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.
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.
This Canadian company is betting big on the ‘psychedelic renaissance’
The word ‘apartheid’ is used to describe Israel’s control over Palestinians. Why is it so loaded?
Germany plans to return looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Will other countries follow suit?
A doctor in India dances to cheer up his COVID-19 patients, in full PPE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.