Cami Koons

Located about 10 miles north of I-70, Lexington's population is roughly the same as it was in the 1860s. The town's biggest draw is the Battle of Lexington state historic site, but community members want to draw visitors to the rest of town.

Located 48 miles southeast of Kansas City, Ottawa became a registered historic district in 1972. Its downtown maintains that feel with colorful Victorian facades, a stunning courthouse, the world’s oldest operating movie theatre and a wide variety of shops, restaurants and businesses.

Atchison is still in the early years of its revitalization, adding more public art, renovating historic buildings, and rethinking its downtown area. But leaders are optimistic about changing how both locals and tourists think about their community.

The Missouri tourist town once faced the same stress as many rural areas, with a declining population and abandoned buildings. But a conscious effort to fix the downtown's infrastructure and beautify public spaces has turned the economy around.

While Republican lawmakers in both Kansas and Missouri passed anti-trans legislation, Kansas City declared itself a “safe haven” for gender-affirming health care. The move affirmed what many in the trans and non-binary community had already decided: to stand their ground.

On the April 4 municipal ballot, Kansas City voters will be asked to add an additional 3% tax onto sales of recreational marijuana within city limits. Voters in other municipalities around the metro — including Jackson County, Grandview and Liberty — will have a similar question to answer.

In the tiny community of Cuba, Kansas, the annual 'Rock-A-Thon' features a unique and longstanding tradition: a rocking chair marathon.

Missouri's Amendment 3 passed Tuesday, legalizing recreational marijuana. Legal weed is expected to bring jobs in the marijuana industry as well as new business to companies that will supply vendors.

Since being built in 1889, the McInteer Villa has been the location of nine documented deaths. Stephanie O'Reilly bought the mansion in 2018 and outfitted it to take visitors back in time.

Rural Missourians voted heavily in support of medical marijuana legalization in 2018 and seem to have welcomed it readily into their communities. Come November, they could be the deciding votes on an adult-use marijuana legalization amendment.