AI Music Crackdown: Tidal says it will flag fully AI-generated tracks and cut monetization/royalties for AI uploads, while also removing fraudulent AI music—another pressure point for streaming platforms and creators. Rights & Payouts: UK licensing body PPL paid £81.6M to 140,000+ performers and recording rightsholders in Q2, including first-time payments for nearly 4,500. Label Leadership: Virgin Music Group unveiled a new global/regional leadership team after its Downtown acquisition, aiming to expand services for independent artists worldwide. Album Drops: Davido set his sixth album ORIADÉ for July 31; Billy Strings returns with So Much for Goodbyes (Aug. 28), produced with T Bone Burnett; Adult DVD announced debut album Adult DVD (Sept. 25). Local Music & Community: Philly Music Fest marks its 10th year with a mission-first model; Tulsa’s Once In A While Band readies a charity album; Sanibel launches a summer jazz series; Meridian brings back Third Thursdays and a Full Moon on 5th block party. Live Music Disruptions: A Lowell show at Taffeta Music Hall was canceled after an assault outside left three men injured. Global Culture: Sofia’s Harlequin Youth Media Festival opened with a masquerade parade plus an AI-powered press centre.