Independence Missouri

On Nov. 4, voters around Kansas City will decide a number of critical local issues in their communities, including multiple mayoral races, whether to "abandon" Prairie Village's form of government, if Independence can keep its four-day school week, and more.

Leila's Hair Museum, the most unusual attraction in Independence, Missouri, closed in September. Thanks to the founder’s granddaughter, the massive collection of wreaths made out of human hair is finding new homes at museums across the country.

Illegal car sideshows have frustrated Kansas City residents and the police for years. Even some stunt drivers say the events have grown unsafe due to a rise in drama and gun violence at the events. Now they have an alternative that doesn’t require blocking local roadways.

A lawsuit filed Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court says two Independence police officers acted with malice and were reckless when they killed Maria Pike, 34 and her two-month-old baby Destinii Hope.

Residents went on strike last October over deteriorating living conditions and longstanding maintenance problems. Under the deal with the new building owner, residents will get the opportunity to renew their leases and will not have to owe any back rent from the strike.

Between spring and fall (and sometimes year-round), farmers markets around Kansas City offer fresh produce, flowers, artisan-made goods and treats. Find out how to shop local in towns and neighborhoods across the metro.

In Independence, Missouri, an emergency response program called ARCH pairs social workers with paramedics to better address 911 calls. By focusing on specialized immediate care and long-term support, ARCH aims to meet people where they are — and free up police and fire services for other emergencies.

Missouri will hold municipal elections on April 8. Voters across the Kansas City area will weigh in on issues like investing in public safety, improving infrastructure and electing their school board members. Here's a guide to what's on your ballot, plus what you need to vote.

Voters in Independence, Missouri, will consider whether to approve a $197 million general obligation bond on April's ballot. The majority of the money would fund building a new police campus, but money for infrastructure and the city's youth sports complex are also under consideration.

Independence's Twin Drive-In, owned by the B&B Theatres chain, is shutting down after its landlord increased its rent by 350%. Its absence will leave just one drive-in movie theater in the Kansas City region.

Tenants in Quality Hill Towers and Independence Towers have dealt with deteriorating living conditions that have gone unaddressed for years. With no commitments from their landlords, the two tenant unions voted to begin withholding their rent this month.

At SantaCaliGon Days, Independence’s annual festival, a troupe of dance moms serves soft pretzels to help pay for expensive competitions and costumes. Their salty, pillowy pastries have gained a following of their own.