Vintage Baseball Cards FL Doctor's $20 Million Collection Hits Auction ... After COVID Death

A Florida doctor's insane card collection -- featuring ultra-rare Babe Ruth items -- is hitting the auction block following the doc's tragic COVID death ... and experts say it could all sell for around $20 MILLION!!!

Dr. Thomas Newman -- who had been collecting cards since the 1980s -- had amassed the WILD assembly of pieces before he passed away in January at 73 years old due to complications from coronavirus.

The collection is stunning ... there's famous Ruth and Mickey Mantle rookies -- and it also features cards from Honus Wagner, Ted Williams, Cy Young and more.

Newman's family says it's enlisted Memory Lane Auctions in Tustin, CA to help facilitate the sale of the pieces after the doctor's passing ... and experts there anticipate record-breaking prices for the cards.

In fact, one of the Ruth items -- a 1933 Goudey #53 -- could sell for over $5 MILLION, so says auction house president JP Cohen.

"[It] is the finest known of its kind," Cohen said, "and we expect it to break the record of $5.2 million for any sports card."

The Mantle rookie, a 1952 piece with a near-perfect PSA 8 grade, meanwhile, is expected to fetch over $1 million on its own as well.

Auction officials say bidding on the cards is set to begin on June 21 ... and close on July 10.

Good luck!!

Oprah & Prince Harry Reveal Personal Mental Health Pain In 'Me You Can't See' Trailer

Prince Harry and Oprah just dropped the first trailer for their mental health documentary ... and it shows them opening up about their own pain, alongside other famous and non-famous people.

The preview of "The Me You Can't See" starts with the project's executive producers chatting about the mental health crisis around the world ... partially due to the pandemic -- but both Oprah and Prince Harry get emotional, talking about their mental health battles.

As Oprah puts it, "The telling of the story ... being able to say, 'This is what happened to me,' is crucial." The Apple TV+ series features other celebs, like NBA star DeMar DeRozan, Glenn Close and Lady Gaga ... who's using her real name, Stefani, for the project.

The trailer also features several images of Robin Williams, so it appears his battles with depression will also be discussed when the series premieres this Friday.

BREAKING THE CYCLE
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While promoting the show, Harry's been talking a lot about his own mental health issues ... including criticizing Prince Charles for his parenting skills, or lack thereof.

The Palace seems fed up with Harry baring his emotional scars. As we reported, royal aides are reportedly pissed off and demanding he be stripped of his titles.

Jeff Lowe Feds Seize More Exotic Cats ... During New Zoo Raid

At this rate, NO ONE is gonna be Tiger King ... Jeff Lowe's "Tiger King" Park keeps losing attractions -- we've learned the feds showed up again to seize even more of his big cats.

The "Tiger King" star tells TMZ ... his zoo in Thackerville, Oklahoma got raided Monday morning by 40-50 federal agents. Jeff says they showed up at 7 AM with a search warrant and told him to stay inside his house or he'd be arrested.

According to Lowe ... the feds are in the process of seizing about 70 animals. Jeff tells us he believes they are looking for tiger cubs on the property, but he says they don't have any.

Jeff says the warrant -- which appears to have been issued by a federal judge in the Eastern District of Oklahoma -- cites the Endangered Species Act as the reason for the search and seizure.

What's going down Monday at "Tiger King" Park seems very similar to what happened earlier this month ... when Jeff told us the feds showed up to haul away several of his hybrid big cats -- animals he claims are NOT protected under the Endangered Species Act.

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TIGER TAKEDOWN
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As we first told you ... the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was the lead agency for that raid -- but the USDA was also present during the seizure of the animals. It's unclear if that's the same situation for Monday's raid or if other agencies are involved.

Nick Jonas Injured on Set and Hospitalized

Nick Jonas was injured late Saturday night while filming a new show ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.

We're told Nick was on set when something happened -- the sources would not disclose the nature of the accident or injury -- but it was serious enough that he was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

Our sources say .... as of Sunday night, Nick is back home and will appear as scheduled Monday night on "The Voice."

The 28-year-old actor/singer suffered a hand injury back in 2018 during a post-show workout in Mexico. He posted a photo of the injury and some bandages along with a beer shortly after it happened.

As for the injury Saturday, there's something super secret about this shoot -- our sources wouldn't even tell us the name of the project Nick was working on. Unclear why they're all so secretive.

Sen. Marco Rubio why shouldn't we dive in on ufos??? Time to Take It Seriously

WE NEED TO KNOW
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Sen. Marco Rubio says it's time to start talking about UFOs seriously in this country -- especially on Capitol Hill -- because he says ... frankly, they're a threat.

The legislator from Florida -- who headed up the Senate intelligence committee just last year -- spoke openly on the taboo subject ... saying despite the snickering that still goes on, he wants answers on unexplained aerial phenomena.

In Sunday's "60 Minutes" interview, Rubio said regardless of what these things may or may not be ... they pose a serious risk to our national security, seeing how they're constantly being spotted floating in and around our air space without any explanation. To Rubio, that's a problem that needs addressing.

That's exactly why the Senator demanded a report on UFOs/UAEs from the Pentagon that's expected to be published in about a month, which he says should shed light on everything the Defense Dept. knows about UFOs, making that knowledge public for the first time.

The timing seems right ... especially as Uncle Sam has slowly, but surely, confirmed different sightings and videos that have surfaced in recent years -- documenting strange, lightning-quick aircrafts that nobody seems able to identify or pin down.

"60 Minutes" also talked to a federal contractor named Luis Elizondo, who was hired to work on this exact issue for several years, and who touched on what sorta technology we're talking about that he says he's seen and studied with his own 2 eyes.

There was even a first-hand account from Naval pilots who claim they saw a UFO up close, in-person in 2004 -- alleging it was as big as their own jet, and that it disappeared before their eyes.

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE
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That seems to jibe with other videos that have leaked of late ... which seem to show UFOs darting across the screen and vanishing into plain sight, or simply descending into water.

Apparently, these sightings off the coasts of our nation have been taking place for a good long while now ... but it wasn't until recently that military members were encouraged to report them and talk about them openly.

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I WANT TO BELIEVE
NAVAIR

Seems like whatever stigma may have been associated with UFOs is finally starting to fade -- because too many people have seen the same things.

Time to come to the table and discuss our alien brethren? At least one U.S. Senator thinks so.

The Game Rapper Wants to Fight Jake and Logan Paul ... I'll 'F***' You Up!!!

Another non-boxing star wants a crack at the Paul Bros -- The Game is calling 'em both out and GUARANTEEING victory!!

"Yerrr, @JakePaul, @LoganPaul .... meet me & my little brother downtown LA in front of Staples Center and let’s just fight head up fades," the rap superstar tweeted out.

"No gloves, no money needed ... just on some me & my brother will f*** you & your brother up s***!!!!"

FYI, The Game is 41 years old and has no pro boxing experience -- but he's been in a ton of street fights over the years and seems incredibly confident in his hands.

Someone on Twitter warned The Game about the call out -- "you and your brother game are gonna be like Nate Robinson don’t do this bro."

Game replied, "On Martin Luther King Jr. speech, I ain’t losing!!!"

Jake Paul -- who famously and violently knocked out ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and UFC fighter Ben Askren -- responded to Game, using a rap lyric.

"Hate it or love it you would get knocked the f**ked out."

Logan Paul -- who just beat up the entire Gronkowski family -- also weighed in ... telling Game, "you gonna need your entire family."

Logan is currently training to fight Floyd Mayweather -- but Jake is looking for his next opponent.

Let's see if they can make a deal!

'TIGER KING' ZOOKEEPER ERIK COWIE BUSTED FOR DUI AFTER CRASH

Erik Cowie, one of the "Tiger King" stars who you saw caring for the zoo's exotic animals, was driving drunk when he crashed into another car ... at least according to cops.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Cowie was busted for DUI in Oklahoma after cops say they responded to a two-car collision on an interstate highway.

We're told Cowie was driving one of the cars involved in the accident last month, and responding officers say he reeked of booze and bombed field sobriety tests.

Our sources say he admitted to having 2 beers before getting behind the wheel, and his blood alcohol content came in at 0.11.

