Government Stories

Topeka’s new community-built innovation incubator turns soil; leaders eager to show the world what grows

TOPEKA — It’s not just about breaking new ground in the state’s capital, said Neal Spencer; the Link Innovation Labs project’s global reach serves as “a foundation for growth, impact, and the future of our great city.” “It’ll be a hub for ideas, connection and opportunity — a place where startups launch, collaborators spark, and…

Global startups plug into Topeka: How Kansas connections are powering their innovation

TOPEKA — Collaboration in the Midwest is just a call away, said Romaine Redman. It’s a reality that sets the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem apart, he added, and a heartland trait that seeds Topeka’s Plug and Play accelerator with the potential for international impact. “I pick up the phone and I call someone, and they’re here…

No time to roll credits: Film tax incentives give Kansas City more screen time than ever

After Hallmark movie touchdown, TV and film crews are scoring big in Kansas City, official says With cameras rolling and spotlights shining, Kansas City is positioning itself as one of the Midwest’s most attractive film destinations, said Rachel Kephart, noting reinvigorated support from city hall and an effective mix of local and state incentives. Interest…

KCMO awards another $100K to help businesses boost outdoor dining ahead of World Cup

A fresh round of funding for upgraded outdoor dining experiences at small businesses across Kansas City, Missouri, will put entrepreneurs ahead of the game when World Cup revelers arrive in 2026, city officials said Thursday. Twelve recipients were chosen this week to receive their slice of $100,000 from KCMO’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program —…

‘Buy, buy, buy while we can’: This KC toy store is stockpiling Christmas gifts now as tariff reality unwraps 

Brett Goodwin and Alan Tipton are feeling even more thankful right now for the large, dry basement at The Learning Tree — the independent toy store they own in Prairie Village — amid worries over tariffs on Chinese imports and how they’ll impact prices from toy manufacturers. The best they can do to prepare: stockpile…