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UMG vs. TikTok: Taylor Swift, Drake, and More Face Removal as Label Ends Music Licensing Agreement

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Why are governments cracking down on TikTok? | Social Media News | Al Jazeera

In a dramatic turn of events, Universal Music Group (UMG) has declared its decision to cease licensing its music on TikTok, raising the possibility of major artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, and BTS having their songs removed from the popular social media platform.

The announcement, detailed in an open letter on UMG’s website, reveals that the existing music licensing agreement between UMG and TikTok is set to expire on Wednesday, with no agreement reached on new terms. UMG cited various issues hindering the negotiation process, including concerns related to artist and songwriter compensation, protection from the impacts of artificial intelligence, and user safety on TikTok, reminiscent of concerns raised during last summer’s Hollywood strikes.

Starting Wednesday, all music licensed by UMG is expected to be gradually removed from TikTok in the coming days, following the expiration of the current agreement.

UMG accuses TikTok of attempting to “bully us into accepting a deal” and points out that TikTok’s proposed payment to artists and songwriters is “a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay.”

TikTok responded to UMG’s claims in a statement to USA TODAY, labeling them as a “false narrative” driven by “greed.” The platform expressed disappointment in UMG’s prioritization of financial gain over the interests of their artists and songwriters, emphasizing TikTok’s role as a free promotional and discovery platform with over a billion users.

The statement from TikTok asserts, “TikTok has been able to reach ‘artist-first’ agreements with every other label and publisher. Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans.”

The potential removal of music from artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, and others could impact TikTok’s music landscape significantly. UMG represents a wide array of artists, including those under labels like Capitol Records, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Def Jam Recordings, and more.

UMG highlighted that despite TikTok’s massive user base and rising advertising revenue, only 1% of its total revenue is generated from the platform. The label accused TikTok of attempting to push for a deal that undervalues the music content, emphasizing the platform’s exponential growth.

The dispute takes a unique turn as UMG accuses TikTok of enabling and promoting AI-generated music, alleging that TikTok’s proposed contractual right would dilute the royalty pool for human artists, potentially leading to artist replacement by AI. The label also accuses the platform of indifference and intimidation when presented with proposals to address these concerns.

As the clash between UMG and TikTok unfolds, the music industry awaits the resolution of this dispute, with potential repercussions for both artists and the broader landscape of music on social media platforms.

Tech Giants Alphabet and Microsoft Stock Prices Dip Despite Positive Results

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Tech Giants Alphabet and Microsoft Stock Prices Dip Despite Positive Results

In a tale of high expectations and the reality of Wall Street, both Alphabet and Microsoft reported impressive quarterly results on Tuesday, only to face a sell-off in extended trading. Despite exceeding revenue and earnings estimates, the stocks of these tech behemoths were seemingly priced for perfection, leading to a less enthusiastic market response.

Alphabet, with shares up 56% for the year, reported a 13% revenue growth, the fastest expansion rate since early 2022. The $86.31 billion in sales surpassed the estimated $85.33 billion, and earnings per share of $1.64 exceeded estimates by 5 cents. However, disappointment lingered in Google’s ad business, with revenue of $65.52 billion falling short of analysts’ expectations.

Microsoft, riding a 70% surge in the past 12 months, posted an 18% increase in revenue to $62.02 billion, outperforming the average analyst estimate of $61.12 billion. The company’s earnings per share of $2.93 also beat consensus by 15 cents. Both Alphabet and Microsoft exceeded expectations in their cloud businesses, with Google Cloud reporting 25% growth and Microsoft’s Azure and other cloud services expanding by 30%.

Despite the positive numbers, Alphabet shares saw a nearly 6% drop after the report, while Microsoft’s dip was less severe. Investors, perhaps influenced by high expectations and the stocks’ remarkable performance over the past year, found themselves nitpicking the numbers and expressing disappointment.

Analysts, such as those from Stifel, acknowledged Alphabet’s “healthy advertising results” but noted that they fell short of what the market seemingly anticipated. Brian Wieser, an analyst at Madison and Wall, commented on the unrealistic expectations for Google in the advertising market, cautioning that the market may have an inflated view of growth sustainability for dominant companies like Alphabet.

As the tech earnings season unfolds, attention now turns to Thursday when Amazon, Apple, and Meta are set to report their quarterly results. The performances of these tech giants will be closely watched as investors gauge the overall health and trajectory of the industry.

