Latest Stories

J. Rieger earns role in new Jason Bourne thriller; chased with a shot of Monogram whiskey, neat

When Jason Bourne slides into his next literary adventure, the CIA asset-turned-runaway agent is expected to find himself barrel-bound in the East Bottoms, said Andy Rieger, teasing a new thriller in the Bourne series that adds an iconic Kansas City destination to the hero’s story. Rieger on Thursday revealed that J. Rieger & Co. Distillery…

Grab a plate, save a restaurant: KC’s 10-day crash course in cuisine could keep the doors open

The region’s culinary community is toasting the return of Kansas City Restaurant Week with anticipation — and hopes for a serving of survival amid an economic downturn that’s seen the closures of dining establishments new and old across the metro. “This event alone can hopefully at least keep us open,” said Nashaunda Law, founder of…

Meet 8 startups that just locked in move-faster funding from Digital Sandbox KC

An effort to “super-charge” innovative, emerging tech in Kansas City is helping more than a half-dozen companies with exceptional growth potential get their solutions to customers faster, said Jill Meyer, announcing the latest cohort of Digital Sandbox KC-funded startups. “These next great innovations are solving real-world problems and identifying gaps that their technologies can fill,”…

WeCode KC touts new grant funding aimed at boosting regional workforce readiness

A just-announced $50,000 grant is expected to help a homegrown workforce development program better prepare 18- to 26-year-old Kansas Citians for careers in high-demand technology fields, said Tammy Buckner, noting a ripple effect expected for the region. Kansas City-built WeCode KC has been selected as a 2025 grant recipient by the Greater Kansas City Community…

UMKC mascot gets nod of approval from bobblehead museum, hopping onto market

Roove over, KC Wolf. Another fan-favorite Kansas City mascot is getting its spot on the shelf as the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum this week unveiled an officially licensed, 8-inch bauble featuring the nearly-century-old icon. KC Roo — the school mascot for the University of Kansas City-Missouri, sometimes referred to as “Kasey the…

2026 Startups to Watch: dScribe tracks early momentum with West Coast-Midwest funding combinator

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…

2026 Startups to Watch: The Good Game connects young athletes with on-demand sports experts

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…

2026 Startups to Watch: Sova Dating builds emotional matches with vibes, logistics and an unexpected viral moment

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…

2026 Startups to Watch: LODAS Markets unlocks liquidity as timing pays off for founder’s investment

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…

2026 Startups to Watch: LAN Party gains steam with nostalgia as a hook, gaming enterprise potential as the real play

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…