Reporting from deep in the heart of Texas

DALLAS — "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could." You see it quoted on bumper stickers up and down the state highways, and it couldn't be more true for this Chinese-Ecuadorean-Minnesotan-turned-Texan. I just came the long way.
 
I started my career in Austin, where I gained a deep appreciation for the Texas spirit of individualism, determination and pride. The state struggles to hold fast to its frontier heritage while accommodating a quickly changing population. And the region will soon be the fulcrum on the scale of national politics.

Al Jazeera America's Dallas bureau is ready to tackle stories that matter to Texans and to Americans. For example, what is the growing power of the Latino vote? What drives it? What silences it? Can you even define it?

We will also examine the death penalty. Why does Texas execute more people than any other state? What are the benefits? What are the consequences?

Then there's the fight for gun rights. Many of the most outspoken pro-gun leaders are from this region. Why? How can the country balance a constitutional right with public safety?

You can count on the journalists in our bureau to ask all those questions and many more. We are committed to covering the Southwest with accuracy, depth and balance. We feel privileged to be assigned to this place, at this time in history. From the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's death, to cutting-edge water conservation techniques, to tales of human resilience and faith, we will bring Americans the facts and context to help them interpret our world.
 
What stories would you like to see the Dallas bureau cover? What are your expectations? Tweet me your thoughts at @heidizhoucastro.

-- Heidi Zhou Castro,
Al Jazeera America Dallas correspondent