AI & Copyright: A US judge approved Anthropic’s $1.5B settlement in an authors’ class action over pirated books used to train Claude, with payments set at about $3,000 per book—one of the biggest AI copyright rulings yet. Publishing & Tech: A new study argues people embrace AI chatbots because they act like interactive fictional characters, blending real and imaginary in ways that feel emotionally safe. Books & Culture: A Dewdney Players outdoor adaptation of A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh runs July 23–Aug. 2, bringing classic children’s stories to families. Local Author Spotlight: Worthington’s Erin Makela released the second book in her “That Word Honor” trilogy, “Enterprising and Dangerous,” set through a doctor’s eyes during the American Revolution. Reading Life: WHO marked 25 years of Research4Life, saying the program boosts access to scientific publications and research participation worldwide. Book-to-Screen Buzz: East of Eden is surging again ahead of a Netflix adaptation starring Florence Pugh this fall.