Jennifer Ludden
Jennifer Ludden helps edit energy and environment stories for NPR's National Desk, working with NPR staffers and a team of public radio reporters across the country. They track the shift to clean energy, state and federal policy moves, and how people and communities are coping with the mounting impacts of climate change.
Previously, Ludden was an NPR correspondent covering family life and social issues, including the changing economics of marriage, the changing role of dads, and the ethical challenges of reproductive technology. She's also covered immigration and national security.
Ludden started reporting with NPR while based overseas in West Africa, Europe and the Middle East. She shared in two awards (Overseas Press Club and Society of Professional Journalists) for NPR's coverage of the Kosovo war in 1999, and won the Robert F. Kennedy Award for her coverage of the overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. When not navigating war zones, Ludden reported on cultural trends, including the dying tradition of storytellers in Syria, the emergence of Persian pop music in Iran, and the rise of a new form of urban polygamy in Africa.
Ludden has also reported from Canada and at public radio stations in Boston and Maine. She's a graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in television, radio, and film production and in English.
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A new cookbook from food writer Marlena Spieler gives a makeover to the ultimate comfort food. With combinations like mozzarella, fig jam and prosciutto, and sage sausage with jack, Grilled Cheese: 50 Recipes to Make You Melt makes the classic sandwich even better. NPR's Jennifer Ludden joins Spieler in the kitchen. -
A new anthology of fiction was published on World AIDS Day in response to the global epidemic. Conceived and edited by Nobel Prize-winning novelist Nadine Gordimer, Telling Talesfeatures stories from 21 distinguished authors. All profits will go to medical and advocacy programs on AIDS. NPR's Jennifer Ludden speaks with Gordimer.
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An article in Audubon Magazine recalls the 19th century effort that ended the feather trade. Until a public outcry stopped the practice, thousands of birds across North America were slaughtered to provide decorations for women's hats. Hear Jennifer Price, author of the article, and NPR's Jennifer Ludden.
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NPR's Jennifer Ludden examines the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on Russia's relations with the West. She talks to Stephen Sestanovich, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Boudewijn Johannes van Eenennaam, the Dutch Ambassador to Washington.
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NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks with Frontline reporter Lowell Bergman about The Secret History of the Credit Card, a new documentary by PBS and The New York Times. The film traces the rise of America's credit card industry and raises concerns about some if its business practices.
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Alexis Sinduhije, a Burundian journalist, will receive an International Press Freedom Award this week from the Committee to Protect Journalists. Sinduhije is the founder of Radio Publique Africaine, a radio station that has brought together Hutu and Tusti reporters. Hear NPR's Jennifer Ludden and Sinduhije.
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When legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker died in 2001, he was working on songs for what would be his last recording, Face to Face. His daughter, Zakiya Hooker, produced the album after his death and talks with NPR's Jennifer Ludden about his musical legacy. -
While the demand for low-wage work is rising, the number of people available to fill those jobs is shrinking. But one company -- CVS/Pharmacy -- has invested in a training program to recruit employees. NPR's Jennifer Ludden visits a CVS training facility.
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Pre-teen sisters Asya and Chloe make up Smoosh, the latest band to rock Seattle. They've been touring this year with Pearl Jam and Sleater-Kinney and have a debut CD, She Like Electric. NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks with the band.
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Transplant surgeons and organ recipients will address black churches around the nation Sunday as they seek to raise awareness about the need for organ donation within the African-American community. Hear NPR's Jennifer Ludden and Dr. Robert Higgins.
