France widens fuel aid as UN convenes, EU extends Russia sanctions, writer rejects AI claim, actor chooses euthanasia

Facing a surge in gasoline and diesel costs, the French executive rolled out a package of aid that prolongs benefits for high-mileage drivers, expands eligibility, and raises the ceiling of a tax-exempt fuel allowance for workers, while also providing a modest boost to certain nurses and home-care aides. The United Nations General Assembly commenced in New York with roughly 150 heads of state, marking the final session of Secretary-General António Guterres, and featured a lengthy, self-congratulatory speech by Donald Trump that touched on the Iran conflict, a promised deal with Tehran, threats toward Cuba, and opposition to global AI regulation.

The European Union extended its sanctions regime against Russia just before expiration, maintaining restrictions on about 3,000 persons and entities linked to the war in Ukraine, and the Irish presidency reported a difficult compromise that saw the names of oligarchs Alicher Ousmanov and Mikhaïl Fridman removed. Canadian-Haitian author Thélyson Orélien, a recent Fnac prize winner and Goncourt nominee, denied using artificial intelligence to write his latest book, pointing to CheckNews tests that found no AI involvement. In a separate story, French actor Arnaud Denis, who had created a support group for victims of hernia implants after enduring severe disability, was euthanized in Belgium to end his suffering.