Deep Background

Kansas City-area schools are learning along with the rest of the world how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Will coronavirus mean a lost year or more for schoolchildren? And what are we learning to take with us to the next pandemic? Start reporters Mara Rose Williams and Sarah Ritter join host Dave Helling to talk about real-world educational outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star reporters Judy L. Thomas and Laura Bauer have published an ongoing investigation into allegations of abuse at Christian military-style boarding schools in Missouri. What role can the state play in making sure children are safe — and are rural sheriffs part of the problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The realignment that Democrats had high hopes for didn't materialize this election year. President Donald Trump lost some support, but Missouri still elected Mike Parson as governor by a strong margin, and Barbara Bollier's bid to become the first Democrat Kansas sends to the U.S. Senate in a century failed. Colleen McCain Nelson, The Star's opinion page editor, and political reporter Jonathan Shorman join Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to discuss the parties' future on today's Deep Background podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world of disinformation — false allegations and made-up facts intended to confuse voters — hasn't gotten any better since the social media wars of the 2016 election. On today's podcast, we talk with Star Editorial Page Editor Colleen McCain Nelson and editorial board member Melinda Henneberger, who will host Fact or Fiction: How to Spot Election Disinformation, a free live event Oct. 29 at 12:30 p.m. Visit the link to RSVP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Deep Background podcast, reporters Jonathan Shorman and Bryan Lowry join host Dave Helling to talk about the hotly-contested races voters will decide on Nov. 3. Will a blue wave carry Barbara Bollier to the U.S. Senate? And how strong is incumbent Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who inherited his office? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Deep Background podcast, Kansas City Star reporter Kevin Hardy joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about how Kansas City is faring as residents and businesses work through the coronavirus pandemic. Will the area's recovery be easier than many people had feared? They also discuss home sales in Johnson County, Kansas, which are showing no signs of slowing down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Coleman, a 20-year-old Wyandotte County candidate who won the primary for the Kansas House, is sticking in the race, despite calls for him to drop out after revenge porn and other abuses in his past have surfaced. Star reporter Steve Vockrodt joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan on today's Deep Background to talk about that race, and also to discuss the future of tax abatements and other incentives for developers in Kansas City. What does the future hold in the coronavirus pandemic and beyond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many pressing political questions as Election Day draws near. In just six weeks, Kansans will send strongly conservative Republican Roger Marshall or moderate former Republican Barbara Bollier to fill retiring Pat Roberts' seat. And how does the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg play into the larger picture? McClatchy reporter Bryan Lowry joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan of The Star Editorial Board on today's Deep Background podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The schools are back in session, and distance learning is still with us. The Star's Mara Rose Williams and Kevin Hardy have been reporting on the difficulties many families are encountering as they try to help kids learn from home. We now know not everybody has good computers and high-speed internet access. It's not just a rural issue, and it's serious wherever students don't have the tools to get the education they need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Kansas City Chiefs open Arrowhead Stadium to a seriously limited crowd Thursday, all eyes will be on the reigning Super Bowl champs. What will players do for the national anthem, and will the fans abide by new team rules regarding Native American imagery. And then, of course, there's the specter of COVID-19. Star sportswriter Blair Kerkhoff joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan of the editorial board for a spirited discussion of Kansas City's big night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two former Sporting Kansas City executives want to redevelop the closed Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kansas, as a multi-sport complex. Would that be a good use of the Wyandotte County tax revenues they're seeking? And what will happen to Aaron Coleman, the 19-year-old candidate for the Kansas House who has admitted to revenge porn and other misbehavior in his past? Reporter Steve Vockrodt joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan on today's podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Star editor and vice president Mike Fannin's 83-year-old mother wanted to visit this summer, the coronavirus also made an appearance. She, Mike and his wife all contracted COVID-19 and they all now know firsthand it's much more than the flu. Mike is our guest on today's Deep Background podcast where he talks about his experience and how The Star is covering the pandemic for Kansas City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the coronavirus pandemic has many Kansas Citians hunkering down in their homes and the airline industry is largely paused, construction on the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport soldiers on. On today's Deep Background podcast, Star City Hall reporter Allison Kite joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to discuss the debate over minority- and women-owned firms working on the project, as well as the uncertainty ahead for Kansas City's budget, which is facing serious revenue shortfalls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

