Wednesday, February 21, 2024

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Howdy! On this day in 1943, women of the newly-created Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) squadron began training in Sweetwater, Texas. Over a thousand female pilots earned their wings, and thirty-eight lost their lives in the World War II war effort. (See the Full Story)

Make sure to head outside this week, as the weather (knocks on wood) is supposed to be sunny and warm. If you do anything particularly fun, shoot us a picture!

We’re trying to make The Texas Flyover a little better each day. If you have feedback, hit reply and pass it along.

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Body of Audrii Cunningham Found

The body of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was found in the Trinity River about ten miles south of Livingston, and the case has now transitioned into a murder investigation.

Cunningham was reported missing five days ago after not returning home from school in the town of Livingston. Police arrested Don Steven McDougal on suspicion of aggravated assault, and he is now expected to face capital murder charges.

McDougal, a friend of Audrii’s father, lived in a camper on the family’s property and was believed to be the last person to see her alive. The cause of death hasn’t been disclosed while the medical examiner continues to investigate.

Delta Offers New ‘Path of Totality’ Flight

April’s total solar eclipse is already making waves in Texas tourism, and now there’s a new viewing option: Delta Airlines is offering a “Path-of-Totality” flight on April 8 that will allow passengers to watch the eclipse from the sky.

Delta says the special eclipse flight will be on an Airbus A220-300, which has extra-large windows. The flight departs Austin at 12:15 p.m. and lands in Detroit at 4:20 p.m.

Tickets for the flight are selling out fast, with only a few main cabin seats remaining at $1,129 each. Travelers who can’t make this flight have more options on these other routes.

Brawl Erupts After Texas A&M Commerce Game

A giant brawl erupted after Texas A&M Commerce’s basketball team defeated the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. The fight started as the teams moved through the post-game handshake line, and you can see the video here.

Coaches and other players finally stopped the showdown after it spread into the stands. While it’s still unclear what sparked the fight, the Southland Conference and both universities say they’ll take appropriate disciplinary action.

The incident has been widely condemned, and both schools have issued a joint apology for the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by their basketball programs.

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➤ Lewisville: City officials approved a year-long ban on new rental properties that offer stays shorter than 30 days. The move comes after residents complained that temporary renters often behave badly, bringing excessive trash and crime. (Video)

➤ Marlin: Residents are demanding Governor Abbott deploy the Texas Rangers to investigate the city’s animal shelter after multiple dogs were found either dead or abused. (Video)

➤ Harlingen: The Valley International Airport announced it will use a $4.5 million FAA grant to construct a new air traffic control tower. The facility will also use the funds for runway expansion. (Video)

➤ Houston: Aldine Independent School District launched a $31M partnership with Memorial Hermann Hospital to build a new “HEAL” high school. The program will provide training for students pursuing medical careers. (Video)

➤ El Paso: Verizon is collaborating with the Department of Defense in a $1 million cell tower construction project. A total of 10 towers will provide 5G connectivity across the Fort Bliss Army base. (More)

➤ The University of Houston’s basketball team won a pivotal conference matchup against No. 6 Iowa State. Jamal Shead led No. 2 Houston to their 20th consecutive home win. (More)

➤ The Texas Rangers will lose third baseman John Jung for three weeks due to a calf strain injury while fielding grounders during spring training. In his rookie season, Jung recorded 70 RBIs in 122 games. (More)

➤ East Texas hosted two Major League Fishing tournaments at the Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn reservoirs. The top bass angler was Drew Gill from Illinois, securing a $38K third-place win at Toledo and $80K at Rayburn. (More)

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➤ San Marcos: Buc-ee’s is planning to build a third store within a 30-mile radius. The proposed 22-acre site will have 120 fuel pumps, charging stations, and 175 full-time job opportunities. (Video)

➤ Fort Worth: Over 400 union workers walked off the job at Molson Coors’ brewery in protest over the company not reaching an agreement with Teamsters Local 997. The sticking point is a new three-year contract. (More)

➤ Tyler: Texas economist Dr. Ray Perryman predicts this April’s total solar eclipse will create an estimated $200 million boost to cities in the eastern part of the state. That includes revenue from hotels, restaurants, gas, and merchandise sales. (Video)

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➤ Houston: NASA is seeking people with science and math backgrounds to join a year-long simulated Mars surface mission at the Johnson Space Center. The new program is geared to prep astronauts for future Mars expeditions. (More)

➤ Arlington: Six Flags Over Texas will make park improvements for the 2024 season. A new “Tweety and Sylvester” 41-foot-drop ride is coming, and “Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters” is returning, among other changes. (More)

➤ El Paso: A new yoga studio called Baaa-Maste provides residents with yoga sessions that involve baby and adult goats. This fitness style involves goats walking across your body while attempting yoga poses. (Video)

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