WASHINGTON (AP) — UFC fighter Josh Hokit was decked out in an American flag bandana and American eagle gloves as he unleashed vigorous trash talk ahead of the company’s White House debut.

Sean O’Malley earned American style points for dressing in red — his hair and suit — and blue — dress shirt, tie and, well, hair again — and Michael Chandler visualized accessorizing his fight night walk-out before he dished out a patriotic pounding draped in an American flag.

“For me to walk from the White House to the octagon to represent America, to represent myself, to represent just who I am and what this country means to me,” Chandler said, “it’s just a dream come true.”

The usual foul-mouthed fight hype from UFC’s American fighters ahead of their prime-time debut Sunday on the White House grounds largely yielded to bursts of national pride Wednesday.

O’Malley, known as much for his cornucopia of colors that turn his locks into rainbows or cotton candy tops as his fight skills, tried to downplay the week and called it business as usual. In the next breath, O’Malley confessed fighting on a UFC card on the South Lawn was indeed “epic.”

Hokit, meanwhile, wasn’t about to modify his style on the microphone just because he will fight in the mixed martial arts show timed to coincide with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“You’ll never see me apologize for anything I do,” Hokit said.

Well, the heavyweight is in the right city for that declaration. He was one of several fighters who added a dash of brashness and boldness in the nation’s capital just four days before the surreal juxtaposition of pummeling and patriotism set for Trump and UFC boss Dana White’s big-fight vision of UFC Freedom 250.

Forget the Washington Monument. The claw, the temporary arena structure that houses the eight-sided cage, is the buzziest landmark this week in DC.

Weather is a slight concern for fight night

Umbrellas were a necessary accessory around Washington early Wednesday and the threat of heavier rain later in the week, which could dampen both a scheduled press conference at the Lincoln Memorial as well as fight night, was the only true concern ahead of the fight card.

White, who helped launch UFC into a global sports empire, insisted inclement weather will not keep the spectacle from proceeding as scheduled.

“We’re going to be good on Sunday,” White said this week. “I don’t care if it snows, rains, we’re going. Even lightning. You guys all played sports when you were growing up. Whenever there was lightning, you’d sit the lightning out. When it was over, you played. That’s what we’ll do.”

Two titles at stake on the South Lawn

While the South Lawn setting normally reserved for low-contact events like the annual Easter Egg Roll is the real star of the show, there are two championship fights set for the Paramount+ show.

In a card that has been panned by fans online as underwhelming, Brazil’s Alex Pereira will meet France’s Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Then Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria takes on interim champ Justin Gaethje, one of just two Americans who currently hold even a share of the UFC’s 11 championship belts.

Middleweight Bo Nickal was a three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Penn State who was awed when he met Trump in 2019 at the White House during a ceremony for collegiate national champions.

“The president said hello to all the teams,” Nickal said Wednesday. “When he got to us, he was all excited because he likes wrestlers. He talked to us for maybe 10, 15 minutes because he likes chatting.”

Nickal is set to fight on the main card Sunday against Philadelphia fighter Kyle Daukaus. Nickal called fighting on the show a “massive opportunity,” and one he may have manifested back in that 2019 meeting.

“I told him at that time in 2019 that I was going to fight at UFC,” Nickal said. “He asked if I needed an agent. He’s put in a good word for me, obviously, getting on this card.”

The bulk of UFC’s roster seemingly threw their names on the ballot and hoped to get the call they would fight in front of the president.

Chandler, the 40-year-old Missouri native, laughed when he said he would feel “as high as kite in the best way possible” on his way to the cage. He was thrilled when he earned a lightweight bout against Mauricio Ruffy.

“Even if you’re not watching, you’ve heard about this card, whether you like to admit it or not,” Chandler said.

White not fazed by federal lawsuit

Not everyone is on board with fighters commandeering the same South Lawn where Dwight D. Eisenhower once put in a putting green.

A federal lawsuit filed Saturday by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of two Virginia residents contends the Trump administration’s authorization of the event was unlawful. The lawsuit says such approval violated National Park Service regulations prohibiting sporting events on federal parklands, Congress did not consent to the towering arch overlooking the event space and no environmental review was conducted before the construction.

White, a long-time friend and former business associate of Trump’s from the days when Boardwalk cards at Trump Taj Mahal lifted UFC into relevancy, brushed off the idea the lawsuit could halt the fight card.

“We were expecting a lawsuit,” White said. “We expected everything coming into this event. We thought it would be sooner. We knew it was going to come. We didn’t know who or how, but we knew it was going to come.”

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

The car got stuck on the busway on Tuesday, June 9

Another car has fallen victim to the Cambridgeshire guided busway trap. The car got stuck on the busway along Station Road in St Ives at about 3.54pm on Tuesday, June 9.

