Independence voters head to the polls Tuesday in a recall election aimed at ousting City Councilman John Perkins. Opponents are angry that he voted for tax incentives for a data center under construction in the city. (The Beacon) Nick’s Picks | Map, Recall, Trial and More …
By Nick Haines | August 31, 2026 | Civic Affairs, News & Issues, Nick's Picks
The Missouri Supreme Court takes up a question about a local congressional district, an Independence councilman fights to keep his seat, and a long-delayed murder trial is set to get underway.
Keep Up With Kansas City
When you sign up for Flatland’s newsletter, you get Kansas City stories dropped in your inbox every Thursday.
Explore Topics
Flatland produces multimedia stories that examine local news, highlight rural affairs and explore Kansas City history.
Crime & Safety
The old Metcalf South shopping mall in Overland Park, Kansas, was once a Black Friday mecca and retail hotspot. (Courtesy | Wikipedia)
A Black Friday Romp Through the Metro’s Shoplifting History
By Brian Burnes | November 29, 2024
Not long ago a woman walked into an Oak Park Mall bath and body store carrying two shopping bags. She lingered for two hours, examining the scented candles. Then the phone of Detective Byron Pierce of the Overland Park Police Department buzzed. The caller was an employee of the store. “Everything okay?” Pierce asked. No….
Economy
In the 1970s, this group of Kansas City Star colleagues and friends played softball in a city league every Friday evening. Bill Tammeus is pictured second from right in the back row. (Contributed)
Reflecting on the value of friendship
By Bill Tammeus | July 29, 2026
Flatland faith columnist Bill Tammeus gives thanks for the many friendships he has developed and maintained throughout his lifetime.
Education
Construction begins near Sumner Academy of Arts and Science. In late 2024, voters approved a bond that will fund an addition to the school. (Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon)
KCK steps up work on school buildings promised with $180 million bond package
By Maria Benevento, The Beacon | July 27, 2026
The Kansas City, Kansas, school district provides an update on several school construction projects.
Food Chain
Officials at food banks like Kansas City-based Harvesters worry about administrative barriers facing families applying for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (Austin Wood | Flatland)
Missouri Food Assistance Applicants Hit ‘Bottleneck’
By Austin Wood | October 8, 2025
Imagine you have just been evicted, and that any documentation you had regarding income, health care expenses, utility costs, or other relevant paperwork got lost in the shuffle. That is a problem in and of itself. But the lack of information is a bigger barrier when it stands between you and gaining eligibility for the…
Healthcare
By 2030, it's predicted that adults over the age of 60 will outnumber those under 18 for the first time in U.S. history. Flatland looks at two organizations providing services intended to support people staying in their homes as long as possible:
Caregivers in KC: A Community of Care
By John G. McGrath | June 25, 2025
By 2030, it’s predicted that adults over the age of 60 will outnumber those under 18 for the first time in U.S. history. How are older residents and their caregivers equipped to meet the challenges inherent in aging in our area? Flatland looks at two organizations providing services intended to support people staying in…
History
Robert Ohlsen from the Seneca, Kansas, Fire Department climbs another flight of stairs on Sept. 6, 2026, in honor of the 343 firefighters that lost their lives 25 years ago when the Twin Towers collapsed. The participating firefighters climbed 110 stories to represent the height of the Twin Towers. Posted on each landing are photos of firefighters killed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack. (Todd Feeback | Flatland)
The Fight Against Forgetting 9/11
By Brian Burnes | September 9, 2026
Schools, nonprofits, and firefighters work to ensure Kansas Citians remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.
Housing
Bobbi-Jo Reed is the founder and director of Healing House KC. She is shown here at Erin’s House in the Historic Northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Feeback | Flatland)
Advocates Look to Make KCK Next Abandoned Housing Success Story
By Cole Deaver, Mike Sherry | August 27, 2026
The Kansas Abandoned Housing Act is working in Leavenworth, and proponents are hopeful it will prove successful in Kansas City, Kansas, too.
Sustainability
Site work is underway for the Nebius data center in Independence, Missouri. The controversial development claimed its third electoral victim on Sept. 1, 2026. (Carlos Moreno | KCUR 89.3)
United in Opposition: The Bipartisan Response to Data Centers
By Maggie LeBeau | September 2, 2026
From Independence, Missouri, to Osawatomie, Kansas, data centers are angering residents and spurring bipartisan opposition.
From Our Friends At
Funding for Flatland Provided By:
