Some believe that it will be a court ruling for the ages. The US Supreme Court will take up a controversial Chicago gun ban tomorrow and it could have sweeping implications, even in Texas. 

Do cities and states have the right to make law regarding the Second Amendment? That is the heart of the issue and one the court will likely decide.

You can bet that many, many gun owners will be watching this one.

After getting a scolding from Kay Bailey Hutchison's press secretary not to ask a question, of course I did. After her concession speedh, I asked her what her plans are now that she has lost the republican primary. Senator Hutchison refused to answer the question. Even when a supporter asked her what her next step was. She refused to say.

That is the question now. Will KBH stay in the senate or resign as she promised when she started the campaign for governor. Some, no doubt, would like to see the senior senator stay in Washington, but I'm sure she has family and friends who would like to see her retire and take it easy. 

Stay tuned because only one person can answer this: will she stay or will she go?

You can not take your eyes off the image of a UP Railroad agent arresting a young man in a watery tunnel near downtown Dallas. The agent uses foul language and at one point grabs the suspect and threatens to kill him.

There is no dobut that law enforcement officers have a difficult and scray job and have to take every precaution. But, did this officer go too far in making the arrest. He is on administrative leave and is under investigation. UP says he will be disciplined if he violated policy.

Watch the video at the33tv.com and tell me what you think.  

For years, Americans have been saving their tax refunds or using the free cash to pay off debt. But, not this year. It seems that more people are willing to open their wallets and splurge using their refunds.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, people feel a little more at easy spending their refunds this year. An Irving real estate agent told us he will use his 3-grand to buy his son a new truck. Another woman told us she will use her housing credit to furnish her new house. 

All of that is welcome news to retailers who are hoping to see a leap of tax refund money coming in the doors. We'll see!  

I am blessed. I will sleep like a rock tonight, but many Americans won't. According to a new study released by the National Sleep Foundation there are different reasons why some racial groups aren't getting enough sleep.

Asians sleep better than most and use sleep aids less.

African Americans have the highest rate of sleep apnea.

Hispanics are likely to be kept awake by financial and personal concerns.

Whites have the highest rate of insomnia.

We talked to a sleep expert who told us that even though there are different reasons why people can't sleep, the unhealthy results are the same. Not enough sleep is to blame for everything from obesity and diabetes to anxiety and depression.

I think the study on racial sleep issues shines a light on something even more important than sleep. Our conditions and issues may be different, but we are all the same.

I have been hearing about "chatroulette', but until today it was just a popular new chat site. Who knew that within seconds you can see graphic sexual images. It only took a few moments, for some man to expose himself to me on live web cam.

That is what the site allows you to do, chat with random strangers via web cam, around the world. The trouble is many people want more than a conversation. The Texas Attorney General says the site is too dangerous for young children and is advising parents to keep kids off. The AG says it opens the door for sexual predators. Be sure to weigh in and tell me what you think of "chatroulette". 

It's estimated as few as 1% of people are involved in "open marriages".  It is an umbrella term that covers a lot of different practices, but most simply put--couples are allowed to have sex outside of their committed relationship. 

In a world where half of the US marriages end in divorce and affairs are common, often breaking up families, open marriages get a lot of heat.

Jenny Block is a Dallas wife, mother and the author of Open: Love, Sex and Life in an Open Marriage.

She talks openly with me about open marriages.   

http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-open-marriages-story,0,5852423.story

Could it be?

Girls and guys, listen up!!

It is always a terrific day when I can get to be face-to-face with America's future and today was one of those days.

I spent a little time this morning at Highland Meadow Montessori Academy in Southlake, talking to elementary students about life as a TV Anchor-Reporter. They had so many questions, especially a young man who may be interested in a career in sports. He wanted to know if I knew any sports celebrities. I told him that I met Tony Romo just a couple of weeks ago.

It is so energizing to see young people who are eager to learn and want to hear about possible career choices. I shared with them some of my news encounters. Near Fort Worth, I had to hit the ditch when there was a tornado right in front of me and during Hurricane Ike, I told them how we stowed away on the highest point on Galveston Island.

I hope these youngsters got as much out of our 45 minutes together as I did. I like sharing my TV tales and it seemed like they enjoyed hearing some of the behind the scenes fun that goes on. Who knows maybe I met the next Edward R Murrow. Thanks for being a great  audience, HMMA.  

