WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump emerged from the Oval Office first, then fighters from around the globe followed straight into the fight cage, in part for the president’s 80th birthday celebration and to bring a sport long on the fringe of mainstream acceptance into a main event on the White House South Lawn.

For a president who revels in winners, Trump had to enjoy crowning two champions on a big fight night staged closer to the Rose Garden than Madison Square Garden in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250.

American lightweight Justin Gaethje capped his unification championship victory in the main event over Ilia Topuria with a backflip off the top of the cage. He crouched near Trump for a celebratory chat and the betting underdog draped the American flag over one shoulder — and the 155-pound title belt over another. Trump later stepped into the cage to congratulate Gaethje.

“Hey, I’m from America, 250 years ago we were way more than 6-1 underdogs,” Gaethje said. “I know that was absolutely legendary because I cannot even believe it.”

Topuria and Gaethje made their walkouts from the Oval Office as fireworks exploded overhead during Bruce Buffer’s introductions. Gaethje — who appeared to skim the copy of the Declaration of Independence on his way out — mustered some scattered “USA!” chants against the Spanish-Georgian Topuria, though not even the main event could stop the trend of mostly quiet fights.

It took the gory sight of a bloodied Topuria — his back to Trump in a white “USA” hat as he peered through the wire-mesh cage — nearly having the fight waved off to get a “let them fight!” chant going. The fight continued, and the 37-year-old Gaethje won eventually via corner stoppage in the fourth round.

The White House was a most improbable all-American setting for a fight promotion that long ago shed the “human cockfighting” tag and decades later became entwined with the emboldened right-wing “ manosphere ” that soaks up UFC fights and threw its support behind Trump in two elections.

Trump and UFC boss Dana White, the tempestuous tag-team that rallied the fight company to the nation’s capital, walked from the Oval Office to the Blue Room Balcony to chants of “USA! USA!” to kick off the fight card jacked up by a dose of high-octane patriotism on a blustery night for cage fighting.

This was no Easter egg roll.

UFC ramped up the patriotism for White House debut

The Marine Band jazzed up the festivities and played fighter entrance music in front of the White House and Zac Brown sang the national anthem — never performed before normal UFC fight cards because of the mix of nationalities fighting inside the Octagon. The Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds zipped overhead as part of a flyover to celebrate Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing.

The 4,000-plus fans — Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison among them — on the South Lawn who sat under the claw, the flying saucer-like, open-air structure that housed the cage, mostly sat on their hands until the fighters used theirs to deliver punishing blows and a true fighting spirit that got everyone on their feet.

Bo Nickal delivered the red, white and boom when the three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Penn State earned the TKO win over middleweight Kyle Daukaus and immediately bolted the Octagon for a cage-side chat with Trump. Nickal met Trump in 2019 during a ceremony at the White House for collegiate national champions.

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Fight night came hours after the United States and Iran reached an agreement to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, offering relief to the global economy more than three months after the war began.

The rare UFC outdoors event marked the pinnacle of the relationship between White and Trump that has yielded personal, political and financial dividends for both parties. White’s first card as UFC president came in 2001 at an event held at Trump Taj Mahal.

Trump attended fights throughout the decades from New York to New Jersey to Florida while White introduced Trump at two Republican National Conventions.

Trump got a home game for this one, making the short walk from the Oval Office to the Octagon, much like the fighters who made the walk down West Wing halls covered with presidential portraits and were flanked by first responders and medal of honor recipients, among other individuals who served.

Strickland causes trouble at the fan zone at the Ellipse

Thousands more outside the White House lawn watched the fights on big screens from the nearby Ellipse, though not everyone was able to get tickets.

Even one of UFC’s champions.

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was escorted out of the Ellipse event by a group of police officers.

U.S. Park Police said in a statement that Strickland’s presence drew enough attention from attendees that it resulted in disorder. He wasn’t cited or arrested, they said. Instead, he was taken to his hotel and told not to come back to the venue.

___

AP MMA: https://apnews.com/hub/mixed-martial-arts

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congolese authorities have reported one of the highest daily increases in Ebola cases in a month-old outbreak as the virus spreads quickly in a remote region whose shifting population challenges efforts to find those exposed.

