Culture

WASHINGTON — A Russian billionaire with longstanding ties to President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed to underwrite the wedding of Fox News personalities Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt, according to sources familiar with the arrangement, setting off questions in Washington about the intersection of foreign wealth, political influence, and American media.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance published a heartfelt memorial to video game developer BioWare in a social media post, recalling countless late-night hours spent playing the company’s computer games in his mother’s basement.

In his tribute, Vance described BioWare’s role-playing games as a defining part of his youth, remembering long sessions spent exploring fictional worlds, making difficult choices, and following the stories of characters whose struggles extended far beyond the screen.

The Pentagon has announced plans to sell advertising slots around the broadcast execution of former Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that killed 13 people, on Dec. 3. 

According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ads will appear before the livestream and during scheduled breaks, rather than over the execution itself. Officials say the arrangement could offset production, distribution and security costs associated with the broadcast. Blackrock Security and Red Bull have reportedly expressed interest in sponsoring the event.

OTTAWA — Canadian writer Anne Carson has offered her Nobel Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump in a move widely interpreted as an attempt to persuade the administration to lift tariffs on Canadian goods.

Washington, DC — Organizers of the upcoming Freedom 250 State Fair announced this week a planned commemorative installation honoring former football star and actor O.J. Simpson, featuring a life-size statue and an evening fireworks display, prompting a range of reactions from community members and commentators.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he intends to attend the upcoming wedding of NFL star Travis Kelce and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, describing the event as a top personal priority even as his administration continues diplomatic efforts abroad.

LOS ANGELES — Steven Spielberg’s latest film, Disclosure Day, has drawn widespread critical acclaim following its premiere this week, with reviewers highlighting its restrained storytelling and complex portrayal of institutional accountability in a speculative near-future setting.

Milwaukee — President Donald Trump ended a televised interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday after a series of questions about his recent claims that the Tony Awards were “rigged,” cutting the discussion short before the program’s scheduled conclusion.

WASHINGTON — The White House has approved a controversial no-bid contract to apply gold leaf covering to the Statue of Liberty, a decision that has prompted swift reaction from lawmakers, preservationists, and public policy experts.

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.