In the ever-evolving world of tech, even stellar results may not be enough to satisfy the voracious appetite of investors betting on perpetual growth. The coming days will reveal whether the recent sell-off is a momentary blip or indicative of a broader trend in the tech sector.

Katy, Texas Powerball winner: $1M ticket sold at Cinco Ranch Express

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KATY, Texas – Someone who bought a Powerball ticket in Katy won big in Monday night’s drawing.

According to the Texas Lottery, a ticket sold at the Cinco Ranch Express at 2950 S Mason Road won $1 million.

The quick-pick ticket matched all five of the white ball numbers but not the red Powerball.

The winning numbers for Monday night’s drawing were 39, 41, 43, 49, 64 and Powerball 4.

File photo. (Photo illustration by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Winners must claim their prize no later than 180 days after the date of the drawing.

No one won the jackpot on Monday night. The next drawing is Wednesday with an estimated annuitized jackpot of $188 million.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announces engagement on social media

Musifusion Entertainment
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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announces engagement on social media
https://twitter.com/LinaHidalgoTX/status/1752146789975691510?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Former Houston driving instructor charged with 5 other sex crimes involving teens

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Former Houston driving instructor charged with 5 other sex crimes involving teens

 A former Houston driving school instructor was charged with five other sex crimes involving teens, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

62-year-old Ronald Avery Eglin owns the Texas School of Driving. He was charged with two counts of sexual performance by a child, indecency with a child, and two counts of sexual assault of an adult.

“He would use his position as a driving school instructor to kind of befriend those victims, put them at ease,” said King.

Eglin was arrested last year after a teen accused him of sexually assaulting her during a driving lesson. He was also a former Madison High School teacher.

According to court documents, these new charges relate to three victims, who attended the driving school in the 12000 block of Almeda Road. The assaults happened in 2013, 2015, and 2023. His additional charges were added this month.

One of the victims said she was 16 years old when Eglin allegedly encouraged her to engage in explicit activity on video chat, and he would send her inappropriate videos, authorities said. They used the application IMO to video chat.

He also told her during class, “I want to make love to you,” court documents stated.

A second victim was sexually assaulted at least three times. He made her touch his private parts, and she had sexual intercourse with him when she was 17, according to the documents.

Documents state he would force himself on her during intercourse even if she said no. She also said he would allegedly give her money to not say anything.

A third victim also accused him of sexually assaulting her.

During its investigation, the Houston Police Department contacted the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

“I do believe so that there could be more victims out there and we still encourage anyone with information to come forward still,” said King.

KPRC2 stopped by the school, which appeared to be empty. Janet Reed said her nephew was a student at the driving school. She said he has not been notified about how he can complete the courses.

“He has a permit, but he hasn’t done the driving part yet so it’s like I gave money away for nothing,” said Reed.

The Texas Department of License and Regulation sent KPRC2 a statement.

“There is an open enforcement case against Mr. Eglin. The school remains licensed and can continue to operate with other licensed instructors providing instructors.” The spokesperson adds, Texas School of Driving has not filed any paperwork with TDLR as required if they are going out of business.

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

House Republicans Advance Impeachment Proceedings Against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

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House Republicans Advance Impeachment Proceedings Against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

In a pivotal move on Tuesday, House Republicans pressed forward with a vote aimed at impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The impeachment effort revolves around the GOP’s accusation of Mayorkas’s “willful and systematic” failure to enforce immigration laws, asserting a critical stance amid escalating concerns over U.S.-Mexico border security.

The Homeland Security Committee is slated to deliberate on two articles of impeachment, marking a significant turn of events as immigration policies take center stage in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. Republicans are aligning themselves with the stringent immigration strategies championed by former President Donald Trump.

Mayorkas, a former federal prosecutor, issued a personal appeal, urging Republicans to collaborate with the Biden administration on enhancing border security rather than pursuing impeachment. Despite his plea, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., emphasized the necessity of the impeachment proceedings, anticipating a full House vote in the near future.

Impeachment proceedings based on “high crimes and misdemeanors” against a Cabinet member are rare, with Democrats condemning the move as a political ploy. Critics argue that the impeachment attempt could set a concerning precedent for future actions against civil servants. If successful, Mayorkas’s impeachment would mark the first instance of such action against a Cabinet official in nearly 150 years.

