Today’s Forecast

40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.

🌊 Wave to the new aquarium

Here’s the name and opening date for the Kansas City Zoo’s new aquarium

We’re nearing the o-fish-al opening. | Photo by KCtoday

The new Kansas City Zoo aquarium is gushing toward the fin-ish line. Officials announced the opening date will be Friday, Sept. 1.

“The last time we gathered at this site, which was about a year and a half ago, we had announced the initial construction,” Wesley Fields, Chair of Friends of the Zoo Board of Directors, said. “It’s kind of hard to believe what can occur in an 18 month period.”

Leaders also announced the new name — Sobela Ocean Aquarium. The name is an acronym for Shirley Helzberg’s grandchildren — Sawyer, Oliver, Benton, Elias, Leo, Amelia, and Arthur. Helzberg was a major donor in the fundraising effort.

Access to the Sobela Ocean Aquarium will be included with Zoo admission and memberships.

🐟 Here’s what’s in shore

Photo showing an aquarium tunnel and walls of glass looking into exhibits — Here, fishy fishy.
|
Photo by KCtoday

The 650,000-gallon aquarium will feature 8,000 animals, including sea otters, sharks, a sea turtle, and a giant Pacific octopus. 34 exhibits plan to tell the stories of ocean currents, habitats, and conservation.

“Adding to the successes we’ve seen in Kansas City in recent years [...] We add this: Something that will entertain generations of Kansas City,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “And more than anything, that will allow this city to remain world class and to be the dynamic tourist destination, entertainment, academic destination that we know it to be.”

💰 All accounted for

The majority of funding for the aquarium came from the Zoological District, a tax base established by voters in Jackson and Clay counties in 2012. This eighth-cent sales tax contributed $45,000 to the project. The rest was met by private donations.

“This is a great day not just for the zoo and the aquarium but for the partnership that exists between Clay and Jackson counties,” Jerry Nolte, Clay County Commissioner, said.

Events

Wednesday, May 10

Family Night | Wednesday, May 10 | 5-8 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Ln., Lenexa, KS | Free | Bring the whole family for free activities and discounted food + drink specials.
Networking for Young Professionals | Wednesday, May 10 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Parlor, 1707 Locust St., Kansas City, MO | $10 | Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and networking with fellow young professionals, hosted by KC Crew.

Thursday, May 11

Mother’s Day Pop-Up | Thursday, May 11 | 4-6 p.m. | Lightwell, 1100 Main St., Kansas City, MO | Free | Find a gift for mom with a complimentary cocktail + snacks.
Billy Idol | Thursday, May 11 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $138-$193 | This English classic rocker is known for songs like “Dancing With Myself” and “Rebel Yell.”

Friday, May 12

Meet a Mermaid | Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 21 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium in Crown Center | $20-$23 | Watch mermaids swim with sharks and stingrays, and grab a picture with meet-and-greet photo ops.
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra presents Riff Generation | Friday, May 12 | 7-9 p.m. | Medallion Theater, 300 E. 39th St., Kansas City, MO | $23-$60 | Tap into new music rooted in the Kansas City jazz tradition.
Kansas City Ballet presents “Bliss Point” | Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 21 | Times vary | Kauffman Center | $34-$134 | Three contemporary dance pieces — “Sandpaper Ballet,” “Petite Mort,” and “Cacti” — each explore distinctive styles and messages.

Saturday, May 13

Lenexa Art Fair | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Lenexa Civic Campus, 17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS | Free | Browse regional artists and enjoy live music, wine + beer tasting, and activities for the kids.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Active

🚲 How to have a wheelie fun time during National Bike Month

How to have a wheelie fun time during National Bike Month

Presented by a KCtoday Partner

How do you bike, KC? | Photo via Mid-American Regional Council

ICYMI, it’s National Bike Month, which was established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists. With warmer temps on the horizon, now is a great chance to get back on your bike and experience the benefits of cycling (think: exercise, the opportunity to get outdoors, a new way to see our community, and more).

Don’t have a bike of your own? There are a variety of bikes you can use to explore the Kansas City area, including e-bikes to help you conquer hills or adaptive bikes that can give wheels to those with disabilities. Read: There’s a bike out there for everyone. (See pricing details for rentals here.)

