Current Events
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Source: TheStewartofNY / Getty / Tom Hanks
Hit dogs are hollering on social media after Tom Hanks put on a MAGA hat to portray a racist Donald Trump supporter during a skit on SNL 50.
Tom Hanks is feeling the wrath of MAGA Republicans for what they are saying is a “racist and disgusting” portrayal of Trump supporters on Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) 50th-anniversary special.
For the special, NBC spun the block on some of the more popular sketches, including “Black Jeopardy,” featuring Kenan Thompson, Leslie Jones, Eddie Murphy, and Tom Hanks.
For the hilarious skit, Hanks brought back his character Doug, an accurate depiction of Donald Trump’s core base of supporters who have no clue about what is going on in America outside of the right-wing echo chamber.
The Forrest Gump star first portrayed Doug in 2016 during Felon 47’s first failed presidency. In that original skit, he pointed out the differences and similarities between those who proudly support Orange Mussolini and those who give him the middle finger every chance they get.
In this new skit, Doug is the only white contestant on Black Jeopardy and refuses to shake hands with Kenan Thompson’s character, Darnell Hayes, before reluctantly agreeing to complete the gesture.
MAGA world took it as an insult, basically crying that it’s wrong to label the group of people who are proudly rallying behind immigrants being rounded up and deported and an administration on a mission to remove all DEI policies geared towards evening the playing field for Black and Brown people to “make America great again.”
Social media has been sipping on MAGA rage tears over the skit because Tom Hanks nailed the performance.
Welp.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
3. Nailed it.
5. We’ll wait
6. Never forget
7. So delicious
10. He sure does
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Source: The Washington Post / Getty
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed by the Senate to be the Health and Human Services Secretary for President Donald Trump’s administration, worrying many observers.
On Thursday (February 13), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was officially confirmed by the Senate to be the new Health and Human Services Secretary, ending a tumultuous period of debate. The vote was a narrow one, 52-48, with Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell the lone Republican to join all the Democrat senators who voted against him. Kennedy, the son of America’s prestigious political family, will now oversee $1.7 trillion in federal spending, vaccine recommendations, and food safety as well as half of the nation’s health insurance policies. He will also oversee 80,000 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Kennedy, 71, has been a controversial figure who has spread misinformation about vaccines in the past, particularly that they cause autism. He has also made claims about raw milk and fluoride in water, as well as asserting that Lyme disease and COVID-19 were bioengineered weapons. During his testimony before the Senate, he had issues confusing Medicare and Medicaid and was attacked for his flip-flopping on abortion. Although he gained some support for his “Make America Healthy Again” platform aiming at food additives, there is doubt that he will earnestly follow through on his proposals.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren decried the confirmation. “Putting Kennedy in charge of the nation’s public health is a huge mistake. When dangerous diseases resurface and people can’t access lifesaving vaccines, all Americans will suffer,” Warren said in her statement. “And thanks to his serious, unresolved conflicts of interest, RFK Jr.’s family could continue getting richer from his anti-vaccine crusade while he’s in office.” Senator McConnell, who survived polio as a child, criticized Kennedy thoroughly. “In my lifetime, I’ve watched vaccines save millions of lives from devastating diseases across America and around the world. I will not condone the re-litigation of proven cures, and neither will millions of Americans who credit their survival and quality of life to scientific miracles,” he said in a statement.
President Donald Trump took offense to the criticisms, particularly coming from McConnell as characterized the vote as a vote against him. “I have no idea if he had polio. All I can tell you about him is that he shouldn’t have been leader,” Trimp said to a reporter after the vote.
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CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we attempt to showcase music we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With just our second update of the year, we’ve had a lot of catching up to do.
Disclaimer:
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler
Happy Valentine’s Day, Hip-Hop Wired Nation! We’re glad to be back to curating what’s about to be your new favorite Hip-Hop music playlist! We haven’t kept on top of the playlist so we’ll be digging into some records released in the last year along with some new offerings.
We open the playlist with the buzzing “GIMME A HUG” from Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s $$$4U ($ome $exy $ongs 4 U) album. It looks like Drizzy is completely done with the 20-v-1 and back to the music. We follow that with “Gacy” from Atlanta’s Big Cheeko and his excellent Coulrophia album. Lil Baby’s WHAM album got the deluxe treatment and “Running This Sh*t” is one of the four bonus tracks. Next up is “Munyon Canon” from Larry June, 2 Chainz, and the Alchemist’s collaborative project, Life Is Beautiful.
Gunna, who may have taken some shots in the aforementioned Lil Baby track, shows up with the hypnotic “GOT DAMN” and the dynamic duo of Issa Gold and AKTHESAVIOR, together as The Underachievers, delivers the atmospheric “Have Nots” and have more heat in the tuck.
Pardison Fontaine links with Cardi B for the strip club-ready “Toot It Up,” and MIKE, perhaps the most gifted rapper and producer under 30, gets into the mix with “What U Bouta Do?/A Star was born” from his potent Showbiz! album.
Salute to Offset, Sideshow, El Costeau, Central Cee, 21 Savage, Jadasea, Niontay, Teddy Swims, Coco Jones, GloRilla, Zelooperz, Real Bad Man, Doechii, jalenn., GELO, Lil Wayne, Black Milk, Fat Ray, NLE Choppa, Spectacular Diagnostics, Conway The Machine, Chris Crack, and Declaime.
Salute to all the creative minds that helped make this edition of CRT FRSH what it is, We’ll be back in the swing in two weeks. For now, enjoy the music.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
Wendy Williams the popular radio show host turned TV talk show queen is trying to regain her personal and financial freedom by ending a guardianship enacted over her.
Williams has been in court-ordered guardianship since 2022 and is currently living in an assisted care facility. However, in her new petition she told the judge that she has “regained capacity” to function without a guardian, per TMZ.
The gossip news site recently released a documentary about her called, “TMZ Presents: Saving Wendy.” It is currently streaming on Tubi.
Williams who had been incapacitated in the past and was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia has signed an affidavit that she is, in fact, healthy. Her friend, TMZ founder Harvey Levin has stated that he believes Williams was misdiagnosed and has gotten healthier since becoming sober.
According to Fox4News, Levin interviewed his old friend from the street, where Williams claims she is locked in a room with no internet access. He said she is rarely allowed visitors and has only been outside twice in the past month.
“She rightly feels like a prisoner,” Levin said.
According to Levin, Williams, 60, is “back to her old self”, but her guardian refuses to release her.
Fans on social media, are reacting to the news and the documentary with outrage asking for the same support be offered Williams as was offered Britney Spears in her conservatorship battle.
The hashtag #FreeWendyWilliams is currently trending on X.
Sources have told PageSix that Williams is set to be reexamined by a medical doctor on February 18.
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Source: Princeton New Jersey PD / Princeton PD
A woman in New Jersey is facing federal charges after allegedly robbing a bank with a toy water gun which she painted to look like a real weapon.
On Tuesday (February 11), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced that they were charging Ciara Brascom with robbing a bank in Princeton of $60,500, which was done with Brascom using a toy water pistol that was spray painted black to make it look like a real weapon. If convicted, the 38-year-old could receive a prison sentence of up to 20 years along with a fine of $250,000.
According to reports, on the afternoon of July 28, 2004, Brascom entered the TD Bank located on Route 206 at 1:58 P.M. She wore a blue hat and red prescription glasses along with a blue medical face mask as she entered the bank. Soon afterward, she handed a note to one of the tellers demanding money, threatening to use her weapon if the teller triggered the alarm. Brascom then took out what appeared to be a gun from her pants pocket and aimed it at the teller, who informed her that their drawer was empty. The teller and another bank employee led Brascom to a safe, where they handed her the $60,500 in cash. Brascom then fled the scene with the cash in hand, having forgotten to take a bag to put it in.
After an extensive investigation, local law enforcement called Brascom in for questioning last September. During the interrogation, she spoke about “certain financial difficulties, which fueled her desire to rob the bank,” and described her search for a replica pistol to use during the robbery, which was unsuccessful. It led Brascom to buy a pack of water guns. She then “painted one of the guns with black paint to make it look more realistic.”
Brascom was charged with robbery, criminal restraint, theft, terroristic threats, money laundering, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses. She appeared in court for the charges later that Tuesday. There was no report of the status of her local charges. She was released after posting a $150,000 bond and is currently on home detention with orders not to return to the bank.
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Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty / Marlon Wayans
We are positive no one had Marlon Wayans and Soulja Boy beefing with each other on their 2025 bingo cards.
Well, this is interesting. Rapper Soulja Boy and comedian/actor Marlon Wayans were engaged in a back-and-forth on X, formerly Twitter.
We can’t tell you why the feud between the two started. Still, according to XXL, Big Draco was BIG MAD about Wayans clowning him for tapdancing for Donald Trump at the Crypto Ball, one of Felon 47’s many inaugural celebration events.
“Marlon Wayans you a b***h and u not funny shut up ni**a keep selling ur soul and sucking the higher up d**ks,” the rapper said in one of the many now-deleted posts on X.
Wayans eventually saw the post and responded back sharing a photo of man grabbing Soulj Boy from behind with the caption, “I’m sorry, @souljaboy said what now? Lookin’ like you give up anything for some meth.”
“Hey @souljaboy you a grown man and still use the word ‘boy’ in your name,” Marlon added in a follow-up post. “Thats what they were calling you at that event huh? Hey there Boy, can you do that dance for me? I’ll throw u a meme coin f*** outta here slappy…Says the coon who jumped over the moon.”
https://x.com/MarlonWayans/status/1889811811815579912
Of course, Soulja Boy had to clap back, taking things to a violent level.
“You a b***h and I’ll slap the s**t out u,” the “Crank Dat” rapper wrote. “Speak on what u know b***h ni**a trump wasn’t even there it was a bitcoin event b***h ni**a u washed up pu**y…You a 52 year old black man that dressed up like a white b***h. Who really the coon? Broke a*s ni**a.”
The Jokes Got Dark
Things took a twisted turn as the insults got even worse.
“You molested lil boy. Go sit your lil a*s down on some uncle lap and stfu,” Marlon said to the rapper.
“Molested?” Soulja clapped back. “A ni**a ever touch me they gone die I don’t play that gay sh*t u sucked d**k for ur movie roles. I got my sh*t out the mud by myself no help just the internet.”
Soulja Boy took it there, insulting Wayans’ transgender child, and Marlon Wayans proceeded to go all the way in and kept the jokes coming.
https://x.com/MarlonWayans/status/1889786382995910791
You can see more responses and reactions in the gallery below.
1. Lol, damn
5. Never forget
6. Howling
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President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly set to strike a deal with Elon Musk’s Tesla company to the tune of $400 million. President Trump is putting a fleet of armored Tesla Cybertrucks on order, prompting many online to call out the hypocrisy of DOGE and the White House.
As spotted on Drop Site, it appears that the State Department, now headed by Marco Rubio, was in line to receive the fleet of armored Tesla Cybertrucks with a value of $400 million and is slated to take place in the fourth quarter of the year for a period of five years. The outlet notes that the forecasted purchase was modified on Dec. 13 of last year, ahead of when Trump was officially sworn in last month.
Drop Site added that the plan was set in motion by President Joe Biden’s administration, with the aim of transforming the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s fleet of over 3,000 armored vehicles into all-electric, zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
After reports of the deal went wide, including outlets such as MSBNC and NPR, speculation pointed to the Cybertruck as the vehicle of choice after the word “Tesla” was seen in the State Department document. However, that word was removed Wednesday evening, prompting some to think that there is trickery afoot.
Elon Musk is currently spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, which has aimed efforts to cut government overspending. Critics of Musk and DOGE have aimed their concerns about the raging conflict of interest should Musk’s company retain the contract despite his pledge to cut the country’s deficit by trillions.
Cybertruck owners have recently been the target of vandalism and ridicule after Musk’s public alignment with Trump. Some owners are saying they’re being targeted while viral clips online show the vehicle marked with insults and taking surface damage.
On X, the reaction to the reports that Tesla could potentially earn $400 in government contracts for a fleet of decked-out Cybertrucks has garnered some passionate responses. We’ve got those listed below.
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Photo: Getty
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Valentine’s Day is this Friday (Feb. 14) and we’re already seeing the evidence of such with flowers, cards, and candies on full display online, where we shop, and beyond. For Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a cannabis gift guide for the lovers out there, even those flying solo.
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year, we can expect every restaurant that’s been buzzing online to be fully booked and that there won’t be many empty spaces where folks socialize as couples take to the streets. Beyond the cute dates and nightlife, some folks will stay indoors and find ways to connect in loving ways. Safely adding cannabis to the could have some very positive effects, especially for couples.
In this roundup, we’ve got some brands we’ve featured in previous cannabis gift guides along with some items especially tailored for sexy time. Also, we’ve got devices that can be shared with your loved one, rolling papers, cones, and other communal applications to enjoy each other’s time with a little enhancement. We even have drinks for those engaging in the California sober trend (and we’ll cover that trend very soon too).
I want to wish our readers a happy, safe, and enjoyable Valentine’s Day. As I always like to say, indulge responsibly and keep your wares tucked safely away. We’ve got a lot of celebrating to do this weekend and for the rest of the year.
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Photo: Getty
1. Blazy Susan V-Day
Source:Blazy Susan
Blazy Susan is one of our favorite brands to feature and they’re always doing some cool things with their rolling papers and accessories, including their Honey Lemon line. However, since it’s V-Day, we suggest going for their pink pre-roll cones or rolling papers.
Learn more here.
2. Cantrip
Source:Cantrip
I may have shared this before but my first time realizing that you can drink your THC occurred when I attended the Cannabis Cup in 2014 in the Bay Area. It was legitimately mind-blowing to have an infused soda pop. Cantrip satisfies that urge for a sweet, fizzy treat boosted with hemp-derived cannabis and fantastic effects. Ships to 34 states nationwide too!
Learn more here.
3. DaySavers Toke With Me Cones
Source:DaySavers
DaySavers, co-founded by Harrison Bard, who also co-founded Custom Cones, is offering a cute, Valentine’s Day-themed pre-roll set that just needs your flower and finishing construction before passing them off to your boo. They even have a V-Day bundle that features their Perfect Pack device, which I am eager to try out.
Learn more here.
4. Fable
Source:Fable
Created in 2016 by Kristin and Benjamin Kennedy, Fable takes the concept of canned mocktails but instead of spirits like the typical RTDs (ready-to-drink) options, their focus was on cannabis as the special sauce. Fable comes in three distinct flavors that definitely have all the flavor and balance of an artfully crafted cocktail.
Learn more here.
5. Flower Union Artisan Gummies
Source:Flower Union
Flower Union Artisan Gummies brings something new to the edibles game by way of infusing its treats with the entire plant. The brand boasts that this gives a true-to-flower effect and promises fast-acting effectiveness. The brand even tailors its gummies for whatever you might need for the day.
Learn more here.
6. Indacloud Chronic Crystals
Source:Indacloud
Indacloud Chronic Crystals are designed to take you back to the days of Pop-Rocks and come in two formulas: Day or Night. Hemp-derived cannabis is all the rage now and Indacloud has D8, D9, and THC-A products.
Learn more here.
7. Jaunty
Source:Jaunty
Jaunty owns the distinction of being the top-selling 510 vape cart brand in New York City, and now has some new flavors coming soon to the marketplace.
Learn more here.
8. Muha Meds Mambas
Source:Muha Meds
Muha Meds, founded by Ali Garawi, is one of the fastest-rising cannabis brands out there, specializing in all kinds of varieties to consume your medicine. We’re featuring their Mambas gummies for Valentine’s Day, which ships nationwide.
Learn more here.
9. Neno’s Naturals
Source:Neno’s Naturals
Neno’s Naturals is all about CBD, the cannabinoid that is praised for its potential to deliver health benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. They even have an offering for your pets.
Learn more here.
10. Puffco Peak – Bliss
Source:Puffco
I didn’t get a Puffco pitch for V-Day but that’s not an issue. Anytime I can mention this fantastic brand, I will. Given the theme of the weekend, we’re highlighting their Peak Smart E-Rig in its new Bliss color.
Learn more here.
11. Sauce Essentials
Source:Sauce Essentials
Sauce Essentials has an array of potent pre-rolls, their Dream Pen AIO, their Sauce Bars carts, and the delicious Bursts gummies with sectioned dosage. Available in eight states so far with two more on the horizon, Sauce Essentials is making some moves.