Our sources also say, Cowie was put in handcuffs on the spot, and taken to jail where he was booked for driving under the influence. He's already entered a guilty plea and will be sentenced on May 25.

Fortunately, law enforcement says no one in either vehicle was injured in the crash.

NFL Agent Leigh Steinberg No 'Jerry Maguire' 2 ... But Planning To Make Movie About My Life

Leigh Steinberg -- the inspiration behind "Jerry Maguire" -- says there won't be a sequel to the classic film, but a movie about his life is very likely ... and the NFL super-agent knows which actor he wants to portray him.

It's not Tom Cruise (been there, done that) ... Leigh tells TMZ Sports he has his sights set on Zac Efron or Jake Gyllenhaal.

I GOT IDEAS
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FYI, Steinberg currently reps Patrick Mahomes ... and is probably the most decorated football agent of all time. He's repped 12 Hall of Famers ... including Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Bruce Smith, Howie Long and Steve Young.

"Jerry Maguire" hit theaters 24 1/2 years ago ... and Steinberg had a cameo in the film. But, his role was a lot bigger than just a few lines.

Director Cameron Crow shadowed Steinberg for about 18 months -- attending everything from Pro Days to the Draft -- to see how an NFL agent operated.

"[Cameron] went to Pro Scouting Day, USC, he came to some games with me, he came to the Super Bowl, he came to the Super Bowl Party. He spent time in my office and I told him a lot of stories."

As for a "Jerry Maguire" 2 ... Leigh says CC "doesn't make sequels," but adds he's "been approached about my own life story a number of times."

So, would Leigh be down??

"Yes, and I think eventually that will happen. We've talked to people about documentaries."

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Guess Who This Bonnet Baby Turned Into!

Before this blue-eyed baby was a musical superstar performing her hit songs all over the world, she was just another sweet, smiling girl growing up in Santa Barbara, California.

This bonnet babe has taken the world by storm by creating some of the most well-known pop tunes for over a decade. There isn't much this talented artist hasn't achieved ... she's won numerous awards, wowed audiences with her Super Bowl Halftime performance, and even sung at a presidential inauguration.

Now, you can catch her coaching new faces with her musical skills on "American Idol."

Can you guess who she is?

Bill Gates Allegedly Pursued Women at work ... Hooked Up Too

Bill Gates wasn't afraid to shoot his shot among subordinates at work, and even scored at least once during his marriage to now-estranged wife, Melinda ... this per 2 new reports.

The NYT published a story Sunday alleging the Microsoft chief had on at least two occasions -- and possibly more -- asked a couple of women who technically worked for him out on dates, but apparently wasn't all that pushy ... and ultimately failed in both instances.

Bill is described as once attending a presentation in 2006 held by a female Microsoft employee -- who must've left quite an impression ... because it's alleged, based on NYT sources familiar with the matter, that he emailed her right after to ask her to dinner.

He allegedly followed up with this, "If this makes you uncomfortable, pretend it never happened." Turns out, the woman did exactly that ... ghosting him and never responding.

There's another alleged incident the Times describes, in which Bill traveled to NYC with a woman who worked for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ... where the two of them attended a cocktail party. The woman claims Bill lowered his voice and said, "I want to see you. Will you have dinner with me?" She says she laughed it off to avoid answering.

The Times -- citing current/former Gates employees -- goes on to describe general clumsy approaches toward women at work overtime, at times making people a little uncomfortable ... but noting he never seemed predatory with his advances, or abused his power.

On the flip side ... WSJ has its own report, claiming Bill was essentially forced to step down from Microsoft's board in recent years because of an extramarital relationship that came to light with a Microsoft engineer, who claimed to have hooked up with Bill for years.

A spokeswoman for Bill downplayed the Times' report, but didn't appear to outright deny the advances. She did, however, cop to Bill having an affair 20 years ago ... which she says ended amicably, and played no role in his decision to step down from Microsoft's board.

L.A. Billboard Icon Angelyne Out On a Coffee Run ... As I Run For CA Governorship!!!

Angelyne is ramping up for yet another run for the California governorship amid Gavin Newsom's upcoming recall election -- but before that ... she had to make a run for some Joe.

The elusive '80s billboard icon -- who was plastered all over L.A. in her heyday, posing in and on her famed pink Corvette -- was spotted grabbing some java Sunday at a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in none other than the city of Encino ... the heart of the San Fernando Valley.

She was hard to pin down for a good photo-op, but no doubt it was her -- that eternal ride of hers is a dead giveaway ... as is her classic blonde 'do and doll face getup.

Angelyne is notoriously low-key, and even after recently announcing she too was entering the race for Newsom's job ... hasn't shown much face in public. So yeah, this would appear to be one of the first times she's been seen out like this since throwing her hat in the ring.

Speaking of that ... she gave all the dirty deets to LA Magazine last month, telling them what her platform would be, and how she would govern. Apparently, Angelyne's slogans are "Good Luck California" and "I have the Key to California" ... and she's running on a platform of hiring people with good ideas to fix the Golden State's many problems. Brilliant!!!

She also says she'd work from her car and on the road -- so, basically, you're looking at her future governor's office ... assuming you vote for her and she wins. Good luck, Ange.

Train Derailment Cars Burst Into Flames in Iowa ... Mass Evacuations Underway

Mass evacuations are currently underway in northwest Iowa -- where a train derailment has sent its cars bursting into flames ... and hazmat crews storming in.

The accident appears to have occurred just a short time ago near the city of Sibley, where black smoke has been billowing for several minutes now. Somebody nearby captured footage of the crash, and you can see spouts of flames coming up from behind a building.

Several different rescue crews are en route, as there are concerns the train might've been carrying flammable liquid ... which would explain the fire that's growing on site. Word is that authorities are clearing the area within a 5-mile radius ... so a massive hazard's unfolding.

Another person captured a photo from further away showing the damage, and it appears a massive pile-up occurred during the derailment. Unclear what might've caused it to get off the tracks in such violent fashion, but this isn't the first wreck like this, this week.

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A Union Pacific train derailed in south Minnesota Saturday, with a huge pile-up of cars there as well, with upwards of 28 cars falling off the track. And even earlier in the week, there was a report of yet another derailment in Missouri -- where six cars came loose and spilled into a main road.

Reports of any injuries or fatalities from this latest disaster in Iowa haven't surfaced -- but we're monitoring for updates.

Story developing ...

Trevor Noah & Minka Kelly Splitsville ... Big Mansion Mistake?!?

Trevor Noah and Minka Kelly have reportedly called it quits -- which, if true, means that mansion he snapped up earlier this year is going to start feeling a whole lot bigger.

The low-key Hollywood couple -- who were first linked back in the summer of 2020 -- are going their separate ways ... this after supposedly being super serious after less than a year of dating. People Mag first broke the news, citing sources close to the pair.

No word yet on what caused the break-up, but it's definitely a left turn from what word on the street was regarding their relationship status just a few short months ago ... which was that they were head over heels and possibly moving in together.

That leads us to Trevor's real estate buy out in Bel-Air ... where he recently bought a modern-day palace of a home for a whopping $27.5 million. It's a huge home, and frankly -- it's a lot of house for one person. Supposedly, the idea behind getting such a big place was to accommodate both himself and Minka -- and whatever else followed -- but now ... it seems the crib will become a bachelor pad.

No harm, no foul though -- the property is gorgeous, so we don't imagine Trevor has any buyer's remorse over it. If anything, he could always flip it and downsize.

As for the one-time lovebirds ... welp, we hardly knew ya. TN and MK were notoriously private about their relationship -- never once confirming they were actually together, despite being spotted out in public with one another on a few occasions.

We've reached out to both of their camps for comment ... so far, no word back.

Marilyn Monroe Giant Statue Sparks Outrage Anew ... After 7-Year Hiatus in Desert

A giant statue of Marilyn Monroe in her iconic dress-fluttering pose is making a comeback in the California desert ... but now, people are finding new ways to be pissed about it.

The 26-foot tall stainless steel effigy -- aptly titled "Forever Marilyn" -- has returned to the city of Palm Springs after a 7-year itch hiatus ... and is here to stay for good as it towers in front of the entrance to the Palm Springs Art Museum, this following a recent city council vote.

The statue was in town back in 2012, and stuck around for 2 years ... serving as a major tourist attraction. The idea here is ... bringing her back will help PS get back on its feet.

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Of course, some like it hot out there -- a small spread of party poopers say they're utterly outraged about the "Forever Marilyn" being resurrected ... but for wildly different reasons. NPR outlined it well -- citing folks' indignation over obscenity, sexism and basic geography.

First, there's concern about where Marilyn's ass is facing ... which is directly at the front doors of the museum. A local official says he worries about the thousands of students who'll have to bear witness to Marilyn's derriere annually ... which he finds unimaginable/offensive.

Next, there's supposedly a Change.org petition floating around ... demanding the statue be removed, as the folks behind that claim this is straight-up inappropriate -- as it encourages upskirting (snapping shots up a lady's dress) ... and, by extension, predatory behavior.

Finally, some argue that the placement of the statue allegedly goes against city codes and road/highway planning guidelines -- and they're making a stink on that front. Even more say there's no evidence this statue will actually make a difference in boosting the local economy.

However you wanna cut it ... people are finding reasons to be angry about this. But, in reality, it's literally THE most famous shot of Marilyn in existence, and sits high in the pantheon of pop culture.

Where are they gonna find a warehouse big enough to store all the things some people say don't pass muster in 2021?

Ricky Schroder Verbally Accosts Costco Manager ... Let Me In, Dammit (without a mask)!!!

haven't you heard?!?

Ricky Schroder doesn't seem to understand the CDC's new guideline about mask-wearing -- and he learned about it the hard way at a Costco, which held its ground on policy.

The former child star from "Silver Spoons" filmed an aggressive encounter between himself and a Costco manager named Jason at an L.A.-area warehouse ... which is now making the rounds online.

You see Ricky asking the guy why he isn't being allowed inside without a face covering, noting the new news that fully vaccinated people don't really have to wear them indoors or out in most settings -- except for a few exceptions. Turns out, a Costco in Cali is one.

The manager calmly explains that there is still a state-wide mask mandate that's in effect throughout the state -- it's true, there is -- and that even though Gov. Newsom has signaled that may be lifted around mid-June ... their Costco is still following local guidelines to a T.

Ricky then goes on a bizarre rant about kings and lords ... and something about societal control. Jason hears him out, but stands firm -- basically telling him to scram.

They eventually get Ricky a refund and even amid his calls for boycotting Costco ... they get him to leave. It's a great lesson -- yes, the CDC has new guidelines about mask-wearing, but no ... not every retailer in every state out there is up to speed on switching gears just yet.

In the meantime, you might just have to mask up. 🤷🏽‍♂️

J. Cole Makes Professional Hooping Debut W/ Basketball Africa League

J. Cole's own sideline story is finally coming full circle on the court -- the guy just made his professional debut as a basketball player ... and he did it in none other than Africa!

The rapper -- who's fresh off a fire sixth studio album -- put on his hooping shoes this weekend not too long after signing a brief three-to-six game contract with the Rwanda Patriots Basketball Club, which is part of the Basketball Africa League.

On Sunday, the club was set to face off against Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers -- a game that was broadcast on national television here in the States. Sure enough, it looks like Cole was part of the starting five at tip-off -- and the dude showed off his famed athleticism early and often.

Different clips captured from the game show Jermaine grabbing rebounds, playing D and hustling up and down the court. He even got his first bucket with a put-back after one of his teammates attempted a layup. It's clear -- the dude can still ball, even at the ripe age of 36.

We say "still" because -- whether you're aware or not -- J. Cole is a noted hooper ... having played competitively in high school and even earning himself a walk-on spot with the St. John's Red Storm team for a while. He ended up leaving basketball behind to pursue his career in music -- but like many among the rich and famous, Cole can hold his own.

He played for the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game back in 2012, and proved himself there ... and now, it looks like he's getting back to his on-court roots in a whole other country.

Unclear what the end game for Cole is here -- but by the looks of it ... he's taking this contract pretty seriously, and based on how big a draw he is -- they may even extend him.

The Patriots ended up beating the Hoopers with a score of 83-60, and while Cole didn't have the most impressive stat line -- he only had three points in the end -- the guy plays hard, and seems to be able to put asses in the seats. Go figure!

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