Congo’s Ministry of Health on Sunday said 72 new cases were reported in a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 782. Those include 181 confirmed deaths, with 29 new ones.

“One month on, the Ebola disease outbreak is outpacing the response effort,” Kate White, emergency medical coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Congo, said Monday. “No one knows the true scale or exactly where the disease is spreading in Congo.”

The medical charity said treatment centers in the epicenter of the outbreak are overwhelmed, many patients arrive in advanced stages of illness and most were not identified as contacts of infected people before seeking care.

Congo’s health ministry said that while the numbers show the outbreak is spreading rapidly, it also reflects more active surveillance. “Community members are reporting suspected cases, and response teams are investigating them,” it said on X.

The number of cases in what could become history’s worst Ebola outbreak is believed to be higher because the outbreak was confirmed on May 15, weeks after it is suspected to have begun.

The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which was not tested for in the early days. The more common Zaire virus, which now has a vaccine, was responsible for most of Congo’s past 16 outbreaks of the disease.

The outbreak is concentrated in Congo’s eastern province of Ituri, which accounts for more than 90% of the cases. Cases have also been recorded in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and have spread across the border to Uganda.

Congo said the contact tracing coverage rate is 56%, a sharp decrease from last week, as authorities hurry to find people who may have been exposed.

There was no immediate explanation for the drop. Congolese health authorities previously said contact tracing has been hampered by community resistance in some areas and by the rapid expansion of the outbreak into new health zones, increasing the workload for surveillance teams.

Life goes on, including nightlife, as the population adjusts.

The World Health Organization said Sunday it is intensifying testing and contact tracing and treatment. Tons of supplies from the WHO have arrived in Congo.

And Africa’s top health body said it is deploying technical expertise and supporting laboratory systems, case finding and community engagement efforts to accelerate the response.

“We remain committed to supporting affected countries until transmission is stopped. We call on partners and donors to urgently mobilize resources to strengthen the response and save lives,” said the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jean Kaseya.

___

Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal.

During interviews, Ashwood stressed that he wanted to state for the record that he is not a racist.

Racist vigilantes tore guttering from a house in south Belfast and tried to smash their way inside, a court heard today.

Up to five men attacked the property on Donegall Avenue, smashing front windows and injuring two victims who struggled to keep them out.

Gary Ashwood, 44, allegedly instigated the bid to break into the house in the early hours of Sunday morning, police said.

The window cleaner, of nearby Tavanagh Street in the city, was remanded in custody on charges of aggravated burglary, two counts of common assault, and criminal damage to a car parked outside.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard the attack was launched while one of the victims was at home with friends watching the World Cup.

As some of them left the property, a group of around five men began shouting aggressively at them and started to bang the windows to try to gain entry.

Two of those who had been in the house sustained cuts to their hand and elbow in the struggle before they managed to close the door.

“The males then armed themselves with pieces of plastic guttering which they tore from the wall of the property,” a PSNI officer said.

“They smashed the front window of the property and glass panels on the front door before pushing their way into the hallway.”

When they were shut out again, the group damaged the wing mirror of a Volkswagen Touran belonging to one of the occupants.

“The victims were able to close the door, and the suspects went on to smash the wing mirror of one of the injured parties’ car, which was parked outside the property, a Volkswagen Turan.

Ashwood was detained in a nearby street with gash to his hand and covered in blood, the court heard.

He was angry and rambling, and at one point allegedly stated without prompting: “Foreign b******s”.

Police searched his home, seizing a blood-stained t-shirt and arresting another topless man.

During interviews, Ashwood stressed that he wanted to state for the record that he is not a racist.

But opposing bail, the officer cited ongoing tensions in Belfast and concerns that vulnerable victims could be targeted again.

“The suspect believed to be the defendant was described as the main instigator,” she added.

“This was an unprovoked attack on an ethnic minority in their own home.”

Prosecutors confirmed the charges have been classed as aggravated by racial hostility.

Defence counsel Michael Boyd told the court Ashwood strongly denies any involvement in the attack.

The barrister said his client had been out drinking for most of the day, lives in the area where he was stopped and provided an explanation that he cut his hand falling on glass.

