Seven stories shaping Kansas City’s cultural legacy

This collection of stories explores key events, people, and changes that define Kansas City's cultural landscape.

One article explains the transformation of the Buck O’Neil Bridge through labor strikes and demolition. Another highlights how a chef uses technology and fine dining to bring people together in new ways.

Other stories look at Kansas City’s inclusion among top world travel destinations in 2025, and revisit the journey of a renowned mosaic made by Arthur Kraft for the public library. A piece discusses local potato farms that once relied on World War II prisoners of war for labor.

Additional articles share a woman’s commitment to community service through the Junior League, and lay out how residents can stay updated on Kansas City news with local newsletters.

Read the stories below.

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The Buck O’Neil Bridge was known as the Broadway Bridge until October 2016.

NO. 1: FROM LABOR STRIKES TO DEMOLITION, HERE’S THE HISTORY OF KANSAS CITY’S BUCK O’NEIL BRIDGE

A reader asked What’s Your KCQ? about the iconic three-arch structure currently being demolished over the Missouri River. | Published June 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michael Wells

Dominique Allen, chef at Hotel Phillips in Kansas City, adds fun and drama to dining with the Le Petite Chef and Friends 3D immersive dinner.

NO. 2: KC CHEF BLENDS TECH AND FINE DINING: DELIGHTING PATRONS WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE

I get excited every time for people to enjoy this experience and I get to see them tap into their inner child seeing something new and different. | Published October 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

Arthur Kraft’s vibrant circus mosaic greeted visitors to the former children’s department in Kansas City’s old Main Library.

NO. 3: THIS ARTIST WAS BEHIND FAMOUS KANSAS CITY MOSAIC, OTHER WORKS. BUT WHERE IS IT NOW?

You might recognize several of this artist’s whimsical pieces. But one of the most-seen now sits in storage. | Published January 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Patrick Salland

The third version of the Kansas City Current wrapped streetcar rolled into the Union Station stop Friday for its unveiling ceremony.

NO. 4: KANSAS CITY MAKES INTERNATIONAL LIST OF TOP 25 PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2025. FIND OUT WHY

Other destinations on the list include Panama, Jordan and Uzbekistan. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

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The loop started with a massive demolition project that cleared houses and stores on the north side of downtown in 1953. The final stretch was completed on the west side in 1972. By Monty Davis

NO. 5: FIND YOUR SLICE OF KANSAS CITY WITH OUR FREE STAR NEWSLETTERS. HERE’S HOW TO SIGN UP

From big breaking news to the latest Chiefs analysis, sign up for The Star’s free newsletters to get local coverage in your inbox. | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Irvin Zhang

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Prisoners of war found “a surprisingly pleasant experience” in Missouri during World War II. These Germans picked potatoes near Atherton and loaded them onto train boxcars.

NO. 6: KANSAS CITY HOSTED HUNDREDS OF NAZIS AND OTHER ENEMY SOLDIERS DURING WWII. HERE’S WHY

What’s Your KCQ? looks back at the prisoner of war camps that were scattered across the KC region during World War II. | Published March 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dan Kelly

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Anna Thomas-Rios, member of the Junior League of Kansas City has worked with the organization for six years and currently organizing the 8th annual C3KC conference that brings together civic and community leaders to solve problems in the metro.

NO. 7: A FAMILY MANTRA LED A KANSAS CITY WOMAN INTO A LIFE OF SERVICE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN

“We are living history and we make an impact in the community with the work we do everyday.” | Published March 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.