Kit Wagar Email & Phone Number

Led coverage of state government for 270,000-circulation daily. Covered legislative actions and activities of the governor and other elected officials while tracking revenue and expenditures in a $22 billion budget. Reported extensively on Medicaid and other health and social programs; the advent and impact of legislative term limits; Missouri’s budget crisis from 2002-04; the partial sale of Missouri’s college loan agency; and state efforts to improve the dysfunctional Kansas City school system. Covered major political campaigns, including three races for governor and ballot measures on concealed weapons and stem cell research. Chronicled the rise to power of social conservatives in Missouri and the influence of lobbyist spending and campaign contributions on public policy. A primary contributor to Primebuzz, The Star’s political blog.

Chief ‘digger’ for the newspaper. Handled wide range of investigative projects, primarily on statewide issues: drug smuggling, land fraud, kickbacks on coal contracts, governor’s questionable business deals, vote buying, property tax abuses, insurance company failures, Medicaid fraud. Articles led to major reform of state education system, tightening of Medicaid program. Often pulled in to investigate breaking news events, particularly those involving financial impropriety. Worked as chief assistant city editor the last year at the paper.

As City Hall reporter for 72,000-circulation daily, covered the mayor, City Council, city agencies and a $65 million budget.. Articles led to indictments for vote fraud and embezzlement and twice caused the firing of mayoral appointees. After becoming lead political reporter in November 1982, covered state political parties; local party machines; campaigns for Congress, governor and mayor. Covered 1984 congressional race in Indiana's 8th District eventually decided by four-vote margin. Also covered 1984 Democratic National Convention.

Covered six-county region in Idaho and Oregon for 60,000-circulation daily. Reported on local government; agriculture; state police; federal land-use policy; local politics. Covered 1980 state prison riot and broke story of slum housing owned by state attorney general.