Fraud Fighter Honored

Former TV news star Wayne Dolcefino lets loose on KTRK, sex lawsuits and psychopaths at his door

Wayne Dolcefino may be gone from TV, but he's still picking up awards — in his usual no-holds-barred manner.

The Emmy Award-winning former KTRK Ch. 13 investigative reporter received the inaugural 2013 Greater Houston Fraud Impact Award from the Houston Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The award is for an "individual who made outstanding, significant contributions to the worldwide effort to prevent, deter or detect fraud," according to ACFE.

In his 27 years with KTRK, Dolcefino uncovered countless instances of fraud and corruption across the region, notably spurring the case that led to the indictment of Harris County Constable Victor Trevino.

"One of the things I miss about Channel 13 — and quite honestly, I don't miss a lot — is the lack of indemnification."

Dolcefino somewhat mysteriously left KTRK on Thanksgiving eve and it's clear the departure is not without some bad blood.

Dolcefino accepted his award at a Hess Club luncheon and, after making a joke about the lasagna on his shirt, he quipped, "One of the things I miss about Channel 13 — and quite honestly, I don't miss a lot — is the lack of indemnification."

The reference goes to the many times he was hit with lawsuits while at KTRK. Dolcefino even told a story about a man who sued him for loss of consortium.

"If you don't know what that means, it means he can't have sex anymore because of an interaction with me," Dolcefino said.

At the deposition the plaintiff's lawyer asked Dolcefino if he felt bad that his client could no longer have sexual relations as a result of an evidently stress-inducing interview with the investigative reporter. A self-described "smarty pants," Dolcefino said he responded, "It's funny, I was in the same interview, and I have sex just fine."

Dolcefino also talked about his new political and media consulting company Dolcefino Communications, which has already been linked to some high-profile figures. He joked that the company's website could actually be his undoing. Apparently several nights in a row, Dolcefino woke up to banging on his door and sets of eyes peering through his front window.

"I'm such a crack investigative guy," he joked. "I didn't realize my home address was on mobile apps, which explains why every psychopath in the world is finding my house."

Dolcefino said he considers himself "sort of a Godfather-esque guy — you know, I start fights, help people end fights . . . " But he lamented the future of Houston's media scene while thanking everyone who helped him get where he is today.

Wayne Dolcefino was never one to hold back. And the former TV news star told plenty while receiving a fraud fighting award.

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a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

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