Kim Zolciak Still in Mommy Mode As Kroy Divorce Rages On

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Kim Zolciak isn't letting her ongoing divorce war with Kroy Biermann stop her from taking care of the couple's 4 kiddos ... still going full mommy mode to keep things as normal as possible ... despite the fact her estranged husband is gunning to take the kids.

Check out the pics, obtained by TMZ, showing Zolciak driving her Range Rover Wednesday to pick up her son, Kane, from school. Our sources say this is a regular occurrence, but something Kim wants to continue to do in order to keep the kids comfortable and calm.

Kroy stated in his divorce petition he wants sole custody of their four kids -- he wants them to live with him, though he didn't specify where. Our Kim sources say despite what Kroy insinuates in the docs, both Kim and Kroy are still living under the same roof with their children.

TMZ broke the story, both Kim and Kroy filed separate divorce petitions, a clear indication things are getting very nasty behind the scenes.

Kroy is asking for both sole legal and physical custody of the kids, without any mention of visitation for Kim. He's also asking she vacate their family home, the same one that went into foreclosure earlier this year.

For her part, Kim's asking for sole physical and joint legal custody of the kids, with visitation for Kroy.

We were the first to report the estranged couple is in serious financial trouble, owing more than $1 million to the IRS ... in his divorce docs, Kroy requested Kim maintain all financial records -- including expense reports as well as income and tax records.

Chipper Jones Sells Georgia Mansion For $11 Mil ... Comes W/ Heated Olympic-Sized Pool!!

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Someone's about to live like a champion -- a very wealthy World Series champion -- 'cause Braves legend Chipper Jones just unloaded his gigantic mansion in Georgia for $11 MILLION!!

The estate was built in 2013 and sits on 37 wooded acres in Canton, only 13 miles northeast of Atlanta ... where the Braves star was one of the greatest players of his generation.

The gated estate has eight bedrooms, nine baths, a nine-car garage, and entertainment for days including a home theater, game room, dirt bike track, and a 4-stall horse barn.

BTW, the stable has a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment inside, as well.

But, perhaps the best perk is the heated Olympic-sized pool on the mansion grounds!

The interior features floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, natural stone, and high ceilings.

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MEGA MANSION
Ilya Zobanov of Golden Lens Media

The Jones property was listed by Katie McGuirk of Ansley Real Estate for $15 million in 2022, but after months on the market, the crib finally sold this week for $11M. Jones bought the property in 2018 for $9.25M.

Now, why would Jones let this beautiful place go? We're told he's simply downsizing.

Of course, Jones has been a beloved Atlanta resident since the Braves selected the third baseman as the first overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft ... and during his 19 seasons, he became an 8-time All-Star, a 2-time Silver Slugger winner, an MLB batting champ, NL MVP, and a World Series champ.

The Braves retired his No. 10 jersey and he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018. He's currently the Braves' assistant hitting consultant.

Congrats to the new homeowners!

Jay-Z My Times Square Casino Plan's a Sure Thing ... Implores NYC, Bet On Me!!!

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Jay-Z's dropping "The Blueprint 4," but it's not a new album ... it's his plan for opening a casino in Times Square, and he's going all out to get New Yorkers on board with it.

Through Roc Nation, Jay penned an open letter to NYC, explaining why he believes his company's partnership with Caesars Palace should be awarded a contract to launch a casino in the heart of Times Square.

In the letter, published Thursday in several NY newspapers, Roc Nation leans hard into all the positives its proposed Caesars Palace Times Square would create for "everyday New Yorkers," as well as the city's businesses.

The casino would reportedly be built on the top 8 floors of an existing Times Square skyscraper, smack in the middle of Broadway's famed theater district. Some theater owners and producers are vehemently opposed to the casino, but Roc Nation says its bid includes $115 million for "diverse theater programs" to aid Broadway employees.

Jay and co. say their organization will put the "well-being of New Yorkers at the top of their agenda." The insinuation is their competition will not, and they're up against several other high-profile bidders ... including Wynn Resorts and Mets owner Steve Cohen.

Each has proposed casino plans in different NYC locations -- Caesars and Jay's is the only one in Times Square.

NY State is expected to select the winning bid by the end of the year.