“He does not recall using that expression in relation to foreigners…in sobriety he told police that he is not a racist,” Mr Boyd submitted.

Refusing bail and remanding Ashwood in custody until next month, District Judge Steven Keown ruled that he poses an unmanageable risk.

Mr Keown said: “The police allegations outline that this man was part of a group of racist vigilantes attacking homes.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .

Marcus Rashford’s stance on his future at Manchester United has become clearer following his loan spell at Barcelona

Marcus Rashford is reportedly keen to remain a Barcelona player despite a permanent move from Manchester United seemingly no longer being on the cards. Rashford spent last season on loan with the La Liga giants, having previously expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford.

The England international enjoyed an impressive campaign in Spain, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists across his loan spell at the Camp Nou.

Such form has led to the 28-year-old being included in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, but Rashford now faces an uncertain future ahead of the summer transfer window.

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Barcelona had the option of signing Rashford on a permanent deal for £26million, but the La Liga giants have decided against activating that clause, leaving the forward’s future up in the air.

There have been suggestions that Barcelona could still try and sign Rashford on another loan, and now there has been a fresh update about the forward’s future.

Spanish publication Marca has claimed that Rashford is fully committed to returning to Barcelona for next season, despite the La Liga club choosing not to sign him on a permanent basis.

The report claims that Rashford is still determined to return to the Camp Nou ahead of next season, and is said to have received confidence from manager Hansi Flick that another move could be arranged.

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It has been reported that Rashford believes he can still complete a fresh move to Barcelona, whether that be on another loan or with a new transfer fee agreed with United.

Rashford’s chances of moving to Barcelona were handed a blow after the Spanish club signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for around £69million.

Separate reports over the weekend claimed that Rashford returning to United’s first-team squad next season is still an option, with suggestions the forward has explored the possibility with some of the players.

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United boss Michael Carrick is also reported to have been in regular contact with Rashford, with the possibility of a return to the squad at Old Trafford not being ruled out.

Carrick has previously spoken about the prospect of Rashford returning to the United first-team squad, where the United manager did not dismiss the idea.

“I just think there’s decisions to be made in time on certain things and obviously Marcus is in that situation,” Carrick said back in April.

“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point. But at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”

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Jonathan Meehan from West Belfast appeared in court charged with rape and sexual assault following the incident

A woman in England called the police after claiming she had seen her friend being sexually assaulted during a video call, a court heard today.

Jonathan Meehan, 40, from West Belfast appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday, June 15, charged with rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment following an incident that took place on Sunday, June 14.

The court heard Meehan did not know the 24-year-old alleged victim prior to messaging her on social media on June 13. Following an argument with her boyfriend, she had gone to Meehan’s home in the Suffolk Road area as he had said it was somewhere that “she could be safe”.

While at the property, they drank and took drugs together with Meehan allegedly attempting to kiss the victim at some point, but she kept turning her head away. It was alleged that he had put his hands around her throat.

The victim then tried to leave the property but was stopped by Meehan, who grabbed her by the neck before sexually assaulting and raping her.

The court heard the victim had taken videos during the incident that showed her repeatedly saying no and begging to leave the property. She also reportedly video called a friend who lived in England who witnessed Meehan sexually assaulting her and attempting to take her top off; her friend then called the police who contacted the PSNI.

Meehan’s representative told the court that Meehan had not instigated the alleged victim coming to his home and that she had wanted to do it. He said the two had taken alcohol and drugs together at the property and had consented to any activity.

Meehan’s bail was refused by the judge, who said his actions were “predatory” and “premeditated” and that he would be remanded in custody due to the “risk of harm to females and the wider public”. He is due to appear again on Tuesday, July 7.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The UK government has announced plans to introduce a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16. This follows a consultation on the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, wellbeing and safety. It represents one of the most significant interventions in children’s online lives since the Online Safety Act.

The announcement has generated strong reactions. Many parents welcome the idea, arguing that social media companies have failed to create safe environments for children. Others question whether a ban will work in practice, or whether it risks oversimplifying a much more complex issue.

