MRT: Solar Eclipse Arrives as TX Communities Brace for Crowds; Chancellor Sharp Predicts SA Campus Will Be A&M’s 2nd Largest; Garcia on Cornyn v. Paxton
Here's What You Need to Know in Texas Today.
MustReadTexas.com – @MustReadTexas
BY: @MattMackowiak
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MONDAY – 04/08/24
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TOP NEWS
“Driving to see the solar eclipse? These Texas roads may see the most traffic,” via Austin American-Statesman -- “State transportation officials are expecting heavy traffic Monday and the days leading up to the total solar eclipse.
Thousands of drivers could traverse state roads, as a large swath of Texas resides inside the eclipse's path of totality. In a news release, the Texas Department of Transportation said crews are preparing equipment and traffic signs, and will be available all day Monday. The Highway Emergency Response Operator program will also be available to help motorists.
Construction and maintenance work on major roads in the path of the eclipse will also be paused from Sunday to Tuesday. Here's how the 2024 solar eclipse will impact roads.
Texas roads impacted by solar eclipse traffic
Major corridors throughout the state could be impacted by eclipse traffic, as well as local farm-to-market and ranch-to-market roads within the eclipse's path of totality, department spokesperson Brad Wheelis told the Austin American-Statesman via email.
Here are some of the Texas roadways that could be impacted.
Eagle Pass and Uvalde: U.S. 57, U.S. 90, U.S. 277. and U.S. 377.
San Antonio, Austin, New Braunfels, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Burnet, Kerrville and Fredericksburg: Interstate 10, Interstate 35 and Interstate 37. U.S. 77, U.S. 79, U.S. 87, U.S. 183, U.S. 190, U.S. 281 and U.S. 290.
Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Copperas Cove, Killeen, Irving, Waxahachie and Plano: Interstate 20, Interstate 35 and Interstate 45.U.S. 67, U.S. 77, U.S. 80, U.S. 84, U.S. 175, U.S. 190, U.S. 287, U.S. 377 and U.S. 380.
Tyler, Longview and Paris: Interstate 30. U.S. 57, U.S. 69, U.S. 82, U.S. 259 and U.S. 277.
Safety tips for driving during the eclipse
Here are some safe driving tips, shared by the Department of Transportation:
> Expect heavy traffic in the days before and during the solar eclipse.
> Plan to leave early and stay late. Use DriveTexas.org to see live traffic conditions.
> Do not park in the middle of roads or on road shoulders. Find a safe place to park to view the eclipse.
> Keep your headlights on, even in daylight.
> Do not wear eclipse viewing glasses while driving.
What time is the eclipse in Texas?
Here's when totality will be visible in the following Texas cities, according to the department:
> Eagle Pass: 1:27 p.m.
> Uvalde: 1:29 p.m.
> San Antonio: 1:33 p.m.
> Austin: 1:36 p.m.
> Waco: 1:38 p.m.
> Dallas and Fort Worth: 1:40 p.m.
> Tyler: 1:43 p.m.
> Texarkana: 1:46 p.m.
What is a solar eclipse?
According to NASA, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, either fully or partially blocking the sun's light. This casts a momentary shadow on Earth.
A total solar eclipse, which will happen April 8, is when the moon completely blocks out the sun. These do not happen very often, and can only be experienced by people located in the center of the moon's shadow." AAS
TX TRIB: “Former Texas House speaker says GOP megadonor Tim Dunn told him only Christians should hold leadership positions” Texas Tribune
AP: “University of Texas professors demand reversal of job cuts from shuttered DEI initiative” AP
SAEN: “John Sharp predicts S.A. campus will be A&M's second-largest” SAEN
AP: “Southwest Airlines jet loses engine cover en route to Texas, forces emergency landing” AP
DMN: “NASA worker in Houston charged in sex assault” DMN
HOU CHRON: “Wife of a Harris County Judge charged with murder in nephew's death” Houston Chronicle
TX TRIB: “A new Texas law allows schools to hire chaplains as counselors. So far, only one school has opted into the program” Texas Tribune
TX TRIB: “Texas Supreme Court justice implies Democrats will cheat in 2024 election” Texas Tribune
SAEN: Gilbert Garcia column: “On a winning streak, Ken Paxton just might challenge John Cornyn” SAEN
EXTRA POINTS
This weekend's Texas sports scores:
Fri
> NBA: Mavericks 108, Warriors 106 DMN
> NBA: Heat 119, Rockets 104 Hou Chron
> NBA: Spurs 111, Pelicans 109 SAEN
> MLB: Rangers 10, Astros 2 DMN
Sat
> No NBA
> MLB: Rangers 7, Astros 2 Hou Chron
> NHL: Blackhawks 3, Stars 2 DMN
> MLS: Austin 4, San Jose 3 AP
> MLS: Chicago 2, Houston 1 Hou Chron
> MLS: St. Louis 0, Dallas 0 DMN
Sun
> NBA: Mavericks 147, Rockets 136 (OT) DMN
> NBA: 76ers 133, Spurs 126 (2OT) SAEN
> MLB: Astros 3, Rangers 1 DMN / Hou Chron
> NHL: Stars 7, Blackhawks 4 DMN
Tonight's Texas sports schedule:
> 7:05pm: MLB: Astros at Rangers
DALLAS COWBOYS: “Dak Prescott extension: Answering frequently-asked questions about Cowboys QB's contract" DMN
HOUSTON ASTROS: “Houston Astros acquire Jacob Amaya in trade with Miami Marlins" Houston Chronicle
HOUSTON ASTROS: “Astros' Justin Verlander injury update: Feels good after rehab start" Houston Chronicle
TEXAS OPEN: “Bhatia wins Texas Open playoff to get last Masters spot" AP