Mike Sherry
Contributor and Former Senior Reporter
Stories by Mike Sherry
A Mother’s Quest for Openness Provides Map for Spurring Change
When Sheila Albers couldn't get answers to questions she had after her 17-year-old son was shot and killed by an Overland Park police officer, she didn't give up. Her story shows how everyday people can leverage public records to shape communities for the better.
‘Really Sad’: Illegal Dumping Still Vexes Kansas City
Kansas City has launched a new audit of illegal dumping, which has vexed the city for decades. Resident satisfaction on the topic is at a six-year low.
Future of Work: The Big Quit
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many people to reassess their relationship with careers, employers and workplaces. This is Flatland's first installment in the "Future of Work" series.
Hunting for Hot Spots in Kansas City’s Climate
Kansas City volunteers are part of a nationwide effort to map "heat islands" in cities where temperatures can be nearly 10 degrees higher than surrounding areas.
Holocaust Echoed in the Lives of Children Born to Survivors Who Resettled in Kansas City
The Holocaust profoundly affected the lives of survivors' children, who continue to share the stories of their parents' determination to build new lives in Kansas City.
Decades of Data Suggest Racial Profiling is Getting Worse, Not Better
Missouri law enforcement traffic stop data suggests racial profiling of Black people is worsening even as data collection continues.
KC Parks Department Plants Seeds of Savings With New Sustainability Plan
Kansas City is converting some park land into more a more natural state, hoping to harvest both environmental and economic savings.
Opportunity Zones: Hopes and Dreams Don’t Always Become Realities
A Flatland examination of Opportunity Zones has revealed a tale of confusion, ambivalence, bitterness -- and yes, still hope -- for a program designed to help America's economically distressed communities.
No Bumper Crop of Medical Marijuana in Missouri
No one told Lyndall Fraker that it was going to be easy. So, as the man in charge of standing up Missouri’s medical marijuana program, he’s taking in stride 830 business license appeals, which are now pending before the state Administrative Hearing Commission. “We knew it would be contentious. I was told that from the…
Pandemic Compounds Child Care Crisis During a Summer Like No Other
As the Kansas City area struggles to reopen the economy, job call-backs are exacerbating a child care crunch.