SUMMARY: To celebrate National Dog Day, the studio welcomed three dogs: Mac, Sandy, and Leo. Sandy sports a playful lipstick kiss from Kim Castro, while lively one-year-old Leo kept everyone entertained. The dogs’ owners, also producers, shared that it’s usually breakfast, walk, or nap time for them. The studio enjoyed the furry therapy vibe and encouraged viewers to treat their dogs with special offers from PetSmart (buy one, get one 25% off on treats), Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar (coupon with dog bowl and entree), and free Puppuccinos from Starbucks. Viewer-submitted dog photos added to the joyful celebration of our furry friends.

We had in-studio guests to help us celebrate.

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SUMMARY: A Texas House panel approved Senate Bill 8, limiting transgender people’s use of bathrooms in government buildings, marking the first House advancement of a “bathroom bill” in over eight years. The bill, backed by Gov. Greg Abbott, passed 9-3 in committee and now heads to the House floor. SB 8 imposes penalties on institutions allowing restroom use not matching sex assigned at birth and extends restrictions to schools, universities, shelters, prisons, and jails. Opponents warn it promotes harassment and violence, while supporters cite protection of women and children. The bill includes measures to shield it from legal challenges. Lawmakers must pass bills by Sept. 13.

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SUMMARY: A week after Texas House Democrats fled to block Republicans’ redistricting vote on the “Big, Beautiful Map,” Republicans are pushing bills to punish or prevent future quorum breaks. Proposed measures include banning fundraising during quorum breaks, vacating seats after seven unexcused absences, and lowering the quorum threshold from two-thirds to a simple majority. While Republicans support these bills, they failed to censure the Democrats. Democrats face fines exceeding $9,000 each for their absence, including costs for Texas DPS efforts to return them. Additionally, a Senate proposal aims to ban fundraising during special sessions to deter quorum breaks and save taxpayer money.

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