Saturday Night Live made headlines this weekend for all the wrong reasons. During Weekend Update‚ a cast member suggested that Donald Trump stumbled and introduced a “new term” to the debate called “de-banking.” What followed was a rather feeble attempt at mocking the former president. In reality‚ de-banking is no laughing matter. It means losing essential financial services‚ like a bank account‚ payment processing‚ or even insurance‚ because of your views. And it is on the rise — so much so that the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments involving the issue this term. Funny enough‚ the case originates in the Empire State (“Live from New York‚” anybody?)‚ where the National Rifle Association is challenging New York’s attempt to coerce banks and insurance companies to withdraw services from the group. The NRA alleges that the Department of Financial Services — at the behest of then-Governor Andrew Cuomo — used its vast power to regulate “reputational risk” along with back-channel meetings‚ public investigations‚ and threats of fines to punish the group for its Second Amendment advocacy.  This is not an isolated incident. A string of religious ministries and conservative groups have also been victimized by de-banking. As Alliance Defending Freedom points out in a friend-of-the-court brief filed in support of the NRA’s position‚ pro-life group Heartbeat International was recently canceled by its insurance provider over its “anti-abortion” advocacy. Likewise‚ Bank of America de-banked Indigenous Advance Ministries‚ an ADF client that serves impoverished Ugandan widows and orphans. The bank closed Indigenous Advance’s long-standing account as well as the account of a local church that donates to the ministry. The bank claimed it no longer wanted to serve their “business type” and that Indigenous Advance exceeded the “bank’s risk tolerance.” It did this right before a planned mission trip to Uganda‚ sending Indigenous Advance scrambling to open new accounts and drastically reducing the funds for the trip. It couldn’t pay its Ugandan ministry partners — who live meal to meal — for several weeks. And it had to temporarily reduce aid to the impoverished people they serve. Similar instances of de-banking abound. Former Brexit leader Nigel Farage’s high-profile case resulted in the ouster of megabank NatWest’s CEO. Serial offender JPMorgan Chase’s hit list includes the Arkansas Family Council‚ Defense of Liberty‚ and U.S Ambassador Sam Brownback’s National Committee for Religious Freedom. There are many reasons for this phenomenon‚ but the root cause is vague terms of service.  “Reputational” and “social” risk policies pervade financial institutions. Customers at all 28 commercial banks scored in Alliance Defending Freedom’s index that measures corporate respect for free speech and religious freedom are currently vulnerable to de-banking. Most alarmingly‚ 7 of the nation’s 10 largest commercial banks — including the top 3 — have “reputational risk” or “hate speech” policies. These policies’ overly broad and subjective language permit employees to discriminate based on a customer’s viewpoint and then hide their viewpoint-based actions behind opaque standards. They also allow abuse by government regulators. A positive ruling in the NRA case — which‚ in a comedic twist that should provide fodder for SNL writers‚ is being argued by the ACLU — would affirm that the government cannot carry out its censorship schemes by co-opting third parties as censors. That would help. But that does not address the many de-banking decisions that can be laid at the feet of private actors. The solution to this problem may lie with the states. This state legislative season presents an opportunity for states interested in protecting against politicized de-banking to act. Any such law should focus on the worst actors – the largest banks and payment processors. Thanks to wide-reaching government benefits‚ such as greater lending power‚ FDIC insurance rates‚ subsidies‚ bailouts‚ and an anticompetitive chartering system‚ these institutions dominate their markets over state-level competitors yet are responsible for the worst de-banking incidents. At a minimum‚ the law should prohibit denial of services based on religious or political beliefs‚ give customers the right to ask for a detailed explanation when services are denied‚ empower the attorney general to enforce the statute‚ and provide aggrieved customers a private right of action. No one should have to worry that they could lose their bank account‚ insurance coverage‚ or other essential financial services because of their religious or political views. Yet it’s clear that vague financial service policies abused by private and government actors pose a serious threat to everyone’s freedom of speech and religion. So‚ an inadvertent thanks to our pals at SNL for bringing up de-banking. It’s about time we talked about it. And it’s about time for the law to require viewpoint neutrality from the biggest banks and payment processors. * * * Jeremy Tedesco is senior counsel and senior vice president of Corporate Engagement for Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal). The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Daily Wire. 

