Death Row Inmate Julius Jones May Escape Lethal Injection Life With Parole Now on the Table

A death row inmate Kim Kardashian has been advocating for finally got a major break in his fight for freedom -- the guy got the green light, albeit partially, to maybe walk out one day.

There's a recommendation to commute Julius Jones' death sentence to life with the possibility of parole. The recommendation is from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board... which now means his fate lies with Gov. Kevin Stitt, who'll decide whether to follow the suggestion.

Stitt's office says he takes his role in this process seriously, and will carefully consider what the Board has recommended here -- as he does with all cases.

Jones isn't at the end of the tunnel yet ... but he's closer than he ever has been before. The decision came down on a 3-1 vote -- with one of the members recusing themselves after calls from the D.A.'s office to do so ... and allegations of bias and conflict of interest.

Alex Weintz -- one of the reps for Julius’ family -- tells TMZ … "We are overjoyed," with the rec, while adding, "Although that recommendation means he will not be walking out a free man as soon as we hoped, Julius would be able to spend his days inside prison no longer on death row and, in the future, be eligible for parole."

Weintz says the entire team is praying Gov. Stitt rules in their favor so Jones can return home for the first time in over 20 years.

As we reported ... Kim visited Julius on death row back in November of last year, meeting with his family and working behind the scenes to help out. She became interested in his case after watching Viola Davis' docuseries, "The Last Defense" ... which spotlighted Jones.

She and other celebs have been outspoken about what they perceive as injustice here -- as critics of Jones' conviction say there was little evidence to tie to the murder of Paul Howell. Prosecutors, however, say every criticism has been disproven -- and insist he's the killer.

Jenn Harley Domestic Violence Case Dismissed

Jenn Harley won't be dragged into court over her domestic violence case from earlier this year -- because the charges have been dismissed.

According to the Clark County District Attorney's Office ... prosecutors are dropping the 2 criminal counts they'd filed against her this summer -- assault with a deadly weapon constituting domestic violence (a felony) and misdemeanor battery constituting domestic violence.

Unclear why they're letting it go -- we're trying to get clarity from the D.A. -- but in any case, Jenn is walking free from this one.

You'll recall, Harley -- who shares a daughter with "Jersey Shore" star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro -- was arrested and subsequently charged after her now ex-BF, Joseph Ambrosole, claimed she pointed a gun at him and threatened to pull the trigger during a nasty altercation while out on the town.

He also alleged she dropped the n-word repeatedly while doing so. This, of course, followed what we were told amounted to Jenn driving off with Joseph's car and leaving him behind following an argument they had at an establishment.

All the fighting was supposedly over Jenn's drinking -- something she'd addressed by checking into rehab. Her attorney, Michael Cristalli, had also told us the domestic violence charges against her wouldn't stick because they were "unsubstantiated."

Now he tells us ... "Jen is relieved that the matter is over and is looking forward to moving on from these unfortunate accusations."

Miami Falling Cat Hero Couple Says Kitty Made it Rain!!! Peed All Over the Crowd

FELINE FRENZY
TMZ.com

Dangling from the nosebleeds at a college football game was enough to scare the crap piss outta one very lucky cat ... according to the couple who saved the feline with a U.S. flag.

Kimberly and Craig Cromer are the heroes who pulled off the rescue mission during Saturday's University of Miami football game, and Monday on "TMZ Live" they told us they just happened to be in regular-season seats ... AKA right place, right time.

Craig says Kimberly brings their American flag to display whenever "Da U." has a home game -- and luckily for the cat from this viral video, it ended up dangling right over the Cromers.

Craig and Kim say the kitty definitely knew it was in danger as it dangled from the stadium's upper deck -- and they know this because it started peeing in a steady stream on everyone down below.

If ya missed it ... the falling cat bounced off the flag and survived, making the crowd go wild.

Sounds like the Cromers weren't the only heroes here ... they say some UM students had another flag under theirs, which helped cushion the cat's fall even more.

The cat's whereabouts are unclear and while the Cromers say they'd take it in, they also explained why their home might not be the best fit.

Not for a cat running low on lives, anyway!

Capitol Police Arrest Man w/ Bayonet, Machete Near DNC Headquarters

A California man is in Capitol Police custody after cops found several weapons in his truck -- including a freakin' bayonet -- and Nazi swastikas all over on his ride ... as he camped out near the Democratic party's HQ.

44-year-old Donald Craighead was arrested early Monday morning in D.C. -- where cops say one of their officers noticed him lurking in his pickup outside the DNC headquarters. To the cop, he seemed suspicious ... having no visible license plate, and baring painted-on swastikas on the vehicle.

