Judge Amy Coney Barrett Frontrunner to Fill RBG Seat ... Super Conservative, Signs She'll Overturn Roe

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The frontrunner to fill the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat on the Supreme Court -- if Donald Trump gets his way -- has all the signs of voting to repeal Roe vs. Wade.

The 48-year-old jurist currently sits on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and is a committed strict constructionist of the Constitution, meaning she interprets the document as the framers intended. That's code these days for saying abortion is not mentioned as a right in the Constitution, therefore the right does not exist.

Barrett, a devout Roman Catholic and mother of 7, told Senators during her confirmation hearing for the Court of Appeals ... her religion would not, pardon the expression, trump the Constitution ... presumably trying to give assurance that she would not overturn Roe based on her religious beliefs. Nevertheless, there's evidence she's opposed to abortion.

She's been against ObamaCare's birth control mandate, calling it a "grave violation of religious freedom."

Barrett clerked for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, a fiercely conservative, strict constructionist. She was a professor at Notre Dame School of Law for 15 years before her appointment by Trump in 2017 to the 7th Circuit.

She was in the running to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy's seat back in 2018 and many conservatives favored her. Trump ultimately went with Brett Kavanaugh.

If Barrett gets the nod and is approved by the Senate, conservatives were be cemented on the High Court with a 6-3 majority. It could mean the end of ObamaCare and Roe, and that's just for starters.

Some Democrats have already suggested if Trump gets another justice appointed, they will move to stack the courts by increasing the number of justices. Some political strategists have warned ... talk of court-packing could hurt Democrats because it would motivate Trump supporters to get out and vote, even if Trump's nominee gets confirmed before the election.

WNBA's A'ja Wilson Chokes Back Tears After Winning MVP ... So Many Doubted Us!!!

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Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja WIlson let the emotions loose after landing her first WNBA MVP award on Thursday ... saying she was completely shocked to win!!

Wilson has been dominant all season ... averaging 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2 blocks per game ... leading LV to an 18-4 record.

Yeah, beast mode.

A'ja -- the 1st overall pick of the 2018 WNBA Draft -- couldn't believe she won and thankfully, her priceless reaction to the top honor was caught on video.

"I can't thank you all enough, honestly." Wilson said to her teammates while choking back tears. "I wouldn't be this without you guys."

"So many people doubted us, wasn't in conversations and we did it!"

The Aces are the top seed in the West for the playoffs ... and Wilson's not satisfied with just winning an MVP.

"Of course, the job's not done but we put a lot of people on notice and I wouldn't be this, I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for the Aces organization."

Wilson continued ... "If it wasn't for the [WNBA] -- like I'm truly grateful, I'm blessed."

"I'm just so glad to have y'all as my teammates, y'all my road dogs for real."

Congrats on the hardware, A'ja ... time for a bigger trophy case!!

NeNe Leakes I'm Not Coming Back to 'RHOA' ... Andy Cohen Responds

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UPDATE

2:51 PM PT -- Andy Cohen says he's going to miss NeNe on the show, and calls her an "icon of the genre" along with a "gif and catchphrase machine."

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Andy -- aka "Buttercup" to NeNe -- points out that she has been his most frequent guest on 'Watch What Happens Live' and is always a blast ... and he hopes to work with her again soon.

Rumors have circulated for months, but now it's official -- NeNe Leakes will not be returning to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" ... she says so herself.

The longtime 'RHOA' star just posted a video stating it clearly -- she's made the call to NOT be a part of season 13. NeNe says she made the difficult decision after an "extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional" contract negotiation.

NeNe stresses things were emotional for both sides during the process, and fights back tears before reflecting on her time with the show ... which started for her back in 2008.

Though Leakes only explicitly says she's out for season 13, her message suggests this is more of a farewell for good.

She says ... "I'm just so happy that I can say that I was part of a genre that opened up a door for Black ensemble reality shows. I want to thank everybody that has looked up to me over the years. I want to thank Bravo for all the memories. Thank you to the cast for all of the memories."

The video NeNe posted on her YouTube page includes her 'RHOA' highlights from over the years.

In August, NeNe went on a tweeting spree amid her contract negotiations and seemed to call out her castmates for not protecting her or standing up for her ... though she didn't name names.

