Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) pressed Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday over a report that said federal officials instructed banks to turn over customer data of transactions flagged with terms like “TRUMP” or “MAGA.” Scott’s letter came after documents obtained by the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government showed that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) had flagged the terms as part of its investigation related to the January 6 riot. Banks were also told to look at transactions involving the purchase of religious texts and outdoor sporting goods stores like Cabela’s.  “These allegations‚ if true‚ represent a flagrant violation of Americans’ privacy and the improper targeting of U.S. citizens for exercising their constitutional rights without due process‚” Scott‚ the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee‚ wrote.  FinCEN reportedly asked banks to help federal law enforcement identify transactions of persons of interest using specific typologies and Merchant Category Codes after January 6‚ 2021. The letter was also sent to FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki. In the letter‚ Scott asked Yellen if the Treasury Department had any role in soliciting private financial data from the banks and whether it was directed to do so by the FBI or the Justice Department. Scott also asked Yellen about what religious texts were seen as indicative of extremism and why sporting goods store shoppers were targeted in the federal investigation.  CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “These allegations are particularly concerning given past efforts to weaponize the financial system and payment activity against politically disfavored‚ lawful activity. Under the Obama- administration’s ‘Operation Choke Point’ initiative‚ the Department of Justice (DOJ) coordinated with federal financial regulators to intimidate financial institutions into denying services to legitimate businesses that the administration was ideologically opposed to‚ including gun retailers‚” Scott said.  On Thursday‚ House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan requested an interview with Noah Bishoff‚ the former director of the Office of Stakeholder Integration and Engagement in the Strategic Operations Division of FinCEN‚ to discuss the report.  The letter asks Bishoff to be prepared to speak to lawmakers about what safeguards FinCEN has in place to safeguard constitutional liberties‚ the government’s use of private financial information‚ and coordination between FinCEN and the private sector.

A Miami-Dade policeman faced life in prison after his ex-girlfriend accused him of kidnapping and sexually assaulting her until the charges were dropped after she recanted her testimony. The officer‚ who is not being named by The Daily Wire because his accuser has not been named in media outlets‚ was arrested last month and charged with armed sexual battery‚ kidnapping‚ and armed burglary‚ according to NBC Miami. On Friday‚ when the officer arrived in court for his arraignment‚ the charges were dropped. “We are grateful for the decision‚” the officer’s attorney‚ Edward Tapanes‚ told the outlet. The charges were reportedly dropped after the accuser refused to provide a statement and told prosecutors she didn’t use their “safe word‚ which “might’ve caused him to believe we were role playing‚” according to the case report. An arrest warrant reviewed by NBC Miami showed that the accused and accuser became involved in a verbal dispute at Buffalo Wild Wings in Homestead‚ Florida. The accuser claimed that when she arrived at her residence‚ the accused man was waiting for her in his marked police car while wearing his uniform and carrying his department-issued firearm. The two continued to fight‚ according to the woman‚ and the officer grabbed her by the hair and dragged her into her home‚ where she claimed he tried to force her to perform a sexual act on him. She claimed that when she refused‚ he hit her head on the stairs and put his handcuffs on her wrist before sexually assaulting her. She claimed that she screamed for her 12-year-old son to call 911‚ and the officer got dressed and ran from the home. The 12-year-old told the 911 operator that his mother told him to call but that he “doesn’t know what the situation is‚” according to a case disposition memo obtained by The Daily Wire. Police said in the warrant that the accuser got the man to admit to his actions during a controlled phone call. During that call‚ the accused man repeatedly said his accuser did not use the “safe word” and that the two regularly solved their problems by having sex. The accuser also admitted during that call that she kissed another man in front of the accused to “make him angry.” Police tried to take a statement from the woman but said she refused and appeared nervous‚ saying she was ruining the accused man’s career. A detective present during the call realized the accuser and the accused were texting and later seized the accused man’s cell phone. A text from the accuser – sent two minutes after the controlled call – said‚ “I love you and I am sorry.” Thirty minutes later‚ she texted: “You’re going to get arrested and I’m really sorry about it. I love you with my all.” The accused responded‚ “What are you talking about” and then said‚ after not receiving a response‚ asked‚ “What do you mean?” The accuser (who is referred to as a “victim” in the case disposition memo) tried to call the man‚ but he didn’t answer. She then texted him: “What I said. I’m sorry [accused]‚ I did what I thought was the right thing to do. I’m confused about what’s right or wrong but it’s too late now. I love you.” The accused was arrested and interviewed for three hours‚ during which he discussed the toxic relationship with his ex. He also said that the encounter occurred during a breakup‚ but that the two were back together. After again attempting to get a formal statement from the accuser‚ she texted a detective to say‚ “After much consideration I feel that the allegations I made were not as I felt them to be on the first night. I believe there was a misunderstanding between him and I.” The woman hired an attorney and called the State Attorney’s Office several times to say she didn’t want to proceed with the case. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “Given the Defendant’s explanation that their sexual encounter that night was consensual‚ and the Victim’s recanted testimony about the nature of the sexual encounter‚ the State’s ability to proceed and prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt has been severely compromised. Therefore‚ the charges will be no-actioned‚” the disposition memo said. The State Attorney’s Office would not say whether it planned to charge the woman for her actions. The man’s attorney did not respond to a Daily Wire request for comment. The accused man is still on paid leave and the Miami-Dade Police Department did not immediately respond to a Daily Wire inquiry regarding his employment.

