Deep Background

Latest Episodes:

The Greitens scandals take a dramatic turn May 16, 2018

Show notes

The Star's lead political reporter Bryan Lowry — just back from St. Louis — is here to discuss the latest twists in the Eric Greitens case with co-hosts Leah Becerra and Dave Helling.

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Why (still) so secret, Kansas? May 09, 2018

Show notes

Despite some progress, Kansas legislators are still using methods that many consider deceptive. The Star's mid-November series, "Why so secret, Kansas?" found the state has one of the nation's darkest governments. Reporters Hunter Woodall, Laura Bauer and Judy Thomas discuss the legislative session that recently ended and what comes next. Leah Becerra fills in for Dave Helling as host.

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The Sprint/T-Mobile merger: What's at stake? May 02, 2018

Show notes

The Star's Mark Davis and Deep Background host Dave Helling discuss the proposed Sprint/T-Mobile merger, including the chances it passes Washington's test, and what it means for Kansas City.

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The Jackson County mess: A people problem, or something more? Apr 25, 2018

Show notes

Mike Hendricks and Steve Vockrodt of the Star join host Dave Helling to talk about recent scandals in Jackson County, and what changes are under discussion to end the problems in the county's government.

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Catching up on scandals involving Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens Apr 18, 2018

Show notes

The Star's Missouri statehouse reporter Jason Hancock joins host Dave Helling to discuss the latest involving Missouri Governor Eric Greitens.

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The wild debate over school funding in Kansas Apr 11, 2018

Show notes

Hunter Woodall, The Star's Topeka correspondent, joins host Dave Helling to discuss the rollicking last-minute debate over funding schools in Kansas. The argument isn't over.

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A boulevard, a statue, and an anniversary: Racial progress in Kansas City Apr 05, 2018

Show notes

The Star's Aaron Randle, Jenee Osterheldt and Mará Rose Williams talk with host Dave Helling about the renaming of the Paseo, the Quindaro ruins, and the state of race relations 50 years after the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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From tragedy at Schlitterbahn in KC to murder charges Mar 28, 2018

Show notes

The Star's Steve Vockrodt and host Dave Helling discuss the issues surrounding criminal charges filed over the death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab at a Kansas City area waterpark.

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Kobach gets his days in court. Kansas gets an expensive report card Mar 21, 2018

Show notes

The Star's political reporter Bryan Lowry and host Dave Helling discuss the Kris Kobach-voting rights trial in Kansas City and take up the debate over school funding in Kansas.

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Behind The Star's child brides series Mar 13, 2018

Show notes

Hundreds of young couples have come to Missouri to marry. Why? Reporter Eric Adler discusses his series on Missouri's child brides, and how policymakers see the issue. Then, lead political reporter Bryan Lowry talks about Mike Pompeo, who is poised to take over U.S. secretary of state. The Star's Dave Helling hosts the show.

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