Politics Apr 21 LISTEN: Supreme Court signals support for parents who object to LGBTQ books in public schools By Mark Sherman, Associated Press
Arts May 16 PEN America, facing criticism over its response to the war in Gaza, gathers for annual gala The literary and human rights organization has faced ongoing criticism over its response to the Israel-Hamas War, with hundreds of writers alleging that PEN showed limited concern over the suffering of Gaza residents and the deaths of Palestinian writers. By Hillel Italie, Associated Press
Arts Apr 15 Multiple authors turn down PEN America recognition, citing its stance on war in Gaza PEN’s response to Israel’s invasion of Gaza has been widely criticized by writers who believe the organization has failed to fully condemn the war that has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead, including hundreds of writers, academics and journalists. By Hillel Italie, Associated Press
Nation Oct 25 Why ‘The Art of War’ and Amy Schumer’s memoir are banned in U.S. prisons Tens of thousands of books are being banned or restricted by U.S. prisons, according to a new report from PEN America. By Hillel Italie, Associated Press
Arts Mar 11 Author Zadie Smith to receive PEN America literary service award The PEN literary award is given to "an important writer whose work has drawn a wide audience and who helps us understand the human condition in original and powerful ways."… By Hillel Italie, Associated Press
Mar 23 George C. Wolfe, Anne Carson win PEN achievement awards By Associated Press Tony Award-winner George C. Wolfe and Canadian poet-translator Anne Carson are among this year's winners of PEN America awards for career achievement. Continue reading
Nov 11 PEN America names winners of prison writing program award By Hillel Italie, Associated Press PEN America has announced the winners of a new award, supported by a grant from the estate of the late Madeleine L'Engle, for participants in the literary and human rights organization's Prison Writing Mentorship Program. Continue reading
Oct 16 PEN America lawsuit alleges Trump is stifling free speech By Hillel Italie, Associated Press "President Trump has First Amendment rights and is free to criticize the press vehemently, but he is not free to use the power and authority of the United States government to punish and stifle it," the complaint reads. Continue reading
Jan 16 As ‘writers resist’ Trump, an interview with a poet in protest By Elizabeth Flock On Sunday, writers and artists rallied across the country in defense of freedom of speech and to protest the political discourse of President-elect Donald Trump. The Writers Resist events took place in Tuscaloosa, Fresno, Helena Denver, Chicago, Baltimore,and Washington D.C.,… Continue reading