North Dakota Republican Governor Doug Burgum said on Monday that he will not seek a third term leading the Peace Garden State this year. The announcement followed Burgum ending his long-shot campaign in the 2024 presidential race last month and a little more than a week after he endorsed former President Donald Trump ahead of the Iowa caucuses. “Serving as governor and first lady of the great state of North Dakota has been one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences of our lives‚” Burgum said in a statement. “Kathryn and I are eternally grateful to the citizens of North Dakota for twice giving us this opportunity to serve the state we love so much.” North Dakota voters elected Burgum‚ a wealthy former software executive‚ to serve as their 33rd governor in November 2016. He won another four-year term in November 2020. In his statement‚ Burgum touted “incredible progress” during his seven-year tenure‚ including on issues such as taxes‚ the economy‚ education‚ state-tribal relations‚ agriculture‚ energy‚ and fighting addiction. “There’s never been a better time to live‚ work and raise a family in North Dakota. Our state is extremely well-positioned for the future thanks to the efforts of everyone on Team ND to empower people‚ improve lives and inspire success‚” Burgum said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP A term limits measure passed in 2022 barred any individual from being elected governor more than twice — though the measure noted that service before its effective date would not count toward the limit. Prognosticators who assessed the 2024 governor’s race last year determined the GOP was favored to win. At least one person‚ former Republican state Sen. Tom Campbell‚ has announced he will run for the office. Burgum’s current term is set to end on December 14. It was not immediately clear what he would do next‚ but one person had already floated a possibility. “He’s one of the best governors in our country‚” Trump said at an event last week‚ appearing with Burgum after Burgum endorsed the former president. “And I hope that I’m going to be able to call on him to be a piece of the administration‚ a very important piece of the administration.”

Royal family member Sarah Ferguson‚ the Duchess of York and ex-wife of Prince Andrew‚ has been diagnosed with skin cancer after a recent battle with breast cancer. The 64-year-old posted an update about her diagnosis to Instagram on Monday‚ saying she’s “taking some time” for herself after receiving the news so soon after battling cancer the first time.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15) “I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma‚ a form of skin cancer‚ my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was‚” she shared alongside a photo of herself smiling.  CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Next‚ the Duchess of York urged followers to be vigilant about getting checked for skin cancer‚ urging them to be “diligent” while observing changes to their skin. “Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support‚” the post continued. “I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size‚ shape‚ colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent.” She went on to thank her doctors and family for their care and support.  “I am incredibly thankful to the medical teams that have supported me through both of these experiences with cancer and to the MAYRLIFE Clinic for taking gentle care of me in the past weeks‚ allowing me time for recuperation. I am resting with family at home now‚ feeling blessed to have their love and support‚” Ferguson concluded. The royal family member previously thanked her two adult daughters‚ Princess Beatrice‚ 35‚ and Princess Eugenie‚ 33‚ for staying by her side during her breast cancer battle last year. “My two wonderful daughters are my wholehearted cheerleaders‚ my devoted champions and my soulmates‚ and they have been as supportive as can be‚ as they always are‚” she told People in November. Ferguson was married to Prince Andrew from 1986 until 1996. She remains involved in charities‚ including those aiding both adults and children who have cancer. 

