Andrea Crossan

Andrea Crossan has written 122 posts for PRI's The World

Pope Benedict XVI Resigns

Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to step down at the end of February because of his frail health. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Rome correspondent Megan Williams about reaction to the surprise announcement.

South Africa Rape and Murder Sparks Outrage

The rape and murder of a teenage girl has triggered protests in South Africa and several South African radio stations have been broadcasting an intrusive beeping noise every four minutes to symbolize the frequency of rape in the country.

Where Chefs Eat

A new 600-page guide called “Where Chefs Eat” highlights restaurants where some of the world’s best chefs like to dine. One of those places was Boston’s Sapporo Ramen.

Irish Government Admits Role in Magdalene Laundries

The Irish government has acknowledged that it played a major role in running the infamous Magdalene Laundries. Thousands of women and girls were locked up against their will, and forced to perform unpaid labor in workhouses managed by Catholic nuns. The popular notion was that many were prostitutes or unwed mothers. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Mary Fenton. She was just 16 when she was sent to the Magdalene Laundries.

What is it Like to Play Osama Bin Laden?

British actor Ricky Sekhon, who played the al-Qaeda leader in “Zero Dark Thirty,” had a brief appearance in the film, but his preparations were not small.

French Convoy Delivers Supplies to Northern Mali

A French-led convoy carrying food and military supplies arrived in the northern Malian town of Gao. Reporter Laura Lynch was with them. She’s covering the story for The World and the CBC.

Kenyan Wildlife Conservancy Plans to Use a Drone to Counter Rhino Poaching

Conservation groups and governments across Africa are struggling to police the poachers and protect the animals. Now a wildlife conservancy in Kenya has purchased a drone to keep an eye on its precious residents.

Dreadful Crime: Dreadlock Thefts in South Africa

A man was recently robbed of his dreadlocks at a South African night club. It’s believed that the man’s dreads were stolen to feed a growing demand for human hair extensions.

Helping the Victims of Brazil Nightclub Fire

Brazil is marking three days of national mourning for the victims of the fire at a nightclub in the southern city of Santa Maria.

Clash Over Canadian Lobster Catch

Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are at odds over the size of lobsters that fishermen are allowed to catch in the Northumberland Strait.

Gary the Goat Gets Day in Court

A magistrate in Australia has dismissed charges against a goat named Gary. The goat was booked by Sydney police for eating flowers outside a museum.

What Happens When a Charity is Tainted by Scandal?

These are challenging times for Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG charity. Cathy Pharoah is at City University’s Cass Center for Charity Effectiveness in London.

France Ups Ante in Mali, Sends More Troops

France is sending more troops to Mali, and other nations in the region are pledging to send their own soldiers to help fight the Islamist rebels that threaten the Malian government.

Mali Welcomes French Intervention

The French intervention has been welcomed by many Malians hoping for an end to Islamist control of Mali’s north.

Google Diplomacy: Eric Schmidt’s Controversial Trip to North Korea

Google chairman Eric Schmidt is back from his controversial trip to North Korea. He says he told North Korean leaders to loosen their restrictions on internet access in the recluse nation, or risk being left behind.