The Heart of the Nation exhibit in the IKEA store in Merriam, Kansas, "celebrates the extraordinary work of artists, art educators and cultural leaders ... that define Kansas City's evolving artistic landscape." Jeremy Bell's work is part of the exhibit. (Mike Sherry | Flatland) World Cup ‘Statement Piece’ Evokes Best Version of Kansas City
By Bill Tammeus | May 27, 2026 | News & Issues
Before I moved to Kansas City almost 56 years ago, I had been here only once — for a brief visit to the Kansas City Press Club when I was attending the University of Missouri School of Journalism. But because of that visit and the fact that I grew up in the Midwest (Woodstock, Illinois,…
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Flatland produces multimedia stories that examine local news, highlight rural affairs and explore Kansas City history.
Crime & Safety
AdHoc Group Against Crime is a provider of supportive services for those impacted by violence and homicide in the Kansas City Metro. (John McGrath | Kansas City PBS)
Services for Those Impacted by Violent Crime
By John G. McGrath | September 19, 2024
[Transcript: Damon Daniel, President and CEO of the AdHoc Group Against Crime] Hello, my name is Damon Daniel, president and CEO of the AdHoc Group Against Crime. For some, AdHoc is the emergency room for social services, and for others, it’s the trust and bridge between the community and the criminal justice system. We work…
Economy
An aerial view of Truman Sports Complex, home of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. (G. Newman Lowrance | via Associated Press)
Kansas v. Missouri Stadium Battle Shows How States are Reigniting Border Wars
By Kevin Hardy, Stateline, Allison Kite | August 2, 2024
A bidding war for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals may undermine a 2019 compact struck by Kansas and Missouri to end an economic border war.
Education
Prices can add up for families buying school supplies before a new school year. Missouri’s tax holiday and a handful of local school supply drives hope to aid families wary of high costs. (Cuyler Dunn | Flatland)
Tax Holiday, Supply Drives Help Families Burdened by Back-to-School Costs
By Cuyler Dunn | August 2, 2024
As families deal with daunting back-to-school bills, governments, school foundations and community groups are helping folks get students ready for school.
Food Chain
Carne Diem is one Kansas City-area food establishment that has avoided the spike in egg prices through its use of local suppliers. (Contributed)
Cracking Egg-flation
By Jill Wendholt Silva | March 25, 2025
Whether ordering an omelet, French toast, chicken n’ biscuits, chilaquiles, corned beef hash or eggs Benedict, eggs play a starring role at The Farmhouse. “When you’re a brunch and breakfast place, eggs are everything,” said Vince Paredes, executive chef and co-owner of the award-winning farm-to-table brunch venue in the River Market. “We bake with eggs….
Healthcare
Caregivers in KC: Asen’s Story
By John G. McGrath | June 23, 2025
Born with a disability at birth, and with no one left to help, Asen’s family turns to Lakemary Center in Paola, Kansas. Lakemary provides educational, mental, behavioral health, and social services to children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. We follow Asen’s approach in the classroom and interactions with his teachers and coaches, giving him the tools…
History
Among those dedicating new interpretation panels during an October 3 ceremony at the Byram’s Ford Battlefield near Swope Park were (from left) U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem and Fifth District Council Member Ryana Parks-Shaw, Kansas City Parks and Recreation Director Chris Cotten, and Fifth District at Large City Council member Darrell Curls. (Brian Burnes | Flatland)
A Better Big Blue Battlefield | Part I
By Brian Burnes | October 30, 2024
Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a three-part series on the restoration of the Big Blue Battlefield in Kansas City, Missouri. It was cold for late October in Kansas City. In 1864 Lt. Patrick Henry Minor, then leading an artillery battery against Confederate forces, would die the following March, from what likely had…
Housing
Homebuilders want the Kansas City Council to relax its current green building code requirements so that they can find more cost-effective construction options. (Alex Unruh | The Beacon)
Kansas City Home Builders Push Back on Energy Efficiency Rules, Blame Them for Housing Crunch
By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | July 23, 2024
Homebuilders say Kansas City’s energy efficiency standards hinder housing construction and increase costs. Environmentalists say they combat climate change.
Sustainability
Augochlora pura, the Pure Golden Green Sweat Bee, rests on a yellow coneflower in the MU Extension Garden at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area outside of Kansas City, Missouri, on July 23, 2025. The pure golden green bee can be seen pollinating flowers from April to October. (Abigail Landwehr | Flatland)
Hundreds of Bee Species Face Decline in Missouri and Kansas
By Abigail Landwehr | September 25, 2025
To Tom Schroeder, every bee is a work of art. His own words, backed up with hundreds of photos in his camera roll from the prairies and woods of Kansas City WildLands. With more than two decades of volunteering with the group, he’s become a bee enthusiast– but not an expert, he’ll clarify. “We’re the…
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