Will TikTok Be Banned in the US? A Full Breakdown

The TikTok app on a phone, which could be banned in the US soon.

Will TikTok be banned in the US? Why does the House want a TikTok ban? What challenges do potential buyers of the app face? The US House of Representatives recently voted to ban TikTok unless its parent company, Chinese-owned ByteDance, sells its stake in the app. The House cited concerns about China’s access to Americans’ data and its potential to use the app to spread misinformation. A forced sale of TikTok, while plausible, appears unlikely. Continue reading to learn why the House wants to ban TikTok, what TikTok’s options are, and the outlook for the future of the app.

A Kind of Revolution: Howard Zinn on the War for Independence

soldiers and flags in a city street during the American Revolution ("A Kind of Revolution") or the War for Independence

What economic issues did American elites face in the years leading up to the American Revolution, and how did the war allow them to address these problems? How did poor whites, slaves, and American Indians respond to the war? Howard Zinn titled Chapter 5 of A People’s History of the United States “A Kind of Revolution.” He characterizes America’s war for independence as a conflict between British and American elites rather than an uprising of the masses. Continue reading to get Zinn’s take on the American Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States.

The Territorial Expansion of the United States: A People’s History

a map of the US during the first half of the 19th century illustrates the territorial expansion of the United States

How was the United States able to expand westward during its early history? What was the cost? In his book A People’s History of the United States, historian Howard Zinn discusses the country’s economic and territorial expansion during the first half of the 19th century. He focuses on how it led to the displacement of American Indians and the Mexican-American War. Keep reading to understand the territorial expansion of the United States from Zinn’s perspective.

A People’s History of Reconstruction After the Civil War

freed slaves after the American Civil War illustrate the history of Reconstruction

How did the government originally intend to redistribute land and wealth seized in the South after the Civil War? What role did Northern Republicans play in developing Southern Black communities? What challenges did freed slaves face? After the American Civil War, Reconstruction sought to address issues of wealth, racial equality, and freed slaves’ rights. Initially, Reconstruction showed promise. Ultimately, the progress that was made was undone. Continue reading for a history of Reconstruction after the Civil War, according to historian Howard Zinn.

A People’s History of the Civil War (Howard Zinn)

Union troops and flag on a battlefield illustrate a people's history of the Civil War in America

What contributed to the outbreak of the US Civil War? What role did racism play in both the military and society? With whom did American Indian tribes align themselves? The US Civil War was a devastating conflict. The poor suffered the most, with Free Blacks and escaped slaves playing a pivotal role despite facing racism in the North. American Indian tribes strategically aligned with different sides for territorial security and political advantage. Read more to get a people’s history of the Civil War, according to historian Howard Zinn.

Legislation for Online Safety for Kids Faces Obstacles

A child sitting on her bedroom floor recording a video on her phone for social media

What’s the holdup over legislation to bolster child safety online? What concerns do tech giants have about potential legislation? Despite growing outrage over tech giants’ failure to address child exploitation on social media platforms, federal legislation to tackle the issue has stalled in the US Senate for years. The delay has been caused by tech lobbyists, competing legislative priorities, and the challenge of balancing parental concerns with children’s rights. Below we’ll dive into what the opponents and advocates of legislation for online safety for kids say.

The Socialist Challenge: A History of Socialism in America

woman holding an American (US) flag and a flag with a hammer and sickle illustrates the history of socialism in America

What’s the history of socialism in America? What have socialists aimed to advance, and why haven’t they been more successful? In his book A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn delves into American socialism, tracing its growth and impact. The Socialist Party of America promoted workers’ rights and government regulation but faced challenges as it pushed for collective ownership. Keep reading to learn about “the Socialist Challenge” according to Howard Zinn.

China-US Relations Today: Insights From NPR News Now

Flags of the United States and China side by side, representing China-US relations today

What’s the state of China-US relations today? Is there conflict? China-US relations today are characterized by tension and competition, with each country trying to limit the influence of the other. A recent meeting between leaders may be a building block for a more peaceful future, but conflict remains. Here’s more on the relationship between these superpowers, from a recent report on NPR News Now.