Universal Music Group‚ which is in charge of songs made by recording artists such as Taylor Swift‚ Olivia Rodrigo‚ Drake‚ Bad Bunny‚ Billie Eilish‚ and many other major music industry stars‚ announced that its music would be removed from TikTok unless they can come to an agreement over money. UMG said in an open letter posted Wednesday that it is looking out for its artists and demands higher compensation for music used on the platform. Per NBC News‚ about 60% of TikTok videos include music. “TikTok proposed paying our artists and songwriters at a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay‚” the statement said in part. The Dutch American-owned company said‚ “Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business‚ without paying fair value for the music.”  The letter also mentioned artificial intelligence (AI) tools employed by TikTok‚ which it said could have negative outcomes in addition to ushering in “a tidal wave of hate speech‚ bigotry‚ bullying and harassment.” “As our negotiations continued‚ TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal‚ far less than fair market value and not reflective of their exponential growth‚” the letter said. UMG also accused TikTok of “selectively removing the music of certain of our developing artists” while keeping “audience-driving global stars” as a form of intimidation. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “TikTok’s tactics are obvious: use its platform power to hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal that undervalues music and shortchanges artists and songwriters as well as their fans‚” the letter said. “We will never do that. We will always fight for our artists and songwriters and stand up for the creative and commercial value of music.” TikTok responded to the letter‚ saying it was “sad and disappointing” that UMG chose to “put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.”  “Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric‚ the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotion and discovery vehicle for their talent.” The response noted that TikTok was able to reach an agreement with other labels and publishers‚ then accused UMG of having “self-serving interests.”

The people behind the X account for Elmo‚ the popular Sesame Street puppet‚ received a huge response after posting a simple question. “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” the post said. Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing? — Elmo (@elmo) January 29‚ 2024 It has since gone viral‚ with more than 177 million views since it was first shared Monday morning. Many of the replies were especially dismal‚ which led to the Sesame Street account sharing a link to mental health resources.  “Every morning‚ I cannot wait to go back to sleep. Every Monday‚ I cannot wait for Friday to come. Every single day and every single week for life‚” one popular reply said.  “Elmo I’m suffering from existential dread over here‚” another user wrote. “Not good‚ Elmo. Not good‚” echoed a third. “The world is burning‚ Elmo. No amount of tickles can fix this‚” Not the Bee answered. Actress Rachel Zegler‚ who recently faced major backlash for her comments about Disney’s upcoming live action version of “Snow White‚” also replied to Elmos’s post‚ saying she was “resisting the urge to tell elmo that i am kinda sad.” “Wow! Elmo is glad he asked! Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing‚” the “Sesame Street” character wrote in a follow-up. “Elmo will check in again soon‚ friends!  Elmo loves you.❤️ #EmotionalWellBeing” This prompted President Joe Biden’s X account to also share a message about mental health. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days‚” the post from the president said. “Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other‚ offer our help to a neighbor in need‚ and above all else‚ ask for help when we need it. Even though it’s hard‚ you’re never alone.” This isn’t the first time Sesame Street accounts have caused a stir on social media. Last June‚ they got trashed for a post celebrating Pride Month‚ as The Daily Wire previously reported. “On our Street‚ we celebrate inclusion‚ belonging‚ and freedom of authentic self-expression. Happy #PrideMonth to all the people in our neighborhoods!” the post said‚ along with a rainbow array of hearts following the text. An image attached depicts a colorful cartoon garden with the Progress Pride flag in the center of it. Many fans pushed back against the messaging‚ especially since it comes from PBS and is aimed at young children. 

