BJ Novak to host PEN America gala on May 14 at the American Museum of Natural History

NEW YORK (AP) — B.J. Novak will host the upcoming PEN America gala at the American Museum of Natural History. Hundreds from the publishing community and beyond are expected to gather on May 14 for the organization's signature fundraising event. Novak is known for his role as Ryan Howard on “The Office” and for his bestselling books. PEN America co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf says his wide-ranging artistry makes him ideal to celebrate the written word and free expression. Honorees will include author Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum.

'Bob's Burgers' actor Eugene Mirman rescued from fiery crash by New Hampshire governor's detail

BEDFORD, N.H. (AP) — Actor and comedian Eugene Mirman suffered serious injuries after crashing his car into a toll plaza and being pulled from the fiery wreckage by a state trooper assigned to protect the governor of New Hampshire. The crash happened just before noon Tuesday in Bedford, New Hampshire. Authorities say Gov. Kelly Ayotte and her security detail came upon the crash soon after, and a trooper and two others pulled Mirman from the burning car. Mirman is known for voicing musical middle child Gene Belcher on the animated comedy “Bob’s Burgers.” The crash remains under investigation. No charges have been filed.

Priceless ancient golden helmet stolen from a Dutch museum is recovered

ASSEN, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch authorities have recovered a priceless ancient golden helmet from Romania stolen last year from a museum in the Netherlands. Under police guard, prosecutors unveiled the 2,500-year-old Cotofenesti helmet during a press conference in the eastern Dutch city of Assen on Thursday. The helmet, considered a cultural icon of Romania, was on loan to the Drents Museum when it was nabbed more than a year ago. The theft sent shock waves through the art world.

Megan Thee Stallion takes 2 Broadway shows off after illness during 'Moulin Rouge!'

NEW YORK (AP) — Megan Thee Stallion was rushed to the hospital after feeling very ill onstage during "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" on Broadway. She later explained on social media that she had been pushing herself too hard. An understudy stepped in Tuesday night, allowing the show to continue. Megan announced she would take Wednesday's performances off to rest and recuperate. She plans to return Thursday, feeling stronger and ready. Megan made her Broadway debut last week as Harold Zidler in the show, which is set to close in July after a seven-year run.

Max Thieriot is on fire. Meet the man behind TV hits 'Fire Country' and 'Sheriff Country'

NEW YORK (AP) — Max Thieriot has turned “Fire Country” and its spinoff “Sheriff Country” into the top two shows on Friday nights. This Friday, the two series run their first crossover episode, in which sheriffs and firefighters team up to search for nine missing teens. Thieriot co-creates and executive produces both dramas, and he also stars on “Fire Country.” He sets both shows in the same small California town. He says the action draws viewers in and thinks the human stories keep them watching. He says he's most proud of the fact that the shows support hundreds of crew jobs.

Movie Review: Jittery, edgy and magnetic, Riz Ahmed takes 'Hamlet' for a spin

Riz Ahmed puts his own spin on the world's most famous troubled prince in Aneil Karia's “Hamlet,” a pared-down version that clocks in under two hours. Ahmed portrays a prince in a rush and recalls a recent Hamlet-like figure from the small screen. That's Kendall Roy of “Succession.” The setting is in the South Asian community in contemporary London and centered on a family real estate company called Elsinore. In her review, Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes that Ahmed gives an absorbing and magnetic performance, surrounded by an excellent supporting cast including Sheeba Chaddha and Art Malik. “Hamlet” opens in theaters April 10.

It’s International Fact-Checking Day. Refresh your AI identification skills

Artificial intelligence-generated content is everywhere these days, making it increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction, particularly when it comes to breaking news. The Iran war is just one example — since its outset, fake footage has reached countless people around the world. Some strategies for identifying these images include looking for visual cues, determining their origin, seeking out multiple reputable sources, making use of technology such as invisible digital watermarks and not immediately sharing content if its authenticity is unclear.

Movie Review: Wahoo! ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ levels up the magic

Chris Pratt and Charlie Day return to voice Mario and Luigi in “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which opens theaters globally on Wednesday. The sequel to the 2023 smash takes the Brooklyn plumbers, Princess Peach and Toad into space to help save Rosalina from a vengeful Bowser Jr. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that while the movie adds some family drama and backstories, and some unsavory merchandising, it's largely committed to keeping things light and playful and in the spirit of the games. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is a Universal Pictures release rated PG.

From TMZ to Trump, pressure grows to bring Congress back during partial shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — TMZ is turning its celebrity lens on Congress, tracking lawmakers on recess as a nearly six-week Department of Homeland Security shutdown drags on. Viral videos of senators in airports, Las Vegas and Disney World have fueled backlash and intensified pressure for lawmakers to return. That pressure now extends beyond social media, with unions and President Donald Trump all urging Congress back to Washington. But even if they return, there is no clear path to a deal. A bipartisan Senate agreement collapsed after House Republicans rejected it, leaving lawmakers at a deeper impasse and raising fresh questions about how — or whether — the standoff can end.

Lawsuit says Taylor Swift's 'Showgirl' pose comes too close to the work of a real one

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A real-life Las Vegas showgirl is suing Taylor Swift, saying the branding surrounding her album “The Life of a Showgirl.” Maren Wade filed the lawsuit against Swift in federal court on Monday. Wade began writing a newspaper column called “Confessions of a Showgirl” in 2014 and turned it into a live touring show. Her lawsuit says Swift's team knowingly stepped on her trademark and the huge wave of her popularity has effectively erased it. The suit seeks an injunction stopping Swift from using the brand, and financial damages to be determined later. A representative for Swift declined comment.