Plus, Overland Park proposes $200 million towards public works.
 
03.04.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

68º | 21% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:45 a.m. | Sunset 6:14 p.m.
 

☀️ No sunny business

Your stargazing guide to astronomical events in 2024
Three people wear solar viewers and look up outside of the Kansas City National Security Campus.
As a bonus, your eclipse glasses will make a stylish accessory year-round. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Between about 12 and 2 p.m. on Monday, April 8, you may notice the sun looking a little different. Don’t freak out. It’s completely normal — in fact, we’ll tell you how to make the most of the spectacle.

What’s on the horizon

An eclipse is any event where an astronomical body gets obscured, either by a shadow or by another body.

This year will see a total solar eclipse cross the US on Monday, April 8, as the moon completely blocks out the sun. It will be visible in Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, to name a few states in its path.

A map of the US showing the paths of totality for the 2023 and 2024 Total Solar Ecplipses, with description text by NASA. The yellow 2023 line crosses from Oregon through Texas, while the blue 2024 line crosses up from Texas through Maine.

These calculations are heavy duty — you’re looking for the blue line. | Photo via NASA

If you’re anywhere near the path of totality, it’s worth the drive: total solar eclipses only occur at the same spot once every 375 years. Missouri saw a total eclipse in 2017, but another won’t come anywhere near the metro until 2045.

Totality will last only four minutes. Exact start times vary by state, but will range from 1:40 p.m. in Fort Worth, TX to 3:18 p.m. in Buffalo, NY (local time). Around those times — and in cities outside of the path of totality — a partial eclipse will be visible.

To safely view the whole eclipse, invest in a pair of solar viewers. These will help you safely watch the partial eclipse, though during totality it’s safe to catch the spectacle with the naked eye.

How to watch

Poplar Bluff, MO is the nearest town in the path of totality — about 6 hours by car.

Say you wanted to make the road trip. You would:
  • Want to leave before 8 a.m. in order to make totality 1:56 p.m.
  • Check the Poplar Bluff chamber’s eclipse guide for lodging, dining, and shopping options.
  • Consult our summer road trip checklist for essentials, playlists, and pet sitters.
Trying to stay in KC? That’s fine, too — around 2 p.m., the eclipse will still be at 90% totality in the metro. Pop on your solar viewers and enjoy the show.
More 2024 astronomical events
 
Events
Monday, March 4
  • A New Leaf (1971) | Monday, March 4 | 7-9 p.m. | Stray Cat Film Center, 1662 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO | $7 | See Elaine May’s directorial debut about a wealthy playboy plotting murder.
  • Nellie & Elise’s Clown Closet: For Her | Monday, March 4 | 7:30-9 p.m. | THE BLACK BOX in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave., Kansas City, MO | $15-$45 | Spend an hour inside the goofy nightmare that is Nellie and Elise’s shared brain.
Tuesday, March 5
  • Rust & Chrome & Lights & Poems | Tuesday, March 5-Sunday, April 14 | Times vary | Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Ave., Overland Park, KS | Free | This exhibit showcases the intersection of Guinotte Wise’s sculpting skills and poetic expression.
Wednesday, March 6
  • Paint Your Pet | Wednesday, March 6 | 6-8:30 p.m. | City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen, 1740 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO | $45 | Your ticket gets you a free drink, a pre-traced canvas, and the supplies you need to paint your pet.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Travel

Unleash your wild side with Tanganyika Wildlife Park’s Season Passes
a woman and a child sit on a rock with 2 lemurs in their lap
Every wildlife encounter at Tanganyika is carefully designed to be fun, spontaneous, and, most importantly, unforgettable. | Photo provided by Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Escape to the wild all year long with a season pass to Tanganyika Wildlife Park, on sale now through Friday, March 15.

Seize the opportunity to discover an affordable adventure for nature-loving families, promising thrills and lasting memories at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, located just outside of Wichita. From interactive wildlife encounters with lemurs and giraffes to exclusive events, there’s something for everyone at Tanganyika.

So why a season pass? Glad you asked. They unlock the door to:
  • VIP Treatment: Enjoy early entry, winter access, and pass-member exclusive events.
  • Unlimited Visits: Visit as often as you’d like throughout the season. Plus, gold members can bring a guest every visit.
  • Splash Park Access: Dive into fun with access to the family-friendly splash park.
  • Exclusive Perks: Receive special discounts on food, merchandise, and park experiences.
Read: Season passes grant you access to the ultimate Tanganyika experience. Don’t settle for just a fleeting day of adventure — embrace a full season of wow with a season pass. Explore pass options (starting at $24.99) and tailor your experience below.
Buy a pass
News Notes
Development
  • Overland Park’s proposed five-year financial plan includes over $200 million directed towards public works. Ongoing projects include a new administrative building, bridge improvements, and widening thoroughfares. (Johnson County Post)
Announced
  • Cage the Elephant will come to Starlight Theatre on its “Neon Pill” Tour with Bakar and Young the Giant on Saturday, Sept. 14. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m.
Shop
  • Charlie Hustle will open a pop-up at 1380 Main St., just off the streetcar stop at Power & Light. The store will open on Thursday, March 7 with a “12 Days of the Big 12" experience.
Art
  • The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art will host its Artist Dinner Series celebrating global artists and local chefs. The first dinner will honor the late Hung Liu on Friday, April 5. Tickets start at $300.
Traffic
  • A section of 43rd Street east of Main Street will close tomorrow for streetcar construction until mid-April. Motorists can access Walnut Street via 41st and 44th streets, while pedestrians will be able to access crosswalks on the south and west sides of the intersection.
Cause
  • For Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Q39 is bringing back its Reuben and donating 100% of proceeds from every sandwich sold to the Rob Magee Memorial Fund for Cancer Research. The sandwich was a favorite of Rob Magee, Q39’s founder, who died of colon cancer in 2021.
Finance
  • Visiting another city and looking for a brunch as good as The Farmhouse? Check a map. Having trouble picking a credit card? Check The Ascent. They recommend this card for its incredible perks (like 0% interest on balance transfers for almost two years + 2% cash back).*
 
The Buy

The Buy 3.04.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Mary Benson Art Collection is the solution to beautifully brightening your walls this spring.
Share KCtoday
 
ReferralGIF1-KC.gif

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_14}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_14}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Dayten Rose

Today’s edition by:
Dayten
From the editor
I might have to make the drive to Poplar Bluff myself. I was at school in Kirksville when the 2017 eclipse passed nearby. It must have been a sight to behold — but since it was pouring rain at the time, I can’t be totally sure.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

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.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY