News

$2M grant expected to fuel workforce training, equity hub led by BioNexus KC, Missouri bioscience partners

By Tommy Felts / January 31, 2023

The Kansas City region must level up to meet the demand of the expanding life sciences industry and support underserved job seekers, said Dennis Ridenour, announcing a $2 million in federal funds aimed at boosting readiness to fill talent shortages. The funding award will establish the “Bioscience Industry Occupational Training and Equity Collaborative Hub for…

Forged in fire: KC blacksmith hammers red hot career crafting tools after surviving blaze (and blade)

By Tommy Felts / January 27, 2023

A hand-forged knife introduced Brandon Dearing to blacksmithing; one also nearly cost him his life. The Hand and Hammer owner now makes tools — such as tongs and a variety of hammers — for other blacksmiths, using forging techniques he learned as a youth growing up in the country near Archie, Missouri. “TV shows and…

‘Food is Medicine’ tech platform shows appetite for growth with new $2.1M seed round

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2023

A patient-driven digital platform that empowers lower income Americans living with chronic health conditions to order the diet-specific foods and support they need announced Thursday it has closed a $2.1 million seed investment. The funding for Free From Market — one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023 — allows the company…

Head in the grounds: Why Ben Cloud is the first (and last) hand to touch his evolving coffee brand

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2023

Americans drink coffee like water, youth entrepreneur Benjamin Cloud noted, and he’s doing his part to fuel their habit. The recent Shawnee Mission North graduate — inspired by an intro to business class — started Cloud’s Coffee two years ago when he was 15. “I initially thought about coffee because of the size of the…

Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures among 7 local restaurants, bars named James Beard semifinalists

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2023

Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Kansas City is well represented in the national food competition this year — with The Town Company, Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures and…