History

Flatland Explores Local American Revolution History in Light of Latest Burns Documentary

It was 10 p.m. on Veterans Day when the returning service members stepped onto the terrazzo floor between Baggage Carousels 5 and 6. The veterans, many from the Vietnam War era, were returning to Kansas City International on the return leg of their trip through Honor Flight, the nonprofit that takes veterans on free, day-long…

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The National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Nick’s Picks | Veterans, Mission Gateway, Big Sonia and More …

Shutdown Deal on the Way Is America’s longest government shutdown about to end? It could be over by the end of the week, after a group of eight Democrats agree to join Senate Republicans in a vote to reopen the government, at least through January. The deal comes without a guaranteed extension of health care…

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Holy Rosary Catholic Church, at 526 Campbell St., in Kansas City, Missouri, is a symbol of the longstanding Italian presence in the city's North End. It is part of a parish founded in 1891. (Chase Castor | Flatland)

Two Documentaries In The Works About KC’s Historic Northeast

Those seeking to find Kansas City’s Italian-American community can start at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Inside, at 526 Campbell St., stand statues of canonized historical figures — Frances Xavier Cabrini and Francis of Assisi among them — venerated by the immigrants who worshipped on this very spot upon their late-19th-century arrival. Inscribed on the walls…

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The 2025 Big Slick fundraiser in May generated more than $4.5 million, a record amount. (Children’s Mercy Hospital)

Kansas City Looks to Build On History of Philanthropy

It started with a conversation on a Lake of the Ozarks dock. Comedian Rob Riggle was describing his recent visit to Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Hospital.  “He had hosted the hospital’s annual Red Hot Night fundraiser [in 2009] and they had taken him on a tour,” Julie Riggle McKee, Riggle’s sister, said recently. Like anyone…

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Robert Franke stands for a photo with a map and a brush for clearing gravestones at Forest Hill Cemetery, off Troost in Kansas City, Missouri. Franke gathers users’ search requests at findagrave.com to generate a list of names and info he uses to locate the grave sites. (Chase Castor | Flatland

Volunteer ‘Gravers’ Search For Plots After Online Inquiries

Six years ago, Robert Franke’s heart doctor suggested he get more exercise. Some would have received that news and headed to the golf course or pickleball court. Franke headed for the closest cemetery. There he pursued his new calling as a Find a Grave volunteer — or “graver,” as some of them refer to themselves…

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