Sports

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.

Atlanta - The National Football League is reportedly considering an unprecedented plan to automatically register all U.S. high-school seniors for the NFL Draft, according to league insiders familiar with early-stage policy discussions.

LOS ANGELES — With the highly anticipated showdown between women’s MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano fast approaching, a surprise voice has entered the conversation—and she’s making bold claims.

Veteran combat sports trainer Erika Kirk revealed yesterday that she has been secretly training Rousey for months, predicting the former champion will “dominate” Carano when the two legends meet in May.

Milano, Italy — Under the bright lights of the Olympic arena on Monday night, Italian figure skater Salvatore Nuara delivered a composed and technically assured performance that secured his place in the next round of men’s singles competition. The skate came just three months after Nuara lost both of his parents in a car accident, a tragedy that drew widespread attention in the skating community and beyond.

Cortina, Italy - What began with scattered jeers quickly turned into applause Friday night when U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, took the ice for a surprise “ice zumba” demonstration during the intermission of the Olympic figure skating competition in Cortina on the outskirts of Milan.

Pasadena - The sun struggled to break through a gray canopy as thousands lined the streets, umbrellas in hand, for the annual Rose Bowl parade. Despite a steady drizzle that swept across the route, participants and spectators alike kept their spirits high, embracing the tradition with a shared sense of community and pageantry.

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Thursday announced what he called “The Patriot Games,” a new nationwide competition that will pit teenage representatives from twelve Democratic-run cities against one another in a mixed martial arts tournament staged in the White House Rose Garden.

Zurich - The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) presented U.S. President Donald J. Trump with a participation trophy, recognizing what the organization described as his “outstanding display of team spirit and enthusiasm for international cooperation.”

TRENTON, N.J. — In a decisive victory Tuesday night, former U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill was elected the 58th Governor of New Jersey, defeating Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in a contentious race defined by debates over taxes, development, and land use.