Daily Wire host Ben Shapiro will headline a major rally this summer at Mount Vernon as part of a nationwide tour celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, Young America’s Foundation (YAF) announced on Monday. The event, scheduled for August 6, will kick off Young America’s Foundation’s 48th annual National Conservative Student Conference and marks the third stop on the “Freedom at 250” tour organized in partnership with The Daily Wire. The year-long tour will commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding by bringing together conservative voices and student leaders across the country to highlight the founding principles of the American experiment. Shapiro said the historic setting of George Washington’s estate offers a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that shaped the nation. “At a time when many Americans are uncertain about the country’s direction, gathering at George Washington’s Mount Vernon for our country’s 250th anniversary is a powerful reminder that this nation was forged in challenge, not comfort,” Shapiro said in a statement. “It was built by men and women who risked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to secure rights given by God and protected by the Constitution.” Shapiro added that the milestone anniversary presents a profound moment to reflect upon the country’s future. “At pivotal moments, America has always faced a choice: decline or renewal,” he said. “Young America’s Foundation is helping ensure the next generation understands those founding principles and is prepared to defend them.” The Mount Vernon rally will serve as the opening program for YAF’s flagship student conference, one of the largest gatherings of conservative college students in the country. Conference registration opened Monday as organizers prepare for what they expect to be the largest event in the program’s history. Former Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, who now serves as president of Young America’s Foundation, said the event’s location was intentionally chosen to connect young conservatives with the nation’s founding ideals. “As America approaches its 250th anniversary, there is no more fitting place to gather than George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and no better person to deliver this message to young Americans than a fearless fighter like Ben Shapiro,” Walker said. Walker added that the upcoming conference comes at a time when the country’s founding principles are increasingly being scrutinized. “At a time when our founding principles are under pressure and the direction of our country is being fiercely debated, it has never been more important for YAF to shape the next generation in the spirit of Washington and the other Founding Fathers,” he said. The rally will be hosted by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the private nonprofit organization that has owned and preserved Washington’s estate since the 19th century. Young America’s Foundation’s National Conservative Student Conference, now entering its 48th year, regularly brings together leading conservative activists, policymakers, and media figures to engage students on issues ranging from constitutional government and free speech to culture and public policy. This year’s conference will take place August 6–8 in Washington, D.C., with Shapiro’s Mount Vernon address launching the three-day event as part of the broader “Freedom at 250” tour celebrating America’s founding and the principles of 1776. Registration opened Monday, March 9.

Police say wannabe ISIS killers tried to unleash the infamous “Mother of Satan” explosive used in terror attacks worldwide — yet the city’s far-left Democratic mayor still refuses to call the suspects terrorists. Instead, Mamdani opened Sunday’s press conference by condemning the demonstration the devices were thrown toward, describing it as “a vile protest rooted in white supremacy.” It had been organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang and was titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.” “I’m the first Muslim mayor of our city. Anti-Muslim bigotry is nothing new to me,” Mamdani said. While criticizing the protest, Mamdani also stressed that he supports the right to such demonstrations. “Ours is a free society where the right to peaceful protest is sacred,” Mamdani said. “It does not belong only to those we agree with. It belongs to everyone.” He added that many counter-protesters responded peacefully. “Many of the counter-protesters met this display of bigotry peacefully, with a vision of a city that is welcoming to all,” he said. Mamdani then addressed the two men police say attempted the attack. “Two men, Amir Balat and Ibrahim Qayyumi, traveled from Pennsylvania and attempted to bring violence to New York City,” Mamdani said. “They are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism.” Video released by police shows the two men throwing improvised explosive devices toward the protest crowd. The attack is now being investigated as “an act of inspired ISIS terrorism,” according to NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Investigators said one of the devices contained TATP, a highly volatile explosive often referred to as “the Mother of Satan” because of its instability and destructive power. “TATP is a dangerous and highly volatile explosive that has been used in IED attacks around the world,” Tisch said. “Our bomb squad rendered both devices safe.” Officials said the devices had the potential to cause serious injury or death. Tisch also revealed that a third suspicious device discovered inside a vehicle on Sunday ultimately tested negative for explosive material, though the discovery prompted another police response. Following the incident, the NYPD is increasing counterterrorism resources across the city. The department is deploying additional heavy weapons teams, K-9 units, and aviation resources, Tisch said, noting the city has remained on heightened alert since the “start of hostilities in Iran.” She also warned the public not to underestimate how serious the situation could have been. “The last time an IED was deployed targeting people in New York City was in 2017 when Akayed Ullah detonated a device in a Times Square subway station,” Tisch said. The blast injured only Ullah himself. “Once again we were fortunate that the devices used this weekend did not cause the kind of harm that they were certainly capable of causing,” she added. “But luck is never a strategy.” As the explosives were lit, officers surged toward the unfolding danger. “When those devices were ignited in the middle of a crowded protest, officers did not step back; they stepped forward,” Tisch said. Both suspects were taken into custody immediately after the devices were thrown. “Thanks to the swift and decisive actions of NYPD officers at the scene, both men were immediately taken into custody and the devices they brought taken off our streets,” Mamdani said. Authorities say additional details about the suspects and the devices are expected to be released in a formal criminal complaint.

