Government

La’Nesha Frazier and La’Nae Robinson, Bliss Books and Wine; featured on BuyKC

Top emerging business finds its bliss as city uncorks bookstore’s ability to serve wine 

A city ordinance change is expected to move one of Kansas City’s only Black-owned bookstores closer to its chilled brick-and-mortar location — popping the cork on Bliss Books & Wine’s ability to serve its namesake beverage once the Midtown storefront opens. “People have been waiting a very long time for this storefront and have been working…

Chris Goode, Ruby Jean's Juicery

Truth, not Troost: Ruby Jean’s founder wants East Side corridor renamed over slavery ties

Despite its widely-known street name, “Troost Avenue” does not accurately represent the small businesses, nonprofits and families along the increasingly dense Kansas City corridor, said Chris Goode. “So many beautiful efforts take place on Troost — from The Combine to Operation Breakthrough or Urban Cafe and Rockhurst University… We are all collectively pushing for community,…

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…

Missouri ranks 7th in electric vehicle use, but access to charging remains a key barrier

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on climate change in the Kansas City region produced by the KC Media Collective to support and enhance local journalism so every person in Kansas City can lead a richer life. Members of the KC Media Collective are KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, Missouri Business Alert, Startland…

Gov. Mike Parson, R-Missouri, speaks at Union Station during the announcement of Meta's new $800 million data center in Kansas City

Budget bump to $31M would help MTC attack its 16-point plan for Missouri entrepreneurs; funding fate rests with governor

A key funder of initiatives like Digital Sandbox KC and LaunchKC could see its own fortunes rise if Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signs a budget that includes $31 million to boost technology, entrepreneurship and innovation efforts in the state. The Missouri legislature last week passed a budget that would dramatically up the Missouri Technology Corporation’s…