Parkville

Tucked into the hills above the Missouri River, this picturesque Missouri town carries a complex history. It's one of the fastest growing communities in the region, yet honors its 19th century roots.

In January, a Parkville family learned their 8-year-old daughter had a rare illness. Though there is no cure, there is a drug that could help slow the disease. The problem? It costs more than $200,000 a year. Plus: Kansas politicians make bold claims about how to stop population declines in rural communities. Their efforts may not be enough to reverse the trend.

In January, the Anstaett family learned their eight-year-old daughter had Batten disease, a rare condition with a difficult — and eventually terminal — prognosis. The drug showing promise in slowing the disease isn't covered by their insurance because it's still in clinical trials.

For all the talk about a possible Kansas City Chiefs football dynasty, Mike Talamantes' teams at Park University just north of the river are continuing their dominance.

On Jan. 21, Washington Chapel C.M.E. Church was broken into and a piece of a memorial stained glass window removed. The church was built in 1907 by formerly enslaved families in Parkville, Missouri.

Want to discover something new in our region? Here are some of Kansas City's best-kept secrets, recommended by residents like you.

With the official start of fall, pleasant weather will likely continue through October, offering ample opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures across the Kansas City region.

There's a lot of history buried beneath Kansas City streets, from Prohibition-era passageways and underground caves to the oldest bar in Missouri.

The six finalists in the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition include Ilya Shmukler, who attends Park University’s International Center for Music.

The metro lost beloved bars and restaurants to the pandemic, but this year will see both new and familiar names stepping in to fill the void.

Celebrate the season with a trip to Weston, have a great skate escape at Crown Center and enjoy these classic holiday spots in Kansas City.

If you've taken up hiking over the course of the pandemic — or want to, but don't know where to start — we've got some favorite spots to share, with options for all kinds of hikers.