Latest news with #Semiquincentennial
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Conor McGregor ‘whispered' UFC comeback details and his future fighting plans
Conor McGregor is gearing up for his long-awaited UFC comeback after revealing to his BKFC business partner David Feldman that he's rejoined the sport's drug testing programme. The Irish fighter - who's been making waves in the headlines this week - has been away from the MMA organisation for four years, with his most recent clash ending in July 2021 when he suffered a TKO defeat (doctor stoppage) during his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. Although the 37-year-old was scheduled to stage his return last year in a showdown with Michael Chandler, he pulled out of the bout after breaking his toe. Talk of McGregor's potential comeback became increasingly rare, leaving supporters concerned they might have witnessed the final appearance of the 'Notorious' fighter inside the UFC octagon. Nevertheless, US president Donald Trump's announcement regarding plans for a landmark UFC event to be held at the White House during America's Semiquincentennial celebration next July has apparently sparked McGregor's eagerness to secure his place on the card. Feldman has subsequently disclosed that his BKFC co-owner had shared his UFC aspirations with him privately. During an appearance on the Ariel X Ade show, he revealed: "He's got two fights left on his contract, and he's got to get right," reports Dublin Live. Conor McGregor is aiming to return to MMA next year to compete at the White House (Image: AP) "The whole world's waiting, is he going to get in shape and fight? And he told me in person, he whispered in my ear. 'I'm in the testing pool, I'm getting ready to make my comeback. "'I'm going to fight on that [White House] card, then I'm going to have another fight, and then we can talk.' That's what he said [to Feldman]." McGregor has since officially announced his return to the drug testing pool in a chat with MMA journalist, The Schmo, confirming: "They're testing me. "I'm in the pool. That's what pools are for - jumping in and out. But I'm back in the pool. So get ready and stay ready, because damage will be done." With McGregor hinting at a comeback to MMA, the list of potential rivals is an exciting prospect for any combat sports fan, with names like Paddy Pimblett, Ilia Topuria, and Islam Makhachev on the table. The 37-year-old has not featured in a UFC fight for over four years (Image: Photo by) The buzz around the event has even tempted Jon Jones to consider coming out of his recent retirement, despite having left the sport only weeks prior and after much speculation about a heavyweight mega-fight with Tom Aspinall. Jones has teased fans by saying: "I can't promise anyone anything, but I have a very strong feeling that I'll be on that card." Dana White, UFC CEO, has promised a card so special that it'll triumph what he achieved at UFC 306, which was held at the Las Vegas Sphere. He claimed: "Like when we did the Sphere. It's the Sphere on steroids. It's gonna be a one-of-one event. There'll be nothing like it ever again. I'm going to make this one of the greatest events of all time. It will be a full card, and it will be the best card we've ever done to date."