Florida House Passes Groundbreaking Bill Restricting Social Media Access for Kids Under 16

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Florida House Passes Groundbreaking Bill Restricting Social Media Access for Kids Under 16

Legislators in the Florida House of Representatives have passed a groundbreaking bill that could enforce the strictest regulation on social media use by children in the United States. The legislation, known as Florida House Bill 1, seeks to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing most social media platforms, irrespective of parental approval.

The bill specifically targets platforms that track user activity, allow content uploads by children, or employ addictive features designed to induce compulsive usage. The Florida House approved the bill with a vote of 106 to 13, with bipartisan support, and it will now move to the Republican-controlled Senate for further consideration.

Republican State Representative Fiona McFarland likened social media to “digital fentanyl” for children, emphasizing the addictive nature of these platforms during the bill’s promotion on the House floor. Another Republican legislator, State Representative Tyler Sirois, echoed these concerns, stating that social media platforms are taking advantage of the developmental stage of children.

Notably, most social media platforms currently have a minimum user age requirement of 13, but the proposed legislation aims to raise the age limit to 16. The bill empowers authorities to terminate social media accounts belonging to users under 16, including deleting information from existing accounts. Furthermore, it mandates social media sites to implement “reasonable age verification methods” to confirm users’ ages.

Opponents argue that the bill infringes on First Amendment rights and parental authority. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, advocates for federal oversight on social media regulation and contends that parental approval should suffice for minors’ social media use.

The legislative move in Florida comes at a time when social media companies, parents, legislators, and healthcare providers grapple with the challenges of balancing social media use and its impact on children. Meta recently announced new safety measures aimed at teens, including restricting private messages from strangers and introducing additional parental controls.

This legislative development is part of a broader conversation on the potential hazards of social media for youth, with New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently labeling it a “public health hazard” and an “environmental toxin.” As discussions on the role of social media in shaping adolescent mental health intensify, different stakeholders are exploring ways to address the associated challenges responsibly.

UPS Announces Job Cuts, Potential Coyote Sale, and Revenue Outlook, Sending Shares Tumbling

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UPS Announces Job Cuts, Potential Coyote Sale, and Revenue Outlook, Sending Shares Tumbling

United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) has unveiled plans to cut 12,000 jobs and provided a revenue outlook for 2024 that fell short of Wall Street’s expectations, causing a sharp decline in its shares at the opening bell.

During a conference call on Tuesday morning, UPS CEO Carol Tome indicated that the company may explore the possibility of selling its Coyote truck load brokerage business. The decision to reduce the workforce is expected to result in $1 billion in cost savings for UPS.

In September, the Teamsters approved a tentative contract agreement with UPS, concluding contentious labor negotiations that had the potential to disrupt package deliveries for millions of businesses and households across the nation.

Tome emphasized the need to align the organization with its strategic goals and allocate resources to focus on crucial objectives. Additionally, UPS announced an increase of 1 cent in its quarterly dividend to shareholders of record on Feb. 20.

In a bid to streamline operations, UPS has mandated that employees return to the office five days a week in the coming year.

UPS anticipates 2024 revenue to fall in the range of approximately $92 billion to $94.5 billion, a figure below Wall Street’s expectations, which had forecasted a number exceeding $95.5 billion. Consequently, UPS shares plummeted nearly 9% on Tuesday.

The fourth quarter of 2023 saw a 7.8% decline in revenue to $24.92 billion, slightly missing Wall Street projections of $25.31 billion. Profits for the quarter ending in December dipped by over half to $1.61 billion, or $1.87 per share, from $3.45 billion, or $3.96 per share. On an adjusted basis, quarterly earnings per share reached $2.47, surpassing the average estimate by a penny, according to FactSet.

Houston Basks in Sunshine as Winter Woes Fade Away

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Houston Basks in Sunshine as Winter Woes Fade Away

After grappling with freezing temperatures just a few weeks ago, Houston is experiencing a welcome reprieve as temperatures rise and sunshine graces the city. The recent wintry blast is now a distant memory, prompting the question: Is winter truly over?

Before delving into the intriguing query of Houston’s winter status, let’s explore this week’s relatively mild forecast.

High atmospheric pressure is ushering in quiet weather through at least Thursday, promising plenty of sunshine. Onshore winds from the Gulf of Mexico may introduce a few extra clouds on some days, resulting in partly cloudy skies rather than mostly sunny ones. However, any significant weather changes are expected to be minimal.