Some doctors now believe that chewing gum, yes, chewing gum, may cause wrinkles on the lips and around the mouth. It's official, EVERYTHING is bad for you, not that wrinkles will kill you, but who wants unnecessary wrinkles? I talked to a couple of young women who chew gum all day and they will continue to chew gum. According to a Dallas plastic surgeon, that's just fine. Dr. Gregg Anigain says chewing gum has no impact on facial lines. He says sun damage and getting older are the key reasons why we all eventually get lines on our faces.

So there you go, gum may very well be the last thing on earth that doesn't have a negative impact on your body. But then again, maybe not.

Great song, but people suffering from asthma probably hate it. Breathing isn't easy if you have asthma and according to a new study, the asthma rate is rising 0.5% every three years. That may not sound like much but the current rate in America is almost 8%. The number of people expected to have asthma by the year 2025 is a staggering 100,000,000. Scientists admit they don't know why the rate is rising but now are exploring something called the "Hygiene Hypothisis." Basically, we're too clean and our bored immune system decides it has to fight an invader it doesn't need to fight.

The current cost of asthma is about 20 million dollars a year. If you think that's expensive, wait another 15 years.

It's no longer found in dark, seedy, scary to visit adult stores.  

These days, products related to sex and sensuality can be found in high-end lines and in upscale stores.  

They have cute names, saucy titles, sleek desi   gns and scents that could leave you better off than where you started!  (Read: that was a tease!)

To learn more (you know you wanna) visit my day @ the33tv.com

What better way to celebrate Walt Maciborski's birthday than to Rickroll him?

Walt, of course, felt the need to take it one step further in this video. Parents, you might want to keep your kids away.

Happy birthday, Walt Mac! (And props to Rebecca Miller for making the very creative cake!)

Unless you've been living in a cave, not that there's anything wrong with that, you probably have heard that driving while texing or talking on your cellphone can be a high wire act. Imagine having a computer, two-way radio, cellphone, GPS device and a couple of other gadgets at your fingertips. Wouldn't you be tempted to use them while driving? While there is no data that tracks technology related emergency vehicle crashes, police, fire and rescue are now grappling with the same temptations you are.

We talked to a Texas State Trooper who told us Troopers go through three weeks of intense training that allows them to integrate the car and technology. They're supposed to use the cool gadgets only when it's safe, not during a 100 mile-an-hour chase. Ambulance drivers have it a bit easier, they have a co-pilot to navigate and take care of all the radio stuff. They want the driver concentrating on the road, in fact, it's against policy to use a cell phone while driving regarless if they're on a call or not.

Remember, emergency personnel are human and are feel the same temptations we all do. I hope they are more successfu than myself. I admit I chatted on the phone on may way to work this afternoon.  

It's that time again, Daylight Savings Time. It's time to spring forward, which I like because the day just seems longer, but for some who have sleeping problems it's a real nightmare. Research shows that the Monday after Daylight Savings Time, people average about 40 fewer minutes of sleep. What does that mean you ask? It means more car accidents, trips top the emergency room, more workplace injuries and kids who have a harder time concentrating in class.

In the long run, we get a little more daylight, but for some Daylight Savings Time can be a real nightmare.

It is every parent's worst nightmare seeing their child horribly injured. That is what happened to the Khader family in Arlington. A suspected drunk driver hit the family last year, critically injuring 3-year old Abdallah. He is brain dead and can not speak, walk or see.

Here is the outrage part for many. The alleged drunk driver who hit the family may get a lighter sentence. He has seven previous DWI's in other states, but because they were misdemeanor offenses, a judge won't allow for them to be considered in sentencing in Texas. Richardson is facing probation to 20 years, max.

Abdallah's mother has started a Facebook page, "Pray for Abdallah". She hopes to rally support and send a message to lawmakers to tighten up the laws. She hopes the judge considering the appeals case will see the images. She wants justice for the little boy who will never be able to just be a child. Watch my story at the33tv.com

The administration has a new plan to head off more foreclosures. The government will pay at risk homeowners to walk away, even if they are underwater on their mortgage. It is an old practice called "short-sale", but it is being revived.