Will Forte Writer Residuals Have Been Slashed ... Strike Will Take Time

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SUPPORTING OUR WRITERS

Will Forte says Hollywood writers might be on the picket line longer than anticipated if they can't get the kind of money they used to ... which has changed a lot due to technology.

The 'SNL' alum was showing support Wednesday with protesters outside of Sony's HQ in Culver City -- and he chopped it up with us about one of the key sticking points in the WGA's negotiations with studio execs ... namely, a sharp decrease in residuals earned in TV.

As Will explains, writers used to get extra cash every time their work aired -- that's on top of their going rate to do the job. However, in the era of streaming-first programming, those residuals have mostly gone down the drain.

Not just that, but Will says there are fewer episodes per season being made these days. Whereas a regular season on cable or a network back in the day used to run 20+ episodes -- streaming shows now are much shorter, clocking in at about 10 episodes a season or less.

Bottom line ... writers have gotten screwed on getting paid on multiple fronts -- which is one of the big reasons why this strike is happening ... among other factors, like AI, staffing, etc.

Considering the media landscape has changed drastically in the past 10-15 years ... Will predicts this impasse will last for a little while. There are some major corrections writers are demanding in any new agreement -- and the studios are gonna need to meet them halfway.

The question ... how long will this go on? Content is getting cranked out at a way faster pace than the last strike, so studios presumably have stuff in the vault and can hold a while.

Time will tell.

Beyoncé Kicks off 'Renaissance' Tour

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BEYONCE IS BACK

Beyoncé's highly-anticipated "Renaissance" world tour is officially off and running, and the first stop in Sweden is packed with a ton of surprises!!!

Her big debut show is going down at Stockholm’s Friends Arena, and fans are buzzing with excitement -- even those who aren't there -- as it is the first time Beyoncé's been on tour in the last 4.5 years.

The early review is well-worth all the hype -- Bey opened the concert singing her throwback hit "Dangerously in Love".

She went on to perform songs from last year's "Renaissance" album, which she dedicated to her Uncle Johnny ... bringing out several well-known vogue-style dancers, including Honey Balenciaga. The performance included several nods to the LGBTQ+ community.

As you know, Beyoncé released 'Renaissance' -- her 7th no. 1 album -- back in July. And, it earned a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album.

During the show, Bey also brought back the Les Twins, who she worked with a lot in the past and who became known as her onstage dancing twins. They appeared in her Homecoming Coachella documentary. And, she wouldn't be Queen B without many different wardrobe changes and props, which she had plenty of!

Renaissance Summer is here, folks!!

Bob Huggins $1 Mil. Salary Cut, Suspension ... For Using Anti-Gay Slur

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Bob Huggins has been punished for using a homophobic slur twice during a radio interview earlier this week ... getting hit with a three-game suspension and a $1 million annual salary reduction.

The news came out just minutes ago ... with WVU announcing the coaching legend will NOT lose his job over the comments, but will spend a bit of time away from the team.

The punishment also includes sensitivity training ... which will now be a requirement for all current and future coaches at the university, according to the release. On top of that, Huggins' contract has been reconstructed to a year-by-year agreement ... and he's being kept on a short leash.

"We have made it explicitly clear to Coach Huggins that any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language will result in immediate termination," WVU prez Gordon Gee and athletic director Wren Baker said in a statement.

The $1 million that has been pulled from Huggins' checks will now be used to support the university's LGBTQ+ Center and other organizations that help marginalized communities.

Huggins will also make a donation to Xavier's Center for Faith and Justice ... as well as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

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HATEFUL LANGUAGE

Of course, Huggins faced a ton of backlash after referring to Xavier fans as "Catholic f**s" while speaking to Bill Cunningham on 700 WLW in Cincinnati.

Huggins apologized for his comments ... saying there is no excuse for what he said, and he would accept any punishment handed his way.

"I am ashamed and embarrassed and heartbroken for those I have hurt," Huggins said Monday. "I must do better, and I will."

FYI -- Huggins was making $4,150,000 a year before the punishment ... and his contract had options that ran through the 2027 season.

"We will never truly know the damage that has been done by the words said in those 90 seconds," Gee and Baker said in the joint statement. "Words matter and they can leave scars that can never be seen. But words can also heal."

"And by taking this moment to learn more about another's perspective, speak respectfully and lead with understanding, perhaps the words 'do better' will lead to meaningful change for all."

