Independence Missouri

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.

The city of Independence, Missouri was famously the starting point for the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails, as well as the hometown of President Harry Truman. These days, it boasts a a thriving arts scene and charming historic downtown.

Mayor Quinton Lucas has sponsored an ordinance that would combine the KCPD and KCFD communication centers. Neither police nor fire are enthused.

Clinton’s Soda Fountain in Independence, Missouri, is beloved by regulars and tourists alike for its homestyle ice cream and its connection to former President Harry Truman. Plus: Looking back on when a group of Kansas counties tried to secede and form their own state called West Kansas.

Clinton’s Soda Fountain has been a pillar of the Independence community since the 1980s for its ice cream and nostalgic feel. As a teenager, President Harry Truman worked in the same building at a different ice cream shop.

The Neck was the largest Black neighborhood in Independence, but was demolished in the 1960s as part of the city’s urban renewal efforts. The city dedicated granite markers honoring the former neighborhood as part of its efforts to right the past.

Teachers, families and students in Missouri's Independence School District are adjusting to a four-day school week this year. Superintendent Dr. Dale Herl said data shows benefits to the shorter school week, but opinions from parents and staff are mixed.

The shooting took place early Thursday afternoon in eastern Independence. One suspect is in custody.

Clay Bauske has served as the curator of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum for over 40 years and is set to retire at the end of the month. During his time in the role, museum curation has changed dramatically — but he argues that how we view President Truman has also shifted over these last four decades.

As temperatures fall and outdoor performers take the show inside, these aural options offer the most bang for your buck. Whether it’s bluegrass, Bach, or sludge rock that you get down to, Kansas City’s live music scene has something to offer.