No watches or warnings are currently posted for Independence (NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, office EAX).
A chance of rain showers after 4 p.m., otherwise partly sunny with a high near 82°F, east-southeast wind around 3 mph. No heat index is mentioned in the forecast. Sunday night: a chance of showers before 4 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly cloudy, low around 65°F (40% chance of precipitation).
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., then partly sunny with a high near 83°F, east-southeast wind around 8 mph (50% chance of precipitation). Monday night: mostly clear, low around 66°F.
The Staywell Committee meets Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. and the Planning Commission at 6 p.m., both at Independence Municipal Commons (20201 E. Jackson Dr., First Floor).
— City of Independence, Staywell Committee · City of Independence, Planning Commission
The Examiner reports a fire station replacement is in the works in southwest Independence (published Aug. 19). (Paywalled; summarized from the headline and snippet.)
City Manager Troy Anderson named Richard Kemple interim director of Independence Power & Light, effective Aug. 8, following the departure of IPL Director Joe Hegendeffer (who left Aug. 7 to pursue a new professional opportunity).
— City of Independence, Aug 6 · IPL director departure, Aug 3
Applications for Independence's nationwide recruitment for its next Chief of Police were accepted through Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.
The Independence School District Board of Education's most recent meeting on file is Tuesday, Aug. 11; no agenda has been published yet for the next meeting. (The board typically meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month.)
The Examiner reports local superintendents — including Independence — say the constant challenge is finding the best ways for today's students to learn, as school staff return this week and students return next week (Aug. 20). (Paywalled; summarized from the headline and snippet.)
A former elementary school teacher from Independence pleaded guilty Wednesday to 13 counts of child-pornography crimes involving 12 minor victims, and faces decades in prison. (Paywalled; summarized from the headline and snippet.)
New filing: BINGHAM WAGGONER ESTATE (Picnic - Retail by Drink) at 313 Pacific, filed 08/20/2026, from licensee Bingham Waggoner Historical Society (Corporation) — the most recent local liquor filing.
New filing: SMOKE 4 LESS & CONVENIENCE STORE (Original Package Liquor / Original Package Tasting / Sunday Original Package) at 1701 S Noland Rd, filed 08/19/2026 — three filings from licensee Light Liquor LLC (Limited Liability Company).
New filing: BLEU HOUSE BISTRO (Retail by Drink) at 15800 US 24, filed 08/06/2026, from licensee Bleu House Bistro, Inc. (Corporation).
First District voters will decide Sept. 1 whether to recall Councilman John Perkins, whose vote to approve a massive tax abatement for tech company Nebius — to build a hyperscale data center in the Little Blue Valley — sparked the effort. A Jackson County judge tossed a lawsuit seeking to block the vote. The New York Times gave the fight national attention this week, highlighting Independence as one of the first municipalities to hold a data-center-driven recall.
— The New York Times, Aug 19 · Ballotpedia · Jackson County Election Board
The Independence Guard Alliance filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to stop the Nebius AI data center project, planned for nearly 500 acres off Highway 78 and Bly Road. The group alleges the city rezoned the property in 2022 without notifying homeowners and approved more than $150 billion in tax-abated bonds. (Ongoing thread.)
A Cole County Circuit judge ruled the Missouri Constitution's referendum power does not extend to laws establishing congressional districts; the issue is headed to the state Supreme Court. (Statewide item that affects Independence voters.)
Growers-only market at 211 W. Truman Road with locally-grown meat, produce, sweets, and handmade crafts, all grown or made within a 100-mile radius. SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks accepted.
Bi-weekly program for homeschool students ages 6–18 at George Owens Nature Park (1601 Speck Rd.); the Aug. 27 session is a fishing excursion. $4 per child, $15 for a family of four or more.
Weekly chess club at George Owens DeWitt Hall (1601 S Speck Rd.) — all ages and abilities welcome; instructional help for beginners. Club membership required ($15/yr residents, $30/yr non-residents), $1 drop-in fee.
LEGO-building club for ages 3–17 at George Owens DeWitt Hall. Club membership required ($15/yr residents, $30/yr non-residents), $2 drop-in fee.
| Sun 23 | Partly sunny, chance of rain after 4 p.m., high near 82° · chance of showers/storms overnight, low 65° |
| Mon 24 | Chance of showers/storms before 11 a.m., then partly sunny, high near 83° (50%) |
| Tue 25 | Staywell Committee 2 p.m. · Planning Commission 6 p.m. (Municipal Commons) |
| Thu 27 | Homeschool Recreation 2 p.m. (fishing excursion) · Chess Club 2:30 p.m. · Let's Build! Summer Splash 4:30 p.m. |
| Sat 29 | Farmers Market at Uptown Market 8 a.m. |
| Sep 1 | Recall election for First District Councilman John Perkins (9 days out) |