News Stories

‘Ghana is KC’s home team in World Cup’: How the West African soccer powerhouse matches Kansas City’s story

When Ghana punched its ticket to a World Cup match against Colombia Friday in Kansas City, Nia Webster already knew who she’d be cheering for. The West African country has become a second home to Webster, who first began making trips to Ghana as a child.

Privacy-first startup reimagines how cities, enterprises access real-world intelligence

As AI moves beyond screens and into streets, buildings, and logistics networks, Surge meets real-world demands by providing data delivered continuously and in real time to build an infrastructure layer that smart cities and autonomous systems actually need to function, its founders said.

Startup World Cup opens bracket (and $1M prize) to KC startups; regional tournament this fall at CPKC Stadium

Ten Kansas City finalists are expected to compete this September for a spot in the world’s largest startup conference and pitch competition — pitting Heartland innovation against founders from more than 100 regions around the globe.

Sports entertainment veteran homers with interactive gaming sports bar, baseball outing indoors

Serial entrepreneur Lance Windholz — who spiked a career in tech to build community around beach volleyball in Shawnee — is batting again; this time, taking a swing at sports entertainment and the resurgent popularity of baseball.

They closed their restaurant for weeks to prep for World Cup; six months later, that pause is paying off (at least on big game days)

One Crossroads favorite is capturing some of the bursts of travelers city officials and local FIFA World Cup organizers told businesses would come this summer. A freshly painted mural along the KC Streetcar line helped drive traffic, but success isn’t as simple as just hanging a soccer-themed welcome sign.