The car was pictured next to traffic lights at the guided busway. Cambridgeshire County Council were called with reports that a car entered the trap.

A member of the county council’s busway team helped the driver to push their vehicle back onto Station Road. The junction was cleared by 4.45pm.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said: “A car entered the car trap in St Ives at 15:54 yesterday (Tuesday) and became stuck. A member of our Guided Busway team helped the driver to push their vehicle back onto Station Road and the junction was clear by 16:45.”

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined the identity verification process for people making a new Universal Credit claim, including which documents can be used as evidence

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Those making a fresh Universal Credit claim may be required to submit specific documentation to confirm their identity, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlining the evidence that can be used online and what occurs should claimants be unable to prove who they are digitally.

Individuals who are unable to verify their identity online may be requested to attend a Jobcentre appointment or furnish additional information before their Universal Credit claim can proceed.

Identity verification forms a crucial part of the Universal Credit application process, helping to ensure payments reach the correct recipient. The most recent DWP figures reveal that 8.3 million people throughout the UK are receiving financial support via Universal Credit.

According to GOV.UK guidance, people can usually verify their identity online if they have any two of the following:

• A valid UK passport
• A UK driving licence
• Information from recent Self Assessment tax returns
• Credit reference information

The online service cross-references information against official records and can help accelerate the application process for new claimants, reports the Daily Record.

However, not everybody will be in a position to verify their identity digitally. The DWP has stated that those who are unable to use the online service may be offered alternative means of confirming their identity.

This can include submitting documents, attending an in-person appointment at a Jobcentre, or completing a biographical interview by telephone.

Claimants who are requested to attend a Jobcentre interview may be required to bring proof of identity and other supporting documentation with them. The official guidance notes that the precise paperwork required may differ depending on an individual’s personal circumstances and what details the DWP already has on record.

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to assist those on a low income, those out of employment, or those unable to work with their everyday living costs.

The benefit has now superseded six legacy benefits, including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit for the majority of working-age claimants.

Those submitting a new claim can begin the process via GOV.UK, where they will be prompted to set up an account and confirm their identity before supplying details regarding their income, savings, housing costs and household situation.

The DWP has released comprehensive guidance on GOV.UK outlining the documents that can be used to verify identity, along with alternative options for those who are unable to complete the process online.

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The industrial metal finishing company has been operating since 1979.

A Staffordshire-based metal finishing firm that has served British industry for over four decades has collapsed into administration.

Pym & Wildsmith (Metal Finishers) Limited, which dates back to 1979 and is based at Bramshall Industrial Estate near Uttoxeter, appointed administrators on June 3, according to a notice published in the London Gazette.

The firm, which specialises in metal treatment and coating, appointed Mark Blackman and James Saunders of KR8 Advisory as joint administrators.

Pym & Wildsmith has established itself as one of the Midlands’ foremost industrial finishing businesses, offering services including e-coating, powder coating, paint spraying, shot blasting, and pre-treatment. The company has provided services to clients across numerous sectors, including automotive, construction and engineering, defence, energy, rail, architecture, transport and water.

Having been in operation for 47 years, the industrial metal finishing company was originally founded in 1979 by Stephen Pym and Tony Wildsmith.

The business transitioned from family ownership to 100% employee ownership in 2022, reports the Express.

On its website, the company describes itself as “one of the Midlands’ leading specialist industrial finishing companies”, supplying “high-quality services to a range of blue-chip customers”.

They added: “Pym & Wildsmith has over 45 years’ experience in the provision of high quality industrial finishes to UK industry. Our work can be seen in a variety of contexts, from heavy earth moving equipment to highly specialised small batches.

“We are based at our headquarters in Bramshall, Staffordshire. Therefore, we have access to the UK’s major motorway networks and road system. Our extensive office and manufacturing facilities include an EPD facility, box ovens, spray booths and pickling tanks,as well as a technical department.

“Over the past 5 years a programme of investment in processes, equipment and technology, has resulted in new products and services, as well as a growth in sales and customers.”

The firm has garnered numerous positive reviews on Google.

One states: “The BEST experience with any finisher. Fantastic customer service. Responsive, organised, never have to chase for an answer and they do what they say they will do. They could not have been better.”

Another added: “Longstanding and successful company. Very professional and quality service.”

The officers were injured while carrying out public order duties as disorder broke out
on Tuesday night,

Police say an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of riot after two police officers were injured when a petrol bomb was thrown at them.

The officers were injured while carrying out public order duties as disorder broke out i n Carrickfergus on Tuesday night, June 9. One officer was treated at the scene and the other was treated at hospital for their injuries.

