Women’s History Month: Women in the Cabinet
Women’s History Month is observed each March in the United States. It provides a time to honor the many historical contributions of women and girls. This week btw looks at the history of women officials who have served in past and present presidential administrations. President Trump has recently appointed several women to powerful positions in […]
Modern Renovations for the Louvre Museum
When you think of Paris, France, you probably think of the Eiffel Tower. But the city is also the home of the Louvre–the most-visited museum in the entire world. The Louvre houses an estimated 35,000 pieces of priceless art and welcomes about 9 million visitors every year. But the ancient building is in need of […]
Black History Month: Charles Harrison
February is Black History Month: a time to remember, honor, and celebrate the many contributions of Black Americans. This week btw takes a closer look at Charles Harrison. Mr. Harrison spent his career as a designer for Sears, Roebuck & Company and was responsible for many of the common items we use every day–from trash […]
Black History Month: Biden’s Pardon of Marcus Garvey
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Americans. This week btw examines the life of activist and civil rights leader Marcus Garvey. He returned to news feeds recently because Garvey was pardoned for a 1923 mail fraud conviction by President Biden in January 2025. Read […]
India’s Kumbh Mela Festival Marred by Recent Tragedy
Imagine a public festival that lasts for forty-five days and is attended by millions of people. That’s India’s Kumbh Mela Festival, a semi-regular event which took place in 2025 in January and February. Here, btw explores what the Kumbh Mela Festival is all about, and describes a tragedy that occurred at this year’s celebration. What […]
Oceti Sakowin Fight for Ownership of the Black Hills
There is a long history of land treaties between the U.S. government and Indigenous Native American people. But did you know that some of these disputes over land are still occurring today? In November 2024, a group of leaders of the Oceti Sakowin considered introducing a bill in the U.S. Congress to return a particularly […]
Black History Month: Harriet Tubman Receives Military Honor
The month of February is a time to honor and remember the stories and contributions of Black Americans. Harriet Tubman–an enslaved person and one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad–was recently named an honorary brigadier general in Maryland’s National Guard. This is in recognition for her service to the Union Army during […]
Soma Bags Upcycles for Education
You have probably heard of recycling, but have you learned about upcycling? Upcycling takes waste materials and finds new and important uses for them. This week btw takes a closer look at Soma Bags, a Tanzanian start-up company that meets a vital need by upcycling discarded cement bags into a way to help children in […]
Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship is the principle that anyone born on American soil is guaranteed U.S. citizenship—with only a few specific exceptions. This right is guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (adopted in 1868). But just hours after taking office, President Trump issued an Executive Order modifying birthright citizenship. So, what does this mean? […]
Ghana Fights Back Against Fast Fashion
You’ve heard about fast food, but what about fast fashion? That’s the term used for clothing that is mass produced very cheaply, usually in Chinese factories, and then purchased in Western countries like the U.S. The clothing is so cheap that Westerners often only wear it for a little while, before donating it or throwing […]