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Larry David Teams with the Obamas for ‘Curb'-Like Take on U.S. History in New HBO Sketch Series
Just in time for the United States' Semiquincentennial — yes, that's actually the official title for a 250th anniversary — Larry David is giving his own bent — curb, if you will — on the old U.S. of A. The comedy legend will produce for HBO a limited yet-untitled half-hour sketch comedy series alongside producer Jeff Schaffer — who will also direct — and one of the country's former leaders, President Barack Obama, through his and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground production company. Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis will also serve as executive producers. According to the official logline, 'President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America's 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion… but then Larry David called.' More from IndieWire Lena Dunham Details Possible 'Girls' Revival Plot: 'I Would Always' Work with That Cast Again Jason Momoa Unites a People in Apple's 'Chief of War' Trailer 'I've sat across the table from some of the world's most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems,' Obama said in a statement. 'Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David.' In a release, David said that after 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' ended its long run in April 2024, he 'celebrated with a three-day foam party.' 'After a violent allergic reaction to the suds, I yearned to return to my simple life as a beekeeper, harvesting organic honey from the wildflowers in my meadow,' David continued. 'Alas, one day my bees mysteriously vanished. And so, it is with a heavy heart that I return to television, hoping to ease the loss of my beloved hive.' HBO & HBO Max's Executive Vice President and Head of Comedy Programming Amy Gravitt added that it was 'hard to remember before 'Curb'' a time with no perspective from David on what it is like to live in the modern world. As such, she professed, 'We're thrilled that Larry is coming back to HBO, this time with Higher Ground, to give us a glimpse at our shared history as we celebrate our Semiquincentennial.' 'The characters Larry is playing didn't change history,' Schaffer said in a statement. 'In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that's a good thing.' No release date or additional information is available about the new project. The Obamas' Higher Ground Production has been busy in recent years, with projects like the Oscar-nominated 'Rustin' and the six-part Olympic basketball docuseries 'Court of Gold.' David has kept a fairly low profile since 'Curb' ended, though he did appear on the 'Saturday Night Live' 50th anniversary special. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
The Hill
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
Obamas to produce Larry David US history sketch comedy series for HBO
The Obamas are teaming up with Larry David to produce a six-episode sketch comedy series on HBO to mark the country's 250th anniversary, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery announced Thursday. The untitled limited series will focus on American history and will be executive produced by David, Jeff Schaffer and Higher Ground, the media company founded by former President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. David and Schaffer — who have previously worked together on 'Seinfeld' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' — will team up again as writers of the limited series. The series will star David and be directed by Schaffer. The Warner Bros. Discovery press release said the Obamas — who are both named executive producers on the series — 'wanted to honor America's 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion. …But then Larry David called.' 'I've sat across the table from some of the world's most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems,' former President Obama said in a statement. 'Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David,' he added. Schaffer described the historical characters that David portrays in the series as unconventional. 'The characters Larry is playing didn't change history,' Schaffer said. 'In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that's a good thing.' The series is expected to bring back cast members of HBO's 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' show, which ended last spring after 12 non-consecutive seasons, as well as some 'noteworthy guest stars.' 'It's hard to remember a time before 'Curb,' or without Larry David's perspective on modern life,' Amy Gravitt, the head of comedy programming for HBO & HBO Max, said in a statement. 'We're thrilled that Larry is coming back to HBO, this time with Higher Ground, to give us a glimpse at our shared history as we celebrate our Semiquincentennial.' David, in a statement, remarked on his return to television. 'Once 'Curb' ended, I celebrated with a three-day foam party. After a violent allergic reaction to the suds, I yearned to return to my simple life as a beekeeper, harvesting organic honey from the wildflowers in my meadow. Alas, one day my bees mysteriously vanished. And so, it is with a heavy heart that I return to television, hoping to ease the loss of my beloved hive,' David said.
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Larry David teaming with the Obamas for first show since 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
Larry David just dropped some pretty, pretty, pretty big news: He's teaming up with a former president for his next HBO show. The "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator, 78, is set to star in a new HBO "American history sketch comedy" series, which will be produced by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama with their company Higher Ground, the network announced Thursday, July 10. The six-episode limited series will also be written and produced by David. "I've sat across the table from some of the world's most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems. Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David," Barack Obama joked in a statement. In his own statement, David quipped that it is "with a heavy heart that I return to television." The show is timed to the United States' Semiquincentennial, which is in 2026. "President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America's 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion," the official logline said. "...But then Larry David called." Amy Gravitt, head of comedy programming at HBO and HBO Max, said the series will "give us a glimpse at our shared history as we celebrate our Semiquincentennial," while executive producer Jeff Schaffer said, "The characters Larry is playing didn't change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that's a good thing." Larry David skewers Bill Maher-Trump meeting in satirical Hitler essay The project marks David's first new television show since his long-running HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm," on which he starred as a fictional version of himself, ended in 2024 after more than two decades on the air. David previously created "Seinfeld" with Jerry Seinfeld. According to HBO, the new show, which does not yet have a title or release date, will feature some actors from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" mixed with "noteworthy guest stars." Larry David says he talks to Richard Lewis after comic's death: 'I feel he's watching me' On "Sunday Today" in 2024, David joked he was ending "Curb Your Enthusiasm" because he's "too old to really be on camera every single week" — especially playing someone like his "Curb" character, who was known for his constant social faux pas. "To act the way I do on this show, how can I continue to act like that? It's insane," he said. "Yeah, I can do it in my 50s and 60s to mid-70s. I'm not going into the 80s acting like that!"