The cop approached to see what was up, and USCP says their guy saw a bayonet and a machete inside, plus a ton of other white supremacist symbols. Craighead -- who had come all the way from Oceanside, CA -- was booked for possession of prohibited weapons.

As for what the heck he was doing there in the first place, Capitol Police say Craighead told them he was on "patrol" ... and that he started spewing hate-filled rhetoric.

Cops posted pics of the weapons allegedly found during the bust, and it's a pretty eerie scene ... especially the swastikas.

The symbols are scribbled on the inside of his door, on his steering wheel ... and the side-view mirrors.

Britney Spears Sam Says Yeah, We'll Sign a Prenup To Protect my Shoe Collection!!!

Britney Spears' newly-minted fiance, Sam Asghari, says he and Britney will sign a prenup, alright ... a prenup designed to protect HIM.

Sam was responding to fans who urged Britney to get a prenup ... his response -- yep, they'll sign an "iron clad prenup," adding, "to protect my jeep and shoe collection in case she dumps me one day."

Now, Sam added a few crying laughing emojis, but it's actually a real issue.

SEPTEMBER 2021
PICKING IT UP!
Instagram / @britneyspears

As we reported, she broke the news on Instagram, posting a video of her showing off the huge rock on her finger, with the caption ... "I can't f***ing believe it 💍💍💍💍💍💍❣️!!!!!!"

It's worth noting ... Britney signed a prenup with Kevin Federline, so it's something she's clearly inclined to do ... at least in the past. Although these stories on net worth are often wildly inaccurate, Brit's reported estimate worth hovers at around $60 million. So, Sam's clearly joking about a prenup that protects him, but that doesn't mean a prenup is not in their future.

BTW ... since the judge in Brit's conservatorship case already said she's capable of hiring a lawyer, it seems the coast is clear for her to hire another lawyer to handle prenup business. Here's the wild card -- the conservator of her estate -- as long as the conservatorship exists -- could demand a prenup be signed to protect her assets, and right now that person is Jamie Spears.

As for getting married, although Britney said in court in June she was blocked from getting married, she actually has the right to tie the knot ... even in a conservatorship.

9/11 Parade Float W/ Models of Twin Towers Billowing Smoke ... Triggers Outrage

Talk about a 9/11 memorial that misses by a mile ... in an incredibly disrespectful display, a parade in Porter County, Indiana featured models of the Twin Towers with smoke billowing from each.

The float in question was built by the Valparaiso Republican Party. You hear a few people in the crowd sounding off their disbelief as they watched the float tool down the street.

The float was part of the 40th Popcorn Festival which was held on Sept. 11.

It's apparent the Republicans were taking heat for the display ... they limited comments on Facebook, in which folks almost certainly expressed their outrage.

2,977 people perished in the attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and a remote field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Kaley Cuoco Shows Support for Estranged Hubby ... Drops IG Hearts on His Pic

Kaley Cuoco and her ex, Karl Cook, insist their pending divorce is anger and animosity-free ... and she's proving it with a pretty affectionate Instagram comment.

"The Flight Attendant" star offered some public support of her estranged hubby -- who's a professional equestrian -- on a post by Traverse City Horse Shows announcing Karl won a pair of tournament events Sunday in Michigan.

Kaley commented both heart and raised hand emojis ... signaling she's still rooting for him despite their split.

As we told you ... Cuoco filed for divorce from Cook earlier this month after 3 years of marriage. The ex-couple announced the decision was made after realizing they were going in opposite directions in life, but maintain they have an "immense amount of respect and consideration for one another."

8/8/21
LOCKED HANDS FOR LIFTOFF
TMZ.com

In related news ... fans are speculating that Kaley's getting close to Pete Davidson, her costar in the upcoming rom-com, "Meet Cute." The 2 were together last month at Six Flags in New Jersey, but at the time there was no indication her marriage was on the rocks.

What a difference a few weeks makes.

Blueface Accused of Attacking Bouncer ... Battery Report Taken

Blueface allegedly attacked a club bouncer with the help of his 2 pals, leaving the dude in stitches ... and now, cops are on the case.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Blueface tried rolling up to Skinny's Lounge late Sunday night in the San Fernando Valley, but got stopped at the door by a security guard who asked to see his ID.

We're told Blueface noted he didn't have one, and asked the guard if he knew who he was ... apparently, whipping out his phone to Google himself and show he was famous. The guard didn't care though, we're told, and wouldn't let him in without proper identification.

That's when things allegedly turned physical ... our sources tell us Blue, and a couple buddies with him jumped the bouncer and then left. The guy had to be transported to a hospital by ambulance -- where we're told he was treated for bruises and scratches that required sutures.

We also got a hold of photos showing the alleged injuries, and they look pretty gnarly. You can see the bouncer was left bloodied.

