Things, Ideas & People . . .

The White House is hosting a UFC outdoor fight in June. Construction of a temporary arena began this week for the June 14 event, which promoters say will take place in all weather except lightning.

Who’s paying for the estimated $60 million event? Apparently the UFC is, and it doesn’t plan to make much, if anything, on the event. The restoration of the South Lawn alone is expected to cost between $700,000 and $1 million as part of the total production costs.

The temporary structure will seat 4,500 to 5,000 people, with most of the seats expected to be filled by military personnel.

It remains unknown what additional staffing, security, and emergency management costs could mea...