The Trump administration designated another branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization Monday, marking its fourth such designation in an effort to curb the Islamic extremist group active throughout the world. The designation targets the Muslim Brotherhood’s Sudanese chapter, whose fighters the Trump administration says received training from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and carried out mass executions. The State Department said the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood — composed of the Sudanese Islamic Movement and its armed wing, the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade (BBMB) — uses “unrestrained violence against civilians” to advance its violent Islamist ideology and undermine efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan. In January, the Trump administration designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, including affiliates in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and the administration said it intends to classify the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), the most severe designation, which criminalizes providing material support under federal law. The SDGT designation allows the Treasury Department to freeze assets and block financial transactions. “The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood uses unrestrained violence against civilians to undermine efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan and advance its violent Islamist ideology,” the State Department said.  The group contributed more than 20,000 fighters to Sudan’s civil war, which has displaced about 12 million people and may have caused as many as 400,000 deaths, according to the former U.S. envoy to Sudan. According to the State Department, many of the fighters received training and other support from the IRGC, and members of the BBMB have carried out mass executions of civilians in captured areas, including killings based on race, ethnicity, or suspected affiliation with opposition groups. “Its fighters, many receiving training and other support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have conducted mass executions of civilians,” the statement added. “As the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, the Iranian regime has financed and directed malign activities globally through its IRGC.” It added that the U.S. will continue to “use all available tools to deprive the Iranian regime and Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism.” The Treasury Department previously designated BBMB in September 2025 under Executive Order 14098 for its role in Sudan’s brutal civil war. Under the new designation, all property and financial interests belonging to the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood that fall within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and U.S. citizens and businesses are prohibited from conducting transactions with the organization. The State Department warned that foreign individuals or companies that engage in certain dealings with the group could also face secondary sanctions under U.S. counterterrorism authorities. The designation is scheduled to take effect on March 16. The designation follows Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) issuing state-level orders in late 2025 labeling the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations.  CAIR, which describes itself as the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group in the United States, responded by suing both states and denying that it supports terrorism. After DeSantis issued his order, the group accused the Florida governor of being “Israel first.” The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, an Islamist schoolteacher who sought to build a movement dedicated to implementing Islamic law and resisting Western influence in the Muslim world. It is one of the most influential movements in the Middle East and Africa, and has spawned terrorist groups, including Hamas.

