• Apple sent out a notice to its partners to let them know how they can offer DRM-free downloads. (MacRumors.com)

• The British Phonographic Industry is pleased that local acts are finally selling well in the States. According to its press release, the UK now accounts for one in 12 albums sold in the U.S. Hmm...it it a coincidence that this comes as urban sales are slumping? Or is the partially due to UK government assistance and more touring? Gone are the days Brit stars go for a radio hit and a six-city U.S. tour. They're putting in a lot of effort over here. (Press release)

• Caiman Inc, owner of the Tower Records logo and the Tower Records domain (www.tower.com) is going to relaunch the website and open stores in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. (Hollywood Reporter)

• Indie label Touch & Go will launch a music download store sometime in June. Downloads will be in the MP3 format and will have standard pricing ($0.99 per track, $9.99 per album). For consumers, this might be big news if much of Touch & Go's catalog -- less Steve Albini bands -- was not already available at eMusic at far better prices. (Billboard.biz)

• The RIAA really took to the report released by U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab that highlights piracy hot spots around the world (Russian, China, Brazil, Thailand, Czech Republic and Canada). (RIAA press release)

• BurnLounge is moving to the MP3 format. (Press release)

• Del McCoury's McCoury Music has signed with RED Distribution to handle all of McCoury's future projects. (CMJ.com)