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Streamer Kai Cenat is learning how to read at age 24

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Photo of Kai Cenat learning how to read
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YouTuber Kai Cenat is going viral after he live-streamed himself trying to read a book.

He struggles to read basic words in the English language such as “spontaneity” or “dichotomy.” He couldn’t pronounce those words without the use of an online tool.

“Spontanay, spontana- how do I pronounce that?” he said, while reaching for his cell phone. “Often times when I don’t know what a word is pronounced, I wanna, I get to look at how it’s pronounced and what it even means,” he said.

A digital voice on his cell phone said “Spontaneity.”

Kai repeated, “Spontaneity: the condition of being spontaneous.” He then proceeded to mispronounce the word several times.

The Hollywood JR / BACKGRID

When the digital voice said “dichotomy,” Kai pronounced the word “di-comedy,” as if he’d never heard the word “dichotomy” ever in life.

The video sparked debate about the education and development of children in public schools in America.

Kai is a 24-year-old grown man who can’t read. That revelation shocked the parents of his young followers who now realize their children probably can’t read either.

Reading simple texts on their phones or social media comments is not the same as sitting down to read a good book. Most kids online today have never read a book. They can’t even pronounce the title of a book.

Dr. Allison Wiltz, who uses the Twitter handle @queenie4rmnola, criticized followers for making fun of Kai.

“This is how you’re supposed to read, by looking up words you’re unfamiliar with. Why is he being made fun of for learning?”

Dr. Jeffrey J. Lusk wrote: “I look up words all the time, and I have a PhD! I even keep a written list of the new words I learn so I can go back and refresh them in my memory.”

Dr. Wiltz responded: “Learning is a life long [sic] process. I underline a word, and look it up if I don’t know it. The list is a smart idea.”

Author Ashley D. Turney wrote: “I don’t think he was being made fun of. All the comments I saw were supportive and applauding his efforts.”

User J. Wood commented: “Most 5th and 6th graders know these words. He doesn’t.”

Another SCRAP (@scrizzllee) noted that Kai launched a clothing line while not being able to read.

SCRAP wrote: “I think the real sentiment is being this far behind in literacy while also trying to attack an industry giant like fashion is kinda…”

Sen. Josh Hawley Vents at OB/GYN Doc Who Refuses to Answer: “Can Men Get Pregnant?”

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Josh Hawley, Republican Senator for Missouri, went viral on Wednesday for checking a doctor who refused to answer the question: “Can men get pregnant?”

The Christian conservative lawyer questioned Dr. Nisha Verma during a congressional hearing on the safety of abortion pills.

Dr. Verma is a licensed OB/GYN and a senior advisor to Physicians for Reproductive Health. But she repeatedly refused to answer whether a biological man can give birth.

At first, she danced around the same question from Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) before butting heads with Sen. Hawley.

Hawley: “Do you think that men can get pregnant?”

Dr. Verma: “I hesitated there because I wasn’t sure where the conversation was going or what the goal was. I mean, I do take care of patients with different identities. I take care of many women.”

Sen. Hawley asked the doctor over a dozen times whether men can get pregnant. But she maneuvered around the question and refused to answer.

“I wasn’t sure where you were going with that [question],” she said.

Hawley responded, “Well, the goal is just the truth. So, can men get pregnant?”

Verma responded: “I’m not really sure what the goal of the question is… Yes and no questions like this are a political tool.”

Hawley replied: “The goal of the question is to establish a biological reality. You just said a moment ago that science and evidence should control – not politics. So let’s just test that proposition. Can men get pregnant?”

After growing frustrated with Dr. Verma’s repeated refusal to answer the question, Sen. Hawley said: “For the record, it’s women who get pregnant, not men. I don’t know how we can take you seriously and your claims to be a person of science if you won’t level on this basic issue.”

He added: “I thought we were past all of this, frankly.”

Last October, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a generic version of mifepristone to terminate a pregnancy.

Mifepristone is the most common way to have an abortion in the U.S.

Pro-life groups argue that the drugs carry risks and rare complications. While pro-choice critics cite studies that show mifepristone is safe.

Sen. Hawley’s wife, Erin, a lawyer, has argued against the use of the abortion pill.

Update: $58K Raised for Grammy-Nominated Musician John Forté’s Family

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PhotoXpress/MEGA

Update: Kindhearted people donated over $58,000 for the family of the late musician John Forté who died suddenly at age 50.

The Grammy-nominated rap producer was found dead at his home in Chilmark, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on Monday, January 12.

A neighbor found Forté unresponsive on his kitchen floor and called 911.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, organized by Amber Knowles, will benefit Forté’s wife, freelance photographer Lara Fuller, and their 2 children.

