Layers keep automatically relinking even after clicking the icon off

Have even tried 3 different AI engines to solve this and got nowhere. AI says it is a known bug? Even when I create a new/blank document, a link icon shows up immediately next to the background layer. I can make the background into a regular layer, which also shows up with a link icon. Any new layer has a link icon. Unlinking the layers is like trying to chase a cat. It turns off on one layer and shows up on another. Trying to flip one layer horizontal flips ALL layers horizontal. Auto-select Layers is off. Layers are not grouped.  Image is flattened. On Mac Tahoe 26.1, using PE 2026 Editor, Advanced setting. Any/all help is greatly appreciated.