Massive Lead Poisoning in Nigeria

A gold mining boom driven by high global prices is contaminating local villages with toxic lead dust, leading to a crisis that Human Rights Watch says is the worst lead poisoning epidemic in modern history.

Greek Parents Losing Children to Poverty

Charities in Greece say parents are increasingly asking the groups to take in their children because they are too poor to raise them.

Kids Books for the Holidays

This year’s selection includes new titles that feature stunning artwork, as well as some updated classics.

Refugees Risk Life at Sea to Flee Violence

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Political turmoil in North Africa has led many residents, including children, to flee their homelands in rickety boats. Michele Prosperi, a spokesman for the aid group “Save the Children,” has talked with many refugee children who made the perilous journey to the Italian island of Lampedusa. Download MP3

Save the Children: Official site

Argentina tests stolen children

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The stolen children of Argentina’s “disappeared” are now being forced to learn who they really are through DNA testing. Reporter Julia Kumari Drapkin profiles the case of one woman who initiated the DNA drive about 10 years ago. Download MP3 (Photo: Pepe Robles)

Ethiopian kids talk soccer

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Think you know a thing or two about international soccer? So do these delightful nine-year-old Ethiopian boys that the BBC’s East Africa reporter Will Ross met in the Ethiopian highlands. They don’t speak much English, but they are fluent in the language of soccer. (flickr image of kids in Addis Ababa: hypertornado) Download MP3

French super moms

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Correspondent Genevieve Oger reports on a new book by a French philosopher that’s warning French women against the American-style pressure to be super moms.

Children’s Holiday Books 2009

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You’ve gotten gifts for pretty much everyone on your list…or at least you’ve thought about what to get them. But here’s the problem…what about the kids? You’ve ruled out the zhu-zhu pet … Elmo Live … and anything to do with “High School Musical.” Well, you can’t go wrong with a good book. The World’s Carol Zall has been talking with writers and getting suggestions. Download MP3

• Holiday Books 2009
• See book illustrations and books covers
• Purchase these books here and support The World

“Zebra” donkeys in Gaza zoo

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Here’s a strange and sad piece of news out of the Gaza strip. It concerns the Marah Land Zoo in Gaza City. Earlier this year, it seems that the military situation in Gaza contributed to the deaths of some of the zoo’s animals. According to zoo keepers, two zebras starved to death. So now they’ve resorted to artifice to keep ”zebras” on display. We hear from zoo administrator Nidal Barood later today. Download MP3

• Article and video from London’s Telegraph newspaper
• BBC coverage

Yom Kippur: Kids and bikes in Tel Aviv

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Today is Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar. In Israel, the “day of atonement” means that much of the country simply stops. Stores are closed, there’s no school, no newspapers and no Israeli television. And much less traffic. In and around Tel Aviv, the holiday has turned into a festival of bicycles for children. The World’s Matthew Bell will have our story.Download MP3

• See more of Matthew’s photos
• See some videos Matthew shot
• More information about Yom Kippur

LEGO sales snappy despite recession

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Retail sales worldwide are not exactly having a banner year. That’s as true for toys as it is anything else. Except for LEGOs, that perennial kid (and grown-up) favorite. LEGO reported a 23 percent rise in profits during the first half of 2009, despite a world-wide recession. Jorgen Vid Knudstorp, CEO of LEGO, spoke to us from the Czech Republic. Photo: Niels Aage Skovbo. >>> Watch some LEGO films!

LEGO profits beat recession

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In spite of the global recession and tough competition from the computer gaming world, profits for the toymaker LEGO jumped 23 percent during the first half of this year. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Lego’s CEO Jorgen Vig Knudstorp.

Protests over lead poisoning in China

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Chinese villagers broke into a smelting plant and smashed up equipment over the weekend. They were protesting the lead poisoning of hundreds of children living lear the plant. Anchor Lisa Mullins gets the details from The World’s Mary Kay Magistad.