As for the cops ... law enforcement sources tell us they got a report of a fight at Skinny's a little after midnight, and that one person was hospitalized with minor injuries. Officers took a battery report and now they're investigating. The alleged victim's name hasn't been released.

Netflix's 'Buried By The Bernards' You Gave Us The Wrong Ashes!!!

UPDATE

11:03 AM PT -- The attorney for R. Bernard Funeral Homes, Randall Fishman, tells TMZ ... the remains of the body were, indeed, given to the family in question. He further explains that when a cremation is done there, a metal disc is placed into the incinerator with a number ... so no mix-ups on whose remains you might have can occur.

UPDATE

Further, Fishman says the reason the Velasquez family might think there was a horrible mistake is because an incorrect name label was placed onto the urn they brought in and requested to have the remains transferred to -- but he assures us Anita's ashes are in there.

UPDATE

He also says that after the family asked for compensation for their trip -- which he claims they were offered -- the Velasquezes supposedly changed their mind. Fishman adds that his client regrets the confusion, but again insists that they have their mother's remains.

The funeral service featured in the Netflix reality comedy series "Buried By The Bernards" is being accused of a colossal screwup ... a family claims they were sent the wrong ashes.

Alfred Velasquez tells TMZ … his mother, Anita Velasquez, died in February from kidney failure and was cremated through R. Bernard Funeral Services in Memphis, the place featured on the Netflix show.

The Velasquez family claims they picked up the ashes from the funeral parlor in March, but when they went to spread them on their late mother's birthday in July, they noticed a tag with a different person's information.

We're told the Velasquez fam had traveled all the way to Florida to spread the ashes in the ocean as one of Anita's last wishes, and when they noticed the issue, they reached out to the funeral home.

The family claims they were told the company would look into it and get back to them ... but we're told the funeral home called back and said the family had the correct ashes.

Nevertheless, the company offered to reimburse him $2,000 for the funeral expenses.

The family's since made a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and we're told the family is considering their legal options.

According to legal docs, R. Bernard Funeral Services says the family received the correct ashes, but another person's papers were accidentally placed inside the urn.

We reached out to the funeral service ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 1:00 AM PT

VMAs 2021 Celebs Keep the Party Going!!!

If an awards show isn't followed up by a slew of celebs hitting up afterparties all over town ... is it even an awards show at all???

Attendees at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards made the night official by celebrating around NYC afterward ... with events hosted by the likes of Travis Scott, Dave Chappelle and Doja Cat.

Other celebs spotted toasting to success included Justin and Hailey Bieber, Madonna, Pete Davidson and the night's big winner -- Lil Nas X, who won Video of the Year for "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)."

DAVE'S AFTER PARTY
BACKGRID

There was also a couple's dinner sighting, as MGK and Megan Fox shared a "future baby daddies" meal at Cipriani with Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian ... before MGK and company made it over to Chappelle's party at Lure.

As you'd expect, Dave's event had major star appeal with Colin Jost, Dave Grohl and Jon Hamm joining the festivities.

THROWIN' DOWN AT THE VMAS

Looks like a real fun time, and no, it doesn't appear Conor McGregor showed up to disturb the peace ... any further, that is.

Jeff Bridges My Cancer's in Remission ... And I Kicked COVID-19!!!

Jeff Bridges has some great news for his fans -- the dude's cancer has all but disappeared ... and not just that, he's on the upswing after a nasty bout of COVID too.

The legendary actor provided the update Monday, posting a handwritten note -- in his own cursive handwriting, no less -- telling people the enormous mass that came along with his lymphoma last year has shrunk down to the size of a "marble."

That's pretty incredible ... considering it was 9 inches by 12 inches in size at one point, according to him. He also says he's in remission, which is the best possible result when battling an aggressive cancer.

There's another health twist we hadn't heard about until just now ... apparently, JB was also fighting the coronavirus earlier this year. He says he likely caught it at the facility where he's been getting chemo, but after feeling like crap for a bit ... he kicked it.

Jeff notes he's fully vaccinated, and says he's heard the jab can help long hauler COVID recipients ... which he attributes to his speedy recovery.

Best of all for Jeff, he says he was able to walk his daughter, Hayley, down the aisle at her recent wedding -- something he wasn't sure he could do, because he's been on oxygen. The proud dad said he even danced with her ... without his O2 tank.

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Jeff also says he's been able to resume some on-camera work as well, including on a TV series he's in called "The Old Man" -- a clip of which he linked to show how good it's looking.

Megan Fox & Kourtney Kardashian Intro Travis & MGK ... 'Our Future Baby Daddies!!!'

THINKING AHEAD
MTV

It's babies on the brain for Megan Fox and Kourtney Kardashian, at least that's what was signaled at the VMAs when the pair intro'd their significant others Travis Barker and Machine Gun Kelly.

