About
Balin Overstolz-McNair is a multimedia reporter at KTAR News who began as an intern in 2022 before earning a full-time position in 2023.
A graduate of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Balin was born in South Carolina and has lived in Arizona since 2005. He covers a wide range of topics but is particularly drawn to stories about homelessness, social solutions and life in the Southwest.
Expertise
- General news reporting
- Homelessness and housing issues
- Education reporting
- Election coverage
Experience
- Multimedia Reporter at KTAR News (2023–Present)
- Intern and Anchor at KTAR News (2022–2023)
- High school journalist at the Coyote Chronicle
Education
- Arizona State University – Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication
Achievements & Awards
- First-generation college graduate
- Multiple Dean’s List honors
- Arizona Broadcasters Association Scholarship recipient
- Contributed to KTAR News’ regional Edward R. Murrow Award-winning newscast
- Instrumental in KTAR receiving a grant to fund a dedicated education reporter role
Social Media Profiles
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 30, 2026ASU alum’s journey from the Valley to announcing the World Cup
Arizona State University alumnus Marco Peralta has taken broadcasting skills he learned in the Valley of the Sun all the way to the World Cup.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 11, 2026Judge allows religious group food distribution lawsuit
A judge has temporarily allowed a Christian group to continue food distribution in Phoenix parks while a lawsuit over city restrictions proceeds.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jun 10, 2026Phoenix highlights new firework use rules ahead of summer season
Phoenix tightened its fireworks ordinance with new bans near mountain preserves and parks. Here's where and when you can light fireworks this summer.
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ARIZONA POLITICS NEWS | Jun 1, 2026New tougher Arizona squatter law passes with bipartisan support
Sen. Wendy Rogers' new law gives Arizona homeowners a faster path to remove a squatter, cutting the process from weeks to days once signed by Hobbs.
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ARIZONA HOMELESSNESS NEWS | May 29, 2026Advocate calls for state of emergency to address family homelessness in Phoenix area
Family homelessness in the Phoenix area is still on an upward trend, and one advocate is calling on Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs to act.
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ARIZONA HOMELESSNESS NEWS | May 19, 2026New homeless data shows increase in shelter population as total remains flat
New data from the 2026 Point-in-Time homelessness count shows a mixed bag of progress in Maricopa County.
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ARIZONA NEWS | May 7, 2026Family of Christian Diaz Rendon demands charges against Phoenix police officer
Christian Diaz Rendon's family is demanding charges against the Phoenix police officer who shot and killed him after the county attorney declined to.
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ARIZONA HOMELESSNESS NEWS | May 6, 2026In 6-3 vote, Phoenix City Council adopts regulations on food distribution in parks
The Phoenix City Council approved new regulations on food distribution within its parks in a 6-3 vote Wednesday night.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 20, 2026Arizona Iranian American says he’s torn between two homelands amid war
An Arizona-based Iranian-American describes the horror of watching war unfold, trying to stay in touch with family amid bombed out communication lines.
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ARIZONA HOMELESSNESS NEWS | Apr 16, 2026Phoenix considers restrictions to homeless services in parks as nonprofits push back
Advocates for the homeless population are pushing back on Phoenix's plan to require permits for medical treatment and food distribution in city parks.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Mar 18, 2026‘He’s got to go’: Pima County sheriff facing recall petition amid Guthrie case criticisms
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing an effort to remove him from office, as criticisms against his leadership have compounded amid a high-profile abduction.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Mar 3, 2026Mesa Police Department gets $431,000 in federal funds for gunshot detectors
The Mesa Police Department received $431,000 in federal funding for gunshot detectors designed to improve response times.
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ARIZONA HOMELESSNESS NEWS | Jan 29, 2026Valley communities undergo 2026 Point-in-Time count for local homelessness numbers
The Maricopa Association of Governments and cities across the Valley conducted the 2026 Point-in-Time count this week to get an estimate on the number of local unsheltered and sheltered homeless populations.
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ARIZONA HOMELESSNESS NEWS | Jan 20, 2026Valley mothers share frustrations with local responses to homelessness
As local responses to homelessness continue to evolve, two unhoused Valley moms have been left looking for safe spaces for their families.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jan 14, 2026Israeli consul general indicates increased defense industry spending in Arizona
The Israeli Consul General of the Pacific Southwest suggested the Middle Eastern nation's minister of defense could visit Arizona next month.
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ARIZONA REAL ESTATE & HOUSING NEWS | Nov 4, 2025October sees high number of eviction cases amid concerns about increase in holiday season
There were 7,579 eviction cases filed in Maricopa County last month, the third highest recorded amount for any October.
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ARIZONA WEATHER NEWS | Oct 27, 2025Veterans aid Tempe cleanup after devastating microburst storm
Team Rubicon is aiding with Tempe disaster relief. The veteran volunteers say help is needed to move storm recovery efforts in the city forward.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Oct 8, 2025Family takes legal action against Phoenix police over ‘botched’ investigation into mother’s death
A family initiated legal action against the Phoenix Police Department last month, alleging negligence in the investigation into the death of a young mother.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Oct 7, 2025Former Arizona Cardinal seeks $1 million in damages from cities of Mesa, Phoenix
Ex-Cardinals player Wesley Leasy recently filed a notice of claim against the Phoenix and Mesa police departments.
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ARIZONA BUSINESS | Oct 6, 2025Amkor breaks ground on $7 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Peoria
Amkor Technology, a leader in semiconductor packaging and testing, broke ground on a $7 billion Peoria advanced manufacturing campus Monday.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Sep 3, 2025Tempe reverses controversial park rules limiting public events
Controversial Tempe park rules that would limit what people can do on public properties like parks have been rescinded. Here's why.
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ARIZONA REAL ESTATE & HOUSING NEWS | Aug 18, 2025Vice mayor of Phoenix unveils new housing plan to expand supply
Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien is passionate about addressing homelessness. She recently shared her list of Phoenix housing solutions.
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ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY NEWS | Aug 11, 2025USPS now operating large package sorter out of Avondale hub
The USPS is now operating a massive machine in Avondale that will help ensure you get your package a little faster.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 5, 2025Tempe voters likely to decide on new city park use and event rules
Tempe city rules would limit public events and aid efforts in shared spaces, but a petition effort could leave voters to make the final decision.