Photo of Lara Fuller and children
Instagram/Lara Fuller

The description reads in part:

“We are organizing this fundraiser to help support John’s children and Lara as they move through this incredibly difficult period. The funds raised will go directly toward the children’s living expenses and care, as well as the unforeseen costs associated with John’s funeral.

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference for this family. Thank you for helping honor John’s memory by supporting the people he loved most.”

Police confirmed no foul play is suspected in Forté’s sudden death.

Tributes poured in on social media from artists he collaborated with including the Fugees, Wyclef Jean, Refugee Camp All-Stars, and more.

Natalie Cass/Getty Images

Forté was born in Brooklyn, New York City on January 30, 1975. He grew up in a privileged home with financial stability. He studied violin and classical music at the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, a college prep school in New Hampshire.

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After graduating in 1993, Forté returned to New York City, where he roomed with rapper Talib Kweli after enrolling in NYU as a music business major.

His big break came when he was introduced to The Fugees by Lauryn Hill in the early 1990s. He co-wrote and produced several songs on their multi-platinum and Grammy-winning 1996 album, The Score.

Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

He was nominated for a Grammy for his work on the album. He went on to tour with The Fugees, and contributed vocals to Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival in 1997.

Forté released his debut solo album, Poly Sci, which was produced by Wyclef Jean in 1998.

In 2000, Forté was arrested at Newark International Airport on drug possession and trafficking charges. He was sentenced to 14 years at FCI Loretto, a low-security federal prison in central Pennsylvania.

Forté’s privileged education at Exeter enabled him to meet legendary singer Carly Simon and her son Ben Taylor. They met through Taylor’s cousin, who was a classmate of Forté’s at Exeter.

Carly and Ben advocated for Forté and fought for an appeal of the mandatory minimum drug laws that put him in prison.

Forté said Carly Simon was “my champion, my crusader, my mentor, my friend, my spiritual godmother.”

With the help of Senator Orrin Hatch, Forté’s prison sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush on November 24, 2008. He was released from prison on December 22, 2008.

PhotoXpress/MEGA

Forté began teaching music at the City College of New York in 2009.

He went on to release more albums and collaborate with musicians. In 2012, he composed an anthem for the Brooklyn Nets, entitled “Brooklyn: Something to Lean On”.

He also appeared on an episode of “NY Ink” on January 2012, and composed the theme song for the CBS News television documentary series “Brooklyn DA.”

GoFundMe Raises $400K for Suspended Ford Worker Who Called Trump a ‘Pedophile Protector”

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Photo President Trump, TJ Sabula
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A Ford worker was suspended for calling President Trump a “pedophile protector” during a factory visit on Tuesday.

The incident happened during Trump’s tour of the Ford F-150 plant at the Detroit Economic Club.

The worker, identified as TJ Sabula, is heard shouting the insult at Trump who yelled back, “You should be fired.”

Trump then flipped off the man – a gesture which the White House said was a completely “appropriate and unambiguous response.”

Sabula was suspended while Ford investigates the incident. But anti-Trumpers rallied to raise money for him on GoFundMe.

According to TMZ, Sabula is fighting to keep his job.

Sabula’s newfound fans donated over $435,000 to the GoFundme, titled “TJ Sabula is a patriot!!”

A vulgar photo on the GoFundMe page shows Sabula raising his middle finger towards Trump who looks down from a second floor window.

I can’t post the GoFundMe due to the vulgar photo. Sandrarose.com is a family-oriented blog.

The description reads:

“Please help us raise funds for patriot TJ Sabula!! TJ was suspended from his job at the Ford Automotive Company for correctly calling President Donald J Trump a Pedophile Protector!! Let’s rally and support TJ and help him pay some bills (and force DJT to release the Trump/Epstein Files) LFG!!”

One donor wrote: “Thank you for your courage in defying that pedophile protector and traitor to the constitution!”

Another donor wrote: “Fellow Local 413 Teamster. My family stands with you and hope if you don’t prevail with Ford, you’ll prevail with the courts!”

United Auto Workers Union Vice President Laura Dickerson tells TMZ, “[TJ Sabula] believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job.”

Vanessa Williams says weight-loss drug is a “game changer”

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Photo of Vanessa Williams on cover of Hello! magazine
Hello Magazine

Vanessa Williams joined the list of celebrities who lost weight using a GLP-1 drug. The 62-year-old actress and model has been using Mounjaro for the last 2 years.

“It’s a game changer,” she told Hello! magazine for her cover story published on Monday.

The Miss America winner says she started using Mounjaro to look and feel her best.

“When I turned 60, I was like: ‘I want to be here for a long time, and I want to look my best. So what am I going to do?'”

Phil Lewis/WENN

Vanessa said she began struggling with her weight after experiencing hormonal changes during perimenopause in her late 40s.

“My fifties were hard,” she explained. “I started perimenopause in my late forties but suddenly, at 51, it’s crazy how your body changes.”

