A city near Boston is the first in the country to recognize polyamorous relationships ... i.e., more than 2 people.
Somerville, Massachusetts passed an ordinance changing the definition of relationships that are recognized by the government. Domestic partnerships have been defined as an "entity formed by 2 persons," but the new definition reads a relationship "formed by people."
The ordinance also replaces pronouns -- no longer "he" or "she" ... it's now "they."
Short story ... the ordinance allows for more than 2 people in a domestic partnership.
The new ordinance was actually inspired by the coronavirus pandemic. There were residents of Somerville who were not married, and as a result, they could not visit their partners in the hospital because of restrictions on visitors.
The mayor signed the ordinance a few days ago ... it should be just a matter of days until polyamorous partners can file for domestic partnership.
BTW ... Massachusetts was the first state to recognize same-sex marriage back in 2004.
The NY Giants hired a new full-time scout -- which usually isn't newsworthy ... unless that person is the FIRST FEMALE SCOUT in the team's 95-year history!
The team announced 25-year-old Hannah Burnett has joined the organization as their Midlands scout, a full-time position.
Burnett started as an intern for the Buffalo Bills in 2017 and later jumped to the Atlanta Falcons, where she spent the previous 19 months working with their scouting department.
She recently interviewed with the Giants and crushed it -- and now, she's on the staff.
"The only thing I care about is for us to win the Super Bowl," Burnett said in an official team statement.
"Our main goal as a team is to win a Super Bowl. That's my goal, that's everybody's goal."
Burnett is also humble on breaking gender barriers in the NFL.
"I try not to think about that. I completely understand and am aware that this is an awesome opportunity, and it's important for females in the league. But I've said this from the get-go, I just want to be the best area scout that I can."
"I want to go in there like everyone else goes in there and go about my business like a pro. Everything else will work itself out if I go about my business the right way. For me, that's my mindset. It's always been my mindset. I'm just continuing to stay on that course."
By the way, Burnett was a star lacrosse player at the University of Massachusetts back in the day. Not only was she a team captain, she was a 2-time all-region and all-conference player and 3-time conference champion.
She also holds the UMass record for points in a game with 10.
This is what a coronavirus spread looks like in its preliminary stages ... chairs crammed into the same area together, inches apart, and that's exactly what's in store for the folks who will be celebrating Friday night with Donald Trump.
The site is Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, where the Governor has proudly proclaimed there will be NO social distancing at tonight's event.
There are enough tickets for 7,500 people. Fact is ... on a typical day, as many as 32,000 folks come to see the 4 famous figures carved into the mountain. That number shrunk to around 20,000 a day during the pandemic. Tonight's event is obviously different because of the close proximity among guests.
Masks will be optional. Trump said Thursday he's not against wearing a mask in public, but it would be shocking if he actually puts one on for the event.
BTW ... a hundred students have just tested positive for COVID-19 in Washington State, as if we need more evidence that a lack of social distancing can spread the virus like crazy.
11:47 AM PT -- Conor has sent a message of sympathy to his rival, Khabib, tweeting ... "The loss of a father, a coach, and a dedicated supporter of the sport. Condolences and rest in peace Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov."
Khabib Nurmagomedov's dad, Abdulmanap, has died from COVID-19 complications.
Abdulmanap was battling the virus for months but ultimately succumbed to it.
Khabib says his dad was struggling with COVID as far back as May, saying of his dad ... "He's in the hospital now, he's in very serious condition" after undergoing several surgeries.
His dad had a serious heart condition that required surgery a year earlier, putting him at risk for a bad outcome with COVID.
Khabib's dad was his longtime coach and a critical member of his team. And, his dad was incredibly successful as his son rose to the top of the UFC heap ... beating Conor McGregor.
East Coast actor Matt Salinger is best known for playing the top-secret genetically modified superhuman, Steve Rogers -- who is thawed out decades later and saves the White House from destruction as the shield-wielding Captain America -- in the classic 1990 Marvel movie "Captain America."
Salinger was cast alongside Scott Paulinas the freaky-looking fascist, Red Skull ... who is covered in red scars and tries to trigger nuclear explosions but ultimately falls off a cliff instead.
Fun Fact: Matt Salinger is the son of the famed "The Catcher in the Rye" writer, J.D. Salinger.
President Trump's highly touted Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza at Mount Rushmore isn't coming cheap -- it will cost the country well over half a million bucks ... and could cause a spike in coronavirus cases to boot.
The July 3 celebration with be the first at the South Dakota landmark since 2009 due to environmental issues, and Trump's really hyping it up ... while ignoring the COVID-19 related risks of gathering thousands for a fireworks display.
Nevertheless, POTUS and the First Lady Melania will travel to Rushmore Friday to take in the celebration ... which TMZ's learned has a price tag of nearly $600k, if not more.
According to federal procurement docs ... an environmental consulting service called Ero Resources Corporation was paid $138,800 to work on the event. Another consulting company got over $30k for permit review and display inspection, while a protective services business landed nearly $33k to provide security and screening.
But, that's not all ... the docs show nearly $30k spent on National Fire Protection Association code consultation ... and about $3,500 on portable toilets.
Add it all up and that's $234,247, and THEN tack on the $350k paid to a California company called Pyro Spectaculars for the actual fireworks show ... and the total is $584,247.
And, keep in mind ... this doesn't even factor in the scheduled flyover!!!
Also, if you aren't aware ... social distancing won't be enforced at the large gathering -- according to South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who worked with Trump to make it happen -- despite the fact COVID cases are on the rise across the U.S.
Gov. Noem says free face masks will be given out to those who want them, but "we won't be social distancing. We're asking them to come, be ready to celebrate, to enjoy the freedoms and the liberties that we have in this country."
America's top doc in the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has some sage words of advice for those who wanna get outta dodge for the long Fourth of July weekend.
We got Dr. Tony on Capitol Hill -- where he was masked and on the move -- and asked what factors make a vacation safe ... and unsafe.
Fauci, as always, makes solid points. It depends on where you live and the COVID rate of infection. Makes sense, because if you live in a spike state and you and your family have been out and about, then maybe think twice about leaving.
The good doc also says you have to look at where you want to go ... what's the level of infection. And, of course, no matter what, masks folks ... and social distancing.
Here's "Iron" Mike Tyson tossing a steel cage around an L.A. beach this week like it's a toy ... and it's pretty fun to watch!!
Unclear why Mike hit the sand ... but it's all obviously part of a larger production -- hence the video cameras and crew members (all of whom were wearing masks btw, so props on that!).
In addition to the cage flip, Tyson was also spotted carrying buckets of bloody fish, tossing life rafts and wearing snorkeling equipment.
Tyson just turned 54 years old this week ... and has said he wants to get back in the ring for some exhibition boxing matches -- but so far, nothing's a done deal.
The boxing legend told us he'd even be down to take on his old rival Evander Holyfield (who's also training for a comeback) but only if they could raise a bunch of money for charity.
"That would be awesome for charity," Tyson told us back in May ... "Can you imagine me and him going in the ring together?"
Tyson is also the focus of an upcoming movie -- with Jamie Foxx playing the boxer ... and he's already transforming his body into fighting shape.
Dr. Charles Sophy -- one of the leading psychiatrists in the country - has a scary outlook on the direction America's heading -- downright terrifying -- but on the bright side ... he thinks we can turn it around.
The famous shrink joined "TMZ Live" Friday, and we wanted to know ... why all the craziness right now?! It seems even the smallest thing sends people into a rage.
Unfortunately, Dr. Sophy thinks it's gonna get worse ... because we're in a perfect storm of chaos.
The way the doc describes it, people are lashing out because they feel contained, caged, and they don't have control of their lives ... due largely in part to COVID-19, but also because of the ever-pronounced divisions in this country.
The question no one can answer -- what will the next 6 months hold? Scary to even ponder.
Liliana Barrios -- who starred in a couple of seasons of "Black Ink Crew: Chicago" -- allegedly went on a violent rage after catching her GF in bed with another woman ... this according to cops who arrested her for assault.
The incident went down June 3 in San Antonio where cops say Barrios and her GF got into a verbal altercation at their apartment before it turned violent ... this according to a police report obtained by TMZ.
Cops say during the argument, Barrios decided to take off for the night. When she returned the next day to pick up clothes, cops say Barrios got heated after catching her 22-year-old GF in bed with another woman ... triggering another argument.
Cops allege Barrios pushed her GF onto the couch and a struggle ensued ... with Barrios allegedly scratching her GF's neck, arm and biting her right leg. The officer claims they observed scratches and abrasions on the GF's right knee. Cops say Barrios was the aggressor and “intentionally and knowingly caused bodily injury."
Barrios -- the ex-GF of a recurring cast member on 'Black Ink' from seasons 2 to 5 -- was arrested for assault/bodily injury on a cohabitant.
We've reached out to Barrios for comment, so far no word back.
An ultra-rare signed LeBron James rookie card -- featuring a piece of his game-worn jersey -- just passed the $1 MILLION mark at auction ... and experts say the number could DOUBLE before it's over.
That's $2 MILLION. For a basketball card. For real.
The card is from the 2003-2004 Upper Deck Exquisite collection -- it's one of only 23 ever produced.
The quality of the card was graded "9.5" by Beckett (considered Gem Mint) and the autograph was a perfect "10."
The rarity of the card combined with the near-perfect grading makes the item a collector's dream -- and rich enthusiasts have already proven they're willing to spend big money to own it.
So far, the card has received 22 bids on the Goldin Auctions website -- with the current price at $1,020,000.
The bidding started at $150k -- but it racked up in days and with more than 2 weeks left in the auction, we're told a $2 million bid isn't out the question.
Even if it doesn't get another bid -- the $1 mil price would make the Bron card the most expensive modern-era card of all-time (surpassing a Mike Trout card that sold for $900K).
We're talking NBA, MLB, NFL, and any other sport out there.
And, get this ... Goldin Auctions also tells us a $1 mil gavel price would make the card the highest-selling LBJ piece ever.
But surely, there must be more expensive Michael Jordan items, right?
Nope ... Goldin says there ain't a card, shoe, or MJ jersey out there that's cracked the $1 mil barrier.
If you want in, there's time left ... the auction doesn't close till July 18.
Tanning on dry land is for suckers when you've got these fancy floats to soak in the sun on!
These lounging ladies have been coastin' through this quarantine and we can see why ... These hot poolside pics have made it very clear these sexy stars have been proudly making room for some much needed me-time, and are enjoying every bit of sunshine!
From stars such as Bella Hadid and Saweetie to Sofia Vergara and Cara Santana there are plenty of hot shots to go around!
Take a look at all the ladies that have been sunbathing in style by scrolling through our gallery of buoyant summer babes!
The face mask controversy is officially everywhere, because even nudist resorts are requiring guests to cover up -- a decision that's chapping some bare asses.
Now, while most nude resort visitors are taking the one piece of clothing rule in stride, there are some naked naysayers shouting down the face mask. Among their gripes ... mask tan lines, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The Solair Recreation League, a clothing-free resort in Connecticut, says it prides itself on a "no tan lines" motto, so it's been a difficult adjustment, and some guests have complained.
But, let's get to the bottom line here ... as posed by the Cypress Cove Nudist Resort in Kissimmee, FL -- "If you’re wearing a face mask, are you really nude?"
Apparently, that's a big hangup for many, who feel it's their right to be completely in the buff if they are at a nudist resort, and there should be no exceptions. You get the point ... face mask face-offs are brewing at nude joints.
WATCH: Saturday night dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse in Little Rock turned violent after one customer was upset about the lack of social distancing. Hear from someone who saw it all go down tonight on @KARK4News and @FOX16News Warning: profanity is used. pic.twitter.com/wsez397453
Let's hope they don't end with the kind of madness we've already seen around the country -- no one wants to see broken bottles and nudists rolling around in a fight. Right? Okay, maybe that's just us.
Still, most guests are complying for the greater good, and even better news -- their naked bods are getting a greater dose of vitamin D than most ... which scientists have said helps ya fight COVID.
The Atlas Restaurant Group says there was nothing racist about refusing service to a black mother and her child for violating their dress code -- and it's offering what it calls "proof" ... but it's pretty thin.
As TMZ reported, Marcia Grant is taking legal action against the group for an incident last month at Ouzo Bay restaurant in Baltimore. Marcia and her 9-year-old son, Dallas, were turned away because of his athletic shorts, but Marcia spotted a white child who was dressed nearly identically enjoying a meal.
In response to Grant's accusations, Atlas -- the parent company of Ouzo Bay -- claims Dallas' shorts were, in fact, different from the white kid's.
Its explanation is the white kid was wearing "J. Crew 'khaki'” type shorts, with front and back pockets, a zipper, and button closure in front."
Beyond breaking down zippers and pockets ... Atlas is also playing what can best be described as the "I have Black friends" card.
Its released screen grabs from Ouzo's surveillance video showing other Black customers in the restaurant around the time Marcia and Dallas were denied.
As Atlas puts it, "Restaurant surveillance video throughout that same day at Ouzo Bay demonstrates that the customers of Ouzo Bay look exactly like the population of Baltimore City – diverse. Countless African-American patrons were welcomed into the restaurant that day to enjoy its food, atmosphere, and drinks."
That statement, of course, avoids the heart of Marcia's complaint ... that her son was treated differently from a white child in very similar clothing. Her only issue is with the manager's allegedly uneven application of the dress code.
Atlas claims her video of the encounter doesn't tell the whole story of what happened that day.
You'll remember ... Atlas immediately fired 2 employees following the incident, but claims the firings weren't because they discriminated against the family, but instead, "Atlas was not satisfied with the level of sensitivity, discretion, and judgment demonstrated by management on-duty at the time."
We had Marcia, Dallas and their attorney Donte Mills, on 'TMZ Live' this week to explain how Dallas has been affected, and how they're trying to make him understand ... he did nothing wrong.
Atlas says it made multiple attempts to make things right with Marcia but she refused to listen ... they say instead, she was busy interviewing attorneys, hiring a publicist and setting up a GoFundMe -- which has now been taken down -- for Dallas.
4:47 PM PT -- Here are the mugshots for the arrested couple, Eric and Jillian Wuestenberg.
UPDATE
UPDATE
2:06 PM PT -- The Oakland County Sheriff tells TMZ ... the couple who drew their guns were both taken into custody and charged with one count of felony assault.
A heated racial exchange in a Detroit area parking lot -- between a white woman and black mom and her daughter -- led to the woman pulling a gun and pointing it right at the mother's face.
The argument allegedly started Wednesday evening because the white woman bumped into Takelia Hill's 15-year-old daughter, Makayla, as she was entering a Chipotle in Orion Township, MI.
Makayla claims she moved out of the way, but tells The Detroit News ... "She bumped me and I said, ‘Excuse you.’ And then she started cussing me out, and saying things like I was invading her personal space."
Takelia then got involved and that's when the racial tension started rising. As the white woman and a male companion got into their SUV, Makayla and her mom accused them of being racist. The man got out of the car and asked, "Who the f**k do you think you guys are?"
The white woman shouted, "White people aren't racist, no one's racist" -- and then started to back out and leave ... but Takelia was apparently behind the SUV or near it. She claims they were about to hit her, and it sounds like Takelia banged on their window -- and that's when the white woman got out with her pistol ... and aimed it directly at Takelia's face.
The white woman screamed, "Don't you f***ing jump behind my car. Get the f**k back! Back up! Get the f**k back! Back the f**k up!"
Thankfully, the woman finally decided to put the gun down and get back in her SUV to leave ... as cops were called. Takelia says the incident traumatized her and her 3 daughters ... who were in their vehicle.
We've reached out to police, who say they are still investigating the incident but a report has been taken.
The NFL is planning to make a huge statement when the season kicks off ... with the league reportedly deciding to play the Black National Anthem before every Week 1 game.
"Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing" -- which is often referred to as the Black National Anthem -- will be played before the 'Star-Spangled Banner' prior to every game in the first week of the season, according to ESPN.
It was originally written as a poem by African-American civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson in 1899 -- and later set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson.
It was first performed in public as part of a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, 1900, according to the NAACP.
Several NBA teams have played the song during Black History Month over the years -- and Beyonce famously performed part of it during her iconic Coachella performance in 2018.