Ahmaud Arbery Skip Grand Jury, Arrest Georgia Shooter NOW!!! Family Atty Implores D.A.

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The Georgia man who shot and killed Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old unarmed black man, is still walking free -- but the Arbery family attorney is trying to change that immediately.

The video of Ahmaud's killing -- released Tuesday -- is sparking national outrage and local protests near Brunswick, GA ... where he was gunned down in February. His family has hired Lee Merritt to get justice for Ahmaud by cutting through what he calls corruption in the Glynn County D.A.'s office.

Merritt joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" to discuss the gut-wrenching video. Lee says the first version of the story cops told Ahmaud's family was that he was shot by a homeowner while committing a burglary.

That's obvious BS, as Ahmaud was jogging down a road when Greg and Travis McMichael, both armed, cut him off with their pickup truck ... leading to the physical altercation and the fatal shots.

As for why they were tracking Ahmaud -- Merritt tells us the men are hiding behind a pretty wild GA statute about citizen's arrests.

While Ahmaud's family says he was just out for a jog, the McMichaels claim he was casing an unoccupied home and matched the description of a potential suspect in neighborhood break-ins.

Merritt says it's time for the McMichaels to be taken into custody -- but the D.A. wants to get a grand jury to decide if they should be arrested and charged.

Merritt smells corruption because, Greg, the elder McMichael, used to work in the D.A.'s office -- but he says the video is all the evidence needed for the D.A. to issue an immediate arrest warrant.

Michael Jordan Secret Supermarket Shopping?! ... Sounds Baller As Hell!

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Michael Jordan was SO insanely famous in Chicago during his Bulls days -- he couldn't even shop for groceries without being mobbed.

So, the guy would pay staffers to keep the store open JUST FOR HIM so he could cruise the aisles alone in peace!

Pretty baller, right!?

Jordan's former Bulls teammate Brad Sellers explained to The Undefeated ...

"You saw MJ doing laundry in the first few episodes [of ESPN's 'The Last Dance'] and that was him back then, the country side of him, just living like a regular dude."

“But, he just got bigger and bigger in basketball and to a point where he couldn’t go out. I remember saying to him one day, ‘Hey, M ... how do you eat?'"

"He told me he would call Jewel-Osco [a supermarket chain based in Chicago] about 15 minutes before they closed, and let them know he was coming in. They would stay open later to let him shop."

Sellers says MJ would break off staffers with a fat ass tip for their troubles.

So, MJ got his own version of "Supermarket Sweep" and the workers got some extra bread and the chance to see the most famous dude in Chi-Town?

Sounds like a sweet deal for everyone!

Elon Musk & Grimes Son Can't be Named X Æ A-12 ... That's Illegal in Cali!!!

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Elon Musk and Grimes can call their newborn baby son whatever they want, but on his birth certificate, X Æ A-12 is a no-go ... TMZ has learned.

According to a supervisor at the Department of Public Health Vital Records Office in Los Angeles -- where the baby is believed to have been born -- it is against California law to include numbers or symbols in a name.

The law states names must only include the 26 letters of the English alphabet ... obviously, the name Musk and Grimes are claiming for their boy does not meet that criteria.

As we reported ... the Tesla honcho revealed the news of the baby's birth and photos via a series of Twitter replies Monday, along with the odd name choice.

Grimes later explained the name was inspired by the A-12 plane -- a precursor to the couple's favorite aircraft, which was a CIA spy plane used during the Cold War -- among other interesting things.

That might all be moot now, though, as the kid's legal name will have to be something else ... unless they just shorten it to A for Archangel, or go with "metal rat."

Ya never know with these 2.

Oregon Zoo Splish Splash ... This Bear's Takin' a Bath!!!

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RUB-A-DUB-DUB

Here's something nice for a change -- Takoda the black bear's unconcerned with the troubles of the world, and is just enjoying a dip in a cold tub ... REALLY enjoying it.

The 400-pound bear's splashy bath time is a springtime staple at the Oregon Zoo, where they bust out a 300-gallon wading pool as the weather gets warm and sunny ... and let him go to town.

Takoda -- whose name means "friend to all" in Sioux -- is 10 years old and arrived at the zoo in November 2010, after being found dehydrated and hungry as an orphaned cub in Montana.

Fortunately, he was nursed back to health and found a new home at the zoo's Black Bear Ridge.

Amy Cutting, a director at the zoo, says ... "He’s quite a goofy bear. He was just cooling down and having some fun on a nice spring day.”

The Oregon Zoo describes Takoda's antics as "the kind of stuff the internet was made for, especially in times like these."

Couldn't agree more.

Joe Exotic Zoo Sees New Life After 'Tiger King' ... Huge Crowd For Reopening

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Joe Exotic woulda loved to see this ... his beloved zoo is packed to the gills, as hundreds flocked to his old stomping grounds for the first time since 'Tiger King' dropped.

A huge crowd was on hand this weekend at the zoo once owned by Joe ... it's now called Tiger King Park, and it's finally cashing in on Joe's Netflix notoriety and recent injection of fame.

There was a long line to get inside the zoo in Wynnewood, OK after it reopened under new CDC social distancing and sanitation protocols. The zoo had been shuttered by coronavirus restrictions and seems like people were ready to pounce when it opened back up.

Folks who were there tell us people and families came from all over the country to see what the hype was about ... and there were hundreds of new visitors.

Once inside the zoo, formerly known as G.W. Exotic Animal Park, most folks seemed to cast social distancing rules to the wayside ... face coverings were few and far between, and people crammed together to see the big attractions -- lions and tigers.

As you can see ... Tiger cub petting was in full effect, and people sat shoulder-to-shoulder as they patiently waited for a chance to play with the cubs and meet zookeeper Erik Cowie.

While Joe's no doubt the reason the zoo is buzzing again coming off his 'Tiger King' fame ... the long lines and crowds lined the pockets of the new owner and Joe's former business partner, Jeff Lowe.

Jeff and his wife, Lauren, greeted people as they walked around, and fans also got a chance to meet alleged hitman Allen Glover, the star witness at Joe's trial.

Sorry, Carol Baskin ... people still wanna see Joe's tigers.

Kylie Jenner She's Got the Dirt!!! ... $15 Million Record Land Purchase

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Kylie Jenner has just added another 5 acres to her real estate portfolio, and this one goes in the record books.

She just plunked down $15 million for a vacant lot in Hidden Hills. We're talkin' 5 mostly-flat acres. It's a record for the area.

The land has some Hollywood history attached to it. Miley Cyrus bought the property back in 2015 and kept her horses there. She sold the place 3 years later and the new owner razed the house and never built a home on it.

Kylie's been scooping up property like a baronial Pacman ... she bought a lot in Palm Springs near her mom's house in Palm Desert. TMZ broke the story that she just closed on a $36.5 million Holmby Hills estate. And, she owns other properties in Hidden Hills.

As for this lot, it will support a massive compound, and given its incredible location, this may be where Kylie ultimately sets down roots. She won't find another lot in the area like this one.

Variety first reported the story. Marc Shevin and Angel Salvador of The Agency had the listing.

Adele 32 Looks So Good

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Adele returned to social media with a bang.

Whatever she's doing during self-quarantine ... well, it's pretty spectacular, because her transformation continues, and she looks ridiculously amazing.

The singer posted the pic to memorialize her 32nd birthday, saying, "Thank you for the birthday love," adding, "I hope you're all staying safe and sane during this crazy time."

Adele went on to thank first responders, saying, "I’d like to thank all of our first responders and essential workers who are keeping us safe while risking their lives! You are truly our angels ♥️ 2020 okay bye thanks x."

Back to Adele's transformation ... she's been shedding weight since last year -- obvious from the pics we see every few months -- but her bday pic proves she's still thriving while sheltering in place.

The new-look hair and makeup, paired with a hot black mini-dress screams quarantine for the win!!!

We're guessing fans would love to hear how she's doing it through the pandemic. We could all use fitness tips these days, Adele. So, hello ... hit us up!

Charles Barkley 'Feels Sadness' Over Fallout With Jordan ... But He Can Call Me!!!

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Charles Barkley says he's still VERY sad about his broken friendship with ex-BFF Michael Jordan ... but he's down to bury the hatchet if MJ would just give him a call.
HIT ME UP!!!

Charles Barkley says he's still VERY sad about his broken friendship with ex-BFF Michael Jordan ... but he's down to bury the hatchet if MJ would just give him a call.

"The guy was like a brother to me for, shoot, 20-something years," Barkley said Tuesday on ESPN radio's "Waddle and Silvy" show. "At least 20-something years."

"And I do, I feel sadness. But, to me, he's still the greatest basketball player ever. I wish him nothing but the best. But, there's nothing I can do about it, brother."

Barkley says MJ cut off their friendship back in 2012 when Sir Charles criticized basketball's G.O.A.T. for being a crappy owner of the Charlotte Hornets.

"I'm pretty sure I said, 'As much as I love Michael, until he stops hiring them kiss-asses, and his best friends, he's never going to be successful as a general manager,'" Barkley said.

FYI -- Jordan HASN'T exactly been the greatest owner ever ... the team's seen the postseason just two times since he became the majority owner in 2010.

Sir Charles says he felt like it was his duty as a broadcaster to be honest about Michael's failures ... and even says he thought that's why he and Jordan had such a good relationship to begin with.

"Part of my job [as an analyst] is, because I can't go on TV and say, 'Another general manager sucks' and then just because Michael's like a brother to me say, 'He's doing a fantastic job,'" Barkley says. "That would be disingenuous."

Barkley has previously said he won't apologize to MJ for doing his job.

The former Phoenix Suns superstar says it's all actually really sad ... but says the ball is in Jordan's court when it comes to mending the bridge.

"Oh, he's got my number. He can call me."

Meghan Markle Happy 1st Birthday, Archie!!! Lemme Tell Ya About 'Duck! Rabbit!'

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Meghan Markle & Archie
Storytime with Mum

Meghan Markle's baby boy, Archie, is growing up so fast ... it's already a struggle to get him to sit through an entire book. Welcome to toddler town, Meghan!!!

Prince Harry and Megan's firstborn just turned 1, and to celebrate ... Mum put him on her lap for a delightful reading of the popular children's book, "Duck! Rabbit!"

Papa Sussex was behind the camera to capture the adorable moment, but it wasn't long before Archie grew impatient. Meghan was eventually able to rein him back in though. If they think he's fussy now ... wait till he finds out Mom and Dad yanked him out of the royal life! Kidding, we're sure he'll love L.A.

In the end, we all learned something ... and the rebel Royals are reading for a good cause too. Meghan's storytime with her tot helped raise awareness and funds for Save with Stories, which provides learning material, supermarket vouchers and essential household items to families in need amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Good stuff all around ... happy birthday, Archie!!

'Little Women: Atlanta' Ms. Minnie Caused Fatal Accident ... So Say Cops

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Ashley Ross -- AKA Ms. Minnie from "Little Women: Atlanta" -- was all over the road before she struck another driver in the opposite lane, and ultimately suffered fatal injuries ... TMZ has learned.

We got a hold of the crash report, and it shows -- based on eyewitness testimony and the responding officer's observation ... Minnie lost control of her car while traveling southbound on one side of a highway, causing her to jerk the steering wheel right. Cops say she went off-road briefly before violently swinging back to the left and colliding with another vehicle in the opposite lane. Neither she nor the other driver were ejected.

The other driver was taken to a hospital with complaints of pain -- but the cops note, Minnie was unresponsive on the scene. She would later be pronounced dead.

The report also indicates that no drug or alcohol tests were administered to either driver. It does say, however, that Minnie was determined to be at fault in the crash.

As for cause of death ... the Fulton County Medical Examiner tells us there was no autopsy performed on Minnie, and no report is forthcoming either. We're told she'll likely be listed as having died from blunt force trauma from the accident.

Minnie's family is holding a memorial for her this weekend -- which only 10 of her closest loved ones will be able to attend in person due to quarantine guidelines. Everyone else can pay respect through a live stream, and the family is accepting flowers, cards and donations via different platforms.

We're also told her 'Little Women' costars plan to properly honor her on the show once they're up and shooting again.

Minnie was 34.

RIP

Danny Trejo Slams Adam Jones Over Ketchup Tacos ... 'Nothing Worse!!!'

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Taco expert Danny Trejo is going OFF on Adam Jones for slathering his Cinco De Mayo treats in ketchup ... telling TMZ Sports that's THE WORST condiment a person can add to a taco!!

"You can do taco-anything," Trejo says, "but not ketchup!"

Jones -- a 5-time MLB All-Star -- posted a pic of his ground beef-ketchup delight on Tuesday ... celebrating the fifth of May while defending his choices for taco toppings.

"It’s my plate," Jones said. "I eat them how I want to. Ain’t a specific way. So gracias."

But, the owner of Trejo's Tacos -- a SUPER-popular taco joint in L.A. -- tells us Jones is dead wrong for putting Heinz anywhere near the tortillas!!

"The reality is that you can put anything on a taco," Trejo says, "but ketchup goes on a hot dog!"

In fact, Trejo says he's so appalled by the move ... if he saw the food crime go down in real life -- he'd buy the person's dinner just to make sure no ketchup touched the tacos!!

So, sorry, Adam. Machete has spoken.

Playboi Carti & Iggy Azalea Screw the Volvo ... Our Family SUV is a Sick Rolls-Royce!!!

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Playboi Carti's lesson for future dads out there -- don't sacrifice style when buying a family SUV ... assuming you can drop about half a mil on a Rolls, that is.

The rapper spent $400k to buy one of the most exquisite family-friendly rides you'll ever see ... a 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The new whip will transport new baby mama Iggy Azalea, their new baby boy and Papa Carti.

We're told Playboi bought the SUV last week from celeb car broker RD Whittington's company, Wires Only -- and it was delivered to the fam in Georgia for a small $10k rush shipping fee.

We're told Playboi wanted a bigger car where he could easily and safely attach a baby car seat -- while maintaining his successful rapper swagger. Translation: Make it a Rolls, please.

The base model starts at around $350k but upgrades are a given. One super-cool add-on -- the 2 leather seats and cocktail table which deploys from the luggage compartment at the touch of a button.

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Iggy, PC can show their baby boy the stars too ... by projecting them onto the tilting and retractable sunroof. Naturally, it also has fold-down TV screens to keep the kid entertained.

Oh, and don't sweat the pandemic -- if you're among the "safety first" crowd -- the SUV was deep cleaned before the transfer.

In the words of Kanye ... welcome to the good life, mom and dad!!!