Startland News Staff

Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.

Recent Stories by Startland News Staff

Designed with minimal parking, KC Current wants you to carpool to team’s next home match

A just-announced tech tool aims to help KC Current fans make sustainable and affordable transportation an easier choice on matchday as the hometown team continues a string of development wins at its new riverfront stadium. Current Carpool — a new feature from the free WAY TO GO trip planning and carpool matching app — connects…

These founders just earned Digital Sandbox KC funds; next comes proving their concepts

A trio of newly funded Digital Sandbox KC companies includes a closely-guarded startup launched by an exited Pipeline founder who also helped bring headline-grabbing sports tech to the forefront of the Kansas City innovation scene. Mission Hills, Kansas-based Chemniscient (pronounced kemʹniSH(Ə)nt) is currently operating confidentially and is not disclosing any product information to the public…

Kelce Jam returning to KC in May with Lil Wayne, Diplo, 2Chainz (plus Takis and Uncrustables)

Travis Kelce’s celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl championships not only flexes the star tight end’s pull with top-tier artists, but showcases his ability to attract major brand deals. Kelce Jam returns Saturday, May 18 to Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, Kansas, with musical performances personally curated by the three-time Super Bowl…

Bardavon founder moves to board as company promotes new CEO from its C-suite

Matt Condon spent the past decade driving Bardavon Health Innovations from an idea to where it is today, the healthtech founder said, but the path forward requires another leader — one with a unique set of skills and abilities. Bardavon on Monday announced Condon’s move from the CEO role at the company to its board…

Chingu founders, Mean Mule partner for KC’s first soju — a Korean nod to vodka, distilled with culture

Serial foodpreneurs Keeyoung Kim and David Son are launching the Midwest’s first locally distilled premium soju — a pays homage to the traditions of soju, but embraces a new era of cocktail culture. Through a partnership with Mean Mule Distilling Co., the first release of Chingu Soju will be just 15-20 cases of the product. …

WeCode KC, high school partner to launch cybersecurity program for students 

A new program from an expanding Kansas City nonprofit plans to expose high school students to job readiness and life skills that prepare them for careers in cybersecurity, right out of high school.  WeCode KC, which promotes tech education and creating sustainable career pathways, recently announced a partnership with KIPP Legacy High School to introduce…

WyCo is kenough for Mattel: Toymaker says theme park coming in 2026 — driven by Barbie, Hot Wheels, He-Man

Fresh off a blockbuster summer-turned-Oscar season, the toymaker behind the hit “Barbie” movie announced plans Wednesday to open a new theme park — featuring some of its most notable product lines — in the Kansas City region by 2026. “Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will bring our iconic brands to life with epic roller coasters,…

Google to build $1B data center in Kansas City; aiming for 24/7 carbon-free energy use

Corporate and government officials Wednesday announced an ambitious plan to build a billion-dollar data center in the Kansas City region — supported by new-to-the-grid carbon-free energy capacity. The facility could open as soon as 2025. “Google’s major investment in KC will have multiple positive impacts long term. Not only will the tech company invest hundreds…

Boulevardia drops two-day festival lineup with nearly 70 acts (and 60 local performers)

When Boulevardia’s sprawling urban street festival returns to Crown Center and Washington Square Park this summer, dozens of local artists are expected to take the stage alongside national headliners. Organizers on Tuesday announced the nearly 70 acts Tuesday with the two-day June festival capped with performances by German rock band Milky Chance and 1990s pop…

First look: Chef behind Strang Hall favorite Anousone brings his popular Laotian fare downtown

A new menu option at the Strang Chef Collective at lightwell hits familiar flavors for diners who already have fallen in love with renowned Chef Anourom Thomson’s Southeast Asian-inspired comfort food, said Shawn Craft. Anousone — a popular staple with the Strang Hall food hall concept in downtown Overland Park — has opened a new…