Deep Background

Dave Helling and Steve Vockrodt discuss the latest bizarre twist in the long fight over a new airport terminal. What's happened so far?  What's next? Go behind the headlines, on Deep Background.

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What does the election of a Democrat in Alabama mean for races in Missouri and Kansas? The Star's Bryan Lowry chews that over with Dave Helling of the editorial board. Then Helling talks with reporters Mike Hendricks and Steve Vockrodt about their story involving former Jackson County executive Mike Sanders’ kickback scheme.

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Independent Greg Orman is inching closer to a run for governor in Kansas. Bryan Lowry, the Star's lead political reporter, and columnist Dave Helling discuss the implications of an Orman candidacy — and what it means for Kansans, and the future of the state. This episode was originally published Wednesday Dec. 6, 2017

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Kelsey Ryan and Bryan Lowry of the Star join Dave Helling of the editorial board to discuss the spate of sexual harassment cases involving state politicians, then Bryan and Dave discuss the political landscape in Kansas and Missouri in 2018.

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Kansas may be the most secretive state in the country, a Kansas City Star investigation shows. Reporters Laura Bauer and Judy Thomas join Dave Helling to discuss the investigative series. This episode was originally published Wednesday Nov 15, 2017.

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What have we learned from the KCI vote? Star reporters Bill Turque and Steve Vockrodt unwind the landslide victory of the terminal proposal for KCI — who won, who lost, and what it means for the future. Dave Helling of the Star's editorial board hosts.

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Reporters Eric Adler, Steve Vockrodt and Bill Turque discuss the campaign for a new KCI terminal — and what other cities have done for air travelers. Host: Dave Helling of the Star's editorial board.

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Important races for mayor are unfolding in two of the area's biggest cities: Kansas City, Kansas, (Wyandotte County), and Overland Park. Join Dave Helling, Lynn Horsley and Steve Vockrodt of the Star as they discuss the campaign — and hear from the candidates, too.

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For all the challenges facing Republicans in the age of Donald Trump, Democrats are still struggling to define their message and approach, particularly in red states like Kansas and Missouri. The Star discusses the Democrats' dilemma with Gov. Howard Dean, former head of the DNC, and with Star staff members covering politics in the two states.

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Federal authorities recently charged several assistant college basketball coaches with bribery and other crimes, related to recruiting young athletes. It's the latest scandal facing big-time college sports and may change amateur competition forever. Blair Kerkhoff and Dave Helling of The Kansas City Star discuss those scandals, and college sports, on Deep Background.

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