NeNe is one of the reality series' biggest stars, known most for her friendship/falling out/reconciliation with Kim Zolciak-Biermann ... and her rivalry with Kenya Moore.

'RHOA' is currently in production for the upcoming season on Bravo.

A spokesperson for the network tells TMZ ... "We wish Nene all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for sharing her journey for over a decade with the fans of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.' She’s been instrumental since the start and will truly be missed, and maybe one day she’ll hold the peach again."

Originally Published 2:18 PM PT

Atty Gen. Bill Barr Compares COVID Lockdowns to Slavery ... Politicians, Celebs Tee Off

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Attorney General Bill Barr believes the calls for nationwide lockdowns and stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are the "greatest intrusion on civil liberties" of all time ... you know, other than slavery.

Barr made the unbelievably tone-deaf claim Wednesday at a Constitution Day celebration hosted by Hillsdale College in Michigan, after he was asked about constitutional hurdles in blocking churchgoers during a pandemic.

This led to a lengthy response in which Barr blasted state governors -- claiming they're stifling citizens and businesses from returning to work -- and compared coronavirus lockdowns to house arrest and slavery.

The offensive parallel has pissed off politicians, celebs and journalists ... all of whom are going off on the AG.

Now, Barr did qualify his comment by saying slavery "was a different kind of restraint." Gee, thanks for pointing that out, Bill.

Worst. Take. Ever.

Breonna Taylor's Family Historic Settlement a Good Start ... But We Demand Full Justice!!!

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Breonna Taylor’s family and legal team are giving praise to the City of Louisville for reaching a historic settlement in her wrongful death case, but they’re making it crystal clear their mission’s not changed … they want full justice for Breonna, and for the cops who killed her to be arrested and charged.

Attorney Ben Crump says the huge financial settlement has helped assure that Breonna’s death won’t be swept under the rug like so many black women before her, but equally important is the comprehensive police reform to be instituted to prevent future tragedies like Breonna’s.

Crump claims the $12 million settlement is the largest amount ever for a Black woman in a wrongful death case involving police, and may be the largest ever for a Black person in America. He attributes the victory to all the people who have been protesting and fighting for justice.

The civil rights attorney calls it a “landmark step on the journey to justice,” but he’s not backing down from his demand that KY Attorney General Daniel Cameron immediately brings charges against the cops who shot and killed her. Crump says he wants charges this week -- at the very least, a charge of second-degree manslaughter.

Crump says, “We want full justice, not just partial justice,” and is also calling for all charges to be dropped against nonviolent protesters who were arrested for demanding justice for Breonna.

Tamika Palmer, Breonna’s mother, echoed Crump's words by saying the settlement is just the beginning of getting full justice for her daughter … and it’s time to move forward with criminal charges.

Breonna’s mom says, “Her beautiful spirit and personality is working through all of us on the ground … please continue to say her name.”

Finally, Tamika Mallory from Until Freedom put the pressure on Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, challenging him to fire every police officer involved in Breonna’s death “on the spot” in the event that they aren’t charged by AG Cameron.

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MAKING BIG CHANGES

Earlier in the press conference, the Mayor listed off multiple facets of police reform to be implemented within the Louisville Metro PD as part of the settlement, including new programs to create positive community relations between citizens and cops … and social workers supporting police on certain calls.

Fischer also confirmed there will be major changes coming in how search warrants get approved, and new protocols for making sure cops are accountable for their actions, are properly investigated, and receive proper training. The mayor also confirmed the settlement amount of $12 million to Breonna’s estate.

News of the settlement in the case broke Tuesday morning, with reports the Louisville metro government had agreed to pay out millions of dollars and implement multiple reforms regarding law enforcement -- including a requirement that commanders approve all search warrants before they go to a judge.

As you know ... Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police officers on March 13 while they were executing a no-knock warrant.

Though no criminal charges have been brought against the cops who shot Breonna, her family sued the city in April.

Attorney Sam Aguilar has expressed frustration with the City's response to Breonna's case. As for the wrongful death settlement he says ... "the fact that they've been willing to sit down and talk significant reform was a step in the right direction and hopefully a turning point."

Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron has responded to public criticism about the investigation into the death of Breonna, saying it's ongoing and does not have to follow a specific timeline.

Cameron insists his office has "endeavored since day one to find the truth and pursue justice" and he's not working on a deadline ... but will make an announcement whenever the investigation concludes.