Harvard University students hoping that campus anti-Semitism would subside with the start of a new semester will arrive to see posters of Israeli hostages desecrated with various anti-Israel messages‚ including that the Jewish state is responsible for the September 11‚ 2001‚ terrorist attacks‚ according to video captured by a student. “It’s the night before the semester begins‚” said student Shabbos Kestenbaum in a video of the vandalism. “That’s the John Harvard statue and then right over here we have fellow students defacing and vandalizing posters of Jewish hostages.” A group of students and pro-Israel Cambridge residents put up posters of Israeli hostages who have been held captive by Hamas terrorists for more than 100 days. Just a few hours later‚ they were covered in graffiti that accused Israel of being responsible for 9/11 and lying about hostages being taken. Several posters were ripped down as well. Anti-Semitic Graffiti Littered Across Harvard Campus On First Day Of Semester “I am a visibly Jewish student and when Jewish students say they don’t feel safe‚ let alone welcomed‚ it’s because of actions like this and we have no faith that Harvard will do anything to stop it‚” Kestenbaum added in the video. Kestenbaum and a few other students filed a lawsuit against Harvard earlier this month‚ accusing the prestigious university of enabling anti-Semitism and selectively enforcing its policies to avoid protecting Jewish students from harassment. The university has parted ways with its former president‚ Claudine Gay‚ in the aftermath of congressional testimony in which she failed to deliver a strong message against anti-Semitism at the Ivy League institution. The lawsuit cites several incidents of mobs occupying campus buildings‚ promoting violence‚ and assaulting Jews on campus. It also accuses administrators and professors of promulgating anti-Semitism and the university of partnering with a Palestinian university dominated by Hamas. READ MORE: Harvard To Host Summer Program At Palestinian University Dominated By Hamas “It’s clear that Jews are neither welcomed nor safe at Harvard‚” Kestenbaum‚ who is suing Harvard over anti-Semitism‚ told The Daily Wire. “Harvard should it ever decide to‚ can not only acknowledge this heinous anti-Semitic act‚ but create a plan to dismantle and combat it.” Posters vandalized on Harvard University campus / The Daily Wire “I do not expect them to do either‚” Kestenbaum added. Harvard University did not respond to a request for comment.

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk‚ who owns the social media giant X‚ blasted Diversity‚ Equity‚ and Inclusion (DEI) and its prevalence on college campuses on Monday. Musk appeared with Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro at the European Jewish Association (EJA) conference in Krakow‚ Poland‚ on Monday. Musk and Shapiro discussed topics such as anti-Semitism‚ free speech‚ and social media during a roughly hour-long discussion. The conversation flowed to DEI and the impact it has had on universities in the United States. Shapiro compared DEI and its emphasis on race-based solutions to Nazi conspiracies about Jews. “If you read Nazi literature‚ the Nazis literally promoted the idea that the Jews were‚ of course‚ this small caste of people who were running all major industries‚ who were standing behind all world power‚” Shapiro said. “That theory of power and group identity is really ugly‚ and we see echoes of it today.” DEI “suggests that all of society is a vast pyramid of group identity‚ and at the very top are the people who are successful‚ and that those people are exploiting everybody else. And we can tell who is successful by their group identity; not by their level of success‚ their group identity. It matches up incredibly‚ almost a Venn diagram with the circle of anti-Semitism‚” Shapiro said. Musk responded‚ “You should always be wary of any name that sounds like it could come out of a George Orwell book‚” in reference to Diversity‚ Equity‚ and Inclusion. “What it really means is discrimination on the basis of race‚ sex‚ and sexual orientation. And it’s against merit‚ and‚ thus‚ I think is fundamentally anti-Semitic‚” Musk said. "Diversity‚ equity‚ and inclusion…you should always always be wary of any name that sounds like it could come out of a George Orwell book."— @elonmusk and @benshapiro discuss the dangers of DEI. pic.twitter.com/Si43BkLiry — Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) January 22‚ 2024 The tech titan later said that the U.S. needs to discard the DEI standard in favor of one based on merit. “We really need to stop this principle that the nominally weaker party is always right. This is simply not true‚” Musk said. “If some of those weaker groups want to annihilate you‚ that does not make them good.” The focus of the EJA conference is the rise in anti-Semitism across Europe since the terror group Hamas invaded Israel on October 7‚ resulting in the murders of roughly 1‚200 people and the capture of hundreds more. Shapiro and Musk noted that the Palestinian terror group and its backers in Gaza appear to have gained support in the West‚ especially on college campuses‚ in part because of a belief that the Palestinians in Gaza are victims of Western oppression. Gaza is one of the leading recipients of aid from the U.S. and Europe. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “I’m a big believer in moral absolutism‚ not moral relativism. There is good and bad in the absolute‚ and you judge any group or individual against absolute moral standards‚ not whether they’re the so-called oppressed or oppressor‚” Musk said. “You would think‚” Shapiro responded‚ “but the pseudo-sophisticates on college campuses seem to think differently.” The Daily Wire host then pivoted to the spread of DEI on college campuses‚ asking Musk what the future of universities should be given that they “appear to have been corrupted by moral relativism.” “We need to return to what things mostly were‚ which is a focus on merit‚” Musk said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a man‚ woman‚ what race you are‚ what beliefs you have. What matters is how good are you at your job‚ or what are your skills.” “You could be a three-legged green Martian‚ wears a kimono‚ drinks yak’s milk. Who cares? It doesn’t matter. What matters is‚ how good is your work? That’s it‚” Musk added.