K-12 schools and universities are grappling with number of unknowns as they tentatively plan to reopen for classes. As of now, most are planning to wait until after Labor Day. What if infections spike suddenly when teachers and students are sharing space again? Star reporters Mara Rose Williams and Sarah Ritter join Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about the unavoidable educational dilemma on today's Deep Background podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican Kansas voters said no to Kris Kobach in his bid to take the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Pat Roberts. Will he be back for a third act? McClatchy reporter Bryan Lowry joins The Star's Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about that race, as well as Kansas' primaries for U.S. House and Medicaid expansion in Missouri. It's all on today's Deep Background podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Deep Background podcast, Washington correspondent Bryan Lowry talks about Kansas Rep. Steve Watkins, who was charged with three felonies for allegedly voting illegally. Also, why are there almost no Kansas Republican politicians sticking to the moderate, middle-of-the-road positions that have been a hallmark in the state for decades? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do people in small towns in Kansas and Missouri feel about the coronavirus pandemic? The Star's Judy L. Thomas and Laura Bauer have been visiting those communities and they join Dave Helling on today's podcast to discuss what they've learned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's podcast, The Star's lead Jefferson City political correspondent Jason Hancock joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to discuss Gov. Mike Parson, his reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, his challenge in the November election and a variety of other topics. And what is Eric Greitens' endgame? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawnee Mission Horizons High School Principal Paul Colwell has been accused of sexist, racist and bullying behavior at the alternative school. And Johnson County commissioners took a vote recently over whether to defy Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's statewide mask order - an option counties were recently granted by the Legislature. The Star's Sarah Ritter joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan of the editorial board in a discussion of these two big Johnson County issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do developers need money from Kansas City to build a new luxury hotel downtown adjacent to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts? That's their pitch to the City Council — but will anybody be willing to sign off in our coronavirus-uncertain times? Kansas City Star reporters Allison Kite and Kevin Hardy join Dave Helling and Derek Donovan of the editorial board to discuss this topic, which never seems to go away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Funding the police department is one of any city's highest priorities. The Kansas City Police Department's role in civic life is under scrutiny today, though public support for law enforcement is generally high. On today's Deep Background podcast, Star reporters Glenn Rice and Mike Hendricks join Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to discuss budgets, reform and the police's relationship with the public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Deep Background podcast, Kansas City Star reporters Katie Moore and Steve Vockrodt join hosts Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about the protests that have been going on in Kansas City and around the world in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in a Minneapolis police officer's custody. Kansas City is committing to police body cameras and other reforms, but will that solve the problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas City is just one of about 100 cities where demonstrators are taking to the streets in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. The Star's Mara Rose Williams talks about what she saw at the Country Club Plaza. McClatchy Washington bureau reporter Bryan Lowry also joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about Roger Marshall, Bob Hamilton and the race for the Senate in Kansas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the coronavirus pandemic swept through the country, Missouri lawmakers curtailed their session to avoid large groups. This time, though, things got pretty wild - and the General Assembly set its sights on reversing the Clean Missouri redistricting and ethics reform initiative that voters approved by 2-to-1 in 2018. The Star's Jefferson City correspondent Crystal Thomas joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan on today's podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Deep Background podcast, Kansas City Star reporters Sarah Ritter and Eric Adler join Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about the road back from the coronavirus shutdowns. Are people taking social distancing measures seriously? And is it surprising that during this politically fraught era that this global health crisis turn into a left-versus-right debate? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Deep Background podcast returns as Dave Helling hosts Star reporters Steve Vockrodt and Kevin Hardy to discuss how Kansas City and the surrounding area is coping with the coronvirus pandemic. What has been holding up testing for weeks — and are people just no longer willing to shelter in their homes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star reporters Katie Bernard and Eric Adler have been covering the coronavirus outbreak and what it means to the Kansas City area. University classes in person are canceled; NCAA basketball will be played without spectators and Mayor Quinton Lucas has declared an unprecedented state of emergency. Will these measures stave off a disaster - or is it all overreaction? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Deep Background podcast, Colleen McCain Nelson and Melinda Henneberger join their Star Editorial Board colleagues Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to discuss the wild ride of this year's Democratic primaries. Just a few weeks ago, pundits were ready to write off Joe Biden's bid for the White House. But now that the field is down to two contenders, will Democrats rally behind the candidate they think is the best chance to unseat President Donald Trump? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's always much discussion of the Kansas City Police Department's budget. The topic of body cameras is on the agenda yet again. But several mitigating factors - especially the fact that the city doesn't have local control over the department - continue to stand in the way. Toriano Porter joins his editorial board colleagues Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about these and other police-related topics on this week's Deep Background podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did Kansas Citians get any big surprises from Quinton Lucas' first budget as mayor? The Star's City Hall reporter Allison Kite joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan of the editorial board to talk about it. Also, development writer Kevin Hardy joins the podcast to talk about Cerner Corp. and its apparently stalled plans to develop retail near its huge Innovations campus along Bannister Road. Read the stories we discuss: ‘Only a beginning': Mayor Quinton Lucas promises equity in first State of the City What's next for Cerner's Bannister development after standstill with Kansas City? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Deep Background podcast, Johnson County reporter Sarah Ritter joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan of the editorial board to talk about the Shawnee Mission School District's recent decision to impose a three-year contract on teachers. Will Kansas' arguments about school funding ever end? Also, they talk about the debate in Overland Park about tax incentives to promote private businesses to investment in the community. Are they the right mechanism to keep the city growing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts retiring, there are three candidates with name recognition vying for his seat: U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, state Senate President Susan Wagle, and Kris Kobach, who lost the race for governor to Laura Kelly in 2018. Also, three new faces seek to unseat Sharice Davids in the 3rd District for the U.S. House. Will Kansas Republicans come together? Michael Ryan joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Deep Background, The Kansas City Star's Colleen McCain Nelson joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to discuss the role of editorial board endorsements in today's fragmented media world. Iowa enjoys an outsize influence in the presidential campaign, and Americans care what The Des Moines Register thinks because of its extraordinary access during the primary. But what role would a regional paper such as The Kansas City Star play in endorsing a presidential candidate who won't have the chance to sit down with the members of the editorial board? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Chillicothe, Missouri, farmer Randy Constant get away with one of the biggest agricultural frauds in American history? Star reporter Mike Hendricks joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about what it may mean for the organic food market in the future. Steve Vockrodt also joins us to discuss allegations that UMB, one of Kansas City's premiere financial institutions, about allegations that the bank mismanaged the Thomas Hart Benton estate, as well as possible misconduct among its management ranks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of Mayor Quinton Lucas' highest priorities is finding meaningful solutions to the violent crime epidemic that makes Kansas City far more dangerous than most other cities its size. Star reporter Allison Kite joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan of the editorial board to discuss the mayor's plans. Also, reporter Kevin Hardy talks about the big layoff Hallmark announced this week. What lies ahead for one of Kansas City's flagship businesses as it navigates the drastically changing world of retail? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Star's Laura Bauer and Judy Thomas spent a year investigating the United States' foster care system. A quarter of those in our prisons started out as foster kids - and there are no easy solutions in sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star opinion writer Melinda Henneberger joins her editorial board colleagues Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to discuss Sarah Gonzales-McLinn, who was only 19 when she killed Hal Sasko, the man 33 years her senior who she said treated her like his "personal Barbie doll." Gonzales-McLinn will be in court Monday, and a Douglas County District Court judge will hear evidence that might lead to a new trial. Read Melinda's column about the case here, and thanks for listening to Deep Background. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporter Eric Adler joins Dave Helling and Leah Becerra to discuss the story of Carol Dille, an eccentric neighbor in midtown Kansas City. Then Sarah Ritter, a reporter, discusses public incentives for a huge project in Overland Park. Read the stories we discussed: Amid $500,000 homes, KC neighbors wage decades-long fight against woman's ‘rat house' - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article236906633.html Reverse Robin Hood syndrome': Overland Park Council approves $200M tax break deal - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article237964979.