President Joe Biden will visit East Palestine‚ Ohio‚ one year after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in the town of roughly 5‚000 people. A White House official confirmed to Fox News on Wednesday that Biden will travel to East Palestine in February to mark the first anniversary of the disaster and to discuss his administration’s “comprehensive‚ whole-of-government response” to the Norfolk Southern train derailment and the subsequent fallout. “In February‚ President Biden will travel to East Palestine‚ Ohio‚ to meet with residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment and assess the progress that his Administration has helped deliver in coordination with state and local leaders to protect the community and hold Norfolk Southern accountable‚” a Biden administration official said‚ according to The New York Post. Many East Palestine residents were forced to evacuate their homes after the derailment as the toxic chemicals burned‚ releasing poisonous fumes into the air‚ ground‚ and water. After the derailment on February 3‚ Norfolk Southern was sued by East Palestine residents‚ the state of Ohio‚ and the federal government. The president has been criticized for never stepping foot in East Palestine even as his chief political rival‚ former President Donald Trump‚ visited the town after the disaster and bought McDonald’s for residents who came out to see him. After the White House announced Biden would finally come to the town‚ some East Palestine residents weren’t thrilled to hear the news. East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway told Fox News that in “my personal opinion the best time for him to come would be February of 2025 when he is on his book tour.” “The President is always welcome to our town. That being said‚ I don’t know what he would do here now‚” Conaway added. An East Palestine business owner said in an interview with “Fox &; Friends” that Biden is only visiting the town now to “check it off the books.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “The American people have awakened to realize that the leader of our country did not show up to the greatest catastrophe of 2023. And now he’s going to show up because it is an election year‚” said DJ Yokley. “President Trump came and supported us when he didn’t have to … Now it’s‚ ‘Hey we have to go visit East Palestine because we haven’t done that yet — and check it off the books.’” Trump also slammed Biden as well after learning he would visit East Palestine for the first time a year after the disaster. “With the World blowing up around us‚ with the Middle East on FIRE‚ Biden has finally decided to visit East Palestine‚ Ohio‚ a year late‚ and only to develop some political credibility because EVERYTHING else he has done has been such a DISASTER‚” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I know those great people‚ I was there when it counted‚ and his reception won’t be a warm one. Worst President in History!” Last week‚ Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was questioned by CNN anchor Jake Tapper about why the Biden administration still had not approved Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s request for a disaster declaration‚ which could unlock additional resources such as health screenings to residents are not being heeded by the federal government. Buttigieg responded‚ saying he doesn’t “know all the legalities of the emergency management process.” “I do know what we can do as a department to make sure that railroads are safer‚” Buttigieg added. “We’ve been taking action on everything from focused inspection of railroads‚ to making sure that there’s better hazardous material-related regulations‚ to just investing in better railroad infrastructure.”

Former President Donald Trump‚ who is running another White House campaign‚ encouraged lawmakers on Wednesday to reject a not-yet-released bill that aims to combine border security reforms with aid for Ukraine and Israel. A post to Truth Social from Trump took aim at one purported section that Fox News reported would establish a threshold of a seven-day rolling average exceeding 5‚000 encounters a day to trigger a Title 42-like authority to quickly remove migrants at the border. “The illegal Aliens that are pouring into our Country are taking over our cities and attacking our police‚” Trump said. “They are forming gangs‚ and they are tough. Close the Border‚ you do not need a ridiculous Border Bill that will allow 5000 people into our Country a day. Call it the ‘Stupid Bill’ and make sure it doesn’t get passed. It will make things MUCH WORSE. CLOSE THE SOUTHERN BORDER‚ NO BILL NECESSARY!!!” President Joe Biden’s request last year for roughly $106 billion in supplemental funds to spend on U.S. allies — including Ukraine‚ Israel‚ and Taiwan — as well as border security and humanitarian assistance‚ led to bipartisan Senate talks on attaching immigration reforms sought by Republicans. While Biden has encouraged the endeavor‚ Trump urged Republicans not to settle on a compromise. “I do not think we should do a Border Deal‚ at all‚ unless we get EVERYTHING needed to shut down the INVASION of Millions &; Millions of people‚ many from parts unknown‚ into our once great‚ but soon to be great again‚ Country!” Trump said in a post to Truth Social earlier this month. Trump’s sway within Congress is on the rise again following victories in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. The former president still faces a challenge from former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley‚ but Trump has garnered endorsements from a growing number of Republican lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-RY) has been supportive of the bipartisan talks. However‚ he reportedly told colleagues last week they face a “quandary” as Trump establishes himself as the GOP frontrunner in the 2024 presidential contest. “The politics on this have changed‚” he said‚ according to Punchbowl News‚ referring to Trump as “the nominee” and stressing‚ “We don’t want to do anything to undermine him.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said he has been in contact with Trump and indicated the Senate deal would be “dead on arrival” in the GOP-led House if rumors about it proved true. In particular‚ he warned on X‚ “Any border ‘shutdown’ authority that ALLOWS even one illegal crossing is a non-starter. Thousands each day is outrageous. The number must be ZERO.” Two of the main negotiators in the upper chamber‚ Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK)‚ indicated this past weekend that they were close to finalizing a deal and felt good about the early feedback it was receiving. They also spoke about Trump’s sway in the matter. Murphy told CNN the “bipartisan deal” may be in jeopardy if Republicans “listen to” Trump and reject the compromise. Lankford told CBS News that he was “looking forward to President Trump having the opportunity to be able to read it‚ like everybody else has‚” and noted there is “a lot of misinformation out there right now.”