Originally published -- 6:53 AM PT

Derek Jeter Selling $29 Million Tampa Mansion ... After Renting It To Tom Brady

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Wanna live like both Derek Jeter AND Tom Brady?!?! Hope ya got a small fortune to spend!

The New York Yankees legend is selling off his Tampa, FL palace just a few months after renting it out to Brady ... with a reported listing price of $29 MIL!!!

It seems it's the best time ever for DJ to unload the pad ... since TB12 moved in after signing with the Buccaneers, the place has gotten a TON of publicity -- with Brady himself even praising the hell out of it after working out in the backyard!

As for what the money gets you in addition to roaming the same bedrooms Brady and Jeter once slept in? It's A LOT.

The place is reportedly 30,875 square feet of awesome ... featuring 7 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms (8 full, 8 half), a saltwater lap pool and a pretty awesome bar.

The mansion also has its own gym, wine cellar AND movie theater ... and overlooks Hillsborough Bay!!!

"This is the most impressive home to ever hit the market in the Tampa Bay area," a real estate agent for the property told The New York Times.

Sadly, if ya wanna tour the place to buy it ... you will NOT run into Brady on campus -- the real estate agent says Tom and Derek worked out a rental agreement that allows Jeter to show off the place without bothering the future Hall of Famer.

Bummer ... but still great to be rich, right?!

Steelers 'Against Racism' Sign For Anthem ... Several Giants Kneel

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The Steelers came up with a unique way to show solidarity and send a message during the national anthem ... with players holding a sign saying, "Steelers Against Racism" before Monday Night Football.

There have been many different approaches throughout the league during the opening weekend ... with some teams electing to stay in the locker rooms while other teams had players kneel, lock arms or show other ways to demonstrate before games.

The Steelers revealed their decision before facing off with the NY Giants on Monday ... holding the long banner, which listed each player's hometowns.

The Giants were also present for the anthem, with roughly one-third of the team electing to kneel.

The social justice demonstrations come after several players -- including Odell Beckham, Patrick Mahomes, Saquon Barkley and more -- called for NFL commish Roger Goodell to admit the league was wrong in silencing players like Colin Kaepernick.

BLM Protesters Shut Down GW Bridge ... 'No Justice, No Peace'

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Black Lives Matter protesters were out in force Saturday night, stopping traffic for a time on the George Washington Bridge in NYC in a loud, tense but mostly peaceful protest.

The crowd chanted "No justice, no peace" as protesters put cones on the bridge to prevent traffic from crossing. The bridge was blocked for only 40 minutes, but the point was certainly driven home.

There were some tense moments between police and protesters, but for the most part, it didn't get out of hand. There were a few shoving matches between protesters and police. At one point you see a cop push a protester who falls on the pavement.

The protest then moved to the 34th Precinct where the group continued to demonstrate, chanting, "F*** the police."

The NYPD says 6 people were taken into custody.

Wrestler Navid Afkari Executed In Iran Despite Plea from President Trump

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Iranian wrestling champ Navid Afkari has been executed in Iran, officials confirm.

The 27-year-old was hanged Saturday morning in Adelabad prison in the city of Shiraz, according to Iranian state media IRNA.

As we previously reported, Afkari participated in a peaceful 2018 protest against government policies. But, officials later accused him of stabbing a water supply company employee during the protests.

Afkari apparently confessed to the stabbing in a video put out by Iranian officials last week .. but most believe the confession was forced after he had been tortured.

Afkari -- a decorated wrestler in Iran who medaled in multiple national tournaments -- had been issued TWO death sentences for his alleged crimes in order to send a message to the rest of the country.

President Trump had tweeted to the Iranian government earlier this month asking them to spare Afkari's life.

"Hearing that Iran is looking to execute a great and popular wrestling star, 27-year-old Navid Afkarai, whose sole act was an anti-government demonstration on the streets," Trump said.

"They were protesting the 'country’s worsening economic situation and inflation.'"

Ultimately, Iran ignored Trump's request.

RIP.

NFL's Demaryius Thomas Pit Bulls Accused of Violent Attack ... On Woman and Dog

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Two pit bulls allegedly belonging to NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas attacked a woman and her pet dog this week causing major injuries ... and now officials have launched an investigation.

Jennifer Savage told WSB-TV in Atlanta she was hanging out on her front lawn with her own dog Thursday when out of nowhere, 2 pits went after her pooch.

