Startland News Staff
Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.
Recent Stories by Startland News Staff
Pilot program targets $50K ops grants to culturally-driven orgs, businesses in the arts
Small arts programs across the region could receive a $50,000 grant from a new pilot program that aims to provide vital sustainability funding for arts-centric businesses and organizations that often fall through the cracks. Applications for the Cultural Sustainability grants are open through 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. The program plans to give general operating…
Chef Dwight Tiller wants to disrupt the macaroni market; up first: he has the Muncheez
A new concept from a popular food truck-turned-food hall chef is more than just a cheesy transition between menus, Dwight Tiller said, it’s an evolution of his journey to bring higher quality and innovation to a culinary category often coated with forgettable flavors. Muncheez — a bold pivot from Tiller’s signature nachos to Kansas City’s mac-and-cheese…
Trendsetting Crossroads brewer taps another first: KC’s only locally-owned non-alcoholic beer
A star on the Kansas City craft beer is setting a new baseline for inclusivity on the local brewing scene, said Eric Martens, introducing the metro’s first hometown non-alcoholic beer — a product of months dedication and innovation, he added. Border Brewing Co. on Friday announced its new Baseline brew — a canned offering crafted…
Sustainable data center near downtown KCMO to help power capacity with $143M investment
Kansas City is building on its reputation as a hub for partners looking to tap into a region rich with infrastructure built for the future, said Steven Anthony, announcing the grand opening of another major, sustainable data center in KCMO. Edged — a vertically integrated global platform of on-demand data centers with operations designed to…
KC2026 team hires cybersecurity, explosives expert for key World Cup ops-planning role
In its latest high-profile move, the team behind Kansas City’s 2026 World Cup planning has tapped a former U.S. Secret Service special agent — notably the veteran of a years-long United Nations General Assembly assignment — to lead KC2026’s safety and security efforts. Kyle Postell already has led critical infrastructure protection efforts, conducted comprehensive vulnerability…
Kauffman Foundation adds chief IT officer to CEO’s cabinet; role will use tech to open access, opportunities
A Kauffman Foundation tech veteran is expected to help align the organization’s technology priorities in support of its mission to reduce barriers in college access, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace. Donell Hammond, who joined the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2018, has been named chief information technology officer and a member of…
Kansas secures $8.2M for digital equity plans; part of Biden’s ‘Internet for all’ initiative
New grant funding is expected to boost efforts to empower Kansans and Sunflower State communities with the digital tools and skills necessary to meaningfully benefit from high-speed Internet service. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on Wednesday announced funding pathways for Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, allowing the…
New KC podcast ‘Beyond the Founder’ explores the human side of entrepreneurship
Founder admits he doesn’t know everything, but getting vulnerable could shed light on the answers Editor’s Note: Startland News serves as the in-kind media sponsor of “Beyond the Founder.” This story was produced independently by Startland News’ staff. For 23-year-old Will Strout, the entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about profit margins and business plans — it’s…
Shopify-linked e-commerce platform adds $5M KCMO investment to its cart, delivering 46 new jobs to region
A 113,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Kansas City is expected to help Miami-based OpenStore provide faster and more efficient service to its growing portfolio of e-commerce brands — and bring $2 million in payroll to the region in the next five years. Opening in March 2025, the project is expected to ultimately create 46 new jobs…
Generator Studio promotes trio of longtime employees to premiere design firm’s ownership team
Three new additions to the ownership structure at Crossroads-based Generator Studio — the first such change in the studio’s 15-year history — each helped transform the very landscape of Kansas City, said co-founder Mike Kress. “They fully capture the spirit of Generator,” he continued, announcing that veteran team members Peter Baird, Christina Franklin, and Andrew…