Phil Lewis/WENN

“Because you’re working out the same way, eating the same, and your body is not reacting the way it used to,” she said.

“Science is amazing. I’m like: ‘What’s next? Bring it on!'”

Phil Lewis/WENN

Vanessa also takes Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help stabilize her hormones during menopause. She adds nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide injections (NAD+) for cellular rejuvenation.

To maintain her youthful glow, she tried an updated version of the “vampire facial,” which includes polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid to tighten and plump her skin.

“I’ve done it three times and definitely see a difference,” she said.

Vanessa is thankful that her menopause journey has been easy with an effective combination of hormones and drugs.

Her youthful looks combined with a toned body keeps her ahead of the game.

“There’s an ease and wisdom that comes with age. It’s just delightful to still be in the game,” she said of her acting career.

Mary J. Blige Announces Her First-Ever Las Vegas Residency

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ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Mary J. Blige celebrated her 55th birthday on January 11 with a major announcement. She announced her first-ever Las Vegas residency, “Mary J. Blige: My Life, My Story,” at Dolby Live at Park MGM.

AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

Mary made the announcement on Monday, January 12, in a promo video. “Vegas are you ready? I am so excited to announce my first ever Las Vegas Residency May 1 – 9 & July 10 – 18 at Dolby Live at Park MGM! Get your tickets (Friday at 10 AM PT),” she wrote.

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

“I’ve been so excited to announce this Vegas residency,” she said in a press release.

“Creating a show like this has been something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a chance to get my fans together from all over – different cities, states, and countries – to experience something together. My Life, My Story will be just that – with some surprises for my fans that have been there through it all. See you in May!”

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The R&B legend released her debut album, What’s the 411?, in 1992. The album spawned the hit singles “Reminisce”, “Real Love”, “You Remind Me”, “Sweet Thing”, and “My Love.”

Eric Kowalsky / MEGA

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul’s trophy case includes 9 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, 4 American Music Awards, 12 NAACP Image Awards, and 12 Billboard Music Awards, including the Billboard Icon Award.

Black reporter, Lynn Jones, refuses to apologize for telling Jaguars coach to hold his head up after playoffs loss

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Jacksonville reporter Lynn Jones-Turpin went viral on Sunday when she told Jaguars head coach Liam Coen to “Hold your head up,” following the team’s loss in the NFL playoffs.

Jones, who works for the Jacksonville Free Press, made the uplifting remark during a press conference following the Jaguars playoffs loss to the Buffalo Bills on January 11.

Jones said to Coen:

“I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man. You hold your head up, all right? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. You just hold your head up, OK? Ladies and gentlemen, Duval, you the one. Keep it going, we got another season, OK? Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team.”

Jones was criticized by her fellow reporters for showing empathy for Coen.

Sports journalist Jemele Hill tweeted: “That can’t be a reporter. Cause if so, I would not have used the term awesome.”

Jemele backtracked after Jaguars fans roasted her on X:

“What I would say to my fellow media members — and to the general public — is that if we’re going to have this much discourse about @JacksonvilleFP reporter Lynn Jones, the very least we could do is follow her publication on social media and subscribe. This is one of the few Black newspapers still in existence.”

Mark Harrington, of the Buffalo News, tweeted: “Awesome? Are you serious? That’s not a reporter. That person shouldn’t even have a credential.”

Mark Long, of the Associated Press, wrote on X: “Nothing ‘awesome’ about fans/fake media doing stuff like that. It should be embarrassing for the people who credentialed her and her organization.”

Fred Purdue wrote:

“Not a Jags fan but Lynn Jones did something different yesterday. She spoke life into a young coach. It’s not her job and nobody asked for it but she did it. The world is speaking down on a black woman because she spoke positivity. We need more of Lynn Jones.”

Former NBA star Matt Barnes said on his podcast, “I see nothing wrong with what she did.”

Jones defended her 23 years as a reporter in the Jacksonville area during an interview with News4.

Watch the videos below.

Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls) deletes her socials after her husband’s arrest

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Photo of Melissa Gilbert and Tim Busfield
MEGA/WENN

Beloved actress Melissa Gilbert deleted her social media accounts after her husband turned himself in to face child sex abuse charges in New Mexico.

Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday, January 13.

Gilbert, best known for her role as Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie,” has been married to Busfield since 2013.

She deactivated her Threads and Instagram accounts after Busfield turned himself in to police.

FayesVision/WENN.com

In an arrest warrant issued by New Mexico police last week, two children accused Busfield of touching them on the set of the Fox TV series “The Cleaning Lady,” which aired from 2022 to 2025.

The children, twin brothers, were 11 years old at the time.

The twins’ mother said her sons were “groomed,” by the 68-year-old “West Wing” actor. They boys claimed the abuse occurred between fall 2022 and spring 2024.