As the high pressure shifts eastward, southeasterly winds will bring progressively warmer temperatures each day. Tuesday is anticipated to have the chilliest morning, with temperatures in the lower 40s. By Tuesday afternoon, temperatures are expected to reach the mid-60s north of Houston and the upper 60s near and south of the city.

Wednesday and Thursday mornings will start in the middle to upper 40s, requiring a light jacket or windbreaker. Afternoons should see temperatures climb into the middle and upper 60s. Friday is poised to maintain similar warmth, though cloud cover and showers may influence temperatures in Southeast Texas.

Rain Returns by Friday

A trough of low atmospheric pressure is projected to sweep through the region with a cold front on Friday into Saturday, bringing the next chance for rain. Specifics about rainfall amounts and timing remain uncertain at this point, and further details are expected later in the week.

Global forecast models indicate that rain is likely to hold off until later on Friday, potentially sparing commuters from the need for umbrellas during the morning commute. As the weekend approaches, it might be prudent to have indoor plans on Saturday or consider shifting outdoor activities to Sunday, as the latter half of the weekend is expected to be drier and cooler.

Is Winter Truly Over?

Despite the prospect of cooler weather over the weekend, with temperatures dropping from the mid-60s on Saturday to the upper 50s on Sunday, it may be premature to declare winter’s end in Houston.

Meteorological winter, spanning from Dec. 1 to Feb. 29, still has several weeks remaining where cooler weather is plausible. However, the Climate Prediction Center’s temperature outlook through mid-February lacks a strong signal for a prolonged cold spell. Long-range global forecast models also indicate the absence of a significant cold surge. While occasional nighttime temperatures in the 30s may occur in Southeast Texas, a sustained period of chill does not seem imminent.

Historical climate records for the Houston area suggest that mid-February typically marks the unofficial end to winter chill. While chilly spells may persist beyond that date, Houston tends to experience its coldest temperatures before Feb. 15.

In conclusion, it appears that Houston has weathered the worst of Old Man Winter, signaling a potential transition to milder conditions.

FBI Report Reveals Alarming Surge in Hate Crimes at U.S. Schools

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FBI Report Reveals Alarming Surge in Hate Crimes at U.S. Schools

A recently released FBI report unveiled a concerning trend, positioning schools as the third-highest location for hate crimes in the United States. The report, made public on Monday, indicates that as much as 10% of all reported hate crimes in 2022 occurred within educational institutions across the country.

The study highlighted that secondary schools, encompassing preschool to 12th grade, experienced the highest volume of hate crimes from 2018 to 2022. In 2022 alone, over 1,300 hate crimes were reported at schools and college campuses, with 890 incidents recorded at secondary schools during that year.

“During these five years, over 30 percent of juvenile victims of hate crimes experienced the offense at school, and nearly 36 percent of juvenile offenders committed the offense at school,” noted the report.

Hate crimes at schools ranked behind those committed at home and on the road, according to the FBI’s findings. The year 2022 witnessed a notable increase in school-related hate crimes compared to the previous two years, marked by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report suggested that the 3.9% drop in reported hate crimes from 2019 to 2020 might be attributed to pandemic-related stay-at-home orders, leading to a shift from in-person to online learning.

The FBI officials, when asked about the pandemic’s impact on hate crime data, did not provide a response during a press briefing on Monday.

The study also identified a specific timeframe for the occurrence of hate crimes in schools, with the most common quarter being October to December, accounting for nearly one-third of reported offenses during the five-year period from 2018 to 2022.

During this period, October emerged as the month with four hate crime offenses per day in schools nationwide, as per the FBI’s findings.

Breaking down the hate crime offenses, the report highlighted that anti-Black or African American hate crimes were the highest, with 1,690 incidents over the five-year period. This was followed by anti-Jewish hate crimes (745) and anti-LGBTQ hate crimes (741).

In 2022, the FBI recorded 11,643 reported hate crime incidents involving 13,346 related offenses, marking an increase from previous years in the five-year review. The report emphasized that intimidation was the most prevalent form of hate crime, followed by vandalism and simple assault.

During the press briefing, the FBI underscored its intent to draw attention to the data, indicating that state and local law enforcement are better positioned to offer resources to schools rather than the FBI.

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