Xavier President Rips Bob Huggins Over Anti-Gay Slurs ... 'Repulsive'

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CONDEMNING HUGGINS

Xavier president Colleen Hanycz went in on West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins for his use of homophobic slurs earlier this week ... calling his comments "repulsive" and "offensive."

Hanycz addressed Huggins' controversial radio remarks about Xavier fans during a speech at a school event on Wednesday ... and she didn't hold back.

"The deplorable, mischaracterization, and homophobic slurs directed towards our LGBTQ+ and our Catholic communities were repulsive and offensive," Hanycz said on campus.

"To those in our Xavier family who were directly targeted and harmed by these hateful words, be assured you are invaluable members of our Xavier family, and you belong here. Your presence makes us better."

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HATEFUL LANGUAGE

Huggins found himself in hot water on Monday after he referred to Xavier fans as "Catholic f**s." The 69-year-old ultimately apologized to the Xavier, Cincinnati and West Virginia communities ... saying he was "ashamed" and "embarrassed."

Huggins -- who was reportedly handed a suspension and $1 million salary reduction by WVU as punishment -- said he was "heartbroken" over the hurt he caused by his words, and vowed to do better moving forward.

Meanwhile, Hanycz said Xavier remains "committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming campus where every member in this community is valued and respected."

Kyler Murray Helps 6-Yr-Old TX Shooting Victim ... With $15k Donation

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Kyler Murray is stepping up in a big way ... the Arizona Cardinals star just donated thousands of dollars to William Cho, the 6-year-old boy who lost his loved ones in the Texas mass shooting earlier this month.

Cho had visited the Allen outlet mall on May 6 with his family ... when a gunman opened fire -- and killed his mom, dad and brother. Cho suffered injuries in the horrific rampage, but after spending time in the ICU, he's recovering well.

Friends of the Cho family set up a GoFundMe page with the hopes that it would provide the little boy with enough money to help him in the wake of the tragedy once he heals up ... and Murray raced in this week to open up his checkbook for the cause.

The 25-year-old quarterback -- who has close ties to the area ... as he went to high school in Allen -- shelled out $15,000.

He added in a tweet earlier this week he was ready to help more victims, too.

So far, the GoFundMe page -- which initially had a goal of raising $50,000 -- is up over $1.7 million.

"We are deeply grateful and sincerely appreciate this outpouring [of] love and prayers from all around the country," the page's organizers wrote.

"Both Kyu and Cindy's family will use these funds to help William continue the legacy of his parents."

George Santos Indictment's a 'Witch Hunt,' Y'all ... Deflects to Biden, Family

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UPDATE

12:41 PM PT -- Rep. George Santos came out swinging during a press conference Wednesday -- this on the heels of him being arrested ... and he says he'll fight this case, which he calls a "witch hunt."

UPDATE

The NY congressman was surrounded by media in his home state as he addressed the indictment against him -- which alleges he's partaken in wire fraud and money laundering, among other criminal charges. Santos says he's innocent, and will prove so in court.

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IT'S A WITCH HUNT!!!
UPDATE

He says he has evidence that he'll fork over to prosecutors to clear his name, but was a little wishy-washy on what exactly that might be. Another highlight from his presser -- his whataboutism on President Biden and his family ... who he says are more guilty than him.

UPDATE

Finally, Santos says he will not resign ... and plans to continue his reelection campaign.

UPDATE

11:28 AM PT -- TMZ has confirmed George Santos pled not guilty and has been released on $500,000 bond.

George Santos has just been arrested for a variety of alleged misdeeds, including lying.

Santos has been charged with 13 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to the House of Representatives.

Santos was taken into custody by the FBI and is expected to be arraigned later today.

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said when the indictment was unsealed, he "seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations," adding, "He used political contributions to line his pockets, unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits that should have gone to New Yorkers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives."

Santos has been caught in a web of lies since his election victory last November. Some of his Republican colleagues wanted him expelled, but the leadership was radio silent on the issue.

According to the indictment, 2 of his supporters each transferred $25,000 to an account that was supposed to go to his campaign but was then transferred to a personal account. Santos allegedly used the funds to buy designer clothes and withdraw cash for personal debts.

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JUST HAVIN' SOME FUN

It'll be interesting how Speaker Kevin McCarthy deals with Santos now.

