Startland News

1 week ago | startlandnews.com | Joyce Smith

A giant sandbox playroom in Johnson County evokes a simpler era, said Justin Finn, whose immersive entertainment concept for children opens Tuesday in Leawood. “No screens,” explained Finn. “I like to say it’s how we grew up as kids. Imagination, the wheels turning.”Dozer — launched this week as the first of multiple locations alongside co-founder Molly Kavanagh — within a 1,200-square-foot space at the Ranch Mart North shopping center at 3812 W.

2 weeks ago | startlandnews.com | Joyce Smith

A Canadian fast food cult favorite known for its “Timbits” is ramping up its area expansion with five locations scheduled to open by the end of 2025 — part of an aggressive, long-term move orchestrated by a single franchisee. The breakfast-famous Tim Hortons is expected to become a more prominent player across the Kansas City landscape in coming years, as franchisee Hossam Shahin pursues plans to open five area locations a year for six years.

2 weeks ago | startlandnews.com | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

Baseball hall of famer Reggie Jackson values the 18th and Vine district’s rich history, he said Wednesday, but the Yankees icon known as “Mr. October” by fans across the globe is even more excited about what the Kansas City cultural hub’s future holds. “If I can be a part of that, I’m absolutely thrilled to be,” continued Jackson, who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball, reaching the postseason in 11 of them, winning six pennants and five World Series.

2 weeks ago | startlandnews.com | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

Creating space for healing and connection in Kansas City’s historic northeast is too critical to abandon, said Enrique Chi, whose nonprofit — and a popular music and arts festival — faces federal funding cuts targeting heritage-related initiatives that don’t align with the priorities of President Trump. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently rescinded $85,000 in funding for Art as Mentorship and its Celebrate AMERI’KANA Music and Arts Festival.

2 weeks ago | startlandnews.com | Tommy Felts

When the Parade of Hearts returns in April 2026, as many as 150 pieces of Kansas City’s story will be scattered across the metro — offering a summer-long scavenger hunt of the region’s identity for hometown fans and World Cup revelers alike. “The Parade of Hearts is more than public art — it’s a catalyst for exploration,” said Jay Currie Campbell, co-chair of the Parade of Hearts Design Selection Adjudication Committee.