The best thing I ever remember writing was a short story about wizards and dragons in the sixth grade. But since I can’t seem to find it anywhere, I just keep trying to write something else that good.
Professionally, I do that as an independent journalist based in Philadelphia. I write primarily about environmental and urban topics for local and regional publications, while taking swings at ambitious pieces for national outlets.
Previously, I worked for three years as a national reporter for USA TODAY, first on the paper’s investigative team and then as an inaugural member of its climate and environment desk. Before that, I cut my teeth as an environmental and investigative reporter at mid-sized papers in the Philadelphia suburbs.
Among my most impactful reporting are investigations of nationwide chemical pollution at U.S. military bases, COVID outbreaks at meatpacking plants, and drinking water and other environmental crises across the country.
My work has won three national awards from the Society of Environmental journalists for investigative and beat reporting, as well as a semi-finalist recognition for investigative reporting in the Goldsmith Awards.
But I also pursue imaginative stories seeking to answer under-the-radar questions and find solutions: Are we sure liberal and conservative Americans are that far apart on renewable energy? Are we really doomed to keep building in disaster-prone areas forever? If we healed the ozone so quickly, why can’t we do the same for climate change?
After leaving USA TODAY in 2022, I first became a dad, and then a freelance journalist. The changes are both scary and exhilarating. What will I do next?
Editors, be on the lookout for pitches, or get in touch at kyle.bagenstose@gmail.com.
Where I come from
I grew up outside the city of Reading, Pennsylvania, the tenth generation of Swiss immigrants, and am proud of my Pennsylvania German heritage. My English teacher father taught me a love for reading, writing, and history. My art teacher mother encouraged creativity and showed me that it’s OK not to worry about what other people think sometimes. I miss her dearly.
I graduated from Temple University in North Philadelphia in 2010 with a degree in journalism. I’m fortunate to have experienced the change in surroundings from where I grew up and the community-focused emphasis of the program. I now live in Northwest Philadelphia where I love doing many things outdoors, coaching wrestling, and enjoying the company of my wife, our son, and our two three cats.
Kyle Bagenstose 