Kansas City’s bike share system, RideKC Bike, is also offering 30% off annual memberships throughout May.

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is celebrating biking by highlighting different community events around the region, from group rides and bike repairs with WycO Bike-O to weekly KC family bicycle rides on the Trolley Track Trail, and so much more.

Bonus: MARC offers access to resources like the Regional Trails and Bikeways Map to help you plan your own ride. You’ll also find bicycling education guides, which give you the tools and skills to try biking for transportation.

Passionate about biking? Listen to the stories of Kansas City area residents who love to bike — and while you’re there, tell us your own bike story.*

Pedal away, KC

News Notes

Civic

The City of Kansas City received a LEED for Cities Gold Certification in recognition of good sustainability performance. The program provides a framework encompassing social, economic, and environmental indicators. Gold is the second best after platinum.
Jackson County legislators unanimously voted to start construction on a new $301 million jail. The 1,000-bed facility will go up in eastern Jackson County — at 7000 E. US 40. Leaders hope to finish to build by the end of 2025. (Kansas City Star)

Open

May Day Paper & Post, a new stationary store, recently opened in the West Plaza neighborhood — at 1715 Westport Rd., KCMO. The company sells things like artsy cards, stickers, and journals. A grand opening celebration is planned for Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Try This

We’re gushing about this one. The City of Fountains Foundation launched a Kansas City Fountains bus tour. Participants will take a 90-minute ride to visit some of KC’s most iconic watery wonders. Tours run every third Saturday of the month. Adult tickets are $20. (FOX4)

Sports

Sporting KC continues tournament play in the US Open Cup today, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. — away against the Houston Dynamo. The winner of this game will move onto the final 16 teams. Here’s how to watch.

Award

The American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame is down to 10 finalists, and one of them is from KC. Fast Eddy Maurin is a retired competition barbecuer who pioneered his own line of grills + smokers. Inductees will be announced Wednesday, May 24. (Feast Magazine)

Community

KC Current is partnering with Bank of America to improve a STEM Lab at East High School. KCMO’s largest public high school will receive laptops + equipment storage. The team will also hold free community soccer clinics. Dates, times, and project deadlines were not announced.

State

Missouri officially surpassed $1 billion in legal marijuana sales, according to The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulations. Medical marijuana began less than three years ago, and dispensaries have already sold $350 million since recreational became legal. (FOX4)

Holiday

How to win Mother’s Day? Send the mother figure in your life iconic meals and desserts from across the country with Goldbelly. Think: Ina Garten’s coconut cake, a New York bagel brunch kit, and a chef’s steak dinner for four. Yup, it’s all on Goldbelly.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Drink

🍹 A mocktail moment

Recipe: a zero-proof Moscow mule

Add two ounces of pomegranate juice to your Moscow mule for an added tropical punch. | Photo by Michael D. Wilson via Ritual Zero Proof Spirits

If you love the occasional nightcap but hate the hangover that follows (or already enjoy concocting flavorful mixed drinks sans alcohol), Ritual Zero Proof’s spirits will be a great addition to your home bar kit. The award-winning alcohol-free liquors offer a 1:1 spirit replacement, so you can use them just as you would traditional spirits.

Ritual Zero Proof offers alcohol-free tequila, rum, gin, and whiskey that are made using all-natural botanical ingredients to mimic the taste and smell of liquor. Bonus: Ritual Zero Proof’s website has a slew of cocktail recipes we’re drooling over. We’re featuring one of our favorites below.

Traditional Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

2 oz. Ritual Zero Proof Gin
1/2 oz. lime juice
4 oz. ginger beer
Lime wedges (garnish)

Directions:

Fill a copper mug or tumbler with ice. Add all ingredients. Stir and garnish with lime wedges.

Bonus: Buy these copper mugs and the viral nugget ice maker to elevate your cocktail night.*

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Travis

From the editor

The National Bike Month piece makes me think of my recent adventures trying to capture as many downtown murals as possible (story coming later). There are so many that I decided to not walk, not drive, but bike around every street I could find — and when I saw a big mural, I’d just pull off onto the sidewalk and snap a picture. The best routes with bike lanes? Grand Boulevard, Oak Street, and 18th Street. Pro tip: Always ride with front and rear lights.

Missed yesterday's newsletter?

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY