Veteran Sheepdogs of America Prez Pleads for Help ... Needs $1.6M to Get Pups Outta Kabul

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THE CLOCK IS TICKING
UPDATE

4:21 PM PT -- Joshua tells us they've reached the $1.4 million mark with two big donors to still come through, he's confident they'll hit their goal of $1.67 million.

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10:19 AM PT -- We had Hosler on TMZ Live who tells us the group is essentially in the 11th hour, and desperate to raise the remaining funds and evacuate the dogs. If interested, you can donate here.

As people continue to scramble to flee Afghanistan, so too are a number of four-legged allies ... and one guy's nonprofit is in desperate need of a major donor to make it happen.

His name's Joshua Hosler, President of Veteran Sheepdogs of America ... which is working frantically right now to help evacuate dozens of military dogs used by U.S. service members and others in and around Kabul, which don't seem to have many options for getting out.

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SAVE THE DOGS

He posted a TikTok video explaining the dire sitch -- with a photo of a ton of carrying crates in front of a chopper. Josh says this is just a fraction of the dogs left behind in the mass pull-out. There are military personnel on the ground that Josh is currently working with to coordinate a rescue, but the bottom line is ... he needs resources (like a 737 plane) which ain't cheap.

JH shoots his shots with the multi-millionaires and billionaires of the world -- including guys like Musk and Gates -- who could presumably cut a check for at least $1.67 million to fund an aircraft that could accommodate all these dogs to land somewhere outside the country.

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THE CURRENT SITUATION

Sounds like some active armed forces members are vouching for him online -- telling folks he isn't a fraudster or anything of the sort, and that he and his cause do, in fact, need all the help (and money) they can get ... thanking him for his sainthood in the process.

Based on @VetSheepdogsUS's tweets, it seems like things are coming down to the wire. The account last wrote some 8 hours ago, "We were told just now if the dogs aren't on the plane we will be forced to leave them in hanger! WE NEED A MIRACLE!"

Originally Published -- 7:09 AM PT

Evan Rachel Wood Responds to Ye Hosting Marilyn 'You Get What You Give'

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Kanye West hosting Marilyn Manson at his latest "Donda" event has spurred a reaction from one of the latter's most notable accusers ... Evan Rachel Wood's got a response, in song.

The actress hit the Bourbon Room in Hollywood Saturday night, where she got on stage and did an impromptu performance of the New Radicals' "You Get What You Give" ... with just a guitarist and an iPhone on hand to help out.

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It's pretty clear who ERW was dedicating the song to, because her caption alluded to "survivors" who she feels were betrayed this week -- of course, in relation to Manson. Also, as you may know, Manson is name checked in the lyrics ... and when she sang that line (4:40 in the video), Evan threw up a middle finger.

She writes, "For my fellow survivors who got slapped in the face this week. I love you. Don't give up." Evan also said that she'd been saving this cover, and that Saturday felt like an appropriate time to let it rip.

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This all comes on the heels of Kanye's third listening show in Chicago this week -- where he not only had Manson come hang out, but DaBaby as well ... both of whom have been embroiled in controversy of late. Manson, however, is another level ... he's been accused of rape and sexual abuse by numerous women -- all of which he's vehemently denied.

Still, it was a bizarre move on Ye's part to bring both of those guys out -- not to mention feature them on one of his tracks. DB and MM are on "Jail, Pt. 2." Some reports say Kanye did it just for shock value and publicity ahead of the release ... which if true, is bonkers.

Speaking of the chaotic upload of "Donda" ... Ye spoke on that just today, saying it was put out by UMG without his final approval. But, he still appears to be firmly in support of "Jail, Pt. 2" being included. For the record ... the song did end up making it on Apple and Spotify.

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At any rate, we know how Evan feels about this whole thing ... and she seems to think Ye will reap what he sows.

Sarah Paulson Woke Insanity ... Dragged for Playing Linda Tripp

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This could be the dumbest, most ridiculous woke move ever ... Sarah Paulson is getting dragged for wearing a fat suit portraying Linda Tripp in "Impeachment: American Crime Story," because some critics think the role should have gone to someone with Tripp's body shape.

Yes, there are people who think an actor of Linda Tripp's size was denied a role that rightly should have gone to her.

Now, this is not to say it's not legit to debate actors wearing fat suits. But, is it essential to the role? As Sarah says, "There's a lot of controversy around actors and fat suits, and I think that controversy is a legitimate one. I think fat phobia is real. I think to pretend otherwise causes further harm. And it is a very important conversation to be had."

But, saying size matters in casting a role ... that's another thing altogether. What about actors who use prosthetics? What about a blonde actor who plays a redhead? Or an actor who gains or loses a lot of weight for a role ... a la Christian Bale or any other method actor???

Sarah brilliantly shut down the haters ... "I do think to imagine that the only thing any actor called upon to play this part would have to offer is their physical self is a real reduction of the offering the actor has to make."

She goes on ... "I would like to believe that there is something in my being that makes me right to play this part. And that the magic of hair and makeup departments and costumers and cinematographers that has been part of moviemaking, and suspension of belief, since the invention of cinema. Was I supposed to say no[to the role]."

Sarah was vague at the end, saying now that she knows what she knows, she would respond differently if offered the Linda Tripp part. She says, "I think the thing I think about most is that I regret not thinking about it more fully ... Should I have known? Abso-f***ing-lutely. But I do now. And I wouldn't make the same choice going forward."

She could be talking about 1 of 2 things ... either not taking the role at all, or not wearing a fat suit. We're guessing she means the latter.

Afghanistan Exit Woman Gives Birth on Turkish Flight Out ... Baby's Citizenship Unclear

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A woman fleeing Afghanistan gave birth on a Turkish Airlines flight headed for the U.K. ... but the citizenship of the baby is something of a mystery.

Soman Noori, a 26-year-old Afghan with 2 kids, was on board the jet when she started having contractions. As the plane cruised at 33,000 feet above Kuwait, she gave birth.

The baby's name is Havva -- in English, Eve.

There have been other births during the evacuation as well.  Several other Afghan women gave birth either on a U.S. aircraft or at a U.S. military base in a foreign country.

One woman gave birth on a U.S. military plane that landed in Germany. Medics jumped on board when the plane landed and tended to her. The parents named the newborn girl Reach ... the call sign of the C-17.

According to the State Dept's Foreign Affairs Manual, "A U.S.-registered aircraft outside U.S. airspace is not considered to be part of U.S. territory," thus "a child born on such an aircraft outside U.S. airspace does not acquire U.S. citizenship by reason of the place of birth."

If a child is born over U.S. airspace, they would become a U.S. citizen.

It's unclear if a baby born on a military base in a foreign country would be eligible for U.S. citizenship.

As for planes flying to Europe ... there is generally no automatic citizenship. However, there's something called the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness ... and countries that have signed on offer citizenship in the country where the aircraft is registered.  This presents a problem for refugees ... the plane might be registered to a country that has no connection to the final destination of the aircraft.

Justin Bieber on Spotify Most Listened to Artist Ever!!! Officially Prince of Pop???

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Justin Bieber has left every other artist on Spotify in the dust -- hitting a major milestone by attracting the most listeners ever, which begs the question ... is he MJ's heir apparent???

The Biebs broke a record this week ... raking in the most monthly listeners on Spotify over the course of the streaming platform's history, with a whopping number of 83.3 mil -- the first time that's been accomplished -- this as his "Justice" album continues to surge on the charts.

And, don't get us started on his hit single with The Kid LAROI, "Stay," which continues to cruise at #1 several weeks after its release. Safe to say, August has been good to JB.

BTW, as far as Justin's Spotify lead ... he's far ahead of the rest of the pack by millions of listeners. The Weeknd clocks in at #2 with 74.5 million monthly listeners, Ed Sheeran is #3 with 72.4. And his female contemporaries are even further behind ... in the 60s.

The record before this was around 82 mil monthly listeners -- held by Ariana Grande for a good while. In any case, some major congratulations are in order ... and maybe some title-bestowing too. A lot of people are throwing around the term "Prince of Pop" right about now.

There's some controversy with that ... some feel he isn't deserving (for a variety of weird reasons) -- but the numbers don't lie, and Justin's longevity speaks for itself. So yeah, he may just be the modern-day prince of the genre ... behind the all-time king, Michael, of course.

Speaking of MJ, the dude's music continues to hit new benchmarks in its own right ... even today, more than a decade after his untimely death. "Thriller" was just certified 34X Platinum this week -- yep, people are still playing that classic.

All hail the King ... and Prince!

Drake Fans Vandalize Ye's Childhood Home ... W/ Signs Fueling Beef

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Kanye West and Drake's beef has trickled into real life harassment -- some fan(s) of the latter took it upon themselves to hit up Ye's childhood home with some hateful words in tow.

Photos surfaced this weekend of three different signs that appear to have been left on the front steps of the South Shore Chicago house that Kanye grew up in ... and which he bought in recent years and is reportedly in the process of renovating.

It also served as the centerpiece of his latest listening event there in town -- with Ye creating a replica version of the crib to help tell the story of his "Donda" album. Now, it's tainted.

Somebody left signage touching on Drake's lyrical shots that he fired last weekend ... in which he called Kanye "burnt out," among other things. One sign echoes those words exactly, while another warns that Drizzy's album, "Certified Lover Boy," is coming soon.

And, the middle sign randomly takes a swipe at Justin Laboy -- a social media influencer who's been relaying a lot of Kanye "Donda" news lately ... seemingly on his behalf.

Luckily, no real damage to the home was done ... but it still feels like crossing the line into a space that's obviously sacred to Ye. Unfortunately for him, the address is widely public ... and doesn't seem to have any barricades or security around to keep nosy prowlers out.

The fact someone had the gall to go to Kanye's actual house to do this perhaps speaks to the stunt he pulled on Drake this week ... posting the dude's Toronto address publicly.

If that is, in fact, the motivation, it's pretty diabolical -- and also suggests this feud is far from over ... as it's now fallen into the hands of what is a clearly overzealous fanbase.

Eric Clapton New COVID Protest Song On Vaccines, 'This Has Gotta Stop'

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Eric Clapton is putting his anti-vaccine sentiments into song -- the guy just released a ditty that's all about resisting COVID vaccines and restrictions ... and it's surreal.

The legendary rocker and guitarist debuted his new track, "This Has Gotta Stop," Friday ... which at first feels like a social justice-like protest song -- based on the lyrics and visuals. But, when you read between the lines and read up on EC's recent COVID remarks ... it's clear what he's talking about.

The chorus goes, "This has gotta stop, enough is enough // I can't take this BS any longer // It's gone far enough, you wanna claim my soul // You'll have to come and break down this door." His first talks about knowing something was wrong when the proverbial man started laying down the law ... which Eric says made him apprehensive and break out in sweat.

He goes on to talk about what he thinks this future (of COVID mandates, vaccine requirements, etc.) will mean for his kids down the road. There's also a lot of animations of people being controlled by strings and hypnotized ... so it's clear what he thinks of it all.

Of course, that's no surprise ... Eric made his feelings known about a month ago when he announced he wouldn't perform at venues with vaccine requirements ... going on to liken it to "discriminated audience(s)." Even before that, he's been pushing anti-vaccine rhetoric pretty much all throughout the pandemic -- so, now, it appears he's channeling that in music.

The online response has been rough ... folks are ridiculing his latest offering, and swearing off his music at large over his stance.

Marine Corps Lt. Col. Disciplined After Railing on Military Brass ... For Disastrous Afghanistan Exit

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A Marine Corps lieutenant colonel was swiftly disciplined after railing on the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other military leaders for bungling the disastrous exit from Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, a 17-year-veteran who has served in Afghanistan, says he knew the brass would come down on him like a hammer, but he felt it was his duty to publicly demand accountability for failing to protect the troops.

Lt. Col. Scheller was relieved of his duties after posting his video, in which he says, "People are upset because their senior leaders let them down. And, none of them are raising their hands and accepting accountability or saying, 'We messed this up.'"

The lieutenant colonel, who says he had a personal relationship with one of the fallen soldiers, says he knew his criticisms would result in a high cost to him, his family and his career, and also said he was urged by some of his fellow Marines not to say publicly what they were all feeling privately.

The Lt. Col. zeroed in on what he believes was a fatal error ... not securing the Bagram Air Base before evacuating our soldiers and Afghan allies.

The Marine brass said they disciplined Lt. Col. Scheller because they lost trust and confidence in his ability to command.

It's unclear if Lt. Col. Scheller will face further discipline.

Actor Ali Olomi More Attacks Imminent in Afghanistan ... Pray for the People There

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JUST THE BEGINNING

Afghan-American actor Ali Olomi is heartbroken about what's going on in Afghanistan, and sadly ... he expects it to get even worse.

We got Ali out in L.A. Thursday as news was pouring in about the attacks at the Kabul airport -- which left at least 12 U.S. service members dead -- and he predicts the violence will continue ... especially after America fully withdraws.

Like Ali points out, if this sort of mayhem is already happening, it's hard to believe it will go away once we leave.

The actor -- who's had guest roles on TV shows like "NCIS: Los Angeles," "SEAL Team" and "Madam Secretary" -- is asking everyone to send positive thoughts and prayers to the Afghan people ... because they're in a terrible situation right now.

Ali's trying to remain hopeful himself, and has a message for President Biden and everyone else who's struggling with this outcome after 20 years of U.S.-Afghanistan relations ... keep the faith.

Actress Allyssa Brooke's Son Attacked During Basketball Game ... Father Says It Was Unprovoked

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UPDATE

11:40 AM PT -- Allyssa and her husband, Robbie, joined "TMZ Live" on Thursday and said Nick's improved a bit but he's still on a liquid diet and drinking out of a straw now instead of a syringe. Allyssa also said Nick's jaw will be wired shut until mid-September.

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WE WANT ACCOUNTABILITY
UPDATE

As for what led to the attack ... Robbie says Nick never saw it coming. Robbie said Nick told him they were playing 5-on-5 and he got challenged to one-on-one. Robbie said Nick told him he drove up the middle and it's the last thing he remembers before being assaulted.

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Allyssa and Robbie are, justifiably so, outraged that other students involved in the attack -- as well as those who stood by and laughed while filming it -- have faced no consequences.

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What's more ... Allyssa says the school districts claim their hands are tied because the incident happened off campus. She's calling BS ... and implores the public to sign her Change.org petition so other parents don't find themselves in a similar situation.

Actress Allyssa Brooke's teenage son was viciously attacked on a basketball court ... and it was all filmed by other kids who just stood by and laughed.

You see Allyssa's son, Nick, driving the lane before he's shoved to the ground. Nick quickly gets up to confront the guy who committed the flagrant foul but he's pushed ... and then, someone comes out of nowhere and punches him in the face.

Nick suffered a broken jaw in 3 places, a severe concussion and whiplash. When he got to the hospital, a baseball-sized lump had formed on the back of his head ... prompting concerns from doctors that there might be internal bleeding in his brain.

Allyssa -- whose acting credits include "Stranger Things," "Ozark" and "Queen of the South" -- told 11Alive she spent Nick's 17th birthday feeding him liquids through a syringe because his jaw's been wired shut for 6 weeks.

Allyssa's angry at those who found joy in the beatdown. She said, "I don't expect everybody to be a hero and run in to save the day if that's not your style. But, to laugh and applaud, and cheer, that's not humanity."

Nick's got a long road of recovery ahead. Once his jaw's unwired, Allyssa says he'll need additional weeks of bands to strengthen and retrain his bite. He also faces 6 months to a year of wearing braces to realign his teeth ... several of which she says were twisted out of place.

As for the attackers ... the kid who broke Nick's jaw has been charged with assault as a juvenile. But, Allyssa says the kids who filmed the incident should also be brought to justice. She has since started a Change.org petition toward that end.

There's also a GoFundMe to help offset Nick's hospital bills, which have already exceeded $50,000.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Greek Freak Invades AEW Event ... Fans Go Nuts!!!

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GIANNIS' GRAND ENTRANCE

From the top rope ... it's THE GREEK FREAK!!!

Okay, so Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn't frog splashing anyone, but the Bucks champion DID make a surprise appearance at an AEW event at Milwaukee's American Family Field on Wednesday ... and the crowd lost their damn minds!!

The MVP brought his son, Liam, to the "Dynamite" event ... getting a front-row seat and having an absolute blast, according to Todd Rosiak.

But, Giannis wasn't just there to sit and watch all the stars get all the action -- the 6'11", 242-lb. basketball player channeled his inner wrestler by stepping into the ring with a championship belt and climbing up on the ropes!!

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MIND BLOWING SLAM

Giannis is seen smiling from ear to ear... basking in all the glory as fans chanted "MVP!!!"

There was one *gasp* moment -- Giannis' foot slightly slipped as he left the ring ... and some folks in the crowd held their breath before their beloved superstar regained his balance. So don't worry, Bucks fans. Your guy is totally fine.

There are rumors the appearance will air on AEW's "Rampage" on Friday ... and we're sure it's gonna be epic.

Giannis even got to hang out with some of his favorite wrestlers -- Chris Jericho and Sting -- afterward ... posing for a pic and chatting it up!!

Never change, Giannis. Never change.

Terry Crews Making My Way Downtown 'AGT' Gets Their 'White Chicks' Fix!!!

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CREWS GOT MOVES

Terry Crews hasn't lost a move since "White Chicks" — or a lyric either, for that matter.

The actor took 'AGT' fans on a trip down memory lane this week with an impromptu performance of Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" ... which he, of course, famously did in the movie.

As good as that cover was on camera all those years ago, this one might be right up there as far as commitment ... 'cause the dude was all in on the lip-synching, not to mention the moves he added for extra gusto.

Check it out — Terry goes all out here, mouthing the lyrics to a T and adding accompanying steps ... ones he might not have had a chance to perform in the flick. You'll recall, his character did the whole 'Thousand Miles' in the confines of a car. So now, we’re getting the full-body number!

The 'Got Talent' crowd ate it up ... they seemed to be singing along, and gave him his props at the end — and how could they not??? This is top-notch entertainment.

Yeah, TC's fitting it in just fine in the host role.

LeVar Burton Nothin' to Say on 'Jeopardy!' Drama What Is ... a Poker Face???

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LEVAR'S LOCKED LIPS

LeVar Burton is by far the fan fave to take up the mantle on 'Jeopardy!' as Mike Richards takes a bow -- but he's pretty clammy these days when you bring up the topic ... which may or may not be telling, depending on how you read and hear this.

The 'Reading Rainbow' vet got approached by a pap Monday outside a STAPLES in the San Fernando Valley, and of course ... they asked him about all the 'Jeopardy!' drama, and whether he thought he should be given a shot to host the game show permanently.

Check out his response ... the dude is pretty firm here with his repeated "no comment" line -- so it's clear he's got zip to say about the sitch, despite most everyone else seeming to have an opinion (in his favor).

You could interpret this a couple ways -- he's either got something to lose (perhaps?) by running his mouth ... so he'd rather zip it instead of risk it. OR, he truly doesn't give a damn and just doesn't wanna talk about it ... 'cause he's over all the speculation and mind games.

Based on the online fanfare over his potential permanent hosting ... something tells us there may be something to that former theory -- namely, that LB could have something in the works with the 'Jeopardy!' powers that be ... especially considering how they did him dirty.

LeVar's guest-hosting stint was scheduled right up against the Olympics, and got poor ratings. There's no concrete reporting on how he might personally feel about that -- but his supporters were utterly outraged ... up to and including when Richards got tapped for day-to-day duties, only to be forced out amid controversy.

Sometimes saying less speaks volumes -- and that could be the case here with LeVar. 👀

Spike Lee Pushes 9/11 Conspiracy Theory ... 'I Got Questions'

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Spike Lee's going where so many other Americans have already gone before -- promoting 9/11 conspiracy theories -- but the way he's doing it is still surprising ... even 20 years later.

The famed director's riding the publicity train for his HBO docuseries about New York -- "NYC Epicenters 9/11-2021½" -- but one thing that stands out with his new show is the inclusion of interviews with members of a conspiracy group called Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth.

Turns out, Spike wanted those interviews because he believes in certain 9/11 conspiracy theories himself ... namely, that jet fuel can't melt steel beams, so the World Trade Center collapse must have been a controlled demolition.

In speaking with New York Times reporter Reggie Ugwu about his thoughts on 9/11, Lee says ... "I got questions. And I hope that maybe the legacy of this documentary is that Congress holds a hearing, a congressional hearing about 9/11."

Spike says he doesn't buy the official explanations because, "The amount of heat that it takes to make steel melt, that temperature’s not reached," adding ... "And then the juxtaposition of the way Building 7 fell to the ground — when you put it next to other building collapses that were demolitions, it’s like you’re looking at the same thing."

Lee goes on to say he includes the information in his documentary, but it's up to the audience to judge for themselves. However, when Ugwu called him out for not saying "make up your own mind" about vaccine conspiracies or the presidential election being stolen, the director simply said ... "People are going to think what they think, regardless."

You can say that again, Spike.

'Gas Station' Karen Racially Profiled Black Man ... Called Him a Drug Dealer

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"Gas Station" Karen triggered her husband's rage after she allegedly harassed and racially profiled a black couple, calling the man a drug dealer.

Nikki Harbor, the black woman who recorded the wild confrontation, tells TMZ "Karen" -- real name Erin -- was already arguing with her husband when she and her boyfriend Isaac pulled up to the gas station ... so she started to record.

Nikki tells us when she started to film the argument, Erin noticed she was being recorded and approached Nikki and Isaac's vehicle. Nikki stopped recording and claims Erin then pointed at Isaac, who was pumping gas, and called him a drug dealer.

Nikki assures us, she and Isaac had never met Erin before, so the idea she knows anything about either of them is preposterous.

That's when the now-viral video picks up, where Karen's going off on just about everyone ... while her husband apologizes for her rude behavior and tries to get her to leave with him.

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KAREN LASHES OUT

Nikki says the entire incident was clear racial profiling ... and Erin had no reason to ever insinuate, much less accuse, Isaac of anything.

In any event ... Nikki says she didn't report the incident to the police and she hopes Karen gets help in some way, shape or form.

Kanye West I'm Recreating Childhood Home ... For 'Donda' Listening Party

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UPDATE

12:56 PM PT -- WGN out of Chicago just got some updated images ... looks like the home is close to completion.

UPDATE

Kanye West is doing some home cooking for his next "Donda" event ... because it looks like he's recreating his Chicago childhood home on a big stage.

Check out this image from inside Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, where Kanye is getting set to host his 3rd listening party for his upcoming album.

As you can see, construction is in full swing on a structure that looks a lot like the home where Ye grew up on the South Side of Chicago ... and it seems the house is smack in the middle of the football field.

Remember ... the album name is "Donda," an homage to his late mother, so it seems fitting Kanye would represent their old home for his listening party in the city where he was born and raised.

Kanye's also been all about this era of life ... he recently scrubbed his entire Instagram page except for a lone image of the old Chicago crib, which he bought last year for a cool $225,000.

Yeezy's known for getting super creative with his stages, and it looks like he's feeling right at home back in the Chi.