😎So, what is an eclipse?; James Spaniolo returns; Calling all Kyle(s)

Weather permitting, most of the U.S. should see a partial or total eclipse today. Here’s what you need to know:

• The rare celestial event won’t happen again until 2044. 

• The last total solar eclipse in the U.S. was in 2017. 

• The time to watch in Fort Worth is 1:41 pm.

• This eclipse’s path is wider (up to 122 miles) than in 2017 and will pass over more people. 

• The amount of time the Moon completely blocks the Sun (totality) will be nearly four minutes in some areas, nearly twice as long as 2017. 

• During the eclipse, expect a minor temperature drop, some animals to act unusually and streetlights to flicker briefly.

• The sky may shine in a unique way with stars, several planets, and perhaps a rare comet visible.  

Lockheed Martin says the Greek government has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance formalizing its intention to acquire 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed company. The purchase includes personnel training and training equipment to ensure smooth integration. The deal is valued at $1.24 billion.

The $1-billion bet on Fort Worth’s Cultural District? It’s not “just a bar district.” Can real estate investment change its perception? Read about it here.

Dallas-based Ojala Partners LP has drawn up and submitted preliminary plans for a $150-million addition to the Siddons Place affordable housing development in the Near Southside. The plans quadruple the number of units at the development managed by Fort Worth Housing Solutions.

Caitlin Clark and her Iowa teammates could not take down undefeated South Carolina in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game, but check out some of the records Clark set this season.

Bally regional sports networks announced a multi-year carriage renewal with Charter Communications, which includes the Spectrum TV Select Package in this market.

The 2024 NCAA women’s gymnastics national selections will be determined today, leading up to the finals April 18-20 in Fort Worth. Check out the bracket.

If you don’t already have an Eclipse songlist prepared, here are some suggestions:

• Ain’t No Sunshine, Bill Withers

• Here Comes The Sun, Beatles

• Moon Shadow - Cat Stevens

• Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler

• Dark Side of The Moon - Pink Floyd

DFW Airport has a Concessions Workshop event Wednesday, May 1 at the Irving Convention Center from 1 to 5 pm. There will be a Business Diversity (BDD) Workshop and a Bonfire Workshop. Parties preparing/have prepared joint ventures are highly recommended to attend. Vendor tables will be available. For information, email [email protected].

Trivia: Only six people have been a major party’s White House nominee three times. Can you name them?

Believe it or not: On May 18, the city of Kyle, Texas aims to break the Guinness World Record for the largest same-name gathering with its “Gathering of the Kyles.” Last year 1,490 Kyles showed up. To break the record, the city will need more than 2,325, which was the gathering of “Ivans” in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Snippets:

• Mark Cuban looks for two qualities in employees.

• The U.S. is the top country for millionaires and billionaires.

• Looking for growth? Start with your current customers.

• College is still worth it, research finds, although these majors have the lowest rate of return.

Announcements:

• UNT System: Adds former UT-Arlington President James Spaniolo as Special Advisor to Chancellor Michael Williams.

• Austin Commercial: Promotes Susan Grawe to Sr. Director of Aviation - Business Development & Marketing

• United Way of Tarrant County: Hires Marcia Etie as Development Director.

• TCU: Extends contract of head basketball coach Jamie Dixon through 2029-30 season.

• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Hires Nikki Diller as Vice President of Collections, Interpretation and Programs. 

• Sanara MedTech: Appoints Jake Waldrop Chief Operating Officer and Tyler Palmer Chief Corporate Development and Strategy Officer.

• GameStop: Agrees to separation with Chief Operating Officer Nir Patel.

Last poll results: Is the popularity of smartphones and social media the main factor behind America’s youth mental crisis? Yes (66%), No (20%), Unsure (14%).