Valerie Bertnelli said she’s not happy about being let go from the Food Network reality competition show “Kids Baking Championship‚” which she’s been hosting alongside Duff Goldman since 2015. “It really hurt my feelings‚” the 63-year-old star said multiple times in a video clip she shared with her fans on Instagram. “It really sucks.” Bertinelli explained how she shot the episodes for the show’s current season during the summer of 2022. She went on to describe that time of her life as “my apex year of hell” as she was going through a divorce from Tom Vitale. “Like I was going through it and pretending everything was just fine‚ because that’s what you do‚” she said of filming season 12.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Valerie Bertinelli (@wolfiesmom)   “And‚ without sounding like a drama queen‚ the show saved my life. Working with all those really wonderful people and feeling productive and knowing I could spread some kindness and not just wallow in my hell and just try to keep my head above water‚ it helped me‚ it was like a flotation device‚” Bertinelli continued. “So it really hurts that I won’t be able to go back and see everybody and say ‘Hey‚ I made it through‚ hi!’” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP The Golden Globes award winner concluded the video with a message for future contestants on the show. “And to all the bakers that are coming in for the new season‚ even though I won’t be there‚ I’ll be there with you in spirit and I just want you to remember this: You are there for a reason. You’re some of the best bakers in America right now. And if you don’t make it to the next round‚ please always remember this‚ it’s not because you’re not a good baker‚ you just had a bad day‚” she concluded. “So always‚ always believe in yourself. Please do that for me. And keep baking. I’ll miss you guys.” “Kids Baking Championship” has been a popular Food Network reality show since it premiered in 2015. Young bakers attempt to impress Food Network viewers with their ambition and creativity as they dream up unique flavor combinations and visually appealing creations.

Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro offered his thoughts Monday after learning that Governor Ron Desantis (R-FL) had bowed out of the 2024 presidential race – and had endorsed former President Donald Trump in the process. Shapiro‚ who was in Poland with X and Tesla CEO Elon Musk for a tour of the infamous Nazi concentration camps Auschwitz and Birkenau‚ took a brief moment to share his thoughts in a video posted to X. WATCH: My reaction to DeSantis dropping out of the race pic.twitter.com/5jm6dveso2 — Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) January 22‚ 2024 “Well‚ folks‚ I’m here in Poland‚ I was visiting Auschwitz with Elon Musk today‚” Shapiro began‚ noting that he had not had time earlier to respond to Sunday afternoon’s breaking news that DeSantis was exiting the race. “Obviously‚ Governor DeSantis was my favorite candidate in the race‚” Shapiro continued. “I think he would have made the best president of all the candidates who are in the race‚ and obviously‚ the Republican voting base wants Donald Trump. And you know what? That’s the Republican voting base’s prerogative.” Shapiro went on to say that he certainly believed there would be “a future for Ron DeSantis” and added‚ “I think there will be another time for Ron DeSantis again. Best Governor in the country.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “With that said‚ this primary race — as I said after Iowa – is over‚” Shapiro concluded. “It remains over. New Hampshire will be won by Donald Trump. It’s time for the party to coalesce around the guy who is going to beat Joe Biden — and that guy is Donald Trump.” Shapiro made a similar statement shortly after the results came in from the Iowa caucuses – which Trump won handily with 51% of the vote‚ followed by DeSantis with 21% and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley with 19%. “Donald Trump is so far out ahead that the rest of the field can’t even see him. This is Secretariat against the rest of the field in the 1973 Belmont Stakes‚” he said at the time. “It means that‚ de facto‚ Trump is the nominee. If no one can challenge him in Iowa‚ if nobody really has a chance of challenging him based on the momentum going into New Hampshire‚ if nobody has a challenge for him in South Carolina‚ then all you can say at this point is that he is preparing for the general election against Joe Biden.”  

