Minority-Led

You can’t plan for this: ‘Mr K’ finalists wary of another ‘wrench into the face’ from Washington

By Tommy Felts / May 30, 2025

An upended national political and economic climate has rippled down to Main Street, acknowledged leaders of this year’s Top 10 Small Businesses, bringing concerns about racism, DEI backlash, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions to Kansas City’s front door.  “We’ve had people come into the shop and harass our employees, our customers,” explained Dulcinea Herrera —…

Topeka recruited dozens of Filipino teachers for local classrooms; at year’s end, the district hopes they’ll stay

By Tommy Felts / May 29, 2025

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 — Although international educators are not new to the state’s capital city, Topeka welcomed about 50 teachers from the Philippines this past school year to address shortages within the…

KC’s pro pickleball team getting new $6.5M home near Arrowhead, Kauffman Stadium

By Tommy Felts / May 29, 2025

A long-awaited redevelopment project in Kansas City’s stadium corridor is transforming the former CoCo Key Water resort into a vibrant destination pickleball facility with eight indoor courts, a full-service bar and restaurant, a coffee shop, and event spaces. It also will be home to the Kansas City Stingers, a professional team in the National Pickleball…

Nour’s extends flavor of 39th Street’s ‘restaurant row’ to long-vacant neighborhood cafe

By Tommy Felts / May 27, 2025

After a lengthy stint developing corporate dining concepts, Kansas City chef Marwan Chebaro has spent two years planning his return to public dining. Set to open in June, Chebaro’s new Nour’s restaurant will showcase his native Lebanese cuisine and culture while helping bring the community together, he said. The venture at 3855 Warwick Blvd., in…

How tech can put humanity back in hiring: Interview app brings beta test to Kansas City

By Tommy Felts / May 27, 2025

Automation in the hiring process is leaving critical details — and quality, diverse talent — out of the jobs market, said Chelsea Parker, a Kansas City human resources innovator whose new Interview app aims to reconnect recruiters and applicants on a human level.  “Interview is the TikTok of LinkedIn,” said Parker, the HR trendsetter behind creating an…