Morning Edition from NPR

Syrian President Bashar Assad vowed to stay in power during a speech Tuesday, defying international pressure for him to step aside. He vowed to respond to threats against him with an "iron hand."

Blue Ivy Carter is only days old, yet the proud father released a song called "Glory." In the song, Jay-Z raps that his daughter is "the most beautiful thing in the world." The newborn chimes in with a few cries at the end of the song.

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DAVID GREENE, HOST:

One of the most powerful producers in Hollywood is black, female, middle-aged and Muslim. Mara Brock Akil produces, along with her husband,The Game -- one of the biggest hit TV shows on cable. Last year, the couple collaborated on the film "Jumping the Broom.

David Greene has business news.