Flatland/Kansas City PBS - Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk

Our stories

Community

Researchers, patients optimistic in fight against alpha-gal syndrome

A support group and a lab in the St. Louis area provide resources for people with the allergy to mammal products — and evidence that its effects can be reversed.

Rose LaForest, Nine PBS Oct 1, 2026

Water

Far offshore, scientists find fresh evidence of human harm to reefs

The Gulf’s Flower Garden Banks has been viewed as healthy, but a new study shows signs of damage.

Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator Sep 21, 2026

Data Centers

Mississippi River mayors help cities navigate rising data center interest

More than three-quarters of member cities in a Mississippi River coalition have been approached to host AI infrastructure.

Héctor Alejandro Arzate, Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk Sep 17, 2026

Flatland is a local nonprofit news source committed to providing context and solutions to some of the Kansas City region's biggest challenges.

2 articles

A person in rubber boots scoops water into a bottle

Community

Community volunteers play crucial role in studying water quality in Mississippi River basin

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A new policy brief from the United Nations argues that citizen science is crucial to global water

Julie Freijat, Flatland/Kansas City PBS Oct 18, 2024

An alligator snapping turtle rests on a person's hand.

Water

Oh snap, they’re back! Kansas is releasing giant snapping turtles into waterways in an effort to bring back the endangered species

An aura of excitement filled the air near the Neosho River in Kansas on a hot September morning. State wildlife

Julie Freijat, Flatland/Kansas City PBS Oct 2, 2024