Deep Background

Latest Episodes:

Inside the investigation of a UMKC softball coach accused of sexually harassing players Feb 13, 2019

Show notes

Players on the University of Missouri-Kansas City's softball team and their parents accused an assistant coach of sexual harassment: entering the locker room as they dressed, kissing players, telling an offensive joke. The university responded by talking to the coach and buying him a new microwave. Reporter Mará Rose Williams joins podcast hosts Dave Helling and Leah Becerra to give some updates to this quickly evolving story. For further reading: UMKC softball players say coach sexually harassed them. School bought him a microwave - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article224102915.html UMKC softball coach accused of sexual harassment agrees to take leave of absence - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article226144280.html

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A rare look inside the business of pro football; and an update on Clay County's audit Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

The Star obtained three years of the Kansas City Chiefs’ state and federal tax returns documents from a public database. Reporters Mike Hendricks and Steve Vockrodt are here to talk about what those returns showed us about pro football teams' finances. And Clay County Commissioners released a statement claiming Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway’s subpoena for records had been withdrawn. That's not entirely true. Editorial Board member Toriano Porter drops by to discuss what's going on. Dave Helling and Leah Becerra co-host. For further reading: Kansas City Chiefs’ tax returns provide rare look inside the business of pro football - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article225279155.html Clay County resists scrutiny by Missouri State Auditor, both issue warring statements - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article225537160.html Missouri auditor subpoenas Clay County, says local leaders are trying to evade audit - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article225352230.html Editorial: What are Clay County Commissioners hiding from the state auditor? - https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article225524530.html

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An update on Kansas City's mayor race Jan 30, 2019

Show notes

KC City Hall reporter Allison Kite joins Deep Background this week to give an update on the mayoral race ahead of the April 2 primary. Dave Helling and Leah Becerra co-host. For further reading: List of Kansas City candidates for council, mayor preview a very different City Hall - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article224515035.html Buzz notes: Mayoral candidates want more accessible KC but disagree on how to get there - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article225218155.html

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What's a First Amendment auditor? And problems at KC's VA hospital Jan 24, 2019

Show notes

Reporter Judy Thomas joins co-hosts Dave Helling and Leah Becerra to talk about "First Amendment auditors." These are citizens — often armed with cellphones, cameras and sometimes handguns — who scrutinize police stations and other public buildings by performing audits. Is it legal? Is it dangerous? Then, Star reporter Andy Marso discusses the lack of information about a death at the VA Hospital in Kansas City. For further reading: They roam public buildings, making videos. Terrorism experts say they may be dangerous - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article224221620.html Veteran died after a confrontation at Kansas City VA hospital. Senators demand answers - https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/health-care/article222800675.html VA gives ‘totally insufficient’ response to Missouri senator query about vet’s death - https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/health-care/article224916270.html

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What do sports franchises mean to a city? Jan 16, 2019

Show notes

The Kansas City Chiefs prepare for a home game that will determine if they go to the Super Bowl this year. Why do we care so much? And what does a successful sports franchise do for a city? Reporter Steve Vockrodt joins Dave Helling and guest co-host Aaron Randle to talk about the game.

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Gov. Kelly, House Speaker Ryckman look at Kansas in 2019 Jan 14, 2019

Show notes

Newly-inaugurated Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly spoke with the Star's Editorial Board one week before taking the oath. What followed was an interesting and candid look at her many challenges as the state's 48th governor. We also spoke with House Speaker Ron Ryckman about his agenda for the 2019 session. Dave Helling hosts this bonus episode of Deep Background.

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Looking ahead to the 2019 session of the Kansas legislature Jan 09, 2019

Show notes

The Kansas Statehouse reporter for both The Star and The Wichita Eagle Jonathan Shorman met up with Deep Background host Dave Helling in Topeka. On his trip to Kansas' capital, Dave also spoke with Gov.-elect Laura Kelly and House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. Look for those interviews on a bonus episode of the podcast later this week.

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What does the economy look like in 2019? And a Missouri legislature preview Jan 03, 2019

Show notes

Happy New Year! This week we sit down with reporter Mark Davis to talk about the economic outlook for 2019 in light of the trade war with China, the Fed’s plan with interest rates and Wall Street’s uneven December. Is a recession around the corner? Hear what economists are predicting for the new year. Also, political reporter Hunter Woodall stops by to give us a Missouri legislature preview. Dave Helling and Leah Becerra co-host.

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Exit interview: Congressman Kevin Yoder who represents Kansas 3rd District Dec 19, 2018

Show notes

Republican Congressman Kevin Yoder sits down with Deep Background host Dave Helling. They talk about Yoder's time as Kansas' 3rd district representative, his campaign and what he'll do next.

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The investigation into Sen.-elect Josh Hawley — and the latest on KC mayor’s pre-K tax Dec 13, 2018

Show notes

Missouri GOP is demanding that the attorney leading the Secretary of State’s probe into Attorney General Josh Hawley recuse herself because of donations to Democratic candidates. Reporter Steve Vockrodt shares the latest. And Kansas City Public Schools will not support Mayor Sly James’ proposed 3/8-cent sales tax to support pre-kindergarten programs. Reporter Mará Rose Williams tells us what she's learned. Dave Helling and Leah Becerra co-host.

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