Here's the deal. Do you think that taxpayers who are taking care of their mortgages, who didn't overbuy on a home should have to foot the bill for those who did, or perhaps those who just feel on hard times? There is no debating that more foreclosures will be bad news for the economy, but many think that the bailout shouldn't be on the backs of those paying their bills. Watch my story and weigh in. http://bit.ly/DawnStories

That question is usually reserved for mom. You know, honey did you brush your teeth? You have to brush you teeth before you go to bed! But now researchers at the University of Pennsylvania find that it's a pretty good question to ask pregnant women. The study followed 1,000 women and found those with gum disease were three times more likely to have their baby prematurely. Women who had gum disease and had their teeth deep cleaned greatly reduced their risk of having their baby early.

We talked to an Ob/Gyn who said he closely monitors his patients for gum disease and says a good teeth cleaning is far less expensive than taking care of a premie in the neo-natal unit for weeks.

The bottom line on this one is simple, pregnant women who brush their teeth aren't as likely to have a brush with a premature birth.

By every account, Mark Austry was an outgoing, energetic go-getter, who loved not only his family, but sports. He sounds like the kind of guy that every parent wants their little boy to grow up to be. But, his life was cut short Sunday when he collapsed after finishing a half marathon in Dallas. There are no answers now about what killed the 32-year old father of two, but his family doesn't believe he had any health problems.

It is such a mystery. What could take the life of seemingly healthy young athlete? It only adds to the agony for those who knew and loved Mark Austry, that now they must wait weeks to see what took the life of this promising man. Watch the emotional interview with his brother at http://bit.ly/DawnStories.

I remember growing up and getting a sunburn that actually blistered. It hurt like crazy at the time and now I'm wondering if it may do more damage down the road. Doctors now believe that sudden intermittent sun damage is actually worse than getting steady doses over time, like construction workers or farmers.

I bring this up because this is spring break week and kids from all over are heading to sunny locations and more than a few of them will return with peel the skin off sunburns. I know they're probably in Mexico or Florida or California and won't see my story on TV tonight, but I hope they log on to The33TV.com and check it out online, before they get the sunburn of a lifetime.

As for me, so far so good, and I'm hoping it stays that way.

The FDA is streamlining some procedures to quicken the arrival of experimental breast cancer drugs. One doctor we interviewed today said there is a lifetime of drugs that need to be tested because of the current system. Twenty hosptitals across the country will start the new trial system this summer. Researchers will start with five drugs and ultimately test twelve. They'll use genetic markers to match a persons makup to the drug that will most likely help. A doctor told me that a woman with stage 4 breast cancer took an oral test drug and is now cancer free.

How many people would that drug have helped if the FDA had streamlined the procedure earlier? Like I said, this is a great idea, but it would have been even better 20 years ago. By the way, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas is one of the 20 hospitals taking part in the trial.

I grew up in northern California and NEVER suffered from allergies....until I moved to north Texas. It must have been about my second or third year here when I started getting what I though was a cold that never seemed to go away. I toughed it out for a few years and then my wife suggested that I have allergies. I said no way, I don't have allergies! I went to the doctor and he said, wait for it, you have allergies. I joined the crowd.

This allergy season is here sooner than normal. An allergist told me this week was his busiest week in three years courtesy of a wet winter and early bloom.

If you're new to Texas, welcome. Next year I'll welcome you to the allergy crowd.

That is often the question in relationships, if not the action.

The marriages of Tiger Woods and Sandra Bullock are putting infidelity front and center, causing some to ask: how do I prevent it?

Dallas relationship coach and author Nina Atwood (singlescoach.com) offers us advice that is surprisingly simple. which are surprisingly simple.  Watch the story here on the33tv.com

And that's good news. It's about time someone took work out of workout. I don't have kids but I hear a common complaint is that kids just aren't getting enough exercise these days. A recent study indicates that 32% of Texas kids between the ages of 10 and 17 are overweight. Parents are correct. Now, what do you do about it? An enterprising young dancer at a local Dallas gym has come up with something brilliant. Hip Hop Kids, it's an hour worth of exercise that's more funout than workout. The teenagers learn all sorts of dance moves to some pretty cool hip hop music and at the end of an hour they have burned about 300 calories without even knowing it.

One mom I had a conversation with said her two daughters always have their headphones on so they might as well get fit at the same time. When 32% of the kids in Texas are considered overweight, mom knows best.

OK, I know most of you said boys. Everyone knows that teenage boys are risky on the road, right? Well, it turns out that trend may be reversing. A new survey shows that teenage girls are more likely to speed, text and drive aggressively.

