Salman Rushdie, Indian-born British-American novelist, writes on migrations and belief. Since surviving a 2022 attack on stage, he remains a global voice in literature and free expression.
Hadi Matar’s federal trial has opened in Buffalo, New York, with opening statements scheduled as prosecutors argue he acted in connection with Iran and Hezbollah. Rushdie testifies as a key witness, recounting the knife attack that left him permanently injured and shaping the federal case against Matar.
Public schools and universities in the region are undergoing formal audits of books and digital resources. Authorities say the reviews aim to remove misleading or unlawful content, while critics warn of growing censorship and threats to academic freedom. The move follows protests and the removal of two books from school libraries earlier this year.