Black History is American History
For the first time in history, more than half of children born in America (according to the 2012 US Census Bureau) are minorities. As the “collective minority” becomes the majority, we will surely see a shift in how we view our history. The History of “Black History” Carter Woodson was a black historian who earned […]
Remembering the Space Shuttle Challenger
On January 28, 1986, NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, killing all seven who were on-board, including the first civilian into space. Amid the wave of tributes in recent weeks, btw remembers this tragedy and points out some lessons. Background In 1972, President Richard Nixon announced the development of NASA’s space shuttle program. Unlike previous missions, the new […]
Trouble in Flint
Nearly 100,000 residents of Flint, Michigan (66 miles north of Detroit) are without safe drinking water and at risk of lead poisoning. The city’s water supply has been contaminated, which means people cannot safely cook, drink or even brush their teeth with tap water. Local, state and the federal government are now involved, as well […]
Occupation in Oregon
As the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon by armed militia closes out another week, btw brings you news of what is happening and what both sides hope to accomplish in a standoff. Background Father and son ranchers, Dwight Hammond (73) and Steven (43), own about 12,000 acres of land located in […]
Obama’s Executive Action on Gun Control
In his first weekly address of the New Year, President Obama announced that he would pursue Executive Action as a way to implement gun control legislation. It is a controversial measure because it is a controversial subject and also because he is going forward without the consent of Congress. What is an Executive Order? As btw […]
Every Student Succeeds Act Signed Into Law
At the start of the school year, btw brought you a story of this country’s history of education reform. Last week, President Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This legislation will replace the unpopular No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Law that went into effect in 2001 (which was a reauthorization of […]
Students Force Change at University of Missouri
It’s been more than a year since the shooting death of Michael Brown flared racial tensions in Ferguson, Missouri and led to massive protests. Earlier this month, protestors nearly 120 miles away at the the University of Missouri banded together to raise awareness of many ongoing incidents of racism at the school, as well as growing […]
Obama Rejects Keystone Pipeline (Again)
Last year, btw wanted to know your thoughts about the Keystone XL Pipeline. Earlier this month, President Obama formally rejected the permit that would allow its completion. Let’s take a closer look about what has happened and what it means. Pipeline Timeline It begins with TransCanada, the company that wants to build a 1,179-mile pipeline […]
Clinton Testifies in Hearing on Benghazi
In 2013, btw brought you news of a round of Congressional hearings regarding the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. The purpose of these hearings is to investigate and report on the incident that resulted in the death of four people, including U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens. Last week, the committee conducted its […]
Another Episode of Gun Violence
On October 1, a shooter opened fire on a classroom of students at the Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. Ten people died (nine students and a teacher) and seven others were wounded before the shooter turned the gun on himself. The gunman spared the life of one student, to whom he gave an envelope […]