AI vs Musicians: A UK study warns AI is squeezing artists out as bot-driven scams and “artificial musicians” spread, with regulators lagging behind the EU and US. MENA Chart Rules: The Official MENA Chart adopts new eligibility principles for GenAI recordings, aiming to keep charts focused on human-led creativity and block fraudulently boosted streams. Industry & Rights: Universal Music Group strikes a deal to manage Beatles merchandise ahead of biopics, while Round Hill files major copyright infringement suits against Suno and Anthropic. Big Pop Moment: Madonna leads the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations with 11 nods. Live Music Calendar: Abu Dhabi cancels Shakira and Christina Aguilera shows amid the Iran war, while Huntsville’s free “Jazz in the Park” returns in September. Local Music & Community: A Steinway piano donation lands at Lawrence-Nelson Elementary, and Baltimore teens prep for a Bar Exam final showcase after an eight-week music therapy program. New Releases: Queens of the Stone Age tease their next album “Perfecth” with a release date that’s now uncertain.