Voices of a Nation
We live in a country where it is easy to take our freedom for granted. But the concept that the government must answer to its citizens is a very complicated idea. Despite the challenges and the shortcomings that are a reality in our very complicated nation, the basic foundation of our democracy remains a model […]
High Praise for a Folk Hero
Summer is a time for festivals all over the country. Many are annual events created around a symbol native to the area – a flourishing crop, historical event, or, in the case of Akeley Minnesota, famous folklore heroes. Paul Bunyan Days, held this year from June 27-29, celebrates the heroic lumberjack who became the subject […]
Remembering D-Day: World War II’s Most Important Battle
At btw, we feel it is important to commemorate important events of history, especially those that honor the men and women who fought to secure our valued freedoms. June 6 marked the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the massive military invasion that marked the beginning of the end of World War II. The war took place […]
Monumental Memorials
The Washington Monument reopened earlier this month. It was closed for three years after a rare and minor earthquake in 2011 caused structural damage, making it unsafe for visitors. It took engineers 33 months to repair more than 150 cracks, and cost a reported $15 million. There was a ceremony to honor the occasion. Monuments […]
Boston Still Strong
One year ago btw brought you news of a devastating bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Marking the one year anniversary, record numbers of people showed up to this year’s race to participate and cheer on runners amid ramped up security. The Race There were 36,000 participants this year, 9,000 more than last […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Shooting at Fort Hood On April 2, Army Specialist Ivan Lopez opened fire on his colleagues at the Fort Hood military base located in central Texas. Three people were killed and sixteen others were wounded before the gunman killed himself. A 34-year-old veteran of the Iraq War , Lopez was said to have been distraught […]
Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Spring. It’s a time for grand returns: trees, blooms, birds, and, of course, baseball. Each year, Opening Day marks the official beginning of professional baseball season. There are 30 teams in Major League Baseball (divided into two leagues, the American League and the National League) as well as 240 teams who compete in the Minor […]
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The Mystery of Flight 370 Continues On March 8, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 departed the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on its way to Beijing, China. Less than an hour later it lost contact with air traffic control. Despite subsequent tracking by satellite that showed the aircraft traveling off course for at least seven […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Oscar Night! Even if you didn’t watch the 86th Annual Academy Awards, you likely saw this picture by host Ellen Degeneres as it made its rounds across the Internet’s social media. Gravity, a science fiction drama about two astronauts stranded in space, won the most awards (many of them technical) with seven. The historical drama 12 […]
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Protest Sparks Growing Tension in Ukraine Last week, more than 70 people were killed and more than 500 injured in a anti-government protest gone horribly wrong. In the aftermath, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was removed from power by the nation’s parliament and is currently missing. The situation that sparked the controversy was a trade deal […]