"I look up, not even paying attention, and I see two pit bulls charging at me, showing their teeth and growing at me," Savage said.

The woman says she tumbled down a hill trying to protect her dog from the pit bulls -- but couldn't stop the animals from taking "huge chunks" out of her dog.

Savage says she suffered bite wounds to her arms and legs -- and needed stitches.

Her dog, Berkley, was so badly injured he needed emergency surgery.

"They shaved his entire body and there's punctures and tubes all in him," she told WSB-TV.

The news outlet says a police report identifies Thomas as the owner of the 2 pit bulls.

We're out to law enforcement but haven't heard back.

Savage told WSB-TV she's obviously very upset and wants to pursue charges against Thomas over the incident.

We reached out to DT's rep for comment but haven't heard back.

Thomas was a star WR for the Denver Broncos, Patriots, Texans and NY Jets -- but he's currently a free agent.

Thomas is a proud pit bull owner -- and even has an IG page for his dogs.

Golf's John Daly Has Surgery to Treat Bladder Cancer ... 85% Chance It Returns

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Golf legend John Daly says he has undergone a procedure to treat bladder cancer ... but doctors told him there's a high probability it returns.

54-year-old Daly -- who famously won the PGA Championship in '91 -- says he had been battling back pain and kidney stones in recent weeks.

But, after he passed the stones, Daly was still experiencing pain and doctors ultimately determined he had cancer.

"[The urologist said] it doesn't look like any stones are in there. But unfortunately, you have bladder cancer," Daly told the Golf Channel.

"After I did the CT [scan] I was fixing to sip on my Diet Coke and he said, 'Don't drink anything. We have to get you back in here and get this cancer out of you.'"

Daly says he's already had a surgery to remove the cancer -- but doctors say the fight is far from over.

"[The doctor] said there's an 85% chance it comes back. So, I've got to go back and see him in 3 months. They will probably have to cut it out again," Daly said.

"It's probably going to come back, and then another 3 months that you don't know. You just don't know. Luckily for me, they caught it early, but bladder cancer is something that I don't know all the details. But, it doesn't look like it may go away. We will just see what happens. Maybe, there's a miracle."

Daly says he will fight hard -- and will even change his diet and smoking habits as a result of the diagnosis.

"I'm cutting way, way back on the Diet Coke and counting minutes before I can have a cigarette. I'm trying to quit smoking," Daly said.

"The doctors aren't saying it's too late. Unfortunately, it's a cancer that keeps coming back. But, I'm going to listen to them, and I'm going to try and quit smoking. If it comes back, it comes back. Six months to a year, if it doesn't go away, I'm going to live my life. I'm gonna have some fun."

Beirut Port Huge Fire Forces Panicked Fleeing Month After Deadly Blast

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No one in Beirut is taking a chance this time -- a massive fire is burning again in the city's port, immediately triggering large-scale evacuations ... coming just 5 weeks after that deadly explosion rocked the city.

The Lebanese army reportedly ordered the area evacuated Thursday and major roads leading to the port have been shut down after a huge fire engulfed what officials believe to be a tire warehouse. Although authorities said this blaze would NOT trigger another explosion, people aren't buying it, and video shows hundreds running like hell to get out of the area.

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THE ENORMOUS BLAST

A reporter tweeted a video showing thick, black smoke filling the air and said, "Some of these buildings still don't have windows after the #BeirutBlast a month ago and now they are being engulfed by (likely poisonous) black smoke."

Just over a month ago, in this very same area of the port, 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate had been sitting unsecured for 6 years in a warehouse and exploded. The blast obliterated Beirut and killed more than 190 people and injured nearly 7,000 others.

The images that came following the deadly blast were horrific ... including video of a bride taking wedding pics and video moments before the blast.

Connecticut State Capitol Overrun With Protesters ... After H.S. Football Cancelation

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Hundreds flocked to the state capitol building in Connecticut on Wednesday seriously pissed off over the cancelation of H.S. football ... and the scene was WILD!!

Just days after the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference announced it was unsafe to play football amid the coronavirus pandemic this fall ... nearly 1,000 players, coaches and parents overran the government building to try to get the ruling reversed.

Check out video from the protest ... it's pretty intense -- with everyone screaming "Let us play!" in unison while holding signs, flags and even football helmets.