President Donald Trump intervened on behalf of the Iranian women’s national soccer team following reports that the players had been branded “wartime traitors” by Iranian state media. The president revealed on Monday that he had spoken with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on behalf of the Iranian women’s soccer team, detailing the delicate situation for the young women. “I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team. He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way,” the president shared. “Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return. In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!” Just hours before the call, Trump had weighed in, insisting that the Iranian women’s soccer team be granted asylum in Australia. “Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The president immediately followed up that post by sharing further details on the threats leveled against the women who dared to protest the despotic regime. He captioned the Truth Social post, “ASYLUM!” Less than two hours later, Trump had Albanese on the phone. The 26-member squad, currently in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup, sparked controversy during their opening match against South Korea by remaining silent during the national anthem. The act, widely viewed as a protest against the Islamic Republic, has triggered a vitriolic response from Tehran. 3 days ago, Iran’s Women’s Soccer Team protested the Islamic Regime by refusing to sing the national anthem. 2 days ago, Iranian state media branded the women “wartime traitors.” Today, the women were desperately begging for help from inside the team bus. They are being… pic.twitter.com/bZgZ5XGo5B — The Persian Jewess (@persianjewess) March 9, 2026 Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, a presenter on state-controlled television, called for the players to face “stronger consequences” for their “shameless betrayal.” Under Iran’s penal code, charges of treason can carry the death penalty. Concerns for the players’ safety have been further amplified by the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28. FIFPro, the global soccer players’ union, has formally called on FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to ensure the team’s protection. “These statements significantly heighten concerns for the players’ safety should they return to Iran,” the union said in a statement. FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has released the following statement calling on AFC and FIFA to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Iran's Women's National Team players. pic.twitter.com/5izRBHvkOg — FIFPRO Asia/Oceania (@FIFPROAsiaOce) March 6, 2026 On the ground in Australia, the team is reportedly under intense surveillance. Human rights advocate and former Socceroos captain Craig Foster said it is “clear they are being silenced and coerced,” noting that regime-connected “minders” are embedded with the squad, restricting their movement and phone use. While the players remained silent during their first match, they were filmed singing the anthem loudly during subsequent games against Australia and the Philippines. Local councilor Tina Kordrostami, who has been in contact with some players, said the shift was a result of extreme intimidation. “They are all terrified, particularly for the safety of their family members back home,” she said. The Australian government has maintained a cautious diplomatic stance. Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed solidarity with Iranian women but declined to comment on whether the government has had direct contact with the players or if they will be offered asylum. “We know this regime has brutally murdered many of its own people,” Wong told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “I don’t want to get into commentary about the Iranian women’s team [that might] put them or their families… in any greater danger.” The team’s tournament concluded Sunday night on the Gold Coast. While some advocates have suggested Australia provide emergency humanitarian visas — similar to those granted to the Afghan women’s team in 2021 — sources close to the squad indicate many players fear that seeking asylum would lead to the imprisonment or execution of their relatives in Iran.

The LA Marathon was full of highs and lows over the weekend, with viewers celebrating the triumph of American excellence and resiliency, and also mocking the implementation of what amounted to a participation trophy.  American high school track and cross country coach Nathan Martin finished first, beating out Michael Kamau from Kenya by a mere .01 of a second. It was the closest finish ever for the famous marathon and drew a huge reaction online, especially as viewers watched how Martin overcame Kamau right at the finish line. Martin’s time was 2:11:16.50, which was technically the same as Kamau’s, even though he crossed the line first. Kamau can be seen on video collapsing at the finish line, where he was later attended to by medics. In interviews later, Martin said he wasn’t even sure at first he had won because of how close he and Kamau were to crossing at the same time.  Last year was the first time in 31 years that an American won the LA Marathon when Matthew Richtman took home top honors. Prior to that, an American hadn’t won the race since 1994.  The annual running event kicked off with the implementation of a cringeworthy policy. Runners could still receive a medal indicating they had completed the entire marathon if they were having an off day and could only complete half the race. The 26.2-mile race was expected to have unusually warm temperatures, which is what prompted the change. “If you’re having a tough day and want to end your race before 26.2, you can choose to take the turn at Mile 18 and head into the finish line early. You do not need to notify anyone of your decision and can opt to take this route at any time,” officials said, as posted on the “Race Day Weather” page. “There is no shame in making a smart decision for your body,” the announcement went on. The temperature had reached the upper 60s by 9 a.m. on Sunday, per ABC News 7, and was expected to be in the mid-70s within the next hour when the update was made. Social media users mocked the idea, saying, “people who don’t finish the Marathon can identify as people who do finish the Marathon.” “Can I submit my application to be a marathon finisher by mail and just have them send me my medal afterwards?” another X commenter asked. ABC7 reported that more than 27,000 people participated in this year’s Asics LA Marathon.