News Stories

Jamon Buford and Kyle J. Benson-Smith, Strong Start Make Readies, Determination, Incorporated

New focus will offer jobs to formerly incarcerated people on the path to second chance entrepreneurship, says nonprofit

Kansas City-based Determination, Incorporated is refocusing its mission with a new social enterprise business that will directly place formerly incarcerated individuals into employment soon after they return home. Strong Start Make Readies is expected to provide jobs to people exiting incarceration as members of make ready crews at Kansas City area apartment complexes, single-family rental…

Chef Charles D'Ablaing, J. Rieger

J. Rieger spices up its strategy with KC culinary star; new tastes already hitting destination distillery’s menu 

Deep fried and doubling down, the minds behind J. Rieger and Co. are distilling a new era that’s expected to make the local tourist destination one of Kansas City’s best places to work — and to grab one of its most legendary spicy chicken sandwiches.  “If you didn’t already know, you quickly come in here and…

Andrew Potter, RoKC; Jay Fleer, Mission Barbell Club; and Josie Buford, Folds of Honor Kansas City

Crush it, live hard and honor the 13 folds: Trio of KC gyms join intense challenge, salute sacrifice

Most Americans don’t know the true weight of these American flags — folded 13 times into a triangle and presented to a fallen service member or veteran’s next of kin, said Josie Buford. To better communicate the heavy burden they represent, she organized a physical challenge that’s uniting three Kansas City businesses. The 13 Folds…

Fahteema Parrish, Parrish & Sons Construction, right, accepting the Business Equity Award at the 2022 KC Chamber Small Business Celebration; photos by Channa Steinmetz/Startland News

Inclusivity succeeds when founders are held accountable, says winner of Chamber’s equity award

Fahteema Parrish doesn’t mind putting forward extra work to make sure her employees feel included, she shared, embracing an environment that supports individuals of all backgrounds.  “Parrish & Sons Construction is an example of what intentional execution of equitable work within an organization actually looks like. Equality and inclusivity are key focal points as my…

Fans react Thursday at Power & Light as news breaks that Kansas City will host during the 2026 World Cup; photos by Channa Steinmetz/Startland News

KC scores 2026 World Cup for Arrowhead; games expected to mean big business for region’s economy

Fans rallied in near-triple-digit heat Thursday in the heart of Kansas City as the region scored a longtime goal: earning a spot on the roster of 16 host cities for the coming 2026 FIFA World Cup. “To be named a host city for not only the biggest single sport event in history, but as part…