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Universal Music Group (UMG) pulls its music from TikTok after the licensing deal expires, removing songs by major artists like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey from the app's sound library. Old videos featuring UMG label's songs, including those by Billie Eilish, Drake, and Ariana Grande, now play silently on the platform. Negotiations between UMG and TikTok continue amid tension, with UMG expressing dissatisfaction with TikTok's compensation practices, lack of AI-generated content protection, and issues related to user safety. TikTok responds, accusing UMG of greed and emphasizing their "artist-first" agreements with other labels. The loss of UMG music, the largest record label globally, is expected to impact TikTok, known as a major promotional site for artists, potentially affecting profits for both major and smaller labels or artists. The stalemate recalls the 2008 scenario when Warner Music Group pulled content from YouTube during negotiations. The outcome hinges on the ongoing discussions and the impact on TikTok's music experience, a crucial aspect of the platform.

Songs by Taylor Swift, Drake and more are starting to disappear from TikTok. Here's why | AP News

TikTok Lost Universal’s Huge Music Catalog. What Happened? - The New York Times

Universal Music Group Pulls Songs From TikTok - The New York Times

The Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates steady at the current elevated range of 5.25-5.5%, marking a pause in their aggressive tightening campaign over the past year since interest rate lows of near zero in March 2022. Fed Chair Powell signaled that rate cuts are likely coming later in 2023 if inflation keeps moderating, but policymakers want more confirmation before easing substantially. The tone was cautiously optimistic about a "soft landing," though Powell stressed the Fed is not declaring victory yet on taming inflation. Overall, the Fed is data-dependent but sees progress, hinting at rate cuts this year barring any reversal in the downward inflationary trend.

Fed's Powell sees lower rates on the horizon as inflation ebbs, economy bounces ahead | Reuters

Federal Funds Rate History 1990 to 2023 | Forbes Advisor

The Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady and Is Not Quite Ready to Cut Them | NYT

Israeli forces disguised as medical workers raided a hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin, shooting dead Hamas commander Mohammad Jalamneh and two others. The raid is part of Israel's ongoing military campaign against Hamas and comes amid fierce fighting in Gaza. Israel claims the men were planning an imminent attack, but Palestinian officials condemned the killings at the hospital.

Israel Raids West Bank Hospital as Clashes Erupt With Hamas in Northern Gaza | NYT

Israeli agents disguised as doctors, patients kill 3 at West Bank hospital | The Washington Post

In tragic news, an enemy drone struck a U.S. military base in Jordan on Sunday, killing 3 soldiers and injuring 40 others. The drone approached undetected as defenses mistook it for an American drone returning to base. The attack escalated regional tensions, with suspicions falling on an Iran-backed Iraqi militia Hezbollah. Investigations are still ongoing into the tragedy that claimed the lives of the U.S. Army reservists.

Mix-Up Preceded Deadly Drone Strike in Jordan, U.S. Officials Say | NYT

U.S. Failed to Stop Attack in Jordan After Mix-Up Over Drone Identity | WSJ

Amid heightened tensions over the US-Mexico border, the US House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, has initiated impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The committee's two articles of impeachment focus on Mayorkas' handling of migrant issues, particularly criticizing his family reunification parole programs. Despite committee approval, the impeachment faces significant hurdles, requiring House majority and Democrat-dominated Senate approval. Mayorkas, backed by the Democratic Party, continues negotiations for a bipartisan border policy deal. The Department of Homeland Security and Democrats argue that Mayorkas is working with limited funding and outdated immigration policies, emphasizing the complexity of the issue. The impeachment proceedings coincide with stalled border policy negotiations between the White House and Congress, highlighting deep partisan divides on immigration strategies. Mayorkas' fate hangs in the balance, reflecting the broader discord over US immigration policies.

House Republicans unveil articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

House GOP releases impeachment articles in bid to oust Homeland Security's Mayorkas over the border | AP News

House Republicans Release Impeachment Charges Against Mayorkas - The New York Times

Jim Harbaugh, after leading the University of Michigan to a National Championship, becomes the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. Harbaugh's tenure at Michigan, starting in 2015, marked a dramatic turnaround, restoring the program's pride and tradition. Facing challenges, he guided Michigan to a National Championship in the 2023 season, culminating in triumph and euphoria. Now, shifting focus to the NFL, Harbaugh brings a legacy of transformation and success. His departure leaves questions about Michigan's next head coach and the fate of key coordinators. Harbaugh leaves as a Michigan man, imprinting his legacy on the storied history of Wolverine football, while the football world anticipates the next exciting phase of his journey with the Chargers.

