Deborah Becker is a senior correspondent and host at WBUR. Her reporting focuses on mental health, criminal justice and education.
Deb is also a substitute host on several WBUR programs and helps produce and report for various WBUR special projects. Deb also worked on the launch of WRNI, Rhode Island's NPR News Station, where she served as Morning Edition host and host of the weekly show "Focus Rhode Island."
Before coming to WBUR, Deb worked at Monitor Radio, the broadcast arm of The Christian Science Monitor newspaper. She also worked at several Boston area radio stations. Deb has received numerous awards for her hosting, newscasts, reporting and investigative reporting from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTNDA), Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, National Education Writers Association, Associated Press, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Parent/Professional Advocacy League and United Press International. She has also completed several fellowships on addiction, mental health, juvenile justice and journalism and the law.
Deb studied journalism at St. Bonaventure University. She lives with her family in central Massachusetts.
Recently published
Man accused in Memorial Drive shooting held without bail
The judge found prosecutors demonstrated dangerousness, and Brown should be held without bail for up to 120 days, because he poses a risk to the community. State law requires a...
How 'A Grain of Sand' amplified Asian American identity
The 1973 activist folk album "A Grain of Sand" is widely recognized as one of the first and most influential albums of Asian American music.
State police promise 'meaningful action' after report on training death
Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 25, was knocked unconscious during a boxing match that was part of training and later died. Noble said the Academy has taken steps, such as permanently ending boxing...
After Memorial Drive shootings, questions linger on how the alleged gunman slipped through the cracks
The man accused of opening fire in Cambridge and wounding two people has pleaded not guilty to armed assault with intent to murder. As the case against Tyler Brown moves...
Inside a rare syndrome that makes you drunk — without consuming any alcohol
The existence of auto-brewery syndrome, and emerging research on how the gut microbiome may affect human behavior, could have ramifications for the criminal legal system.
Support WBUR
Introducing WBUR's series 'AI in the doctor's office'
For the past few months, a team of WBUR reporters has been reporting a series called “AI in the doctor’s office,” and we’re bringing our coverage to you this week.
The doctor is in — or is it AI?
If you’ve been to a medical appointment lately, it’s likely that your doctor was using some form of artificial intelligence. Increasingly, diagnostic AI tools are entering doctors' offices and hospitals,...
Why are American children such picky eaters?
Why do American kids love chicken nuggets and applesauce, but hate broccoli and brussels sprouts? In her new book “Picky," Helen Veit explores how American children became the fussiest eaters...
Why is the U.S. reluctant to adopt the Scandinavian prison model?
A handful of states from California, Pennsylvania to Maine have tried to adopt a more rehabilitative Scandinavian prison model. But such models have failed to be replicated at large scale....
How can you be drunk without drinking?
A mysterious condition can push your blood alcohol level sky-high — even if you haven’t had any drinks. What causes auto-brewery syndrome — and what are the legal and medical...