Learn more here.
12. STIIIZY
Source:STIIIZY
STIIIZY is a brand cannabis connoisseurs are well aware of, and now, they’re in the seltzer biz via their D9-infused sips. The THC is hemp-derived so it can be shipped to several states across the nation.
Learn more here.
13. Vessel
Source:Vessel
Vessel continues to be one of the most innovative brands around when it comes to cannabis accessories. The brand’s new Tide carrying case for its Pipe offering just launched, but they also have the Compass, Core, Vista Edge, and more.
Learn more here.
14. WYNK
Source:WYNK
WYNK was the first infused seltzer I tried and I am happy to share that I’m still crushing cans of their offerings every chance I can. The award-winning brand is available to ship to 37 states nationwide.
Learn more here.
15. Zone Opto
Source:Zone Opto
Zone Opto aims to disrupt the 510 vape cart market with its customizable battery that counts draws, three modes, one of which includes the option to increase flavor, and also a handy “puffs remaining” feature.
Learn more here.
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Source: YouTube / Club Shay Shay
Gillie Da Kid was a guest on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, and it delivered confirmation to a wild Internet rumor. According to Gillie, the cops told him that a recently murdered high school basketball star was also the person who shot and killed his son, YNG Cheese, in July 2023.
YNG Cheese was the victim of a drive-by shooting on a night that saw three homicides in Philly.
During Gillie’s visit to Club Shay Shay, after celebrating the win of the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, Shannon Sharpe asked him about the death of Noah Scurry, a 17-year-old high school basketball star who was shot and killed in early January.
“That’s who killed my son,” said Gillie matter of factly.
After some fleeting moments of awkward silence, Gillie revealed that his son was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He also noted that Curry had been rapping online in a Joker mask. As TMZ and various other outlets report, Scurry was killed the day after he dropped a drill rap video (with multiple guns being waved freely) where he is seen performing in a Joker mask as JokerOTV.
“These kids don’t know no better,” added Gillie. “These kids think, you can’t make it as a rapper unless you kill somebody. Unless you did something out in these streets. This is the mindset.”
Per Gillie, after his untimely death, the police told him Scurry was one of the people they were prepping to arrest in connection to his son’s murder.
Watch the full Club Shay Shay interview below.
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Source: Newsday LLC / Getty
The Department of Justice has officially called for the federal corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams to be dropped, sparking outrage.
On Monday evening (February 10), federal prosecutors in Manhattan received a letter from Emil Bove, the acting number 2 official at the Department of Justice directing them to drop the federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Bove’s reasoning for calling for the dismissal of the charges was that they hindered Adams from being able to assist with the crackdown on immigrants in New York City, in addition to questioning the timing of Adams’ trial date in April being so close to the Democratic primary in June. “The Justice Department has reached this conclusion without assessing the strength of the evidence or the legal theories on which the case is based,” the memo read in part. There has been no word yet on the cases against other members of his cabinet arrested on similar charges.
The letter from Bove also appeared to suggest that the Justice Department made the decision believing Adams’ unsubstantiated allegations that the charges of wire fraud, soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions from foreign nationals, conspiracy, and bribery were brought by the Biden administration because of his disagreement with them over how to handle the influx of migrants into New York City. One notable element of the letter shows that the request to drop charges was “without prejudice,” meaning that the DOJ has the option to revisit the case in the future. The decision to dismiss now falls upon Danielle Sassoon, the acting head of the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan, who could proceed with dropping the charges or decide not to. The latter choice could result in her being fired.
Adams’ critics and political opponents immediately decried the DOJ memo and called out Adams for heavily pandering to Trump to get the charges dropped. “Eric Adams sold out New Yorkers to buy his own freedom, but he’ll never escape the label of worst mayor in NYC history,” wrote Democratic State Senator Jessica Ramos, an opponent of Adams in the upcoming mayoral primary election. Public Advocate Juumane Williams released a scathing statement against Adams after the news broke, writing: Mayor Adams adopted a strategy of selling out marginalized New Yorkers and our city’s values to avoid personal and legal accountability. Well, it worked. I hope it was worth it.”