Novelist accused of using AI to write book removed from French prize list 25. September 2026 (18:14) Thélyson Orélien had been in the running to win a top literary prize before the AI claim emerged on social mediaThe organisers of France’s most prestigious literary prize said they had removed a critically acclaimed novel by a Canadian-Haitian writer from the longlist after an anonymous online account claimed the book was “almost entirely” written by AI.The Académie Goncourt, a Paris-based literary organisation, said on Friday its decision to withdraw Thélyson Orélien’s novel C’était ça ou mourir (It Was That or Die) was “driven by the desire to preserve the integrity of the Goncourt prize and the academy itself, whose central role is to promote and honour literature written by women and men”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pope Leo warns of AI threat to humanity at start of three-day France visit 25. September 2026 (18:01) Pontiff says artificial intelligence must remain at service of people in first official papal visit to country in 18 yearsPope Leo has warned against losing humanity in a “paradise of machines” as he addressed global concerns over the dangers of artificial intelligence at the start of a three-day visit to France.“If we are to avoid losing our humanity amid a paradise of machines invading and conditioning our daily lives, there is an urgent need for people to be educated in ethical discernment, capable of seeing what is morally right,” he said in a speech at the Élysée. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
No snap election before 2029, Andy Burnham says 25. September 2026 (18:00) Prime minister quashes speculation that Labour’s revival in the polls could prompt early contestAndy Burnham has said he will not call a snap general election before 2029, after days of speculation that Labour’s revival in the polls could tempt him to call an early contest.The prime minister was repeatedly questioned on the prospect during a round of broadcast interviews to regional media on Friday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US supreme court lifts restrictions on controversial voter database 25. September 2026 (17:52) Trump and officials claimed it combats voting by noncitizens but critics said it could disenfranchise eligible votersThe US supreme court has lifted restrictions on a controversial federal database of voters as Donald Trump seeks to impose tougher restrictions on voting ahead of November’s midterm elections.While the president and his officials have claimed the expanded database aims to combat voting by noncitizens, critics contend it could disenfranchise eligible voters. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Thousands turn out to greet Pope in France 25. September 2026 (17:44) The BBC's Hugh Schofield looks at why the visit is met with enthusiasm the Church attributes to growing spirituality among the French.
(BBC News)
