Latest Stories
How Rock Island Bridge is turning 3 million pounds of steel into KC’s next entertainment hub
When the in-the-works Rock Island Bridge opens in 2024, the hulking infrastructure renewal project will become Kansas City’s — and America’s — first “destination landmark bridge,” said Mike Zeller. And the effort pointedly capitalizes on one of the metro’s most overlooked assets: its rivers. “We’re maybe the biggest river town in America that hasn’t really…
Building your eco-friendly dream home can be time suck, co-founders say; a new app gives renovators the keys to energy efficiency
KINGSTON, New York — Sustainability shouldn’t just be an add-on for new homebuyers or renovators, said Brad Johnsmeyer, noting recent improvements in technology make critical upgrades to elements like insulation, water heaters, and solar features more financially accessible — but not always approachable to the everyday person. “It’s gotten to the point where it’s almost a…
How a Kansas chocolate shop dips into decades of decadence, creativity for timeless treats
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. TOPEKA — Hazel Hill Chocolate embodies a three-generation family tradition that today applies freestyling innovation to craft custom and award-winning handmade chocolate and confections in the heart of Kansas. “I…
This orthodox priest-turned-indie rock artist has more than a few singles up his sleeve
Writing the lyrics to the next song in his life, Kansas City social entrepreneur Father Justin Mathews is pushing the boundaries of indie rock through a new album and breakthrough single. The debut track “Even the Sea,” released by Mathews’ social venture platform, Not Made By Hands, is out now. A full album — “The…
Web3 conference aims to demystify blockchain, making evolving tech more accessible
The future of blockchain has arrived, said Shekhar Gupta, noting that since the technology first gained mainstream interest, it has proven critical in a wide range of use cases that could help to reshape the world as consumers and innovators know it. “A lot has changed in the last three or four years in the…
KC startup’s assests acquired by InnovaPrep; founder says best partners share ‘niche’ expertise
Clara Biotech was one of the first startups to complete BioTools Innovator’s accelerator in 2021, said Jim West; now the Kansas-built startup’s CEO is fully aboard the entrepreneur-boosting effort as associate director — and with his own company’s exit behind him. West, co-founder of Clara Biotech — which launched first-of-its-kind cancer detection in 2015 from…
Art Garden KC grows maker market from Sunday pop-up to seasonal shopping experience
While unpredictable Midwest weather canceled the outdoor finale of Art Garden KC’s season this weekend at the Berkley Riverfront, the spirit of the maker market will pop up again soon with an indoor event in the Crossroads. Art Garden KC’s Beggars Bazaar — set for 6 .m. to 9 p.m. Friday Nov. 3 — returns…
KU unveils ‘Origin Stories’ of its best-known traditions; project reunites KC artist with her alma mater
LAWRENCE — An installation inspired by a phrase deeply familiar to University of Kansas alumni and fans across the region — “Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU” — is set to be permanently displayed on Mount Oread, diving deep into the origins of the local traditions. “It all began with being interested in the origin stories of…
New mix in the Cauldron: Anti-capitalist storefront with obscure books, vegan food brewing
A worker-owned, community-centered bookstore and plant-based cafe — manifested by Cauldron Collective and Turnsol Books — is expected to fully open soon in the Crossroads. “I’ve thought about the space in various ways for my whole life,” said Olive Cooke, self-proclaimed “cooking witch” and co-founder of the Cauldron Collective. “I believe in manifestation, like when…
A comfy sweatshirt when the world is on fire? It’s just the start for this mental health advocate-turned-entrepreneur
Clever Babes founder Hannah Milks is passionate about building community around mental health and self care in Kansas City, she shared. The Liberty native is using her knowledge of design and somatics — plus her lived experience tending to herself through various mental health stages — to help other people care for themselves and connect…
