Woody here.

I’d like to take this space to introduce myself.

I am a fellow at USA Today covering the 2024 elections and Gov. Tim Walz’s vice presidential candidate based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

My byline reads as ‘Sam Woodward’, but my newsroom name, Woody, is much more comfortable. It was given to me before I was even able to read the news, let alone write it. Since then, I have developed a fondness for storytelling.

I began my career in journalism during my freshman year of college at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning the basics of AP Style and cold calling within the confines of my childhood bedroom was not ideal, but I stretched out my reporting limbs following the murder of George Floyd. I learned how to file stories while freezing with protestors in the Minnesota cold and chasing down lawyers while covering Derek Chauvin’s trial as a second year.

My reporting has ranged from everything from breaking news on civil unrest, in-depth, investigations, and business to national and local politics. I’ve worked across print, digital, television, and radio platforms and focus on creating audience-focused, transparent news that seeks to connect and create better understanding of this crazy world around us.

When I’m not writing or doom scrolling, I like to bake, read, and travel. I take pride in being the eldest daughter, a born and raised Mid-westerner, and Mamma Mia (2010) super fan.

Feel free to reach out. I, like all writers, am always looking for reasons to get coffee.

All the best,

Woody