Over the course of decades‚ Shannen Doherty made a name for herself by staring in hit shows like Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed. Now‚ at 52 years old‚ she welcomes fans into her life in a more personal way so they don’t feel so alone. It all started in 2015 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After two years of treatment‚ she went into remission. But in 2020‚ Doherty was hit with difficult news: her cancer was back. This time‚ though‚ at stage 4. Then‚ last year‚ the cancer spread to her brain and bones. To say that Doherty’s health was taking a toll would be an understatement. Still‚ she remains hopeful. On a recent episode of her podcast‚ Let’s Be Clear‚ she shares a source of that hope. “I’m on a new cancer infusion‚ and after four treatments‚ we didn’t really see a difference‚ and everybody wanted me to switch‚ and I just kind of was like we’re going to keep going with this and see‚” Doherty explains. Although there was a lack of results at the start‚ after six or seven treatments‚ something drastically changed. As Doherty explains‚ there’s been a “breaking down” of the “blood-brain barrier.” Shannen Doherty Shares Hopeful Treatment Update Essentially‚ this membrane in the brain allows cerebral blood vessels to regulate molecule and ion movement between the blood and the brain. “Do I call that a miracle? For me‚ that happens to be a miracle right now‚ that‚ like‚ I sort of rolled the dice and said let’s keep going‚” Doherty shares‚ later adding that if feels like “maybe God intervening and saying‚ ‘I’m gonna give her a break.'” Instagram Doherty’s new-found hope in this helpful treatment‚ the exact name of which has not been disclosed‚ continues to have a positive impact on her life in a variety of ways. This includes her view on life in general. “Every day is a gift…” Doherty says. “All I can do is live each day in as much a positive manner‚ with a lot of hope‚ as I can.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Shannen Doherty Calls New Treatment For Her Stage 4 Cancer “A Miracle.” appeared first on InspireMore.

When Sharon Osbourne was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002‚ Robin Williams paid her a visit to help pull her out of the depression caused by her diagnosis. Sharon and her husband Ozzy remembered that day while talking on Robin to stop by‚ and gladly obliged. “When Sharon was sick with cancer‚ I felt bad about leaving her just in the house‚ so I asked Robin Williams if he’d come and see her‚” Ozzy said. YouTube When she fell ill‚ colon cancer only had a 33% survival rate. To keep her mind off of the reality of her health‚ she stayed busy filming Season 2 of The Osbournes. However‚ the series didn’t always take the edge off. Sharon Osbourne said Robin Williams had a special way of lifting her spirits. “I absolutely was so in awe of his talent and his kindness‚” she shared. “He came in and got into bed with me and told jokes for a couple of hours. It wasn’t just like he popped his head around the door [and said] ‘Hi‚ how are you doing?’ and left. It was a good two hours with me‚ and he was amazing.” YouTube “Made me feel so good‚” she added. “Amazing man.” Sharon Osbourne was able to beat the odds‚ and today she is in remission. To help others with the disease‚ she founded the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Robin Williams passed away in 2014. Share this story and remind people of the power of kindness. You can find the source of this story’s featured images here and here. The post Sharon Osbourne Shares Beautiful Story Of Robin Williams’ Visit During Cancer Battle. appeared first on InspireMore.

