Samantha Balaban
Samantha Balaban is a producer at Weekend Edition.
After receiving her M.A. in Journalism and Latin American studies from New York University, she got her start in public radio covering the James "Whitey" Bulger trial for WBUR as an intern. Since coming to NPR in 2014, she has reported on a perfume-loving tiger, traveled to Mexico to meet actor Diego Luna (and cover the elections), ridden with border patrol officers along the Rio Grande River, eaten very well in Houston, interviewed a Bangle and used her waterproof fanny pack to help keep her mic dry during hurricanes. She's also responsible for Picture This, a series of conversations with authors and illustrators.
Most days, you can find her under a pile of books and mail coordinating Weekend Edition's book coverage. On weekends, she's hanging out with her dog, Winnie.
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Many people stuck at home are interested in adopting a dog. Rescue groups and shelters want them to really consider if they can still commit to being a dog owner after they return to the workplace.
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Cotton & Reed is one of many distilleries using their alcohol to make hand sanitizer to help ease serious shortages during the coronavirus outbreak.
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Veterinarians have suicide rates of more than double that of the general population. One group is building an online community to give advice and help out when stress adds up.
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NPR's Leila Fadel first met Rosa Gutierrez Lopez in January, after she sought refuge at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church. If she leaves the property, she risks being deported to El Salvador.
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A Salvadoran Woman Took Refuge In A Maryland Church. She Still Can't LeaveFourteen years ago, Rosa Gutierrez Lopez sought safety in the U.S. after fleeing violence in El Salvador. To avoid deportation, she's been claiming sanctuary at a Maryland church for nine months.
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Isolated And Struggling, Many Seniors Are Turning To SuicideThe golden years are thought to be a well-earned, carefree time in life. But adults 65 and older now account for almost 1 in 5 suicides in America.
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Nicole Rikard, Kristen Clifford, Erin Gibson and Melissa Swailes were all married to officers who killed themselves. They want to end the stigma of police asking for help when facing mental illness.
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How Racism Has Manifested Itself In Schools, As Recalled By ListenersRecent stories about high-profile politicians in Virginia having worn blackface have caused many people to recount their own experiences and how it made them feel unwelcome, or unsafe.
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Wildlife officials in India are trying to catch a tiger thought to be responsible for the deaths of several people. So far, no luck. But could the secret to success be under their noses?
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An asylum seeker is five times more likely to win a petition for asylum with the help of a lawyer. But, many asylum seekers are expected to represent themselves in court.