Women’s History Month: Remembering Judy Heumann
Women’s History Month is celebrated every March in the United States. This is a time to honor and celebrate women’s contributions to American history. This week btw takes a closer look at the life and contributions of Judy Heumann, a leading disability rights activist. Heumann died on March 4, 2023, at the age of 75. […]
Senate Acts After Train Derailment
A train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed last month in eastern Ohio. U.S. senators have introduced a new rail safety bill to prevent future railroad disasters and held a hearing to learn more about the incident. Details continue to emerge about the environmental and health impacts on the community. Here, btw takes a closer look at the accident, […]
Recognizing Women with Place Names: Five Canadian Mountains
Have you ever noticed that most geographical locations are named after men? While the number of men and women are relatively equal, there are fewer geographical locations named after women. When you eliminate the categories of Christian saints, Greek goddesses, and queens, even fewer landmarks are named to honor women. A lack of women-inspired place […]
President Biden Visits Ukraine on Anniversary of Russian Invasion
On February 20, 2023, United States President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine. The historic visit was a demonstration of the United States’ support for Ukraine ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. President Biden spent roughly five hours in Kyiv meeting with […]
Women’s History Month: The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
In December 2020, Congress approved funding for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. This museum will honor American women’s accomplishments, their histories, and the communities they represent. While the museum organization has hosted many online and in-person events and programs, the physical museum hasn’t been constructed yet. The website for the museum says that it […]
New Discoveries Help Explain Egyptian Mummification
When you hear the words “ancient Egypt,” you probably think about mummies. You may have learned about them in school or seen them in movies. But have you ever wondered exactly how ancient people were able to preserve mummies for thousands of years, without the benefit of modern technology? Scientists have wondered about this too. […]
Study Reveals Benefits of a 4-Day Workweek
A pilot program of a 4-day workweek recently concluded in the United Kingdom. The study lasted from June to December 2022. The largest study to date, it involved 2,900 employees from 61 companies. To test a shorter workweek, employees were paid for five days of work each week, but only asked to work the equivalent […]
Cookbook Highlights Impact of African American Chefs
African American chefs have had a major impact on American food. Many of today’s popular food preparations, from delicious dinners to tasty treats, were developed by enslaved and free African Americans who lived there. However, most of these great chefs are unknown, and their important contributions have not received due credit. In 2000, though, a […]
The Navajo Nation Elects a New President
Dr. Buu Nygren became the Navajo Nation president on January 10, 2023, in Fort Defiance, Arizona, after campaigning to improve public services and the economy. Nygren’s presidency makes history. He is the youngest Navajo Nation president at 36, and he has never held political office. His running mate, Vice President Richelle Montoya, is also the […]
Political Unrest in Peru
Protests against the government have erupted across Peru since December 2022. The political unrest has disrupted live for Peruvians, led to calls for new elections, and has disrupted tourism in Peru. Why are People Protesting? Protests started in Peru on December 7, 2022, when then-President Pedro Castillo was impeached and imprisoned for trying to dissolve […]