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 | May 17, 2024Maricopa County leaders, agencies come together to reduce lake drownings
Since many Arizonans will visit Lake Pleasant soon, authorities shared several Memorial Day weekend safety tips to follow when near water.
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ARIZONA NEWS | May 8, 2024Arizona Department of Education unveils new plan to protect students from fentanyl
A new task force from the Arizona Department of Education called STOPIT is designed to fight fentanyl in schools.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 29, 2024From an ‘epidemic’ to now: Preventing child drownings in Arizona
With the hottest months of the year ahead, local officials are urging heightened awareness and caution.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 19, 2024Arizona wildlife officials warn about rabies threat as temperatures rise
Arizona wildlife officials are issuing a rabies warning as rising temperatures draw more animals out of hiding.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Apr 5, 2024Valley experts say parents, communities need to do more to combat violence, bullying
Valley experts believe the entire community needs to get on board with helping prevent bullying and violence in youth.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Mar 14, 2024Arizona border city of Douglas grappling with new reality as hub of immigration crisis
Border encounters show that Douglas and neighboring community in Mexico aren't the quiet hubs they once used to be.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Mar 6, 2024Valley nonprofit opens new Phoenix facility to provide mental health services
Gov. Katie Hobbs spoke at a Tuesday grand opening for a new community resource center from Southwest Behavioral and Health Services.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Feb 12, 2024State lawmaker wants to change Arizona law related to drug use and homelessness
Arizona state Rep. Matt Gress introduced a bill that would amend current law to create drug-free zones within areas around service providers.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jan 31, 2024Arizona Department of Water Resources exploring options for long-term groundwater management
The Arizona Department of Water Resources kicked off an informal process to establish a new groundwater management area in Gila Bend.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jan 29, 2024American Lung Association gives Arizona’s tobacco laws a failing grade
The American Lung Association gave Arizona failing grades in its report on each state's efforts to limit and prevent tobacco use.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jan 26, 2024Here’s an inside look at Valley’s yearly census of unhoused population
It was a cold, rainy morning as volunteers and city and nonprofit workers gathered in Phoenix this week for the 2024 point-in-time homelessness count.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Jan 23, 2024Phoenix Sky Harbor ups international ties with new nonstop route to Europe
Sky Harbor International Airport will offer nonstop flights between Phoenix and Paris, France, starting in May.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Dec 22, 2023East Valley city at odds with nonprofit group over free picnics for unhoused people
Tempe leaders asked nonprofit AZ Hugs to pause its Sunday Family Picnic event due to public safety concerns.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Dec 18, 2023Phoenix nonprofit creating family environment for isolated seniors
A Phoenix nonprofit wants to alleviate loneliness for elders as at least half of them in the U.S. experience the feeling during the holidays.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Dec 11, 2023Valley health expert gives tips on reducing holiday stress
The holidays are here and with that can come a certain level of stress. A Valley health expert has tips to take pressure off yourself and loved ones.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Dec 5, 2023Early care and education system underserving kids in Arizona, report says
A new report has found Arizona's early care and education (ECE) system is underserving kids, especially those from marginalized communities.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Dec 4, 2023Valley-based health care provider uses tech to boost quality of care
Valley-based health-care provider HonorHealth is using technology to lighten the burden on staff at one hospital.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 29, 20231st permanent Holocaust museum to be built in Phoenix
The Arizona Jewish Historical Society on Tuesday announced plans to build the first permanent Holocaust education center in Phoenix.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 27, 2023Arizona DHS offers details on marijuana recall process over Aspergillus concerns
There’s currently an ongoing voluntary recall for certain marijuana products sold in Arizona dispensaries due to possible contamination.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 20, 2023Changing of seasons linked to mental health challenges in Arizona
Seasonal affective disorder is a rising mental health concern as the days become shorter this time of year, even in sunny Arizona.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 13, 2023Valley researchers find link between pollution and Parkinson’s disease
A recent national study from Valley-based Barrow Neurological Institute found a link between pollution and Parkinson's disease.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 10, 2023
Misinformation rampant, remains a key issue in Arizona as 2024 election looms
With the 2024 election a year away, misinformation remains a major problem in Arizona and while solutions for the disturbing trend are present, are hard to achieve.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 6, 2023As COVID-19 boosters lag in Arizona, health agency urges getting the shot
Nearly 4% of Arizonans have gotten the latest COVID-19 vaccine booster since the new boosters became available in September.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Nov 2, 2023Ruth Place: Valley interfaith partnership provides new methods of care for abuse victims
Valley city leaders and the National Council of Jewish Women Arizona have come together in an interfaith partnership to create “Ruth Place.”