Liz Baker
Liz Baker is a producer on NPR's National Desk based in Los Angeles, and is often on the road producing coverage of domestic breaking news stories.
Since joining NPR as an Arts Desk intern in 2010, Baker has worked on each of NPR's newsmagazine programs and dozens of hours of special coverage, including every election night and inauguration special since President Obama's second term. She has covered natural and man-made disasters, including Hurricanes Maria, Ida, and Ian, the catastrophic 2019-2020 wildfire seasons in California, Oregon, and Australia, and the Surfside condo collapse in Florida. She also covered mass shootings in Buffalo, NY, Uvalde, TX, and Monterey Park, CA, and high-profile court cases such as the hate crime and murder trial against Ahmaud Arbery's killers in Brunswick, GA, Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault trial in Los Angeles, and Britney Spears' conservatorship hearing.
In 2020, Baker produced on-the-ground coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the summer of racial justice protests following the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. She reported extensively on the protests in her hometown of Rochester, NY, which were sparked by police body camera video of Daniel Prude's death and contributed to renewed conversations about policing reform and mental illness.
From 2015 to 2019, Baker produced and directed Weekend All Things Considered; working closely with host Michel Martin to revitalize the program after its move to Washington, D.C. following a 2-year run in Los Angeles.
In her spare time, she enjoys climbing, camping, and clomping around the Santa Monica mountains with a too-heavy pack, always ready to lend first aid and snacks to others on the trail.
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Even as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, two-thirds of U.S. adults say if their home is hit they'd rather rebuild than relocate. -
Hurricane Ida and its remnants left a path of destruction from Louisiana to the Northeast. Communities are assessing the damage, and prepping for a hurricane season that hasn't reached its peak.
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Four nursing home residents in Louisiana have died after being evacuated to another facility ahead of Hurricane Ida. Health officials are investigating reports of unsafe conditions at the site. -
Hurricane Ida roared ashore in southern Louisiana on Sunday, and left behind much destruction. Many trees are down and roofs were ripped off homes and businesses. Power is out in many areas.
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Experts review Rochester, N.Y., police body camera video of a recent encounter of white officers with a Black girl in distress. She was handcuffed and pepper-sprayed in a squad car.
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Political scientists say growing acceptance of unfounded conspiracy theories is fueling disengagement and distrust in democratic institutions, an effect that is trickling down to local politics. -
Howard marching band members and dancers are thrilled to escort Vice President Harris during the inauguration parade. "I honestly can't believe it's happening," one student said. -
Across the country, there are growing concerns that the bitterness and animosity over the presidential election will not end when the polls close. -
As Black Lives Matter protests spread across the country, a lot of white people joined in to help the cause. In many cities Black leaders are being deliberate about the roles "white allies" play. -
The seven officers involved in Daniel Prude's death have been suspended a day after Prude's family released the video of his March encounter with Rochester, N.Y., city police.
