Samantha Balaban
Stories
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World
Hamas attacked Israel 1 month ago. Here's where things stand now
About 1,400 people were killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and more than 240 people were kidnapped. In the four weeks since, almost 10,000 people have been killed by Israeli attacks on Gaza.
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World
New details emerge about Hamas-led fighters who sparked a new war with Israel
NPR has interviewed neighbors and relatives of one of the attackers and reviewed footage and information the Israeli military says it collected from villages and militants.
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World
Their kibbutz hit hard by Hamas, Israeli survivors take refuge mourning inside a hotel
Residents of a kibbutz near Israel's border with Gaza are living in a hotel outside Tel Aviv after Hamas killed dozens of people and destroyed homes in their community.
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World
Left behind, in an assaulted Israeli town
In the Israeli town of Sderot, less than a mile from the Gaza Strip, there are remnants and recollections of carnage from Hamas' ongoing attack.
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Health
10 strangers come together for a life-changing kidney swap
With all its complexities, a chain of this size is hard to pull off. This one was postponed three times. But with many waiting for a kidney, it's a critical opportunity to save some lives.
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Animals
Tips to help you start training your dog — and keeping your goals realistic
Samantha Balaban and NPR's Life Kit provide insight to teaching old and new dogs new tricks.
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Arts & Life
In 'The Sour Cherry Tree,' a child keeps memories of her late grandfather close
The day after her beloved Baba Bazorg dies, a little girl remembers some of her favorite things about him: his striped slippers, the mints in his pockets, and the fig cookies he always shared.
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Business
San Antonio Food Bank Doubled Service In 2020
Food banks have seen demand climb dramatically this year. Eric Cooper of the San Antonio Food Bank talks about how additional federal dollars could make a difference to his clients.
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Arts & Life
It Used To Be Just A Fence. It Became A Tribute To Things Lost And Found In 2020
A community art exhibit in suburban Maryland asked residents to consider a simple question: What have you lost, and what have you found in 2020?
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Animals
Want To Adopt A Dog? First Ask Yourself: Can You Still Commit Post-Pandemic?
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.