Samantha Fields

Senior Reporter

SHORT BIO

Samantha Fields is a senior reporter at Marketplace.

She’s particularly interested in how the economy affects people’s everyday lives, and a lot of her coverage focuses on economic inequality, housing and climate change.

She’s also reported and produced for WCAI and The GroundTruth Project, the “NPR Politics Podcast,” NPR’s midday show, “Here & Now,” Vermont Public Radio and Maine Public Radio. She got her start in journalism as a reporter for a community paper, The Wellesley Townsman, and her start in radio as an intern and freelance producer at “The Takeaway” at WNYC. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Latest Stories (537)

A heat wave in the West is putting stress on power grids

Jun 16, 2021
There are technology and consumer behavior changes that could make a difference as extreme heat becomes more common.
In Texas and California, people are being asked to lower their power use.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Americans are driving older cars, a trend the pandemic accelerated

Jun 15, 2021
The average car on the road right now in the U.S. is 12 years old.
That's because the quality of vehicles has only improved over time, and because people didn't drive as much during the pandemic.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Although other numbers are falling, the number of people receiving extended unemployment remains high

Jun 10, 2021
Many of them will face the hardest path back into the labor force.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Work rules for SNAP benefits don't lead to more people working, study finds

Jun 9, 2021
But they do reduce the number of people receiving food assistance.
Scott Heins/Getty Images

Banks suspended overdraft fees for the pandemic. Now, 1 is doing so permanently.

Jun 3, 2021
Ally Bank says the charges made up less than 1% of revenue and disproportionately affected Black, Latinx and low-income customers.
The banking industry generated $12 billion from overdraft fees last year, but for many banks, the charges make little impact on financial results.
Nicola Katie via Getty Images

To narrow racial wealth gap, Biden plan takes aim at home appraisal inequality

Jun 1, 2021
Homes in most white neighborhoods are worth an average of $250,000 more than those in mostly Black and Latinx neighborhoods.
President Joe Biden laid out policy proposals aimed at narrowing the racial wealth gap during a speech in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Above, Biden speaks with Michelle Brown-Burdex of the Greenwood Cultural Center.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Disaster fatigue continues with the start of hurricane season

May 31, 2021
Hurricane preparedness had to factor in social distancing last year. What do plans for this year look like?
Home Depot customers walk past hurricane preparation supplies for sale on May 27, 2021 in Doral, Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

As another month's rent comes due, appropriated relief is finally making its way to tenants

May 28, 2021
More than 400 programs are in place to distribute nearly $50 billion in aid to tenants who've fallen behind.
After more than a year of this pandemic, many tenants have fallen behind and are struggling to pay rent.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Planning to rent a car? It’s going to cost you.

May 27, 2021
A surge in demand, plus fewer rental cars, plus a chip shortage (and therefore fewer new cars) equals higher prices for travelers.
That summer road trip may cost you way more than you budgeted for.
lechatnoir via Getty Images

With Americans itching to travel, the second new low-cost airline this year is taking to the skies

May 26, 2021
Launching a new carrier's a risky business. Pent-up demand may help Breeze Airways beat the odds.
Avelo Airlines was the first low-cost air carrier to start up in 2021, taking flight just a month ago.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air