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justice Horn, the student government president at University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Alex Dwyer, a July graduate from the University of Kansas, sit down with The Star education writer Mara Rose Williams and Deep Background host Dave Helling to discuss the growth of conservatism on college campuses. For further reading: College conservatives say their numbers are growing. Or are they just getting louder? - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article237165489.html MU claims recovery from racial protests, boasting another record fundraising year - https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article232492142.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly recently sat down for an interview with members of The Kansas City Star's Editorial Board, to talk about taxes, schools, Medicaid, and a host of other issues. This edition of Deep Background contains excerpts from those discussions. Dave Helling hosts. For further reading: Medicaid work rules would come at high cost to Kansas, Kelly official warns lawmakers - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article237536114.html Kansas tax outlook improving, but state still set to spend more than it receives - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article237109454.html Editorial: Kansas is third-worst in nation for retirement, report says. Are high taxes to blame? - https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article237555884.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas City Star reporter Katie Moore and editorial board member Dave Helling traveled more than 1,000 miles across the state to tell the stories of poor defendants' rights being trampled by Missouri's justice system. On this week's podcast, we look at their project which found Missouri's underfunded public defender system fails to uphold peoples' constitutional rights. Read the series: Defenseless: Missouri justice system violates the Constitution every day - https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/article237130749.html Before their day in court, poor people charged with crimes can spend years in jail - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article237036709.html With overloaded Missouri public defenders, you only get a ‘sliver of an attorney' - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article237036919.html Missouri judge says: Represent yourself in court or plead guilty to save time - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article237037159.html Public defenders ordered to violate ethics to keep defendants moving through court - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article237037079.html Missouri prosecutors hold all the cards. Public defenders and vulnerable clients fold - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article237037239.html ‘Constant injustice': Missouri must fund and fix its broken public defender system - https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/article237131144.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lead political reporter Jason Hancock joins the podcast today to give a preview of what's in store for the Missouri legislature in 2020. We also spend some time looking at the Galloway-Parson Missouri governor race. Missouri statehouse reporter Crystal Thomas, who has been covering the state's proceedings over Planned Parenthood's license and restrictions to abortion, also joins the podcast to get us up-to-date on the latest in both cases. For further reading: Missouri's abortion restrictions will face scrutiny at congressional hearing - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article237320744.html Trump, abortion will weigh heavily on Galloway-Parson Missouri governor race in 2020 - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236904008.html Missouri health director kept spreadsheet of Planned Parenthood patients' periods - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236773058.html Missouri governor won't investigate health department spreadsheet with patient periods - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236917803.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What did Kansas City's voters say Tuesday about The Paseo? And what are Johnson County voters saying about their communities? Johnson County beat reporter Sarah Ritter joins this post-election Deep Background podcast to discuss the issues. Dave Helling, of the Star's Editorial Board, hosts. For further reading: Kansas City voters reject Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., restore The Paseo as street name - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article237026484.html Save the Paseo group protests MLK Blvd. rally at KC church, days before Nov. 5 vote - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article236990619.html Challengers defeat incumbents in many Johnson County races, but not JCCC board - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article237028034.html Editorial: KC emphatically rejected Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. So, now what? - https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article237070109.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas City residents will vote on whether to restore The Paseo, a historic boulevard that was renamed to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The issue, put on the ballot by petition, will appear as Question 5. The Star's politics editor, Bill Turque, joins Deep Background to examine the decision put before voters and what implications it may have down the road. Dave Helling and Leah Becerra co-host. For further reading: ‘Now the stakes are even higher': citywide vote on MLK Blvd. or Paseo approaches - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236322773.html Published Jan. 24, 2019: After months of delay, Kansas City Council renames The Paseo for Martin Luther King - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article225015775.html Published May 20, 2018: Panel supports naming new KCI airport for MLK, offers 63rd Street as second option - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article211536509.