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Up To Date

Distinguished Kansas City Star journalist Dave Helling retires after 4 decades of reporting

By Steve Kraske,
Elizabeth Ruiz
Published January 4, 2023 at 4:38 PM CST
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One month after announcing an organizing campaign, newsroom employees at the Kansas City Star have won recognition for their union.
Carlos Moreno
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KCUR 89.3
The former downtown offices of the Kansas City Star.

After 45 years in television and print journalism, Dave Helling has retired. The former political reporter shares how the city has evolved during his tenure.

As a journalist, Dave Helling has covered six Kansas City mayors, gun violence, redevelopment and more in the span of his 45-year career.

"The challenges in this community have changed over that time," says Helling, but issues surrounding violent crime, transportation and public schools have continued.

"I'd say we're doing better than we were when I started in Kansas City. But there's still lots of work to do."

Helling has been a member of the Star's Editorial Board since 2017, and says he's most proud of his work on covering the airport.

Helling joined Up To Date to share how he got started in the business, what he enjoyed and his thoughts on the future of journalism.

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Up To Date PodcastjournalismKansas City StarNewspaperspolitics
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Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Elizabeth Ruiz
When you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
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