The results surprised even the Allstate Insurance researchers who conducted the survey. For years, they have tagged boys as more dangerous. But, some feel that girls are just becoming more competitive overall and that may be spilling over on to their behavior on the road.

Experts say that parents need to sit down with teens and talk about danger on the roads. Check out our website for a contract you can put together with your child.

http://bit.ly/DawnStories

Dehydration is serious and the symptoms can sneak up on you.  Here are some early warning signs. 

This is not a complete list of the symptoms of dehydration.  Please don't take any chances.

It is difficult to even put youself in the mindset of a rape survivor. But, imagine living through that horrible crime, then finding the attacker decades later and he can't be prosecuted. That is the reality in Texas for many rape victims, whose offenders were identified through DNA too late to be brought to trial.

But, a new rape law was supposed to fix part of the problem and it does. The law allows the state to put a permanent mark on his record, that is for law enforcement eyes only. The mark will be used by parole officials and police, if there is another offfense.

Here is the flaw. Because these suspects were never convicted, they can't be required to register as sex offenders. That leaves a whole new category of sexual offenders on the streets, who the public and employers will never know about. It is a frightening thought for many people to know that dozens of sex criminals will not be on any database of sex offenders.

Lawmakers say they can't do much to close up the loophole that will stand in a court of law. Many are willing to listen if some brilliant, legal mind has a thought on how to make these sex offenders fess up their secrets. I would love to hear your feedback after you watch the story. http://bit.ly/DawnStories 

I honestly don't know if healthcare reform is a good thing or a bad thing. I know we need to do something for those who don't have insurance, but I have no idea if the bill passed over the weekend is good or not. I'm not knocking it, I'm just not sure because I'm not a doctor or nurse or insurance executive or drug rep or politician.

Here is what I do know: the debate has been going on for so long that I'm actually tired of hearing about it. All of the bickering on both sides makes me feel like I have an upset stomach. I don't know if the healthcare bill that passed will be good for the country or not, but for the time being I am feeling much better because the debate is over.

Oxytocin is a powerful hormone, one you care about you like sex and don't like stress.  Okay, (spoiler alert here!!!), it's also called the Cuddle Hormone.  But guys, keep reading.  There's still something in it for you. 

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-the-oxytocin-hormone-do.htm

The devil is in the details and here are the details of the newly signed health care bill law. Restaurants with more than 20 locations now have to display the calories of menu items. A dietician we interviewed said it will help trim our waistlines while a restaurant owner said it will cost them money, if it's a chain, lots of money.

Bottom line? Great for the waistline not so much for the bottom line.

As Christians prepare to mark Holy Week, some of them near Stephenville are outraged that Tarleton State University would allow a play that portrays Jesus as gay, with disciples who are homosexual lovers.

The play, "Corpus Christi" was written by an openly-gay Texas writer, who used it as a way to tell his story as a youngster growing up. The student director who is putting the play on in Stephenville says it is about unconditional love, but opponents say it is wrong.

Tell me what you think. http://bit.ly/DawnStories

I never thought I'd say those words out loud.  Let's be honest, I didn't know what a 'vajayjay' was until I started do research for the story I covered today. 

YES, there is research involved in Vajazzling.  Va-WHAT, you say?  Wecome to my world of being the station's sex reporter.  Yes, you heard me.

Watch my story here on the33tv.com, then go get a Vajazzle of your own @ www.kristieluvstyle.com

Is there a doctor in the house? Anyone? Many people are happy about health care reform but there may be some unintended consequences including a severe doctor shortage. Right now America needs 125,000 family practice doctors and that number is expected to grow to 250,000 by the year 2025. 

Here is the real concern: 32 million more people will soon have access to health care. Will they be able to find one? If not the entire debate about health care will have been a cruel exercise in political haymaking. What's worse, uninsured and not being able to see a doctor or being insured and not being able to see a doctor?

I hope government incentives help lure medical students to become family practice doctors. It won't happen overnight so don't take an asprin or call me in the morning. 

Pediatric occupational therapy used to be for kids with severe disabilities, but not anymore. More and more parents tese days are sending their kids to OT to better prepare them for school. We met a mom and dad who sent their young son to OT to improve his hand-eye coordination and writing skills and it's worked.