Getting engaged to the love of your life is such a special moment. As soon as it happens‚ you can’t wait to tell everyone else you love all about this life-changing decision. For Haley Anderson of South Carolina‚ one of those people is her great-granddad who she calls Papa. The moment of her engagement was unforgettable‚ of course‚ but his rection is just as great! There are many reasons why Haley couldn’t wait to tell her Papa the news. She loves him‚ of course‚ but she’s always admired his own marriage for as long as she can remember. View this post on Instagram A post shared by haley elizabeth andersen (@haleyeandersen) “All my life I prayed to have a love like my Libby &; Papa‚” Haley shares. “Up until she passed in June 2023‚ they were the greatest examples of a true Godly marriage.” Wanting to cherish the memory forever‚ Haley has her fiancé‚ Zach Poston‚ capture it on camera. The way she shares the news with Papa is simple‚ and it’s absolutely precious. Papa’s Engagement Reaction Sends Soon-To-Be Bride Into Tears @haleyeandersen All my life I prayed to have a love like my Libby &; Papa. Up until she passed in June 2023‚ they were the greatest examples of a true Godly marriage. This man loves like no other so being able to share this moment with him is something I will never forget #foryou #relationship #proposal #greatgrandparents #grandparents #southcarolina ♬ MITSKI X LANA by Robbie Devine – Rob In the video‚ Haley silently shows Papa her hand. More specifically‚ the one with her engagement ring. Immediately‚ Papa’s face lights up as his mouth drops open. Next‚ he makes his way to Zach so he can shake his hand. “I’ve been waiting to see that for a long time!” Papa exclaims. TikTok With tears in her eyes‚ Haley shares that she wishes Libby could be here for this moment. Papa agrees as the two of them embrace. He then goes on to recount the heartwarming story of how him and Libby fell in love over 70 years ago. “This man loves like no other‚” Haley says‚ “so being able to share this moment with him is something I will never forget.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Woman’s Great-Granddad Has Perfect Reaction When She Shows Him Her Engagement Ring. appeared first on InspireMore.

Julie Shore and Scott Gaede “are officially REmarried” after a years-long courtship that their daughters Rachel and Caroline are calling a real-life Parent Trap. Rachel chronicled the couple’s journey back to the alter on TikTok and earned a mass following in the process. PEOPLE eventually reached out to them to learn more about their love story. Instagram Julie and Scott first met over 25 years ago. Julie’s sister and brother-in-law arranged the meeting. And it only took “two weeks” for Scott to realize she was the one. While the pair committed their lives to the other early on‚ they dated for around three years before Scott popped the question. A year later‚ in 1997‚ they said “I do.” In 1999‚ they welcomed Rachel‚ and in 2003 Caroline joined the family. Despite the hopeful start‚ the marriage fell apart in 2014. “I think where we first broke down was really communication and just losing that element of being able to speak and really hear‚ really listen and understand one another‚” Julie shared. It took four years to finalize their divorce‚ and each of them went on to date other people and start new lives. However‚ the COVID-19 lockdowns brought them back together. The sisters were living with their mother and grandmother at the time. Because of their grandmother’s age‚ they followed strict quarantine rules. For Scott to see his girls‚ he had to do the same. That re-introduced Scott and Julie on a more personal level. Instagram “I was like‚ ‘You have a crush on Dad and you’re lying about it‚ and you haven’t told anyone.’ She was like‚ ‘No‚ I don’t. No‚ I don’t.’ I could tell that she believed that she didn’t. I was like‚ ‘Okay‚ girl‚ whatever‚’ ” Rachel told the publication. About a week after that conversation‚ Julie walked into Rachel’s room and finally realized her crush. Real-Life Parent Trap Comes Full-Circle After that‚ things started falling into place. Julie recalled having an “epiphany” after tragedy hit and Scott lost both of his parents within a year. “That was my moment where it was very much‚ we have to be together‚ and it’s beyond whatever problems we had‚” said Julie. The couple went on a trip to the Pacific Northwest to “hash out” the past. Following their daughters’ permission to try again‚ they elevated their relationship by moving the entire family into a new house. TikTok  “I think getting to watch your parents fall in love is not something that a lot of people get to experience‚” Rachel shared. On December 28‚ 2023‚ Scott and Julie re-married with their daughters by their side. Their nephew‚ who was a ring bearer during their first wedding‚ officiated the ceremony. @gachelraede successful parent trap ♬ WAR IS OVERRR – sarah “WAR IS OVERRRRRR‚” Rachel captioned on a video taken just after the nuptials. “Our parents are officially REmarried and we are no longer children of divorce.” While Rachel and Caroline joked that they’re part of a real-life parent trap‚ they admitted that their story was a bit different because their mom and dad didn’t need help getting back together. “The way we look at it is just … in the whole arc of our marriage as a single unit … the divorce was just part of our relationship‚” Scott added. “I do think that we both said in different ways‚ ‘if we didn’t go through the divorce‚ we would’ve never been able to get back together.'” Share this story to remind everyone that there’s always a second chance at true love. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Real-Life Parent Trap: Mom And Dad Fall Back In Love Nearly A Decade After Divorce. appeared first on InspireMore.