Jim Harbaugh’s last act at Michigan before leaving for Chargers made it all worthwhile | The Athletic

Jim Harbaugh leaves Michigan to be Chargers head coach | ESPN 

Tuesday’s New Hampshire primaries saw President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump winning, but challenges arose, including an AI-generated robocall mimicking Biden's voice discouraging voters. Trump's narrow 11% victory, a significant drop from 2016, raises concerns among Republicans. Despite reservations, Biden secured 54% of Democratic votes in a contest he wasn't officially in, revealing potential issues for Trump. GOP faces internal divisions over Trump's candidacy, with some governors opposing him. Nikki Haley, Trump's rival, gains popularity in liberal areas; if this trend extends to swing states, Trump's victory is uncertain. Despite leading in South Carolina polls, Trump criticizes Haley, who vows to continue, potentially affecting Super Tuesday. As Biden gears up for the general election, questions arise about Trump's legal challenges and the possibility of a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024.

New Hampshire primary takeaways: Trump demands the GOP unify, papering over his vulnerabilities

New Hampshire Primary: Takeaways From Trump’s Victory Over Haley - The New York Times

Trump wins New Hampshire primary as rematch with Biden appears increasingly likely

New Hampshire investigating fake Biden robocall meant to discourage voters ahead of primary

In breaking news, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has tentatively agreed to pay around $700 million to settle an investigation involving attorney general offices from over 40 U.S. states regarding its talcum-based baby powder. This critical move aims to address ongoing legal challenges related to talc contamination with asbestos, a cancer-causing mineral, when mined for the powder. While J&J insists its talc-based powders are safe, the proposed settlement does not resolve personal-injury lawsuits from over 52,000 plaintiffs claiming a link between Johnson’s Baby Powder and cancer. Facing a broader financial burden, J&J had proposed a rejected bankruptcy plan, estimating total settlement costs between $10 billion and $15 billion. Despite discontinuing talc-based baby powder sales in the U.S., J&J retains legal liabilities, and the company explores various paths to resolve the extensive talc litigation, including potential appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Johnson & Johnson to Pay $700 Million to Settle Baby Powder Probe | NYT

J&J agrees to resolve 42 U.S. states' talc investigations | Reuters

Thousands gathered in India's holy city of Ayodhya for the inauguration of the grand Hindu temple, Ram Mandir, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a national holiday but sparking controversy. While some Hindu leaders refused to attend due to the temple's incomplete construction, opposition accused Modi of exploiting Hinduism for political gain amid his reelection campaign. The temple's construction, atop a site with a demolished 16th-century Muslim mosque, has reignited religious tensions in a country striving for secularism. The temple, aiming to be the Hindu equivalent of the Vatican, has already transformed Ayodhya, raising questions about pushback and implications for a secular India.

Modi opens grand Hindu temple with eye on India’s upcoming elections

A temple to one of Hinduism's holiest deities has opened in Ayodhya, India. Here's what it means

Modi Opens a Giant Temple in a Triumph for India’s Hindu Nationalists - The New York Times

During a thrilling NFL weekend, four teams secured their spots in the Conference Championships. The Baltimore Ravens, spearheaded by Lamar Jackson, decisively overcame the Houston Texans. In a nail biting encounter, the San Francisco 49ers edged out the Green Bay Packers. Following these two games the next day, the Detroit Lions achieved a hard-fought victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Kansas City Chiefs outlasted the Buffalo Bills in a gripping game. The Conference Championships will feature the Ravens facing the Chiefs in the AFC and the 49ers taking on the Lions in the NFC.

Chiefs find defense at right time to knock out Bills on road | ESPN

NFL divisional round highlights | Fox Sports

What we learned on NFL playoffs divisional round weekend, Day 1: 49ers tough but vulnerable, Packers promising | CBS