PHILADELPHIA — Organizers of the Freedom 250 celebration announced Thursday that rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z will serve as the headline performer for the nationally televised event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The announcement comes after several previously scheduled musical acts withdrew from the program in recent weeks because of touring commitments, scheduling conflicts, and other professional obligations, according to event officials.

BOSTON — A bright meteor that detonated over the Atlantic Ocean late Thursday night, visible across much of the northeastern United States, has sparked renewed debate in Washington over the pending release of government documents related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).

WILDWOOD, N.J. — Residents and tourists along the Wildwood boardwalk received an unexpected surprise this summer when a man later identified as Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. was discovered working at a local arcade, apparently unaware of his own identity or political career.

According to arcade owner Tom Sorrento, Kean first appeared several weeks ago looking for work. With no identification and little explanation beyond claiming he could not remember who he was, Sorrento said he was initially hesitant to get involved.

Washington, D.C. — The Department of the Treasury unveiled a proposal Thursday to introduce a new $250 bill bearing the portrait of President Donald Trump, citing what officials described as “changing economic realities” and the increasing role of higher-denomination currency in everyday transactions.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the proposal during a press briefing at the Treasury Building, where he said the measure was intended to modernize U.S. currency circulation amid persistent inflationary pressures.

WASHINGTON — Writer and columnist E. Jean Carroll said Tuesday that she believes she could qualify for compensation under  President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” restitution fund, a plan currently under discussion among congressional allies of the president.

Speaking during an appearance on a political talk program, Carroll said she intends to submit an application “the moment Congress approves it,” arguing that she was directly affected by years of public attacks and legal disputes tied to Trump and his supporters.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has formally asked Congress to approve $220 million in federal funding to construct a permanent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) arena on the White House lawn, according to a proposal submitted to lawmakers on Tuesday.

The plan, described by administration officials as part of a broader effort to “expand public engagement with American sports and entertainment,” would transform a portion of the South Lawn into a purpose-built venue capable of hosting live mixed martial arts events, including pay-per-view UFC fights.

Washington - President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that he will not attend his son’s wedding scheduled this weekend in the Bahamas, citing a prior commitment at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf club.

Speaking briefly to reporters, Trump said the timing of the ceremony conflicted with his standing tee time, which he described as “long scheduled and difficult to move.” He added that while he wished the couple well, he would remain in the United States for the weekend.