Wade Goodwyn
Wade Goodwyn is an NPR National Desk Correspondent covering Texas and the surrounding states.
Reporting since 1991, Goodwyn has covered a wide range of issues, from mass shootings and hurricanes to Republican politics. Whatever it might be, Goodwyn covers the national news emanating from the Lone Star State.
Though a journalist, Goodwyn really considers himself a storyteller. He grew up in a Southern storytelling family and tradition, he considers radio an ideal medium for narrative journalism. While working for a decade as a political organizer in New York City, he began listening regularly to WNYC, which eventually led him to his career as an NPR reporter.
In a recent profile, Goodwyn's voice was described as being "like warm butter melting over BBQ'd sweet corn." But he claims, dubiously, that his writing is just as important as his voice.
Goodwyn is a graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in history. He lives in Dallas with his famliy.
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Some lawmakers say a deadly fertilizer plant explosion in West last year could be the state's best opportunity to pass needed safety measures. But it's going to be an uphill battle.
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Charlie Strong will be the first black head coach of any men's sport at the university. Despite having led an impressive career since 1986, he hasn't been a popular hire with some of Texas' billionaire boosters. But others testify to Strong's abilities and professionalism.
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The Texas Camel Corps leads trips through the rugged Big Bend region of West Texas. Indigenous people lived in the area some 9,000 years ago, and for a while, camels called it home, too. In the 1800s, U.S. soldiers brought the animals in to traverse the distance between water supplies for the first American settlers.
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The Texas capital is growing rapidly, and its roads and freeways are packed. A toll road was built east of the city to help alleviate the problem, but few drivers use it. Experts agree that the city has to do something — and soon — to address its congestion woes if Austin is to retain its quirky character.
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When Dallas barbecue restaurant Pecan Lodge opened three years ago, there was no line of customers waiting to taste the brisket. But that all changed when Texas Monthly barbecue critic Daniel Vaughn rated the Pecan Lodge barbecue among the very best in the state.
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The search for survivors has ended, and investigators are trying to figure out what led to fiery explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, on Wednesday. At least 14 people are confirmed dead, many of them first responders.
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Sen.-elect Ted Cruz is a bright young Hispanic star who will be sworn in this week in Washington. Many in the GOP hope he'll be able to bring more Latino voters into their column. But Cruz takes a Tea Party hard line on immigration.
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As a national conversation about stricter gun control takes shape in the wake of the Newtown shooting, some are arguing instead for arming school personnel. Supporters say having armed school officials would help prevent shootings and enable staff to protect children if one occurs.
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It hasn't exactly been a barrel of fun flying American Airlines lately. The carrier, which is in bankruptcy, is in a bitter contract dispute with its pilots union. Its on-time performance has plummeted while cancellations are way up. Meanwhile, some of American's best customers are rethinking their loyalty.
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American Airlines is acknowledging that a merger with US Airways is a possibility as it works its way through bankruptcy. American's pilots and other unionized employees are pushing the merger option.