Kansas Capitol correspondent Hunter talks about the way forward for a state with budget problems and Gov. Sam Brownback's final stretch in public office. Then Diane Stafford chats about how your workplace, job, and job security are changing in an Uber-influenced world of the gig economy. The latest "Deep Background" podcast from The Kansas City Star.
The Consumer Electronics Show, Kansas City's own tech scene and the balance between gadgetry convenience and privacy mark the latest Deep Background podcast conversation with Leah Becerra, Jay Pilgreen and Scott Canon of The Kansas City Star.
Kansas City Star reporters Dave Helling, Scott Canon, and Rick Montgomery move past the scorched earth of 2016 to take a look at trends and stories we'll see in the coming year.
Kansas City Star reporters Donna McGuire and Glenn E. Rice talk about the troubled Crimes Against Children unit of the Kansas City Police Department. New detectives man the operation now, but others who worked cases of child assault and rape in recent years have come under investigation, and criticism from prosecutors, for sloppy work that's jeopardized criminal cases and left children vulnerable to attack by predators.
Kansas City Star reporter Mike Hendricks joins Dave Helling to discuss the subject of an extensive Star investigation into firefighter deaths. Many such deaths might be prevented, the reporters found, but for a variety of reasons best practices aren't always followed.
Kansas City Star reporters Dave Helling and Scott Canon and Steve Kraske of the Star and KCUR discuss the issue questions on the November ballot, plus late-breaking analysis of the Yoder-Sidie race in Kansas and more.
Kansas City Star reporters Dave Helling and KCUR's Steve Kraske examine the impact Donald Trump has had on other elections, including the Missouri Senate race and the Third District in Kansas.
Do mistakes matter? Who won the veep debate? Is it still Clinton's race to lose against Donald Trump? Dave Helling, Steve Kraske, and Scott Canon discuss those topics and more on the latest episode of Deep Background, the Kansas City Star's political podcast.
The Kansas City Star's Dave Helling, Steve Kraske of KCUR, and Scott Canon of the Star dissect the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and discuss the Missouri Senate and governor races, with less than six weeks until election day.
Kansas City Star reporters Mara Williams and Glenn Rice discuss the investigation surrounding the alleged murder of Daizsa Bausby in the Kansas City area.
As Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton prepare for their historic first debate, Kansas City Star reporters Dave Helling, Steve Kraske and Scott Canon dissect the campaigns' approach. What must the Democrat accomplish? What are Trump's challenges? And how has the media covered this unique campaign? All on Deep Background, the Star's podcast.
Former Sens. Bob Dole and Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas shared a stage Sept. 17 at the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. DIOP director Bill Lacy moderates the discussion.
Dave Helling, Scott Canon and Steve Kraske discuss the relationship among Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and down-ballot candidates in Missouri and Kansas. Also on the Deep Background agenda: the meaning of Phyllis Schlafly, who died this week at 92.
On this Deep Background podcast, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon meets with the Kansas City Star's editorial board and reporters for a wide-ranging and candid discussion of his eight years in office - and what the future may hold.
Nationally-known pollster Neil Newhouse joins the Deep Background gang to talk about the 2016 election. Then: Is Missouri really in play between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton? Reporters Dave Helling, Steve Kraske, and Scott Canon talk about the race 10 weeks before election day.
Kansas City Star reporters Katy Bergen, Laura Bauer and Steve Vockrodt join Dave Helling to discuss the tragic death of a ten year old boy at the Schlitterbahn water park, and what may have contributed to the accident.
You may have heard about problems people have living in homeowners associations. Perhaps you’ve had problems yourself. But you may not know that there is a growing sense that HOA problems have become a national housing crisis. The Kansas City Star spent more than six months reporting on problems in HOAs, the reasons behind them, and what critics say needs to happen next. To read more of The Star’s stories, visit our special project page.
Kansas City Star reporters Dave Helling and Scott Canon and Steve Kraske of the Star and KCUR's "Up to Date" discuss election results in Kansas and Missouri, the just-passed political conventions, and the candidacy of Donald Trump.
The Kansas City Star's Dave Helling and Steve Kraske of the Star and KCUR's Up to Date report from Philadelphia, as Democrats gather for their national convention. They wrap up the Republican convention, too.
The Kansas City Star's Dave Helling and Steve Kraske of KCUR report from Day One of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland -- the anti-Trump rebellion, and what's next for the party.
Kansas City Star reporters Dave Helling, Scott Canon, and Jason Hancock discuss the latest developments in the presidential race -- including the candidates' standing in Missouri and Kansas.
Kansas City Star reporter Eric Adler reads a story that he and Laura Bauer wrote in May 2011 in the days following the Joplin tornado that killed 161 people and injured more than 1,000. Their story, "Condition Gray" is about the horror and heroics inside St. John's Medical Center as Joplin's tornado ravaged the hospital May 22, 2011.
The Star's Dave Helling and Steve Kraske of KCUR and the Star discuss Saturday's Kansas caucus, the politics of race, and Nancy Reagan's impact on the White House. Analysts said the March 5 Kansas caucuses were the most competitive presidential contests in the nation.
Two of Kansas City's most experienced political reporters from the Kansas City Star discuss the results from South Carolina - and the next steps on the road to the White House for Republicans and Democrats.