Sarah Birnbaum

Reporter

The World

Sarah Birnbaum is a reporter based in Boston.

Sarah Birnbaum is a general assignment reporter for The World, with a special focus on the arts and anything quirky. Before joining the show, she spent many years reporting on state and local politics for Massachusetts public radio stations. She was also based in Cape Town, South Africa, for a year where she reported stories for The World and NPR.

Sarah studied art history and English literature at Stanford University. She got her start in journalism at CBS News and WNYC in New York.

Chief anchor Lisa LaFlamme worked with CTV Canada for 35 years.

Was this Canadian anchor fired for her gray hair?

After chief anchor Lisa LaFlamme was sacked, tons of speculation followed. Was it a budgetary decision? A personality clash with new management? Or maybe it had something to do with LaFlamme’s gray hair. 

Was this Canadian anchor fired for her gray hair?
In this April 13, 2010, photo, one gram of psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is seen on a scale at New York University in New York. 

This Canadian company is betting big on the ‘psychedelic renaissance’

This Canadian company is betting big on the ‘psychedelic renaissance’
Israeli border police officers and Palestinians clash during a protest against the expansion of Israeli Jewish settlements near the West Bank town of Salfit. 

The word ‘apartheid’ is used to describe Israel’s control over Palestinians. Why is it so loaded? 

The word ‘apartheid’ is used to describe Israel’s control over Palestinians. Why is it so loaded? 
Benin Bronzes on exhibit at the British Museum.

Germany plans to return looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Will other countries follow suit?

Germany plans to return looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Will other countries follow suit?
Dr. Arup Senapati is shown in full medical personal protective equipment and dancing in a hospital.

A doctor in India dances to cheer up his COVID-19 patients, in full PPE

A doctor in India dances to cheer up his COVID-19 patients, in full PPE
Artist Daniel Voshart's machine learning-assisted images of Roman emperors Augustus, left, and Maximinus Thrax, right.

This artist used machine learning to create realistic portraits of Roman emperors

Toronto artist Daniel Voshart spent his free time during the pandemic learning a design software called Artbreeder. He compiled hundreds of images from ancient sculpted busts, coins and statues to create realistic-looking portraits of Roman emperors from the Principate period.

This artist used machine learning to create realistic portraits of Roman emperors
A group of MoMA security guards pose with artist Chemi Rosado-Seijo, far right, creator of an audio guard where the guards explain their favorite works of art.

In a new MoMA audio guide, security guards are the art experts

Museum visitors usually don't acknowledge security guards. But they're often incredibly knowledgable about the art they keep watch over — and may even be artists themselves. A new MoMA audio guide puts the guards front and center.

In a new MoMA audio guide, security guards are the art experts
Antonio Castillo, who moved to the US from Mexico at age 9, is behind an effort to field what he hopes will become Team USA for breakdancing in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

This Mexican American immigrant wants the US to win gold in the 2024 Olympics — for breakdancing

Antonio Castillo, a Mexican American immigrant and breakdancer, is behind an effort to field the first Team USA for breakdancing — which could debut as an Olympic sport as soon as the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. 

This Mexican American immigrant wants the US to win gold in the 2024 Olympics — for breakdancing
The Museum of the City of New York posted a #MuseumMomentofZen on Twitter: This is Herbert Bolivar Tschudy's work, "The Turtle Tank," from 1920.

5 museums offering virtual art while you’re quarantined

Numerous arts institutions are finding creative ways to display their works while their physical doors are closed.

5 museums offering virtual art while you’re quarantined
Dawn lights the sky behind nightclub Crack Bellmer in the RAW area of Berlin, Germany, on Sept. 6, 2016.

Berlin night clubs might get same zoning designation as opera houses

A new law would give night clubs the same status as opera houses. The measure would make it easier for new clubs to get zoning licenses and reduce restrictions on where clubs can operate. 

Berlin night clubs might get same zoning designation as opera houses
The Spanish-language advertisement from the Census Bureau features Latinos of all walks of life explaining why an accurate census count matters for them and their communities. 

Census 2020 ads don't do enough to dispel immigrant fears, advocates say

Census Bureau ads promise viewers their personal information is protected and won't be shared with law enforcement. But after a high-profile legal battle over the citizenship question that stoked fears among immigrant communities, advocates say it's too little, too late.

Census 2020 ads don't do enough to dispel immigrant fears, advocates say
A crowd of people carry flags. One holds a sign that says "J'[HEART] Papa.

France moves to make reproductive technology legal for all

A bill passed the lower house of France's parliament that would open up reproductive technologies to single women and same-sex couples.

France moves to make reproductive technology legal for all
parade

Activists say it’s time to do away with Le Sauvage, a Belgian festival’s traditional blackface character

In Belgium, people have dressed up in blackface at festivals for decades. But in recent years, a push to end the practice is gaining steam.

Activists say it’s time to do away with Le Sauvage, a Belgian festival’s traditional blackface character
Woman in a red dress laughs and claps her hands in front of a computer screen

This American singer teaches Italian kids to sing like Beyoncé

Can you teach Italian children to sing like American R&B divas? Cheryl Porter can.

This American singer teaches Italian kids to sing like Beyoncé
Mount Everest and the Himalayan mountain range covered in snow, seen from above.

Can this duo blaze the first new route up Everest in 10 years?

Two climbers are hoping to chart a new course up Everest with no oxygen, ropes or guides. If they make it, it'll be the first new route to the summer in 10 years.

Can this duo blaze the first new route up Everest in 10 years?