Book Bans: PEN America reports US schools logged nearly 12,000 book-ban instances in 2025–26, a record high, with new removals including classics like Jane Eyre and contemporary titles such as Lessons in Chemistry. Copyright & AI: German publishers at the Frankfurt Book Fair urged tighter AI regulation, calling for transparency and fair licensing as companies train on copyrighted works. Royal Tribute: Queen Camilla marked the death of bestselling author and former MP Jeffrey Archer, praising him as an “irrepressible life force” and noting his final book was due on the eve of his passing. Banned Books Week: A separate roundup frames the week as a First Amendment fight, warning that censorship targets librarians and community groups too. New Leadership Books: The Empty Chair spotlights leadership blind spots behind culture and burnout, while Silent to Spoken tackles people-pleasing and boundaries in midlife. Publishing & Tech: Audible is rolling out AI character chat features, and a new startup, Authors First, pitches AI-assisted adaptations that aim to keep author intent on screen.