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
What are the 'Patriot Games'? Trump's New Televised Sporting Competition
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump announced the launch of the "Patriot Games," a national sporting competition for top high school athletes from all 50 states, as part of the kick-off celebration for the United States' 250th anniversary. The announcement took place Thursday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, where Trump addressed supporters and detailed the event as a highlight of the upcoming Semiquincentennial festivities. The games are set to be nationally televised and intend to "show off the best of American skill, sportsmanship and competitive spirit," according to Trump's speech at the gathering. The announcement marks the start of yearlong celebrations leading up to America 250, scheduled to culminate next summer with major events on the National Mall in Washington. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Alex Brandon/AP Photo Why It Matters The "Patriot Games" seek to spark national excitement but has already drawn scrutiny and differing reactions as it arrives amid a deeply polarized national climate. Trump has described the games as a way to unite the nation and highlight its youth talent, proclaiming that "there could be no better birthday present for America" than to celebrate the nation's values and competitive excellence. However, the games, as well as the broader anniversary festivities, have sparked questions about whether national unity can be achieved through events closely tied to Trump's political agenda. Organizers hope the yearlong series of celebrations will bridge divides, but recent cost-cutting measures and leadership changes at federal cultural institutions have complicated the planning. What To Know The Patriot Games: What Are They? Trump positioned the "Patriot Games" as an opportunity for young Americans to "show off the best of American skill, sportsmanship and competitive spirit," linking the event with patriotic celebration and national renewal. He also suggested adding other high-profile competitions, referencing potential UFC matches at the White House in the same speech. Organizers describe the games as part of a broader initiative to engage Americans across generations and backgrounds, reflecting "a monumental celebration, kicking off a new era of American greatness." Political Overtones and Controversy The announcement arrives against the backdrop of challenging preparations for the Semiquincentennial. Trump's administration has cut funding to federal cultural agencies and installed loyalists in key leadership roles. This has raised concerns among some historians and officials about the politicization of the festivities and whether events like the "Patriot Games" will further inflame, rather than bridge, partisan divides. The games have been promoted as apolitical, but Trump's own rhetoric has closely tied expressions of patriotism to support for his administration and policies. Involvement and Selection Details about the selection process for athletes participating in the "Patriot Games" have not been fully disclosed as of July 4. Trump said the event would include high school athletes from across the states taking part in a range of events but did not specify which sports or how athletes would be nominated or chosen to compete. Public and Institutional Challenges Federal funding reductions have already affected preparations for America 250. The National Endowment for the Humanities announced grant terminations to state humanities councils, impacting local programming, including readings of the Declaration of Independence and cultural events. Gabrielle Lyon, chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission, said, "It is very hard to understand how we can protect and preserve people's ability locally to make this mean something for them, if you're not funding the humanities councils." What People Are Saying Monica Crowley, U.S. Ambassador and America250 liaison, said: "[This is] something that I think that all Americans can come together to celebrate and honor our history as well as our present and our future." What Happens Next The "Patriot Games" and broader America 250 festivities are scheduled to culminate with major public events on July 4, 2026, on the National Mall and in communities nationwide. Organizers are expected to release additional details about the sports included, qualifying criteria for high school athletes, and broadcasting partners in the coming months. The extent to which these events will foster unity or continue to fuel controversy over their political associations remains to be seen as planning progresses. This article contains reporting from The Associated Press
