has been recognized with numerous honors, including multiple Lone Star Emmy Awards, NPPA awards, Texas Associated Press honors, Texas Broadcast News Awards and RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards as part of WFAA's reporting teams. In 2019, Liou was named the recipient of the RTDNA/RTDNF Michele Clark Fellowship, recognizing promising minority journalists. She has also been a frequent speaker and instructor for organizations including the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE).

Liou gave birth to her son in August 2022.

Before joining WFAA, Liou spent two years as a reporter and multimedia journalist at News 9 KWTV in Oklahoma City, where she covered severe weather and breaking news. While there, she traveled to Haiti as a solo journalist for an Emmy Award-winning story and served as a senior multimedia journalist, helping train other reporters.

Earlier in her career, Liou worked as a reporter, multimedia journalist and anchor at KWQC in Davenport, Iowa, and as a reporter and producer at KTVE/KARD in West Monroe, Louisiana. She also gained valuable newsroom experience at KTVU in Oakland, California, beginning as an intern before being promoted to overnight assignment editor.

Interestingly, Liou's career path didn't begin in journalism. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, she worked as an associate marketing manager at Salesforce. She later made what she has described as a "leap of faith" to pursue journalism full-time—a decision she has called one of the best she has ever made.

Her move to KGO marks a homecoming. In addition to growing up in the Bay Area and attending Santa Clara University, Liou previously interned in KGO's marketing research department before launching her on-air journalism career. 

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