Everyone’s fave talk-show host and celebrity is back with an adorable and hilarious photo contest. Reese Witherspoon is trying to sort out what dog looks like her! She’s not playing around. In fact‚ she’s promised to go out and meet the winning dog (if she agrees that it is enough of a doppelganger). How fun is that? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) Of course‚ Reese Witherspoon has a few potential ideas about what her doggie look-alike may be. “I think I’m a Yorkie‚” she suggested first. After a bit of deliberation‚ she decided she could be a mini-Dachsund or a golden retriever‚ too. What do you think Reese’s doggie doppelganger is? This image is from Instagram. Potential contenders took to the comments to point Reese Witherspoon toward her look-alike. “To us – you’re a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Just like the beloved breed‚ you’re elegant‚ outgoing‚ lovable‚ and bold‚” commented the Westminster Kennel Club. “Reese! You’re totally a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!” said another fan. Lots of folks suggested this breed as her potential look-alike. And of course‚ there were some wonderful puns made. “My friend’s goose is Geese Witherspoon‚” said one fan in an unrelated‚ but still hilarious‚ comment. Wishing you the best of luck with your search‚ Reese! The featured image for this post is from Instagram. The post What Kind Of Dog Is Reese Witherspoon? You Decide With Look-Alike Photo Contest! appeared first on InspireMore.

Known for her performance in the hit show‚ Stranger Things‚ Millie Bobby Brown is no stranger to the limelight. But she’s using her stardom for good‚ spreading awareness for her animal rescue‚ Joey’s Friends. This week‚ Millie Bobby Brown and her partner‚ Jake Bongiovi‚ rescued a new pup for their shelter. His name is Shark‚ and he’s positively as cute as they come. Shark is heading to Joey’s Friends Rescue to find a furrever home. Since his rehoming‚ he’s been renamed Jabba. Millie Bobby Brown posted this adorable picture with an epic caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joey's Friends (@joeysfriends22) “Meet Jabba: The Relaxed Ruler of Tranquility‚” the caption began. “In a galaxy not so far away‚ there resides a gentle being known as Jabba. His presence exudes the calm of a tranquil Tatooine evening‚ and his spirit embodies the serenity of a galaxy at peace.” Millie continued with more details of Jabba’s adorable nature. He’ll be in good hands at Joey’s Friends until he finds his forever home! Millie Bobby Brown and her partner adopted him from the Humane Society of Naples. Of course‚ there are plenty of dogs at the Humane Society seeking a good home. Like this beautiful pup! This image is from Facebook. Jabba is sure to find a great home with Joey’s Friends. As always‚ adopt don’t shop if you’re looking for a pup this winter! The featured image for this post is from Facebook. The post Millie Bobby Brown Takes In Florida Shelter Dog‚ He’ll Be Up For Adoption Through Her Pet Rescue‚ “Joey’s Friends.” appeared first on InspireMore.

Justin Timberlake appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show this week and dropped a bit of a hint that seemed like an NSYNC update. Could there be a little reunion coming our way? His interview was totally charming and started with Kelly peering into his potential goals and dreams for the future. This image is from YouTube. Kelly noted his years of success‚ posing the question‚ “Is there anything left that you want to do that you haven’t done yet?” Why yes‚ it seems there may be! Justin Timberlake spoke about his passion for creating in the studio‚ as well as the chemistry he’s had with the NSYNC band members. Kelly wasn’t pushing for an NSYNC update‚ but you could tell she was excited at where the conversation was headed. This image is from YouTube. After putting up a photo of NSYNC‚ Justin Timberlake divulged a bit of a teaser. “We’ve been in the studio‚ so there may be a little…” Justin said‚ trailing off. EEEEEEEP! That sounds like some exciting news! The Kelly Clarkson Show is the perfect setting for a little NSYNC update. How fun! Oh‚ and then at the end of the interview‚ a life-size Justin Timberlake appeared. This image is from YouTube. While we can’t know for sure what’s coming from NSYNC or Justin‚ this teaser is certainly cause for celebration. Thanks for the mini update‚ Justin! The featured image for this post is from YouTube. The post Is NSYNC Getting Back Together? Justin Timberlake Teases Update On “Kelly Clarkson Show.” appeared first on InspireMore.