Originally Published -- 7:00 AM PT

Lily Collins Wedding Rings Snatched ... While Chilling at Spa

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UPDATE

6:38 AM PT -- We're told the hotel was The West Hollywood EDITION.

Lily Collins is the latest celeb to fall victim to a major theft ... cops say she had high-end jewelry and other goodies swiped during what was supposed to be a calming trip to the spa.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the "Emily in Paris" actress was at a West Hollywood hotel over the weekend and secured her belongings -- including her wedding band, engagement ring, and some electronics -- at the spa before going to enjoy some relaxation.

We're told she came out singing a completely different tune, once she found all of her stuff was gone!

L.A. County Sheriff's deputies are currently investigating, and we're told there was no sign of forced entry where Lily stored her belongings.

We're told cops are now looking over the building's security footage for leads.

The theft is classified as "over $10,000," as you'd imagine since the thief made off with Lily's wedding rings. So far, no arrests have been made.

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CHECKIN' ON DRAKE

There's been a handful of L.A.-based celebs burglarized, this year alone -- as we reported, cops pulled up to Drake's pad in January after a man took off with something from inside his home.

LAFC star Kellyn Acosta had his house broken into in February, losing out on a few watches -- and Miles Teller's place was ransacked that same month.

The loss for Lily -- Phil Collins' daughter, if ya didn't know -- is particularly tough, considering the sentimental value of her engagement ring. Anyone with info is asked to call the L.A. County Sheriff's Office.

We've seen some celebs opt for leaving their expensive jewelry and watches at home in the current environment.

Originally Published -- 12:40 AM PT

Bret Michaels He Picked His Poison ... A $5.4 Million Vacation Home!!!

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Bret Michaels found his Los Angeles vacation home ... an impressive estate in Westlake Village, outside of L.A.

Our real estate sources tell us the Poison lead singer spent $5,471,000 on the 5-bedroom home.

The main house is 5,461 square feet and has all the bells and whistles ... a wine room, pool, spa, basketball court, and outdoor kitchen.

Bret's new place is super modern ... nestled in a gated community. He's definitely familiar with the area because he used to live in a mansion across the street before selling that place back in 2020 for $4.28 million.

The rocker calls Arizona home, but he was in the market for a vacation pad in L.A. after a successful stadium tour... and now he's found one. We're told he paid in cash.

Jordan Cohen of RE/MAX represented Bret and the seller.

Imagine Dragons Performs For Striking Writers Outside Netflix HQ

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Here's Imagine Dragons showing support for striking writers in Hollywood ... bringing a guitar, microphone and speaker up to the picket line and performing some of the band's biggest hits.

Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds and guitarist Wayne Sermon provided some entertainment Tuesday outside Netflix headquarters in Los Angeles ... where writers are continuing their strike.

Dan and Wayne brought a couple speakers and a couple microphones with them for an acoustic concert of sorts ... performing Imagine Dragons hits like "Radioactive" and "Whatever It Takes."

The Writers Guild of America members surrounded the band as they performed from a bench on the sidewalk ... chanting "Imagine" and "Dragons" and even singing along to some parts.

After the mini-concert, Dan told us why he supports the writers' strike ... saying writers deserve to be better compensated for creating and driving so much of the entertainment coming out of Hollywood.

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LENDING A HAND

We've seen Pete Davidson and TV's late-night talk show hosts support the striking writers recently, dropping off pizza boxes and footing the bill for food trucks ... and last week there was a live mariachi band outside Netflix HQ.

Never a dull moment on the picket lines, it seems.

Kim Zolciak & Kroy Biermann Divorce War Dog Fight Over Child Custody & Finances

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Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann's divorce has telltale signs it's already super nasty ... with a war brewing over the estranged couple's children and broken finances.

We've now obtained Kroy's petition for divorce, and he wants sole legal and physical custody of the pair's 4 minor children. That in itself is an aggressive move, essentially cutting his estranged wife out of the child-rearing process.

Kim's legal docs also reveal things are not kumbaya. She's asking for sole physical custody with visitation for Kroy. When couples get along, they typically ask for joint legal and physical custody, but neither seems to want that.

There's also the couple's home -- which went into foreclosure earlier this year. Kroy's asking for possession of the home ... and that Kim be forced to vacate the property. Again, super aggressive.

