Nat'l Christmas Tree Lighting Whole New Tree Cost You $164k!!! Thanks to Illegal Climber

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UNDERNEATH THE CHRISTMAS TREE

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree ...
How much you f@#%ing cost us?!

When President Trump lights up the National Christmas Tree this week, it's not the decorations that should mesmerize you -- it's the six figures YOU spent to replace last year's tree!!!

The National Park Service planted the new nat'l tree -- a 30-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania -- back in October on the Ellipse in D.C.'s President's Park. The old one, it turns out, was damaged shortly after the 2018 lighting ceremony, where one scofflaw went wild.

Ya might remember, the guy wreaked havoc by getting behind the curtain of lights and climbing up the tree's delicate limbs.

As we reported ... the cops got him down after a struggle, and the climber -- described as being under "emotional distress" -- was taken to a hospital for mental evaluation.

Unfortunately, he caused the tree -- which had been there since 2012 -- a lot of distress too. According to federal docs, obtained by TMZ, the gov't paid a tree company $163,984 to plant the new one. It's officially our 6th National Christmas Tree, which can be visited year-round at the park. Might as well go see what your tax dollars bought.

Additionally, the cost of Trump's third lighting ceremony is up significantly compared to last year. According to the docs, the White House tab totals $180,633 ... up from 2018's total of $141,944.

We broke the story ... the 2018 ceremony's cost was only slightly up compared to 2017, with event management services accounting for the majority of the expenses. Other expenses included sound system rental and ballistic glass to protect Donald, Melania and the First Fam.

It's unclear why there's a $40k increase this year. We've reached out to Infinite Power LLC, the company providing event management services ... but no word back yet.

The new tree will be lit for the first time Thursday night -- and that cha-ching you'll be hearing ain't jingle bells!!!

Saquon Barkley Emotional Meeting With 11-Year-Old ... Who Was Snubbed By Cowboys Star

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Saquon Barkley
SAQUON COMES THROUGH

Here's a video that'll hit ya in the feels ...

A little Saquon Barkley fan who was snubbed by a Dallas Cowboys superstar a couple months ago finally got to meet his NY Giants idol -- and the hangout brought the kid to tears!

If you missed it ... back on Sept. 8, 11-year-old Kamil Bautista tried to ask Demarcus Lawrence for an autograph after the Giants-Cowboys game in Dallas.

But, D-Law wasn't having any of it 'cause of the Barkley jersey Kamil was wearing ... and the Cowboys star straight-up told the kid as he was walking away, "Get the right jersey, son!"

The video immediately went viral ... and when Barkley saw the snub -- he flew Kamil and his family out from Texas to New York for a game!!

The Bautistas got the VIP treatment -- sideline passes, autographs and all the hook-ups -- but the best moment was clearly Kamil's first time hanging with Barkley.

Watch the vid, Saquon is SUPER nice ... and it actually makes Kamil cry!!

After the game, the two linked up again ... with Barkley signing a few things for the kid and taking a cool picture.

As for the outcome of the night, the Giants ended up losing to the Jets ... but Kamil's father tells TMZ Sports, "Our Giants are not doing that great this year but we support them 100000% all the time from South Texas!"

#Awesome

Bella Hadid Helps Fallen Photog ... BH & Pals to the Rescue

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PHOTOGRAPHER FAUX PAS

Bella Hadid put on her Good Samaritan hat to help out a female photographer who fell flat on her face in front of the supermodel.

It all went down Tuesday night in Miami, where Bella was leaving Swan restaurant to get in a waiting SUV ... of course, she was greeted with tons of paps on her way out. Nothing too crazy -- that is, until one paparazzo took a nasty tumble at Bella's feet.

Bella was quick to bend down and help her up -- even before her brawny security guard could -- and a few other gals who seemed to be rolling with BH also sprung into action.

It's a pretty sweet moment as Bella and co. made sure the woman -- and her expensive camera -- were okay. Fortunately, she was ... the lady admitted to being a klutz, and was back on her feet in a matter of seconds. The group even chatted for a bit afterward.

The funny part comes when the convo ends and the photog very much tries to get back into job mode as Bella is about to leave. She got the shot she wanted ... we think.

Criss Angel My Son Johnny's Cancer Is Back ... But You Can Help Him!!!

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WE'LL KEEP FIGHTING

Criss Angel is sharing some somber news about his young son's dire medical battle ... the leukemia is back after a brief dip into remission.

We got Criss and his kid, Johnny Crisstopher, at LAX Tuesday, and the famous illusionist told us his 5-year-old will be going back to a hospital next week to restart treatment for a rare form of leukemia.

Criss says before Johnny's readmitted, he's going to make sure the little guy has the time of his life in SoCal. Sounds like dad's got some fun stuff on tap.

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LOOK AT ME GO

You'll recall, when Johnny was first diagnosed with cancer back in 2015 at just 21 months old ... Criss set out to make a documentary on his son's chemo treatments, and to raise $1 million for pediatric cancer research.

Criss says he's going to host another charity event in Vegas at Planet Hollywood where he does his new "MINDFREAK" show. However, this time he's setting an even higher goal ... and he's calling on the public to help.

Floyd Mayweather Whips Out Stacks Of $100s At Strip Club ... 100% Chance Of Rain

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Floyd Mayweather is proving he's still in prime shape -- strip club shape, at least -- for his big comeback ... by getting right back in the strip club and throwing an INSANE amount of money!!

Of course, the 42-year-old boxing superstar announced he's returning to the fight game in 2020 ... and if his moves are as sharp as his throwing, his future opponents better watch out.

Money -- with endless stacks of $100 bills in hand --- made his presence known at G5ive in Miami on Tuesday night ... letting the cash fly as the dancers put on a show.

Floyd showed off at least 5(!!!) stacks of hundos before kicking off his thunderstorm ... but it's unclear if that's what he was throwing. Regardless, there were a BUNCH of bills on that stage by the time he was done.

Mayweather's a strip club connoisseur to say the least -- he's also got his own Girl Collection club in Las Vegas -- so it's nice to see him honing his craft before his big return.

Meek Mill Teen's Tragic Death Can Inspire Change ... We Need More 'Understanding & Respect'

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Meek Mill thinks the heart-wrenching stories of parents losing kids to police brutality and social injustice can create real change ... and he's hammering his point home with a powerful video.

Meek's record company, Dream Chasers, is releasing a moving PSA Wednesday focusing on the tragic death of Antwon Rose Jr. -- a Pittsburgh honor roll student who was fatally shot in the back by a police officer in 2018.

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REMEMBERING ANTWON ROSE

The PSA is narrated by Antwon's mother, Michelle Kenney, and she makes a case for the need for more "understanding and communication" between police and the communities they serve.

The video is part of the "Responsibility Program" launched by Jay-Z's Roc Nation. Sources involved in the production tell us Meek wanted to get involved with Antwon's story because he's from his home state of Pennsylvania -- and it turns out, Meek was Antwon's favorite rapper.

Meek tells TMZ, "My hope is this PSA will inspire people to come together and create change in our communities. Our country needs more communication and understanding – not hate and division – so it’s important that we collectively start the conversation and work to leave a lasting impact for future generations."

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"OUR SON IS EVERYBODY'S SON"

You'll recall ... just last month, the "Responsibility Program" teamed with Philadelphia Eagles star Malcolm Jenkins and his Players Coalition to tell the story of Pace University football player Danroy "DJ" Henry ... who was also fatally shot by a police officer.

We're told Roc Nation plans to present a new story every 2 to 3 weeks.

Antwon's mom, Michelle, tells us she's "proud that Meek is using his platform to send that positive message and honor my son.”

Gorilla Zoe DV Charges Dropped ... GF Wouldn't Cooperate

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Gorilla Zoe's domestic violence case is no more -- and it's all thanks to the girlfriend he allegedly attacked.

The Monroe County Florida Prosecutor's Office tells TMZ it dropped all the charges against the Atlanta rapper after his GF made it clear she didn't want him prosecuted. She even delivered a notarized letter requesting the D.A. fall back.

We're told the reason she was unwilling to cooperate is she claims they'd simply gotten into a disagreement in their hotel room. She also said that to the arresting officers on the spot.

As we reported ... Gorilla Zoe was arrested for domestic battery after cops say they saw him pinning her down in their room. Witnesses told police they were fighting on their balcony before that, and he'd allegedly knocked her to the ground.

According to the police report, she told cops ... "We always drink and argue, nothing more. He's never gotten physical with me. Isn't that what happens when everyone drinks?"

She went on to say that he always got aggressive while drunk, but would never actually hurt her. Cops say she didn't have any noticeable injuries or marks. They still arrested Zoe based on what they and witnesses had seen.

He's off the hook now though. Case closed.

Tyler Perry Gets Shout-Out from Hospital 'Hostage' ... I Love You, Thanks For Saving Me!!!

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Tyler Perry is getting showered with love from the sick man he basically rescued from a Mexican hospital -- and the guy says he'd STILL be trapped if not for Tyler.

Stephen Johnson says Tyler is his real-life superhero for covering his $14,000 hospital bill and paying to fly him home to Atlanta. Remember, Stephen fell ill while on vacay ... and says the hospital was holding him until he paid for his treatment in full.

Stephen tells us he just got out of another hospital in Georgia, and he's finally on the mend after being diagnosed with pancreatitis, diabetes and a kidney infection while in Mexico -- and he has a special message for Tyler.

It's pretty wild ... Stephen says the hospital staff in Mexico was doing the bare minimum to keep him alive before his story went viral, and caught the attention of the media and Tyler.

He's still shocked Tyler would do so much to help a stranger, and he's convinced there's no one as kind.

NBA's Patrick Patterson On Interracial Marriage Hate ... 'I Love My Wife'

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MOVING PAST CRITICISM

L.A. Clippers player Patrick Patterson hit the streets of Bev Hills with his wife this week ... in the wake of a social media war that erupted over their interracial marriage.

Some quick background -- Patterson posted an anniversary message to his wife Sarah on IG back in October ... which didn't go over well with one of his followers who suggested Sarah only married him because he's an NBA player.

"I bet she’s the only one in her family history to date a black. Stay woke my guy."

Patterson clapped back -- saying, "So I should settle for a bulldog and act like I’m happy with my life and preach ‘keep it in your race’ to the world as if Dr. King didn’t fight/die for equality, acceptance, all cultures loving one another, and no hate? No thanks. That may be your life but I don’t want that for mine or for my family. Color doesn’t matter. Wake up."

People were furious with Patterson, claiming the "bulldog" comment was insulting to black women.

30-year-old Patterson -- a 1st round pick in the 2010 NBA Draft -- apologized and said the comment was only directed at the commenter's wife ... but acknowledges he shouldn't have used the term in the first place.

Now, Patterson tells TMZ Sports he and his wife are trying to move on from the controversy  -- saying, "At the end of the day, what happened, happened. I apologized for it, I would just like to leave it at that."

We asked Patterson if he and his wife are treated differently in real life as opposed to social media.

"The only experience that matters is the one that I share with my wife right here and that's the love we share. At the end of the day, nothing else matters."

"Social media is one thing, it's a different animal. The real world's a whole new animal, so each aspect is different from another in their own way."

As far as moving forward, Patterson says ... "It happened, you can only deal with it so that's what I'm trying to do. Live day by day with my wife and try to enjoy our life together."

'70s Rocker Edgar Winter 'Memba Him?!

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Texas-born Edgar Winter gained fame in the '70s when his psych supergroup, The Edgar Winter Group, released rock anthems like the hard-hitting synth smash, "Frankenstein," and the blues-riffing "Free Ride."

While Edgar Winter played practically every available instrument on stage including guitar, synthesizer, keyboard, saxophone and even drums ... he wasn't alone in the music-making. Edgar also included artists like Chuck Ruff on backline percussions, Ronnie Montrose on the electric ax and Dan Hartman on the driving bass.

Edgar's brother Johnny Winter was also a famous musician and was put into the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list.

Guess what he looks like now in his 70s!

Jenna Dewan My Bday Present ... Moving Into New House With My BF!!!

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Jenna Dewan is trading in birthday cake and candles for cardboard boxes and dollies ... she's moving into her new digs as she celebrates 39 trips around the Sun.

Check out these pics of Jenna and her boyfriend Steve Kazee on her birthday ... no celebrations, just business as they move into her new crib in Los Angeles. This is 39.

The good news is Jenna doesn't have to do any heavy lifting ... she's got a hunky BF and some movers to take care of everything. Of course, it looks like she's still overseeing the whole process -- it's the birthday girl's day after all.

Jenna's been living with a Steve for a little while now, and we're told she recently closed on the home ... and Tuesday was the big move-in day.

As you know ... Jenna's locked in a nasty custody battle with her ex, Channing Tatum, with the parents going at it over daughter Everly's custody. Channing is asking a judge to lay out a detailed schedule for who gets their girl and for how long, including holidays, birthdays and work trips ... something sources on Jenna's side say was already figured out.

Now, Everly's gonna have some new scenery whenever she goes over to Jenna's.

Kevin Pollak 'The Irishman' Was Great ... But Pacino & Co. Looked a Bit Aged

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NEVER LOOKED BETTER

Kevin Pollak says Martin Scorsese's new mobster flick, "The Irishman," was as good as it gets for the genre -- but there was a little issue according to him ... the stars were too damn old.

We got the veteran actor right on the heels of the new flick landing on Netflix and asked for his thoughts on it ... considering he starred in Marty's "Casino" and tons of other crime movies. Turns out, he loved 'Irishman' ... with one caveat, and it's hard to tell if he's joking.

Kevin says at one point ... the film played more like a trio of old coots who lost their keys instead of menacing mobsters in their prime. He does some hilarious impressions too, to drive home his point. Pretty spot-on with his versions of Pacino, Pesci and De Niro. Well, the first 2 ... he kinda phoned it in for Bobby D.

If you haven't seen it yet, the movie captures one hit man's journey from start to end, so the actors' appearances do change a lot.

Of course, the gimmick with the film is the digital de-aging technology the 3 stars were put through -- especially De Niro.

Some say it was distracting -- others say it was great -- but Kevin seems to be alluding to the fact these fellas might've made this a little late in their careers.

Kendall Jenner Intruder Enters Plea ... Gets 30 Days in Jail

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UPDATE

4:41 PM PT -- Eggers has pled no contest to trespassing. He’s been ordered to serve 30 days in county jail, and will be on probation for 3 years. He also has to keep at least 150 yards away from Kendall’s home.

Kendall Jenner got another uninvited guest overnight -- an intruder who tried to use President Trump's potential impeachment as a cover story ... right before he got busted.

The man scaled a neighborhood fence near Kendall's Hollywood Hills home just before midnight, and made his way to her property ... according to our law enforcement sources. He didn't get far after that ... we're told Kendall's security hopped on the guy once he got to her driveway, and held him until LAPD arrived to arrest him.

Our sources say the suspect, 27-year-old Richard Eggers, told police he was just going door to door collecting signatures to impeach Trump.

Turns out Kendall's security was on the lookout for this guy, because this wasn't their first rodeo with him. We're told the suspect popped up at Kendall's place back in September ... when her team spotted him on security cameras, but he bolted before they could nab him.

Well, he tried twice, but didn't get away this time. Cops booked him for misdemeanor trespassing.

It's unclear if Kendall was home at the time. If she was, we're told she never came outside during the commotion.

This is becoming a scarily common occurrence at Kendall's pad. She's had multiple intruders at her homes -- most notably, John Ford ... a Canadian citizen who scaled a hill to gain access to her property last year.

ICE eventually tracked him down in New Mexico and deported him.

Originally Published -- 6:53 AM PT

Lil Bub Final Resting Space ... Owner Wants To Send Me Into Orbit

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Lil Bub's remains will soon be orbiting the Earth in a satellite ... at least, that's what the late celebrity cat's owner envisions for her final resting place.

Lil Bub's caretaker, Mike Bridavsky, tells TMZ ... he's planning to load the feline's cremated remains into a satellite and launch it into orbit so Bub can watch over the planet, and he's working with Purdue University to get his spacey idea off the ground.

As we reported ... Lil Bub died in her sleep earlier this week, leaving behind a lasting legacy which includes raising over $700,000 for animals and pets in need.

Bub's human says he wants to link her satellite to a website so people can track the cat's location over Earth, and he even hopes to install a live feed on the craft so people can see Bub watching over them. Yes, it's hard to let go.

The cat's caretaker also wants to keep Bub's fundraising efforts alive ... by allowing people to sign up to have a designated amount of money withdrawn from their bank accounts every time Lil Bub completes a rotation around the Earth, with the funds benefiting homeless pets and veterinary research.

Lil Bub's owner tells us he realizes this is a wild idea, but he says he's been talking with Purdue about partnering on the project. The university's Small Animal Hospital was Bub's clinic for emergency care, and Purdue has an aerospace program.

FYI, the aerospace program is already involved in commercial satellite programs and with the International Space Station ... so Bub would be piggybacking off of those.

Of course, blasting a cat's remains into orbit ain't gonna be cheap ... and Lil Bub's owner says he's trying to work something out with Purdue for funding, or he's just gonna start a GoFundMe.

As for saying goodbye to Lil Bub back on solid ground ... we're told there are no plans yet for a memorial.

Travis Scott Shows Off $2k Unreleased Dior J's It Pays To Have The Plug!!!

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Travis Scott is getting an inside look at the upcoming Dior x Air Jordan 1s due out next year ... and yeah, they look expensive as hell.

La Flame -- who's got his own Nike deal and custom line of AJs and AF1s -- posted the luxurious kicks on his IG on Tuesday ... proving his folks at the Swoosh really care.

The Dior Js are slated to come out in April 2020 and have a HEFTY rumored price tag of $2,000, making them some of the highest-priced Js EVER.

The sneaks will be made entirely in Italy with white and pearl grey Dior leather and the Swoosh will have the classic pattern used in the Dior B23 shoes. Fancy stuff.

Of course, Scott's collabs with Nike have been a massive hit -- his $175 AJ1 collabs have sold out within minutes and have gone for thousands on the resale market ... and he's also got his take on a number of other iconic Nike kicks.

Travis also announced earlier Tuesday he's working with Nike to bring a "Cactus Jack Court" to Houston ... so yeah, both sides gotta be happy about that.

Mathew Knowles on Girls Tyme Pre-Destiny's Child Group Beyonce Plus More Than 30 Others!!!

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Beyonce's dad, Mathew Knowles, says before there was Destiny's Child ... there was Girls Tyme -- which apparently had A LOT of pieces filling in around his daughter over the years.

Mathew came on "TMZ Live" Tuesday to give us the 411 on a new book and album he just released about the girl group he started nearly 30 years ago. You know about DC, obviously, but that success was built on Girls Tyme.

The book, "Destiny's Child: The Untold Story," and the album by the same name offer previously unreleased music, and a deep dive into the making of the group -- which Mathew says involved more than a couple dozen different members.

We've always heard about Bey, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson -- but, as it turns out, that was just the tip of the iceberg between Girls Tyme and the final version of DC.

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LIFE-CHANGING NEWS

Mathew also gave us a very positive update on his health following his diagnosis with breast cancer earlier this year.