COVID-19

Focalpod at Plexpod

Plexpod’s new ‘Focalpod’ private, air-filtered workspaces are like stepping inside a mask, says founder

Editor’s note: Plexpod is a financial sponsor of Startland News. This report was produced independently by Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. Step inside. Roll the door shut. Just about all you’ll hear is the soft whirring of a HEPA filtration ventilation system that cycles air through Plexpod’s new Focalpod private offices every two minutes, said Gerald…

Still working from home? Don’t get too comfortable, cyber security experts warn

Transitioning to home-based operations proved a valuable step in combating the COVID-19 threat this spring, but it appears to have exposed a remote, internet-reliant workforce to a different kind of virus — the ongoing scourge of cyberattacks. “Cybercriminals have a much larger, more engaged audience right now to target because of the increases in peoples’…

UMKC, Kauffman launch $100K resiliency grant fund for minority-owned businesses hit by COVID

Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial sponsor of Startland News. This report was produced independently by Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. A new $100,000 fund is expected to help minority-owned Kansas City businesses — left out of initial rounds of COVID-19 relief — to build resiliency and come back stronger as the…

Dave Derr, Wiener Wagon, Overland Park Farmers Market

Socially reduced crowds a ‘really tough blow’ to vendors as markets balance safety, survival

Crowds reduced by COVID-19 precautions and confusion over what’s actually open have yielded dramatically reduced revenue for vendors who rely on Kansas City’s farmers markets, craft fairs and other public events. “To go eight years doing something and then suddenly you’re straight-up 50-60 percent of [the revenue], that’s a really tough blow,” said Dave Derr,…

Ag giant Cargill teams with Plug and Play for new Topeka accelerator, set to debut in fall

TOPEKA — Corporate food and agriculture giant Cargill has inked a deal with Plug and Play to serve as founding partner for its animal health and agtech accelerator program in Topeka.  The companies announced the news Wednesday, firming up details surrounding the launch of the long-awaited accelerator — first announced in September 2019 and originally slated to…