wbur

A powerful nor'easter is battering the New England coast, sending massive waves crashing ashore and driving strong winds across the region. Photo reports from Boston-based outlet WBUR document the storm's impact on coastal communities, as residents and officials track flooding risks, damage, and travel disruptions during the severe weather event.

Public defenders at the Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services are asking voters to approve Question 2, a ballot measure that would let them form a union. The group says collective bargaining would strengthen their ability to advocate for clients, and the measure is drawing attention ahead of the election.

Massachusetts health officials have issued new guidance emphasizing the health risks associated with moderate drinking. The advice stresses that even light or moderate alcohol consumption carries potential harms, aligning with recent national and international research questioning whether any level of drinking is safe. Coverage from WBUR is drawing attention to the updated recommendations for residents.

Nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston say they will go on strike beginning October 14 after contract negotiations with hospital management failed to produce an agreement. The announcement, reported by WBUR, means thousands of patients could face disrupted care unless a last-minute deal is reached, and the dispute adds to ongoing tensions over staffing and working conditions at major US hospitals.

WBUR has published a first-person look at the life of a self-described 'degenerate' sports gambler, exploring the habits, losses and psychology behind compulsive betting on games. The piece lands as legal sports betting expands across the United States and concerns grow about addiction among young male bettors, making gambling dependency an increasingly public topic of discussion.

Biologists at the University of Massachusetts have identified what may be the loudest birds in the world, according to reporting by WBUR. The finding is drawing attention from bird enthusiasts and scientists curious about how these species produce such extreme volumes and what role the calls play in their behavior and mating.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration may continue deporting migrants to third countries — nations that are not their country of origin. An immigration expert discussed the decision's implications in an interview with WBUR, addressing what it means for asylum seekers and due process protections. The ruling is seen as a significant win for the administration's hardline immigration enforcement agenda.

National Book Award-winning author Elizabeth Acevedo gave an interview with WBUR in which she reflected on anger, describing it as 'only a shadow.' The conversation centered on her writing and the emotions behind her work, drawing attention from readers of her acclaimed young adult novels and those following her literary career.

An election expert spoke with WBUR to walk voters through what they can expect when they arrive at their polling site, including practical details about the voting process. The interview comes as voters prepare to head to the polls, with many seeking clear guidance on procedures, identification requirements, and how polling places operate on election day.

Landlords are increasingly adopting AI concierge tools to communicate with their tenants, according to WBUR's Here & Now. The systems handle tenant questions, maintenance requests and other routine exchanges, raising questions about responsiveness, privacy and whether automated replies can replace direct contact between property managers and renters.