Deep Background
A news and politics podcast by the Kansas City Star's reporters, including in-depth commentary and analysis. It's a deeper look at news and issues in Kansas and Missouri.
51
Missouri A+ scholarships often don’t help needi...
The program gives millions of dollars to students to pay for two years of college. But the money doesn't always go to those who need it the most.
26 min
52
Talk over $400 million bike lanes plan in Kansa...
Parking and traffic concerns have some Kansas City neighborhoods fighting City Hall’s stalled plan to add bike lanes.
25 min
53
For sale? What a Kansas City Royals sale would ...
The Kansas City Royals may soon be sold. Will they move downtown?
40 min
54
Fallout after U.S. attorney scandal in Kansas. ...
Barry Grissom faces questions about his tenure as Kansas’ top federal law enforcement official after a federal judge held his former office in contempt.
32 min
55
Is the economic border war between Kansas and M...
Missouri and Kansas Governors celebrated an end to the longstanding economic border war between the two states.
25 min
56
How does Kansas City put a stop to gun violence...
After a week of violence in Kansas City that left six dead, residents and city leaders are discussing ideas to curb gun violence.
26 min
57
The Quinton Lucas era begins in Kansas City
We talk about Kansas City's new mayor, Quinton Lucas.
38 min
58
Former Gov. Greitens' use of Confide shocked Mi...
Gov. Eric Greitens' use of a secret message app called Confide was revealed in 2017, but the controversy surrounding it still swirls today.
39 min
59
A look at Kansas City's city council as this te...
The KC city council's last meeting of the current term is this week.
27 min
60
Growth, or corporate welfare? The region debate...
We break down the debate over tax breaks, low-cost loans, and other goodies for private businesses.
33 min
61
New assessments are in: Jackson County property...
Jackson County’s sudden and steep boost in assessed values has home owners in Kansas City alarmed.
28 min
62
Kansas gets ready for the 2020 Senate race
The Kansas Senate race is just around the corner …
34 min
63
Quinton Lucas will be Kansas City's next mayor....
The Star's Allison Kite and Bill Turque join host…
23 min
64
Election preview: Question 1 and the race for K...
Kansas City voters will pick a new mayor and city…
37 min
65
Behind the story: Expulsion of lobbyist’s son b...
Let's talk about the story that went off "like a bomb."
26 min
66
Missouri may become first state without at leas...
Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis location is the la…
25 min
67
Kansas, Missouri part ways on abortion laws
Which state — Missouri or Kansas — is harsher on …
22 min
68
Kansas City's mayor race enters the final month...
Mayor candidates Jolie Justus and Quinton Lucas d…
32 min
69
'Luxury' hotel dispute raises the stakes in KC ...
Should Kansas City subsidize a $63 million luxury…
27 min
70
Brain fungus death a sign of bigger problems in...
Healthcare reporter Andy Marso's review of oversi…
25 min
71
Let's talk about Missouri politics
The Kansas City Star's lead political reporter Ja…
28 min
72
We look at a free speech case at UMKC, Sprint's...
An anti-transgender speech delivered at the Unive…
41 min
73
Was first part of Kansas' session a win for Gov...
Reporter Jonathan Shorman joins us to talk about …
30 min
74
Kansas City picks finalists in mayor race; Sly ...
Kansas City Councilwoman Jolie Justus and Council…
41 min
75
With Kansas City's primary election less than a...
Kansas City voters will take steps to choose a ne…
34 min