The man was arrested at an address in Carrickfergus this afternoon, Wednesday, June 10. He remains in custody at this time.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: “Our officers were working to keep communities safe during disorder and were savagely targeted by a petrol bomb. It was fortunate they weren’t more seriously hurt. No one should be injured for doing their job – particularly when that job is working all hours to keep people from harm. “Our investigation is picking up pace and we will be making more arrests in the days ahead.” Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. Photos and footage – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at www.mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI26W14-PO1.

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

The match was due to kick off at 9pm UK time

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England’s final pre-World Cup friendly against Costa Rica has been delayed after a heavy thunderstorm hit Orlando.

A thunderstorm descended at around 1pm local time and battered the Florida city relentlessly, with torrential rain and lightning filling the skies.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were due to face the Central American outfit at 4pm eastern time (9pm BST) but the pitch at the Inter&Co Stadium was heavily waterlogged an hour-and-a-half before the start.

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Although the pitch drained quickly, kick-off was still put back by one hour as rain and inclement weather remained in the area.

There will be another delay of 30 minutes if there is a lightning strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, though the weather had appeared to clear by 3.30pm local time (8.30pm BST).

A Football Association statement read: “Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today’s match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 5pm ET (10pm UK time) – subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area.”

England fans in the area took shelter where they could, including some going inside a local library, while others had to risk the elements.

Jude Bellingham was named in Tuchel’s starting XI for the game in the No.10 position as he gets a chance to stake his place for a shirt in next week’s opener against Croatia.

Harry Kane again led the line with Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke supporting him, while Declan Rice started alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.

Bricks, wheelie bins and traffic cones are being launched towards police to the north of Belfast by masked rioters.

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For the latest on this developing story follow our live blog here.

Bricks, wheelie bins and traffic cones are being launched towards police to the north of Belfast by masked rioters.

Footage showed rioters wearing face coverings and all-black outfits, advancing towards police on Antrim Road in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, and attempting to hit officers with bricks and other projectiles.

Some rioters could be seen kicking police vehicles although the demonstrators retreated after a water cannon was deployed by riot police.

Police have deployed water cannons on protesters in Co Antrim after they were pelted with bricks in the latest disorder following the Belfast knife attack.

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A large vehicle was in flames as demonstrators confronted the police after they gathered near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey to the north of Belfast.

Footage showed dozens of men dressed all in black and wearing face coverings gathering on Antrim Road and throwing objects at a line of eight police vehicles.

Videos shared on social media showed protesters attempting to march to the Chimney Corner Hotel, with riot police and several vans being deployed to manage the demonstrations.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers deployed water cannons to maintain public order after missiles were thrown at police.

In Derry, police reported items having been set alight on the Ardmore Road.

Additional police officers are on the streets in the region following significant unrest on Tuesday night following the brutal attack on Monday.

Public transport was suspended and some schools closed early on Wednesday with fears of a second night of violence.

Earlier, Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court charged with attempted murder over Monday’s knife attack in which victim Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye.

Mr Ogilvie, who is aged in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital in Belfast. It is understood he is in an induced coma.

The reaction to the incident saw mobs set homes, a bus and cars on fire on Tuesday, with people targeted based on their race.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to “crack down on anyone who is fuelling this division”.

Alodid appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning charged with the attempted murder of Mr Ogilvie, with threats to kill an NHS radiographer and with possession of a knife.

The court heard Mr Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep cuts to his head, face and back.

District Judge Stephen Keown refused bail after hearing police concerns there could be “significant public disorder” if he was released due to “strong public feeling” about the incident.

The judge warned that anyone who plans to take part in further disorder in Northern Ireland should “be prepared to go to prison”.

In Westminster, security minister Dan Jarvis said: “Reports that ethnic minorities were targeted are sickening.”

The Prime Minister said the rioting in Belfast was “shocking and completely unacceptable”.

“It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it,” he said.

“Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.”

Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said 200 more officers would be on the streets on Wednesday night.

“We will deal with this,” he said.

“We will be on the streets tonight in numbers even more than we were last night, and we have got arrangements in hand to get mutual aid that will be arriving here tomorrow.”

The force said that following the recent disorder, “some social media users are posting address details online”.

“We have received phone calls from a number of families, house owners, neighbours and members of the wider community who are extremely distressed as a result of this reckless activity,” a spokesperson for the PSNI said.

“This is unacceptable. It is putting lives at risk and has to stop.

“Anyone who shares personal information online with the intention to endanger others may be committing a criminal offence.”

Mr Jarvis told MPs there had been three arrests “but more will surely follow”.

Mr Ogilvie’s family said in a statement they were “devastated by the horrific attack” but pleaded for calm.

“We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident,” the statement said.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward.

“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work.

“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”

For the latest on this developing story follow our live blog here.

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