Update on the War Between Ukraine and Russia
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of its neighboring country, Ukraine. At that time, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent approximately 200,000 soldiers into Ukraine. Russia sought to capture the capital city of Kyiv and overthrow the Ukrainian government in a matter of days. Initially, it looked like this would happen. Russia captured […]
Florida’s Wildlife After Hurricane Ian
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwestern Florida as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm generated devastating winds and ferocious surges of ocean water. About 130 people were killed, thousands were left in need of rescue, many thousands more had no shelter, and millions had no electricity. But humans weren’t the only […]
Disposing of Your Pumpkin . . . the Earth-Friendly Way
Halloween is over, so it’s time to get rid of your jack-o-lantern. But don’t toss it into the trash! Every year, Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars on pumpkins, just to throw them out after Halloween. You might think that the gourds break down naturally in landfills, but they don’t. There isn’t enough oxygen […]
Hispanic Heritage Month: Ernest Z. Robles
On September 5, 2022, a 92-year-old man named Ernest Z. Robles died of heart failure in California. Robles founded California’s Hispanic Heritage Fund. His organization powerfully impacted the lives of thousands of Hispanic youths over the past 50 years. Here, btw takes a closer look at Robles’ life and legacy. Who was Ernest Robles? Robles […]
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her private estate in Scotland on September 8, 2022. She was 96 years old. Queen Elizabeth ruled the United Kingdom for 70 years, making her the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, or head of state. Here, btw takes a closer look at her life and service and explores what will […]
NASA to Send First Native American Woman to Space
On September 29, 2022, NASA will send astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann to the International Space Station (ISS). This marks the first time that a Native American woman will travel to space. Here, btw takes a closer look at who Mann is and what her mission will be like, as well as other possible “firsts” in […]
LGBTQ+ Leaders: A New Generation
June is Pride month–a time to recognize and celebrate the history, contributions, and accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community. The movement has changed and evolved over the years, and so has its leaders, who include athletes, performers, activists, and more. Here, btw takes a closer look at a few of the members of the newest generation […]
FDA Approves COVID Booster for Children Ages 5 to 11
The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States is currently averaging more than 100,000 cases per day. This is the first time since February 2022 that the daily average has risen above 100,000. Right now, two-thirds of Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. And on May 17, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) […]
Remembering Norm Mineta: Groundbreaking Cabinet Member
Norman Mineta died on May 3, 2022, at his home in Maryland. Mineta served in two presidential cabinets as head of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Mineta was the first Asian American appointed to the Cabinet in 2000. As Transportation Secretary during the Bush administration, he helped manage the airline industry in the days following […]
Art and Politics: The 50th Anniversary of Watergate
In the early 1970s, the United States government experienced the Watergate scandal. The investigation led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Now, the National Portrait Gallery has produced an art exhibit commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of this moment in American history. Here, btw takes a closer look at Watergate: Portraiture and Intrigue. What Was Watergate? Early […]