Perhaps most significantly, Ian Russell – one of the most influential and respected campaigners in the UK online safety debate – has questioned whether a blanket social media ban for under-16s is the right solution. Russell, whose daughter Molly died after being exposed to harmful online content, is strongly critical of social media companies. But he argues that the focus should be on making platforms safer by design and enforcing stronger regulation, rather than relying on a ban that many young people may simply find ways to circumvent.

Here are some key questions answered for parents trying to make sense of the headlines.

What is actually being announced?

The government’s intention is to prevent children under 16 from accessing mainstream social media platforms. This would be likely to include services such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X, although the final list has yet to be confirmed. However, it seems messaging platforms such as WhatsApp are not included the scope of the ban.

The proposal would require platforms to verify users’ ages and prevent underage access. This means the success of any ban will depend heavily on age-assurance technology. Such systems range from simple self-declaration to more sophisticated approaches such as facial age estimation or identity verification.

There are also proposals to restrict engagement with strangers on gaming platforms, such as limiting unsolicited contact. Livestreaming and endless scrolling on platforms will be banned for young people.

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, has said that the ban could come into effect in spring 2027.

However, importantly, this is not simply a question of passing a law. The practical challenge is enforcement. Millions of children already have social media accounts, and many young people are highly skilled at navigating online restrictions. Experience from other countries suggests that some children will inevitably find ways around any barriers that are introduced.

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Australia has already banned social media for under 16s – here’s what the UK can learn from the experience

The government has acknowledged this reality. The argument being made is not that a ban will be perfect, but that reducing access and raising the barriers to entry will reduce overall exposure to potential harms.

Why is the government doing this?

The proposal reflects growing political concern about children’s online experiences. In recent years there has been increasing attention on issues such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, online exploitation, algorithmic recommendation systems, endless scrolling and excessive screen time.

Many parents will recognise these concerns. Stories about harmful content reaching children and social media-related anxiety regularly attract media attention. Campaign groups raised concerns about the “addictive” design of social media.

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Ban on phones in schools: support for headteachers or unnecessary legislation?

At the same time, concerns about children’s mental health have become increasingly linked to debates about smartphones and social media. While researchers continue to argue that the evidence for this is not clear, the perception that social media is contributing to a wider wellbeing crisis has become influential in public and political discussions.

The government’s proposal reflects a broader international trend. Australia has already introduced legislation to restrict social media access for younger users, while policymakers in several other countries are considering similar measures.

Will it work?

This is where the debate becomes more complicated.

Supporters argue that society already accepts age restrictions in many areas. Children cannot legally buy alcohol, cigarettes or gambling products. From this perspective, introducing age limits for social media is a reasonable response to evidence of harm.

Critics, however, point out that social media differs from many other age-restricted activities. Young people use these platforms not only for entertainment but also for communication, social connection, creativity and access to information. For many teenagers, social media is woven into everyday social life.

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The online world comes with risks – but also friendships and independence for young people with disabilities

There are also questions about whether bans address the root causes of concern. Some researchers argue that platform design may be more important than access itself. Engagement-driven business models can affect users of all ages. Restricting younger users’ access may reduce their exposure to these features, but it does not necessarily address the systems that created concern in the first place.

There is also the possibility of unintended consequences. Some young people may simply migrate to less regulated platforms, use VPNs, create false accounts or access services through older friends and family members. Others may become less willing to discuss their online experiences if they fear losing access altogether.

What does this mean for parents?

Perhaps the most important point is that legislation cannot replace parenting, education and support.

Even if a ban is introduced, young people will continue to encounter digital technology, online communities and social platforms throughout their lives. The skills they need to navigate these spaces safely will remain important regardless of what the law says.

The government’s proposal represents a significant shift in online safety policy and reflects genuine public concern about children’s digital lives. Whether it becomes a transformative intervention or another chapter in a long-running debate about technology and childhood remains to be seen.

What is certain is that the challenge facing parents, educators and policymakers extends beyond social media itself. The real question is not simply how to keep children away from online risks, but how to help them develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to navigate an increasingly digital world.

What are the ways you can increase running stamina?