I think it's great that parents have access to things that can improve their kids lives. I could have used some of that when I was a kid, ask any photographer/editor and they'll tell you I have the worst handwriting in the world. I like to believe that it's due to years of having to write so quickly. It can be a real pain especially when we work out in the field and I have to read my handwriting to record my voice for a story. Let's just say it can be challenging.

I wonder if I should enroll in a little OT to improve my handwriting skills. Ask any photographer/editor here and they'll say yes. I knew I should have gone to medical school.

What is your breaking point when it comes to paying for a movie ticket; $10, $15 or more? More people will be asking themselves that question after an overnight price hike by some of the largest movie theatre chains in the country.

AMC Entertainment and others increased prices on mostly splashy shows, like 3-D and IMAX ticekts. Some of the increases are almost 10% and for some that is just too much. The increases don't include the extras, like concessions that can really add up.

It is easy for a family of four to spend upwards of $70, just to see a movie. At what point, do they say "I'll wait for the DVD?" I guess we'll see. Check out my story.

http://bit.ly/DawnStories

That is the name of a seminar held today at Centennial Medical Center. It was those exploring the possibilities of getting pregnant.

Do you get worried when you know a stranger is going to show up and buy something that you have posted on Craigs List? Who doesn't after reading the crimes associated with the popular classifieds site.

A Plano woman thinks she has the solution in a new showroom, where buyers can go to look at items and sellers never have to even meet the buyer. It is an interesting concept. The warehouse opens this week.

Mary James says she got the idea after she got scared while trying to sell a tanning bed. We''ll check back in in a few months to see how the new venture is going.

http://bit.ly/DawnStories

Who knew that a Texas law makes it legal for a consenting parent to show pornography to minor children. That would shock most people, but a Dallas mother is finding out it is the case.

Crystal Buckner says her ex-husband showed their two young daughters graphic, online porn as part of he says is "sex education". She wants to see him prosecuted, but officials say their hands are tied because of the law.

Several lawmakers say they will try to seal up this gaping loophole giving parents the right to show porn to kids next session. But, that may be too late for Crystal and her daughters to see justice. http://bit.ly/DawnStories

Proof that you learn something new everyday. I'd never really given it much thought but I figured there wasn't any difference in the way most hospitals deal with childbirth. I mean really, mom gives birth, family is healthy and goes home in a day or two. Done. Boy, or in this case, girl was I wrong. There are actually hospitals designated Baby-Friendly. There are only five in Texas and they all belong to the Texas Health Resources hospital chain. The designation is given by the World Health Organization and in order to get that tag the hospital has to implement a ten step program. I'll tell you about three of them and their impact.

Skin to skin. When the baby is born the baby is immediately handed over to mom. Experts say that skin to skin contact. Experts say that alone regulates the babies heartbeat and creates an instant bond between mom and baby.

Breastfeeding: It starts about an hour after birth and at Texas Health HEB it's credited as lowering the rate of jaundice by 60%.

Nap time: From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. the lights go out in the hallway and everyone tries to keep it down. Why? Mom is getting some sleep.

Are most babies born the same way? Maybe so, but it's what happens in the 48 hours after that can make a hospital baby-friendly.

It's not a groundbreaking study but I think it's pretty interesting. You know all the flash-bang hype over every new athletic shoe launch? Well, don't pay attention.

According to a new study flip-flops and flat most flat footwear are better for your knees than some athletic shoes, walking shoes or clogs. Researchers say the flatter the footwear the better because it losely mimics walking in bare feet. Flip flops and flats had a load of 15% less than the other shoes I just mentioned.

Bottom line? Shoes are made to comfort the feet without much thought about the knees. Next time you slip on a pair of flip flops, you knees will thank you.

No, not booze.  Photographs!

Women are shelling out big $$$ to have professionals take sensual, saucy, sexy pictures of them.  It is often a present for a man in their lives, but ends up they get the best gift of all.

Why?

Look me up and I'll hook you up (with the answer) here on the33tv.com

CW's "Fly Girls" is getting a lot of attention and not because of it's artful editing or compelling story lines. The show follows five Virgin America flight attendants as they jet around, party and date. It's been criticized as sexiest and a step back for the profession. "When it comes time to evacuate an aircraft people want someone who looks like they know what there doing said American Airlines flight attendant Veronica Goettl. She said the reality is, being a flight attendant is anything but glamorous. "Now in days being a flight attendant is just a matter of getting there, taking a shower, sleeping getting up and going back."