Man in hat and mask squats working on Black Lives Matter street in Kansas City.

Reparations in KC

Kansas City is beginning a discussion about how it might make amends through reparations for inequities toward Black residents through reparations. Flatland In Focus will report on the deeply intentional work that’s already being done within the Black community, documenting the case for and possibilities around correcting racial gaps in health, wealth, homeownership, criminal justice…

Developer Rescues Historic Seiden’s Fur Building; What’s Next?

By Kevin Collison Developer Chris Sally has swooped in to save a long-neglected, historic building in the heart of downtown that had been slated to be demolished this week. The big question now is, what is he going to do with it? “We called the owner on Sunday and got it under contract yesterday,” Sally…

Artwork doubled as signs and selfie opportunities for Boulevardia attendees.

Weekend Possibilities | Boulevardia, Juneteenth and Father’s Day

Father’s Day will share the long weekend with Boulevardia and Juneteenth festivities. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, consider escape rooms at Union Station or a brand-new art exhibit in Overland Park. Why not do it all with dad? Friday, June 16 4 p.m. Boulevardia is back this weekend at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd….

Hundreds of Kansas Citians gather at University Academy for a town hall discussion on reparations in Kansas City.

Kansas City Starts Down a Long Road to Black Reparations

Kansas City is embarking on a difficult quest to consider and create reparations to address harm the city has caused and perpetuated for its Black residents.

Kansas Citians protesting anti-transgender legislation in Missouri and Kansas.

Pondering KC’s Quest to Become a Transgender ‘Safe Haven’

Kansas City’s quest to become a “safe haven” in the wake of anti-transgender legislation in Missouri turns on raw politics and vexing legal questions.

Former Segregated School Opening Soon as Major Art Center

By Kevin Collison Kansas City’s newest cultural institution, the Zhou B. Art Center, is expected to open before the end of the year, repurposing a former segregated public school into a creative hub in the 18th and Vine District. “It’s important to Kansas City,” said Allan Gray, who is partnering with renowned Chicago artists ShanZuo…

The exterior of the Attucks School today.

Major Art Center Opening Soon Near 18th and Vine

The Zhou B. Art Center is expected to open later this year, repurposing a former segregated public school into a creative hub in the 18th and Vine District.

Apartments Proposed for City Property Near 18th and Vine

By Kevin Collison Another apartment project may be in the works for the 18th and Vine District, this one a potential 195-unit proposal that would be built by Grayson Capital on the east side of Lydia between 18th and 19th streets. Grayson won approval last week from the City Council to negotiate a deal to…

Seven glasses of Range 23 beers in a row.

Tap List | Range 23 Brewing To Open New Taproom

Range 23 Brewing has been a fairly low-profile enterprise situated on a farm near Bonner Springs. But plans for a taproom in town suggest things are changing.

A city-owned parking lot near 18th and Vine.

More Apartments Coming Near 18th and Vine

Grayson Capital has proposed building a 195-unit apartment project on a city-owned parking lot near 18th and Vine. The project includes a small retail building.

Vested Coffee Brews Onyx and Hospitality in City Core

By Kevin Collison On the surface, Vested Coffee takes its name from its location in the Garment District, an item produced as part of the huge clothing industry once centered in the historic area. But the coffee shop at 310 W. Eighth St. and its companion outlet on Troost in the 2501 Beacon Hill apartment…

Marchers carry a huge flag during Kansas City's Pride Parade 2023.

Kansas City Pride Parade 2023

The Kansas City Pride Parade is one of the nation’s largest. Flatland was there on Saturday to document this year’s huge turnout in video.

Nick Haines

Nick’s Picks | All You Need to Know This Week in Kansas City

It’s a busy week in Kansas City. Early voting in the municipal election begins. Boulevardia and Juneteenth are nearly here. And there’s plenty of news.

Arizona Trading Co. Opening in East Crossroads

By Kevin Collison Arizona Trading Co. is opening its biggest store in the East Crossroads this summer and for co-owner Venus Nichols, it’s a return to familiar territory. “It’s such a wonderful place,” she said. “I used to perform with a band (Stretchmarks) at The Brick. There’s was nothing there back then. To see the…

Chef Lidia Bastianich at work in the kitchen.

Chef Lidia Bastianich: Beyond Food

Celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich reflects on the relationship between food and America, and discusses her new PBS special, “Flavors That Define Us.”