Image Press Agency/MEGA

Albuquerque police officer Marvin Brown asked Busfield about the allegations. His answers were suspect, according to the arrest warrant reviewed by Entertainment Weekly.

“I mean, I’m always around people, right? Uh, uh, uh… it would be, it would be, you know, in front of the parents. There would never be a weird moment about it. I don’t really remember picking those boys up,” he told Brown. “I don’t remember those boys … I don’t remember it … If it happened, I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.”

Gilbert asked for privacy in a statement issued through her publicist.

She previously spoke out against child abuse on film and TV sets.

In a November Instagram post, Gilbert recalled feeling pressured to kiss costar Dean Butler in “Little House on the Prairie.” She was 15 at the time and Dean was 23.

Photo of Melissa Gilbert and Dean Butler
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“Through the lens of today, this is shocking. I have no words other than to say, ‘I WAS A CHILD. I WAS FIFTEEN,'” she wrote in her post. Gilbert added that she was more “fortunate” because adults on the NBC set kept her “safe.”

Druski’s Prosperity Preacher Skit Mocks Christians, Sparks Debate

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Internet comedian Druski’s prosperity preacher skit mocks pastors who preach the gospel of greed inside massive megachurches.

Druski uploaded the skit to Instagram and X (Twitter) on Tuesday along with the caption: “Mega Church Pastors LOVE Money.”

The comedy skit was viewed over 63 million times across both platforms and drew laughter and praise from his followers. But church folks are displeased by his portrayal of megachurch preachers.

“I Walk in the Blood of Jesus!”

In the skit, Druski, 30, wears a Christian Dior jacket and Christian Louboutin dress shoes as he hangs in the air suspended from a harness.

“I had somebody in the congregation ask why I’m wearing Christian Dior and Christian Louboutins,” he says before raising his feet to expose the red soles of his expensive shoes. “Cause I’m a Christian, and I walk in the blood of Jesus! I’m a Christian first! Give Him some praise!”

Photo of Druski skit

Druski tells his congregation that he needs $4 million to build a church over in Africa.

“Hallelujah! That needs to appear today! We are not letting anyone leave until we reach our goal. Amen? Hallelujah!” he says as parishioners come forward to give him their life’s savings.

Druski doesn’t explain which preacher he’s imitating, but it isn’t hard to guess.

In another scene, Druski’s staff escorts an elderly parishioner named Wanda to the stage.

“Wanda told us earlier this month that she could not have a baby anymore,” Druski explains. “So I impregnated her with the Word of God. I’m going to impregnate everyone with the Word of God! You gon’ get pregnant with the Word of God! You gon’ get pregnant with the Word of God!”

In another scene, Druski uses a machine to count the stacks of cash he collected from his parishioners after locking the doors of the church.

In the final scene, a man approaches Druski’s Rolls Royce and begs him to pray for his wife. “Get your hands off my car,” Druski tells him before asking the man if he gave tithes and offerings.

The skit drew mixed reactions online. One person wrote on Instagram: “Oh this finna RUFFLE some feathers.”

Another user wrote: “I see that a lot of people are upset, but let’s think about it. Druski is an actor and a comedian. He’s portraying something he’s either seen or heard about… This doesn’t represent all churches, but at the same time, we shouldn’t ignore the fact that there are churches and pastors living this way. Instead of just being mad, let’s focus on fixing what actually needs to be fixed.”

Watch the skit below.

NeNe Leakes returns to Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ after settling lawsuit

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Prince Williams/WireImage

The rumors are true: NeNe Leakes recently signed a contract to return to Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

NeNe will only appear in “Real Housewives Ultimate Road Trip,” according to Bravo.

The 58-year-old reality star will “have a notable presence” in “Road Trip,” according to the network.

Judging from recent photos, NeNe had some body work done in preparation for her return.

NeNe makes her long-awaited return after she was fired in 2020 for insubordination on the set.

She filed a lawsuit against Bravo, parent company NBCUniversal and Andy Cohen in 2022, accusing them of fostering a hostile work environment on the RHOA set.

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / BACKGRID

At the time, NeNe’s attorney said she was “the target of systemic racism from co-star Kim Zolciak-Biermann, which was tolerated by Bravo executive producer Andy Cohen and other executives.”

NeNe dismissed her lawsuit in August 2022 after reaching an agreement with Bravo, NBCUniversal and Cohen.

Bravo executive Frances Berwick said the door was open for NeNe to return. And NeNe confirmed to BOSSIP that she and NBCUniversal were on better terms.

Andy Cohen has said repeatedly that she wasn’t welcome back on the show.

But he announced that “Ultimate Road Trip” would celebrate “20 years of the Real Housewives of Atlanta” with iconic Housewives past and present.

“This is going to rock your world,” he said at the recent BravoCon 2025 event in Las Vegas.