Nina Sparling






Nina Sparling is an investigative reporter. Currently, she works at The Public’s Radio, the NPR member station in Rhode Island.

She was a 2023 National Fellow with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism. 

Her writing has been published in the New York Times, the Paris Review, Vogue, Logic Magazine, and the Global Investigative Journalism Network. Her radio work has appeared on NPR, Marketplace, KQED, KALW, Capital Public Radio, and with the podcast 70 Million. 

tips? questions?
ninasparling[at]gmail[dot]com

Selected Work


How racist restrictions in housing deeds helped shape where Rhode Islanders live today. The Public’s Radio

RI landlords are required to ensure their units are safe from lead paint. But who checks? The Public’s Radio

To prevent lead poisoning, Central Falls is turning up the heat on landlords. The Public’s Radio

Underage and Unprotected: Migrant teens worked in seafood processing plants. The Public’s Radio / FRONTLINE

‘They’re gonna take my house. That’s what went through my head.’ Why Woonsocket homeowners don’t have access to tax sale protections. The Public’s Radio

An effort to hold prosecutors accountable. 70 Million
With Mayor’s backing, developer asks to demolish, rebuild 20-year-old public housing. San Francisco Public Press

Despite pandemic, new wave of court-ordered evictions displacing poor tenants. San Francisco Public Press

An update on Project Roomkey in Tuolumne County. The New York Times

At Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s 100th birthday party. The Paris Review






Nina Sparling

Investigative Reporter


Nina Sparling is an investigative reporter and producer.

Currently, she works at The Public’s Radio, the NPR affiliate in Rhode Island.

She has written for outlets including the New York Times, the Paris Review, Vogue, Logic Magazine, and the Global Investigative Journalism Network. Her radio work has appeared on NPR, Marketplace, KQED, KALW, Capital Public Radio, and with the podcast 70 Million.

tips? questions?
sparlingnina[at]gmail[dot]com

Selected Work


RI landlords are required to ensure their units are safe from lead paint. But who checks? The Public’s Radio

To prevent lead poisoning, Central Falls is turning up the heat on landlords. The Public’s Radio

Underage and Unprotected: Migrant teens worked in seafood processing plants. The Public’s Radio / FRONTLINE

‘They’re gonna take my house. That’s what went through my head.’ Why Woonsocket homeowners don’t have access to tax sale protections. The Public’s Radio

An effort to hold prosecutors accountable. 70 Million
With Mayor’s backing, developer asks to demolish, rebuild 20-year-old public housing. San Francisco Public Press

Despite pandemic, new wave of court-ordered evictions displacing poor tenants. San Francisco Public Press

An update on Project Roomkey in Tuolumne County. The New York Times

Using theater – and Zoom – to tell stories of solitary confinement. Global Investigative Journalism Network

At Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s 100th birthday party. The Paris Review


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