Megan and KK took the stage at Barclays Center Sunday night for the MTV VMAs to introduce the rockers, who Megan called "our future baby daddies" ... this after Kourtney called Barker "hot."

ROCKING THE VMAS
MTV

As for the performance, Travis and MGK played their new single "papercuts."

Megan and Kourtney each have 3 kids, but neither has publicly announced they were pregnant ... it seemed that Fox only jokingly made the statement, though.

Of course, the night wasn't without some drama. MGK and Conor McGregor got into a scuffle on the red carpet before the show started. Sources told us the whole thing started after Conor approached MGK and was allegedly pushed away by security.

Chris Brown Security Files Battery Report ... Man Allegedly Spit On Him

Chris Brown's home got another visit from cops ... but this time, he wasn't the one causing the problems.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police were called to CB's San Fernando Valley home around 10 PM this week for an alleged battery involving his security team.

We're told a man came riding up to the property on a motorbike, and Chris' hired muscle lit the guy up with a flashlight to figure out whether he was a guest or just a dude cruising the neighborhood. They stopped him and asked why he rode up to the house.

The man apparently didn't like being questioned ... we're told he spit in the guard's face and rode off into the night.

Our sources tell us LAPD took a battery report, but so far no arrests have been made.

5/6/21
CHRIS BROWN THROWS DOWN
RMG News

It's at least the 3rd time in 5 months cops have been called to Chris' home. As we reported, LAPD broke up his massive birthday party in May and in June they responded to another battery call at the home after a woman claimed Breezy smacked her weave off.

Seems something always happens on his block.

Mark Davis Raiders Owner Cashes In On Slots ... At Vegas Casino

Mark Davis is having no trouble adjusting to his new home in Vegas ... 'cause the Raiders owner just made a chunk of change at the slot machines earlier this week -- and TMZ Sports has the pic!!!

We're told the son of legendary owner Al Davis hit up the Virgin Hotels in Sin City on Tuesday night to test his luck ahead of the 2021 season ... posting up at the Wheel of Fortune slots around 11 PM.

As it turns out, the man worth reportedly $500 million seemingly got a bit richer ... raking in about $1,800 on one turn!

Of course, things haven't always been fine and dandy for Davis -- as we previously reported, he got in a bit of a fender bender with his Mini Cooper in a shopping center parking lot right off the Strip back in June.

We're sure Davis is gonna hope this luck continues as the Raiders take their home field at Allegiant Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.

And Raider Nation certainly is -- after all, the entire rest of the AFC West is undefeated after Week 1.

Ja Rule to Fat Joe Drag Me on 'Verzuz?!?' Bring It!!! As for 50 Cent ...

SEPTEMBER 2021
IT'S IN THE BAG
TMZ.com

Ja Rule's clapping back after Fat Joe said he's going to drag him for their "Verzuz" battle ... essentially saying Joey Crack's threat is music to his ears.

The "Put It On Me" rapper tells us he's practically salivating at the idea Fat Joe's been talking (friendly?) smack ahead of their highly-anticipated "Verzuz" battle on Tuesday at the Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden.

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Ja's not running scared. Far from it -- he's like a fighter in the ring ready for the bell to ring ... this after Joey Crack called Ja saying, "Everybody know you got all the hits, but I'mma have to drag you. I'm about to bring you into the projects, Trinity Ave."

He added this shot ... "You my brother. I love you, but I'mma have to get you up out that cardigan sweater." You know it's on when you diss a man's sweater. Real street s***.

But, Ja told us he's got no problem taking it to the streets. We really set him off, though, when we brought up the rumor 50 Cent might make a surprise appearance during the "Verzuz" battle.

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He warned it would be the dumbest thing Fiddy -- with whom he's had beef for decades -- ever did, IF he shows up at MSG Tuesday night.

Either way, Ja insists he's ready to take down Joe AND 50 Cent, if necessary. #DingDing.

You can see the full interview on Monday's "TMZ Live." As they say, check your local listings.

Carey Martin On 'Suite Life Of Zack & Cody' 'Memba Her?!

Oregon born artist Kim Rhodes was in her 30s when she landed the role of the melodic matriarch Casey Martin -- who had double duty as the mother to the twin boys and was also the Boston Tipton Hotel's lounge singer -- on the early 2000s Disney Channel sitcom, "The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody" and the 2008 follow-up "The Suite Life On Deck."

KR shared the small screen with some top-notch talent including Ashley Tisdale as the sweets-slanging, Maddie Fitzpatrick, Brenda Song as the hotel heir, London Tipton ... and of course, Dylan and Cole Sprouse as her adorable sons Zack and Cody Martin.

Guess what she looks like now in her 50s!

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