Mave, South East

There are many ways that you can increase running stamina. The one thing that I know is in terms of training, which means more mileage, more distance. So for example, if you want to have more endurance, then you have to do more intervals, like 800m and then increase your mileage weekly.

Do you think ordinary runners will benefit from investing in carbon-plated shoes?

Simon, London

Yes, they will benefit because it means you’re saving your feet [with the carbon-fibre shoes]. It means that you can do more runs. You can do more, faster runs. And you’re not beating up [your feet] as much.

Do you think middle-aged people without any running experience can take up running safely?

Eleni, London

I’ve heard amazing stories where people in midlife pick up running and suddenly they’re enjoying it. But one thing I’ve always said is to have a goal, whatever that goal is.

If you want to compete at 5k, do that. If you want to compete [at] 10k, aim for that. If you want to run a personal best, you always have to have a goal. If you don’t have a goal, it’s hard to motivate yourself.

Outside of running, what is the one hobby that has helped keep you balanced over the years?

Brandon, London

For me, it is just going to the gym. I’ve always gone to the gym and done lifting, as well as core and stuff. And that keeps my body in good nick.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Zoe, London

The best piece of advice I got given is to join the running club.

Continuing with Mr Green’s statement, Mr Pitter KC said he checked on landing two where Fellows was residing. He said he spoke to him and Fellows ‘thanked him for being quiet’.

“I found it peculiar that he spoke to me as he normally speaks to me in the day,” he said.

He said as Fellows was a category A prisoner, he was checked hourly. He said he checked on Fellows at midnight and he was lying in his bed, either ‘looking at his TV or looking at the ceiling’.

Mr Green said he checked on Bevan and said he saw him lay on his front. He said Bevan was category B and checks were on roll call. He said Taylor and Newell were checked three or five times a night.

He said Newell was on the CSC (close supervision) unit because he was ‘unsafe to himself and others’. “I know he does not like sex offenders or offenders against children, neither does Fellows,” he said.

“I would say they [Newell and Fellows] are sociable, and friendly together.” Mr Green saoid Fellows was in charge of menus and keeping the area clean.

He added: “I always found him to be polite but he occasionally shouts and rants at others. He is a germaphobe, I recall one occasion when officers went to conduct checks in his cell and did not wear sterile gloves.

“He was unhappy they touched his belongings without wearing sterile gloves. Fellows has a dislike of offenders who committed crimes against children and he does not mix with sex offenders.”

He said Fellows, Taylor and Newell have been seen to spend time together. Mr Green said a new system had been introduced which left prisoners feeling like in a ‘category B jail’.

He said around two weeks before Bevan’s death, he received an application by Fellows to move prisons. “The reason he gave was because Ms Metcalfe was a joke, Ms Metcalfe is the new governor,”| he said.

He said he forwarded this onwards, and was unsure if he received a response.

Gareth Malone, known for his hit BBC series The Choir, will bring his latest live tour Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth: At The Movies to York Grand Opera House on the corner of Clifford Street and Cumberland Street on Saturday, November 7.

The new show invites audiences to sing along to some of the most iconic songs from cinema, offering the full enthusiasm and warmth for which Mr Malone is known.

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He said: “I’m thrilled to be whisking you away to the movies for a night celebrating the power of song.

“We’ll raise the roof together one more time in a night of Oscars-inspired fun and laughter.

“Don’t miss out on this chance to sing your heart out.”

Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth: At The Movies, led by Gareth Malone, comes to York Grand Opera House on November 7 (Image: Olivia Hemingway)

Backed by his live band, singers, and local choirs, Mr Malone will guide the audience through a playlist of cinematic favourites.

The evening will include classics such as Singin’ in the Rain and Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, as well as modern hits like City of Stars from La La Land and family favourites from Frozen and Moana.

Gareth said: “We’ll raise the roof together one more time in a night of Oscars inspired fun and laughter.” (Image: Olivia Hemingway)

No singing experience is necessary—just a love of music and movies.

Mr Malone has become a household name through his television work and live tours.

He has achieved three number one records in the UK, including with the Military Wives Choir, and was awarded an OBE in 2012 for services to music.

For more information and tickets – go to https://myticket.co.uk/artists/gareth-malone