FBI Director Chris Wray warned Friday that TikTok is controlled by a Chinese government that "doesn't share our values" and could "use it for influence operations."
The big picture: The popular video-sharing app has served as a point of concern for U.S. officials for years. Despite the platform's move to distance itself from its Chinese parent company, national security worries continue to hound TikTok, especially as Chinese President Xi Jinping enters his third term.
French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Washington has been a showcase of warmth and unity except on one key issue: the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Macron reportedly denounced to U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday as "super aggressive" toward European companies.
Why it matters: President Biden wants the U.S. to dominate production of electric cars, semiconductors and green technology, partly out of a desire to compete with China. But for some close U.S. allies, Biden's policies look like a more progressive form of "America First."
President Biden defended his administration's economic policies during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, but vowed that he would not do so "at the expense of Europe."
President Biden vowed that the U.S. and France would work alongside their allies to hold Russia accountable for the war in Ukraine during a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.
An Indigenous advocacy group has launched a video campaign to raise awareness of the diversity of Native people, including U.S. Latinos with Indigenous roots.
The big picture: According to the latest U.S. census, the number of U.S. Latinos identifying as multiracial soared during the last decade. Latinos who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native jumped 115%.
Indigenous artisans took part in a series of fashion shows in Mexico recently to show off their designs and raise awareness of what they've denounced as plagiarism and cultural appropriation by major designer brands.
Why it matters: Millions of Indigenous peoples try to make a living and maintain their heritage by selling crafts and weaving designs but rarely see the profits, according to a recent report from the UN's Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
The government and opposition of crisis-battered Venezuela have agreed to set up a UN-backed humanitarian fund, but much will depend on how they follow up or reach additional agreements.
Why it matters: The lives of millions of Venezuelans remain at stake as they face deep poverty and food insecurity amid the political turmoil.
The British royal family is facing backlash this week over another racism controversy after a longtime royal aide was accused earlier this week of repeatedly questioning a Black charity head about their origins.
Why it matters: This is not the first time the royal family has faced accusations of racism.
China is entering a "new stage and mission" in its efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, the most senior official overseeing the country's pandemic response said on Wednesday.
Why it matters: Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan's remarks indicate that authorities are preparing to at least partially change their approach to COVID.
