K-pop Collectibles Boom: British retailers say squishies, trading cards, and K-pop CDs are driving a post-Covid footfall surge, with HMV expecting around 50 million store visits in 2026. Yoko Ono Tribute: Yo La Tengo and a star-studded lineup celebrated Ono’s radical catalog in Los Angeles, spanning avant-garde deep cuts to “Walking on Thin Ice.” Jazz Festival Fallout: The inaugural LA Jazz Festival was canceled at the last minute over permitting and public-safety costs, with refunds promised and a 2027 return planned. San Jose Jazz Legacy: San Jose Jazz Summer Fest founder Bruce Labadie says he’ll retire after 36 years, as the event grows to eight stages and 80 acts. Whitney Houston Spotlight: Whitney Houston’s No. 1 hits are compiled into the new album “WH1TNEY,” alongside a Legacy of Love gala and a first-ever Whitney Houston Barbie. Taylor Swift vs TikTok Politics: Swift’s “August” audio was removed from a Trump campaign TikTok after copyright restrictions, reigniting the ongoing music-rights fight. Ariana Grande Chart Climb: “Petal” debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with her biggest opening in years. Live Music Disruptions: Rod Stewart’s Cincinnati show was postponed after a minor medical procedure, while Blink-182’s Travis Barker says a new Blink album is in progress. Cultural Identity in Sound: Ainu musician Oki blends traditional tonkori music with rock, reggae, and Afrobeat in a New York return performance.