TMZ broke the story, Kim and Kroy owe more than $1 million in taxes, dating back to 2013.

Kroy puts Kim on notice in his divorce petition, saying she must maintain all financial documents ... including all income records, tax records, expense records and more. This suggests a deep conflict over who was responsible for their financial woes.

Interestingly enough, both Kim and Kroy filed separate petitions for divorce, Kroy's was stamped on Monday ... and we're told Kim filed hers over the weekend. In other words, it was a race to the courthouse so each could say they filed first to end the marriage.

Buckle up.

'RHOA' Kim Zolciak Still Living with Kroy Despite Divorce

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The marriage of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann may be over, but that doesn't mean they're ready to completely cut ties, not yet anyway ... we've learned they're still living under the same roof.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Kim and Kroy both continue to live in their Georgia mansion with their 4 young kids. It's the same home that went into foreclosure back in February. There's typically a grace period for homeowners to pay up and save the home. It's unclear where they are in that process.

It's also unclear how long they'll live there together, especially if things get nasty. Given they have 4 kids, they may want to cushion the blow of the divorce by staying in the same home ... at least in the short term.

As for what led Kim to file for divorce, we're told that's a mystery to everyone around the estranged couple, who thought all was good between the 'RHOA' star and Kroy.

In the divorce docs, Zolciak said the marriage was, "Irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation" ... but she didn't get more detailed.

Of course, the couple's recent financial struggles have been well documented. TMZ broke the story -- Kim and Kroy owe the IRS $1.1M in taxes, interest and penalties from 2013, 2017 and 2018 ... and also owe the state of Georgia $150,000 in unpaid taxes from 2018.

As we first reported, Kim's asking for primary physical custody and joint legal custody of the couple's kids ... she also wants spousal support.

Bradley Cooper Sells First L.A. Home in Venice

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Bradley Cooper is kissing his longtime Venice home goodbye ... the property has been snatched off the market, leaving him with a nice chunk of change considering what he purchased it for so many years ago.

According to real estate records, the actor closed the deal on the home Monday for $3.13M.

As we reported, Bradley listed the property last month for $2.4M. He originally snagged it back in 2004 for $1.19M, and he has since given the home a complete makeover ... transforming the inside while working with renowned designer Santillane de Chanaleille.

The home is super charming, with a natural aesthetic. The 2-bedroom, 2-bathrooom pad comes with some nice features ... including concrete floors, high vaulted wood ceilings and a converted garage that can be used as an office, home gym, or living spa.

The new owner will also enjoy the really cool accordion doors that lead out to a fire pit and hot tub.

While this is first sale in L.A., he's not new to the world of real estate, whatsoever. Bradley also has another beautiful 3-level townhouse in Venice, a $13M townhouse in NYC and a $4.8M pad in the Pacific Palisades.

Diana Braun of Compass held the listing.

Howard Stern Bashes Charles' Coronation Calls King a 'P****'

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BASHING THE BRITS

Howard Stern had some terse words for King Charles and his coronation -- going so far as to say he thought the guy was a "p****" and that the whole thing was a waste of money.

The radio talk show host went in on the Brits for putting on such an extravagant show for their new monarch -- who was officially crowned over the weekend in what amounted to a 3-day celebration, capping off with a massive concert with a lot pomp and circumstance.

You figure that's exactly what a coronation calls for, which HS says he understands -- but at his core ... he finds the idea revolting, seeing how they're pouring money down the drain.

Howard also takes some personal potshots at Charles himself ... saying the guy is no war hero, even though he kinda gets treated like one anyway by his royal subjects. His cohost, Robin, was getting in on the dogpile too ... and they called out Queen Camilla as well.

The 'American Idol' moment -- in which both Charles and Camilla made cameos on the show -- was in their crosshairs too ... with Howard saying they looked like complete stiffs on there.

Howard's gripes seem to be steeped in what a lot of people -- particularly Americans -- say about the monarchy ... namely, that it's outdated and completely unnecessary in modern times, both in terms of reverence paid and the money spent to showcase the Royal Family.

He says he gets its tie to tourism and that it drives interest in Britain at large, but the dude's completely unimpressed by the institution  ... and definitely isn't a fan of HRH, Chuck.

Fortunately for him, he doesn't live there ... and it really isn't his issue. Problem solved!