The entertainment world mourns the passing of Mike Vernon, the producer who ignited the British blues boom, Robert White, a tenor celebrated for Irish ballads, Alfredo Bryce Echenique, a Peruvian novelist, Valerie Perrine, an acclaimed screen siren, Augie Meyers, a pioneer of Tex-Mex music, and Shigeaki Mori, a Hiroshima survivor.

• Mike Vernon, Who Helped Spark the British Blues Boom, Dies at 81 — New York Times Arts -
• Robert White, Tenor Renowned for Irish Ballads, Dies at 89 — New York Times Arts -
• Alfredo Bryce Echenique, 87, Dies; Novelist Bared Peru’s Privileged Class — New York Times Books -

• Valerie Perrine, Screen Siren Who Won Critical Acclaim, Dies at 82 — New York Times Arts -
• Shigeaki Mori, 88, Dogged Hiroshima Survivor Embraced by Obama, Dies — New York Times Movies -
• Augie Meyers, Pioneer of Tex-Mex Music, Dies at 85 — New York Times Arts -

The global art scene is vibrant with Lap-See Lam's solo show in Hong Kong, a Matisse exhibition in Paris, and the Brooklyn Museum's plans for African art galleries, while also discussing environmental impacts of collecting and the controversy surrounding David A. Ross's association with Epstein in museum development, and celebrating new spaces and artists in Hong Kong's dynamic art week.

• Through Bamboo, the Artist Lap-See Lam Explores Her Family’s History — New York Times Arts -
• The Final, Flying Colors of Matisse’s ‘Second Life’ — New York Times Arts -
• David A. Ross Sought Epstein’s Help to Build Art Museums. Now He’s Facing the Fallout. — New York Times Arts -

• Why Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s Go-Go Dancer Piece Remains Subversive — New York Times Arts -
• Brooklyn Museum’s African Art Galleries to Unite Continent — New York Times Arts -
• How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Collecting — New York Times Arts -
• Gold, A New Art Space in Hong Kong, Opens — New York Times Arts -
• A Painter Reveals Hong Kong’s Natural Wonders — and Where to See Them — New York Times Arts -
• Outside Art Basel Hong Kong, Cyborgs, Abstractions and More — New York Times Arts -
• Exploring Hong Kong’s Textile Trail — New York Times Arts -

Robyn's anticipated return with a new album, the influence of choreographer Brooke Payne on boy bands, and new releases from BTS, St. Vincent, and Death Cab for Cutie highlight the music industry, alongside discussions on Puccini's 'Turandot' ending and a cultural moment as Donald Trump visits Graceland.

• 11 Robyn Bangers for the Pop Star’s Long-Awaited Return — New York Times Arts -
• The Man Who Taught Boy Bands How to Move — New York Times Arts -
• Is It Possible to Solve the Ending of Puccini’s ‘Turandot’? — New York Times Arts -

• Review: On ‘Arirang,’ BTS Is Too Big to Fail. But Not Too Big to Succeed. — New York Times Arts -
• St. Vincent, Death Cab for Cutie: 8 Songs We’re Talking About This Week — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Who Doesn’t Love Elvis?’ Trump Takes an Unexpected Detour to Graceland. — New York Times Music -

Nancy Lemann's unexpected return to print after two decades, comprehensive reviews of new books like 'American Men' and 'Who Needs Friends' exploring male loneliness, 'A Treacherous Secret Agent' on literature's role in the Red Scare, and 'Open Space' on space colonization, demonstrate the enduring impact of critical literary discussion and the power of book reviews in shaping literary careers.

• What’s It Like to Be Back in Print After 20 Years? A Bit Odd. — New York Times Arts -
• Book Review: ‘American Men,’ by Jordan Ritter Conn; ‘Who Needs Friends,’ by Andrew McCarthy — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘A Treacherous Secret Agent,’ by Marjorie Garber — New York Times Books -

• ‘Lonesome Dove,’ ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and the Power of the Book Review in the Age Before Algorithms — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Open Space,’ by David Ariosto — New York Times Books -

Recent developments include open casting calls for a 'Baywatch' reboot, explorations into the enduring relevance of 'Antigone' in New York theaters, an analysis of comedy's use of audience reaction shots, and a review of John Lithgow's portrayal of Roald Dahl in a new play, alongside late-night TV's commentary on current events.

• At ‘Baywatch’ Tryouts, Hoping to Be the Next Pam Anderson or Jason Momoa — New York Times Arts -
• Why Are We Obsessed With Antigone? — New York Times Arts -
• Comedy’s Most Manipulative Shot … and Its Greatest Weapon — New York Times Arts -

• Late Night Doesn’t Feel So Hot About ICE at the Airport — New York Times Arts -
• John Lithgow as Roald Dahl in ‘Giant’: A Study in Monstrosity — New York Times Arts -

A significant legal outcome sees **Bill Cosby facing a $59 million judgment** after losing a sex assault lawsuit, marking a major development in the ongoing discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry.

• Bill Cosby Loses Sex Assault Lawsuit and Faces a $59 Million Judgment — New York Times Arts -

A fascinating historical re-evaluation reveals Queen Hatshepsut is undergoing a reputational makeover, challenging the long-held perception of her as a villain and adding depth to our understanding of ancient Egyptian history.

• Wicked Stepmother No Longer, a Female Pharoah Gets a Reputational Makeover — New York Times Arts -

The therapeutic potential of dance is highlighted by tango therapy helping Parkinson's patients in Argentina, showcasing how artistic expression can significantly aid in addressing physical and coordination challenges.

• Tango Therapy: How the Dance of Passion Is Helping Parkinson’s Patients — New York Times Arts -