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lead political reporter Jason Hancock joins co-hosts Dave Helling and Leah Becerra to talk about Kansas' Senate race. We look at what's going on with Mike Pompeo, Kris Kobach, Susan Wagle, Roger Marshall, Barbara Bollier and much more. For further reading: ‘The big enchilada': Sebelius, backing Bollier, holds power with Kansas Democrats - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236491863.html Kobach's campaign paid Kansan known to post racist comments on white nationalist site - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236355618.html Democrat Barry Grissom drops out of Kansas Senate race, endorses Bollier - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236359218.html Dave Helling: Is Democrat Barbara Bollier rooting for Kris Kobach in GOP Senate race? She should be - https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/dave-helling/article236524858.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 13-year-old Johnson County eighth-grader who was arrested for pointing a finger gun at classmates was handcuffed, arrested and charged with a felony. Education reporter Mará Rose Williams is here to discuss the latest. And after threatening to evict the Kansas City T-Bones from the taxpayer-owned stadium, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas followed through by padlocking the gates early Monday morning. Business reporter Kevin Hardy gives an update on what's next for the T-Bones. Dave Helling and Leah Becerra co-host. For further reading: Pointing a finger gun lands 13-year-old Johnson County student in handcuffs Overland Park 13-year-old who pointed finger gun might avoid original felony charge Wyandotte County padlocks T-Bones stadium, evicts team for months of unpaid rent KCK may spend $1M on stadium as part of lease with new Kansas City T-Bones owner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two people have died in Kansas and one person has died in Missouri from a mysterious vaping-related illness. The same illness has resulted in hundreds of cases nationwide. But what do we really know about vaping or what's causing people to become ill? Healthcare reporter Lisa Gutierrez joins co-hosts Dave Helling and Leah Becerra to talk about what we know about vaping so far and how people are reacting to the latest headlines. For further reading: Pressure in Kansas builds for new regulation with vaping-related illness on rise https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article235563052.html Missouri records first vaping-related death https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/health-care/article235273962.html Another Kansas resident dies from vaping illness as state reports nine cases https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/health-care/article235403172.html Meth found in vaping devices used by high school students in Utah, officials say https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article235763257.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Icelandair's seasonal service from Kansas City to Keflavik will end after only two years due to "commercial reasons," the airline announced earlier this week. Business reporter Kevin Hardy joins co-hosts Dave Helling and Leah Becerra to talk through some of the questions being raised after KCI lost its only nonstop transatlantic flight. For further reading: Icelandair drops Kansas City flight after boasting KCI's only transatlantic service https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article235650117.html KCI announces two new international routes — including a new destination in Mexico https://www.kansascity.com/living/travel/article235715842.html Looking to save funds, KCI officials set out on long-shot request for federal loan https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article235419107.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas City's long-time city manager Troy Schulte announced he will retire when his contract expires early next year. By the time Schulte leaves at the end of February, he will have held the post — either on an interim or permanent basis — for more than a decade. City hall reporter Allison Kite and politics editor Bill Turque join co-hosts Dave Helling and Leah Becerra to talk about what this means for Kansas City. For further reading: Troy Schulte will retire early next year after a decade as KC city manager - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article235435002.html Editorial: Why did KC city manager Troy Schulte retire? And how will Kansas City move forward? - https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article235245397.html ‘I'm not sure the votes are there': Concerns over KC's role in funding new office tower - https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article235226752.html Cost overruns, new budget pushes price of KC's downtown convention hotel up millions - https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article234801522.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Energy companies KCP&L and Westar are set to merge and are expected to officially become Evergy in October. Reporter Steve Vockrodt joins hosts Dave Helling and Leah Becerra to talk what the merger means for you. For further reading: KCP&L's note: We will soon become Evergy - https://www.kcpl.com/about-kcpl/merger-information (Published 2018) Goodbye Westar Energy and KCP&L, hello Evergy - https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article211832124.html (Published 2017) Regulators deny proposed $12.2 billion merger of KCP&L and Westar - https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article145577559.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri's A+ scholarship program gives millions of dollars to students to pay for two years of college. Yet most of the money goes to those in more affluent districts and not to those who need it the most. Education reporter Mará Rose Williams joins us to talk about this recent report. Hosts Dave Helling and Leah Becerra also chat about college rankings and whether or not they really matter. For further reading: Missouri gives millions in college aid, but little goes to KC students needing it most - https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article234663192.html U.S. News Best Colleges - https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices