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Books
- 1OpenAI Staff Called Book-Pirating 'Sketchy AF' in Internal Messages●‘Sketchy AF’: What to Know About How OpenAI Staff Discussed Book-Pirating
The Wall Street Journal reports on internal OpenAI messages in which staff discussed the use of pirated books, with one employee describing the practice as 'sketchy AF'. The disclosure lands as OpenAI faces lawsuits from authors and publishers alleging its AI models were trained on copyrighted works without permission, intensifying scrutiny of the company's data practices.
- 2Japanese used bookstores boom as AI firms buy books by the ton●Japanese used bookstores see 5x sales surge as books are being bought by the ton
Used bookstores across Japan are reporting a fivefold surge in sales as bulk buyers purchase books by the ton, including one order of 50 tons shipped to the United States. The buyers are believed to be feeding the books into scanning facilities for AI training data, after which the physical copies are destroyed.
- 3Uproar in France over author accused of using AI▼Uproar in France over award-winning author accused of using AI
An award-winning French author is facing accusations of having used artificial intelligence in their work, sparking a heated debate in France's literary world. The controversy has drawn wide attention, touching on questions of authenticity, authorship and whether AI tools have a place in prize-recognised literature. Critics and commentators in France are weighing in as the row grows.
- 4Critics condemn Biden's 'bear hug' policy toward Netanyahu●'In the face of loud and insistent warnings, President Joe # Biden and his team of best-and-brightest advisers wrapped B
A sharply critical account describes how President Joe Biden and his senior advisers pursued a strategy of embracing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite repeated warnings, while thousands of Palestinians were killed with American-supplied bombs and backed by US diplomatic support. The harsh framing of the 'best-and-brightest' team has drawn attention and debate over Washington's role in the Gaza war.
- 5Earl Spencer apologises to Piers Morgan over Diana book errors▼Earl Spencer apologises to Piers Morgan over errors in Princess Diana book
Earl Spencer, brother of Princess Diana, has issued an apology to Piers Morgan after factual errors were identified in his book about the princess. Sky News reports the correction and the apology, drawing wide attention as it touches on the ongoing public debate over Morgan's long-standing coverage of Diana and the accuracy of accounts about her life.
- 6New Book Says the Constitution Doesn't Belong to the Supreme Court●Jesse Wegman: Sorry, Justices — the # Constitution Doesn’t Belong to You A new book argues that Americans need to reclai
New York Times editorial writer Jesse Wegman argues in his new book that Americans must reclaim ownership of the Constitution from the nine Supreme Court justices. In 'Supremacy: How Rule by the Court Replaced Government by the People,' he contends that judicial supremacy has displaced government by the people, and that the founding charter belongs to citizens rather than the courts alone.
- 7Piers Morgan to sue Earl Spencer over Diana book●“It’s ALL Bull***!” EXCLUSIVE: Piers Morgan To SUE Earl Spencer Over Diana Book
Piers Morgan says he will take legal action against Earl Charles Spencer over claims made in his book about his sister, Princess Diana, dismissing the allegations as, in his words, all nonsense. The announcement came in an exclusive interview with the broadcaster, drawing large public attention and sparking debate over the disputed claims about Diana's life and the Spencer family's accounts.
- 8Robert Kolker Discusses New Book 'The Vanishing Family'▼Award-winning journalist Robert Kolker talks about his book, 'The Vanishing Family'
Award-winning journalist Robert Kolker spoke about his book 'The Vanishing Family' in an interview with NPR, discussing its themes and reporting. The book examines American family life and the forces reshaping it. The conversation has drawn attention from readers interested in his acclaimed narrative journalism and the timely subject of how families are changing.
- 9Min Jin Lee announces new novel 'American Hagwon'▼National Book Award-finalist Min Jin Lee talks about her new novel, 'American Hagwon'
Min Jin Lee, the National Book Award finalist and author of 'Pachinko', has a new novel titled 'American Hagwon'. In an interview with NPR, she discussed the forthcoming book, which takes its name from the Korean term for private cram schools and suggests a story about education and ambition. Fans of her acclaimed fiction are following news of her first novel since 'Pachinko'.
- 10Thousands gather in Jackson for Mississippi Book Festival●Mississippi Book Festival draws thousands to Jackson to celebrate the written word
The Mississippi Book Festival has drawn thousands of visitors to Jackson to celebrate books and reading. Attendees filled the state capitol area for author panels, signings and discussions about the written word. The event has become a major fixture on the state's cultural calendar, bringing together writers, readers and publishers from across Mississippi and beyond.
- 11John Green on writing America's most banned book▼John Green on writing America’s most banned book: ‘It’s uncomfortable to be at the grocery store’
Author John Green is speaking out about the wave of book bans in the United States, saying his novel — reportedly the country's most banned book — has made everyday life awkward for him. In remarks reported by The Independent, Green said 'it's uncomfortable to be at the grocery store,' reflecting on the personal toll of the censorship campaigns. The comments add to an ongoing national debate over school and library book removals.
- 12Bulk Orders Surge at Japanese Used Bookstores; 50 Tons Shipped to U.S.●Bulk Orders Surge at Used Bookstores in Japan; 50 Tons Sent to U.S.
Used bookstores in Japan are seeing a surge in bulk purchase orders, with roughly 50 tons of secondhand books shipped to buyers in the United States, according to Nippon TV. The report highlights growing overseas demand for Japanese used books, though it does not specify who the buyers are or what kinds of books are being purchased.
- 13Mississippi Book Festival draws authors and readers to Jackson●Mississippi Book Festival draws authors, readers to Jackson
The Mississippi Book Festival has brought writers and book lovers together in Jackson for a day of panels, signings and literary discussion. Local outlet WLBT covered the gathering, which continues the festival's role as a major cultural event for the state, connecting authors with readers and drawing visitors to the capital.
- 14John Green reflects on writing America's most banned book▼John Green on writing America’s most banned book: ‘It’s uncomfortable to know that’
Author John Green says it is 'uncomfortable to know' that he wrote America's most banned book, in a new interview with The Independent. His young adult novel has become a focal point in the ongoing US battles over school library removals and book challenges, and Green has been an outspoken critic of censorship efforts.
- 15
American author Louise Erdrich has been awarded the Gish Prize, one of the most substantial honors in the arts, recognizing her distinguished contributions to literature. The Minnesota-based writer, known for novels exploring Native American life, joins a list of past recipients spanning film, music, and the arts. Coverage of the announcement is circulating in US news outlets.
- 16Kentucky governor hints at possible 2028 presidential run●Kentucky governor hints at potential 2028 run during book tour in Washington
Kentucky's governor suggested he could launch a bid for the White House in 2028 while promoting his book at an event in Washington. The comments, made during a stop on his book tour, are being read as the clearest signal yet that he is weighing a national campaign. Political watchers will be looking for next steps as the 2028 field begins to take shape.
- 17
Bokmässan, the Gothenburg book fair, is being discussed in Sweden. It is the biggest literary festival in Scandinavia, drawing authors, publishers and readers each year for talks, signings and debates. No specific event or announcement from the fair could be confirmed, but interest in the fair is currently high among Swedish speakers.
- 18
A new book offers an in-depth account of Ohio's prolonged redistricting fight, which has repeatedly drawn court challenges and national attention over how the state's legislative and congressional maps are drawn. Coverage highlights the book as a detailed look at the political and legal battles that shaped the process.
- 19Marlon James and Louise Erdrich on National Book Awards long lists▼National Book Awards: Marlon James, Louise Erdrich and Karl Ove Knausgaard make long lists
The National Book Awards have announced their long lists, with Marlon James, Louise Erdrich and Karl Ove Knausgaard among the nominated authors. The inclusion of several internationally recognized names has drawn attention to this year's field, as the awards whittle contenders down toward the finalists and eventual winners in each category.
- 20New Book Reveals Gisele Bündchen's Handwritten Plea to Tom Brady▼New Book Details Gisele Bündchen’s Handwritten Plea to Tom Brady Years Before Their Divorce
A newly published book reports that Gisele Bündchen once wrote a handwritten note to Tom Brady, years before the couple finalised their divorce in 2022. The letter, described as a personal plea, sheds new light on tensions in the marriage during Brady's playing career. The claim has drawn wide attention as fans revisit the couple's high-profile split.
- 21LeBron James and Rob Pelinka close an era of Lakers basketball▼LeBron James, Rob Pelinka closed the book on an era of Lakers basketball
LeBron James and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka have brought an end to an era of Los Angeles Lakers basketball, according to a report from Silver Screen and Roll. The report frames the two figures as jointly closing the book on a defining stretch for the franchise, though the specifics of what changed are not detailed in the available coverage.
- 22Andre Agassi says he now finds more fun coaching tennis▼Andre Agassi having ‘more fun’ coaching in tennis after saying in his book he hated the sport
Andre Agassi, who wrote in his autobiography that he hated tennis, says he is having 'more fun' in the sport these days as a coach. The former world number one has reconnected with tennis through mentoring players, a striking change from the strained relationship with the game he described in his book. Comments about his new role are drawing fresh attention to his complicated history with the sport.
- 23New Tom Brady book calls his social media move a 'middle finger' to Gisele▼New Tom Brady book claims this social media move was a ‘middle finger’ to ex-wife Gisele Bündchen
A newly released book about Tom Brady claims the retired quarterback made a pointed social media move that was intended as a 'middle finger' to his ex-wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen. The claim is drawing attention to the couple's much-publicized 2022 divorce and to Brady's post-retirement life, with readers and sports media weighing in on the details revealed in the book.
- 24
A group of authors in San Antonio has founded a book publishing cooperative, aiming to handle publishing collaboratively rather than through traditional publishers. The move gives local writers more control over editing, production and profits. The story was reported by the San Antonio Report, and it highlights a broader trend of writers organizing to bypass conventional industry gatekeepers.
- 25Madeline Miller, Author of 'Circe', Returns to Mythology●The Author of ‘Circe’ Returns With Another Dark Take on Mythology
The New York Times reports that Madeline Miller, the novelist behind the bestselling 'Circe' and 'The Song of Achilles', has published a new book that again reworks Greek mythology with a dark, contemporary lens. Coverage centers on how she continues retelling ancient myths through marginalised figures, a hallmark of her previous work. Readers of modern mythological fiction are following the release closely.
- 26UCSB Economist Shelly Lundberg Wins 2026 Mincer Award▼UCSB Economist Shelly Lundberg Wins 2026 Mincer Award, Releases Book
Shelly Lundberg, an economist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has won the 2026 Mincer Award, recognizing her contributions to labor economics. The announcement coincides with the release of her new book. The Mincer Award honors major scholarly achievement in the field, and Lundberg's work on family economics and household decision-making has long been influential among economists.
- 27
Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has achieved another milestone, placing the franchise in the record books yet again. The exact feat behind the headline is not specified in the available coverage, but the Reds' shortstop has a history of setting franchise marks with his combination of power and speed. Fans are celebrating the young player's latest achievement as he continues to build a reputation as one of baseball's most dynamic talents.
- 28Anti-book-banning activist to speak at Augustana College▼Activist against book banning will appear at Augustana College, Rock Island
An activist campaigning against book bans is scheduled to appear at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. The local report highlights the event amid ongoing national debates over school and library book removals. Community members and students in the Quad Cities region are expected to take interest in the discussion.
- 29Southern California honors Dolly Parton with book drives▼In true Dolly Parton fashion, SoCal celebrates day honoring star with book drives, donations
Communities across Southern California marked a day honoring Dolly Parton with book drives and donations, in keeping with the country star's well-known literacy work through her Imagination Library, which mails free books to children. Local coverage highlighted residents giving books and money to support young readers in the singer's signature spirit of generosity.