Stories from United States

A non-negotiable clause in Taylor Swift's 2018 contract with Universal Music requires the company to compensate its artists if any Spotify shares are sold. The clause ensures that Swift and other artists receive financial due from such transactions.

Maine Senator Angus King is among lawmakers questioning the actions of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. The discussion includes whether military operations were planned with the expectation that Iran would respond in the manner observed. The U.S.

Hershey reported growth in its mints and gum sales, which increased by approximately 8 percent. Salty snack sales for the candy maker jumped by about 26 percent. The company is seeing growth beyond its traditional candy bar business.

A report from The Guardian suggests that a potential weakening of OPEC could lead to lower oil prices. This shift could help reduce energy inflation in the United States. Additionally, the US shale oil industry may find opportunities to expand its market influence if OPEC's control diminishes. The report notes that if more members leave the organization, it could create a domino effect on global energy geopolitics.

Bitcoin miner MARA Holdings has agreed to acquire Ohio-based gas plant operator Long Ridge Energy & Power. The $1.5 billion deal, which includes debt, aims to provide power for the company's AI data center expansion.

National Security Presidential Memo 7 (NSPM 7) classifies traditional American views on family, religion, and morality, alongside anti-fascism, as domestic terrorism. The discussion noted historical parallels to the MacArthur era, when the federal government maintained lists of suspected subversives and rabble-rousers. The discussion draws parallels to the FBI's historical targeting of civil rights, anti-war, and feminist groups. It notes that European human rights laws do not treat free speech as an absolute right and that rhetoric can be bounded if it incites violence. The discussion mentions that public order commanders have previously felt hamstrung by prosecution service decisions regarding arrests during peaceful protests. A witness at the protests stated that the Trump administration's characterization of protesters as anarchists and insurrectionists is inaccurate.

Russian hockey player Pavel Darafeev scored a hat trick during the fifth game of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Each of Darafeev's goals allowed his team to tie the score during the match.

The city of Benesha has been economically tied to the Evalero refinery for decades. The site is set to idle this month. City leaders and residents are questioning the transition to a green economy as the state pursues emission reduction goals over the next 20 years.

United States GDP grew by only 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter.

The withdrawal is being characterized as a tactical and unofficial move to break a military stalemate. Current peace processes are stalled due to territorial disputes and interference from Middle East tensions. Donald Trump announced he is considering the withdrawal of some American troops from Germany following a conversation with Vladimir Putin. This move could lead to a practical weakening of the United States military presence in Europe. The report notes this development may be viewed as a positive outcome for Putin. The announcement was reported by Marcin Wałkuski from Washington. A 30-day extension for troop withdrawal requires the president to certify to Congress that hostilities necessitate the delay to ensure safe extraction. Senator John Curtis of Utah stated he will not support continuing the campaign without White House approval and detailed justification.