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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 Articles by Startland News Staff

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…

Kelce, Mahomes opening ‘experiential modern steakhouse’ in KC (just in time for a three-peat Super Bowl run?)

Two Chiefs stars are teaming up for a new restaurant concept within Loews Hotel Kansas City — calling plays on the upscale steakhouse project with plans to open by early 2025. The collaboration with Super Bowl champions Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce would mean 1587 Prime — an immersive dining experience with a name inspired…

InvestMidwest releases startup lineup for April conference; KC companies set to pitch 

Eight Kansas City startups are among 40 companies selected to pitch in April at InvestMidwest — reflecting not only a diversity of founder representation, but a wide range of agriculture, health, and digital technology innovations from across the Midwest, said Claire Kinlaw. “The caliber of talent and innovation among the chosen companies is truly remarkable, and…

GOP lawmaker from Missouri takes over chair of Small Business Caucus in DC

Entrepreneurship and small businesses are the lifeblood of America, said Mark Alford, pledging to use his new leadership role within the Small Business Caucus to help fellow congressmen workshop and pursue policies that will “ensure the safety and prosperity of Main Street America.” U.S. Rep. Alford, R-Missouri, publicly took over the co-chair role of the…