PEN galas have long been a combination of literature, politics, activism and celebrity, with attendees ranging from Alec Baldwin to Sen. Angus King of Maine.

CEO of PEN America Suzanne Nossel and Rushdie pose on the PEN America 2023 Spring Literary Gala red carpet at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, on 18 May 2023.

Salman Rushdie has made an emotional and unexpected return to public life, attending the annual gala of PEN America and giving the event’s final speech as he accepted a special prize, the PEN… ...

UPDATED: May 19, 2023 at 3:14 AM EDT Novelist Salman Rushdie spoke at the annual PEN America gala on Thursday night, his first in-person appearance since a madman viciously stabbed him last year.

Finally, the stars aligned for Alston to visit Pennsylvania. The friends met in person for the first time at Courtyard by Marriott in Wayne. Then, they enjoyed dinner at an Italian restaurant.

These two women were paired up as pen pals in 5th grade. After staying in touch for 43 years, they finally met in person! WAYNE, Pa.