Some of the players that were interviewed on the scene voiced their displeasure with not being able to play this season ... with one telling WFSB, "I'm really mad about it."

Seems Gov. Ned Lamont is willing to at least listen to arguments for an overturning of the decision ... he said after the protest he's organizing a meeting with local officials to hear both sides.

That summit will take place on Friday, Lamont said ... before he added, "I want to see football being played and I also want to see it being played safely."

Connecticut has been far from the top of coronavirus hot spot locations in the U.S. ... but it has had a reported 53,871 cases since the start of the pandemic, with over 4,000 deaths.

Trayvon Martin & Ahmaud Arbery Families Thank Naomi Osaka ... For U.S. Open Tributes

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Powerful videos from the families of Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin -- who thanked Naomi Osaka for her COVID mask tributes at the U.S. Open.

Osaka has been wearing a different name of a violence victim on her face coverings every day of the tournament in NYC ... hoping to bring awareness to Breonna Taylor, Arbery, Martin and others.

And, after her match on Tuesday -- ESPN surprised her with thank you video messages from the families of two of her mask honorees.

In the first, Martin's mom, Sybrina Fulton, praised the 22-year-old tennis player for her tributes ... saying, "We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

In the second, Arbery's father, Marcus Arbery Sr., added ... "I just want to tell you thank you for the support on my family. And God bless you for what you're doing."

Osaka initially kept her cool on the set while the videos played ... but she admits she broke down in private after viewing them again.

"I often wonder if what I’m doing is resonating and reaching as many people as I hope," Osaka said. "That being said, I tried to hold it in on set but after watching these back I cried so much."

"The strength and the character both of these parents have is beyond me. Love you both, thank you."

In total, Osaka has displayed five masks tributes at the U.S. Open this week ... featuring the names of Taylor, Arbery, Martin, George Floyd and Elijah McClain.

She says she still has others planned for the rest of the tournament as well.

As we previously reported ... Osaka has been one of the most outspoken athletes when it comes to the fight for social justice -- she famously boycotted a match at a tournament 2 weeks ago in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting.

Kim Kardashian We're Ending 'Keeping Up' Forever Final Season in 2021

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You won't be 'Keeping Up' much longer -- the Kardashians are officially pulling the plug on their TV show next year.

Kim Kardashian made the announcement Tuesday, posting ... "To our amazing fans -- It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

She adds, "After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years – through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children. We’ll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we’ve met along the way."

Kim goes on to thank EP Ryan Seacrest, E! and countless others.

KKW also says their final season will air in 2021 -- but she doesn't explain why the "First Family" of reality TV is saying farewell to their hit show.

What she does finish with is a lot of gratitude for what the series has brought her entire family. Kim writes, "Without Keeping Up with The Kardashians, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched and supported me and my family these past 14 incredible years. This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever."

'KUWTK' has had an incredible run -- 20 seasons is a milestone few TV shows ever hit -- plus it became a pop culture fixture over that time.

Mayweather Boxing Prodigy Shot Dead on Labor Day ... Cops Investigating

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Boxing prodigy Danny Gonzalez -- who signed with Floyd Mayweather's The Money Team in 2016 -- was shot and killed on Labor Day, officials confirm.

The 22-year-old was hanging out in Moreno Valley, CA on Sept. 7 around 9 PM when someone approached the fighter and opened fire.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Dept. says deputies and paramedics responded to the scene where Gonzalez was pronounced dead.

Two other people who were with Danny (both teenagers) were transported to a nearby hospital where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, officials say.

An investigation is underway ... so far, no suspects have been identified and cops say they have not determined a motive.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the tragic news Tuesday ... saying, "We are very sad to report the tragic death of boxer and top prospect, Danny González."

"We send our deepest condolences and prayers to the Gonzalez family at this hard time. May Danny rest in eternal peace."

Gonzalez signed with Floyd Mayweather's TMT Promotions when he was only 18 years old ... and at the time, Floyd raved about the kid.

"There are certain times when you know you've just struck gold and this is one of them," Floyd said in 2016.

Floyd praised Danny's "incredible amateur record" of 96-13 ... and called him a "force to be reckoned with!"

Danny only took 3 professional fights before taking time away from the sport in 2017 -- but earlier this year, he posted on social media suggesting a comeback could be in the works.