Henry Ruggs Will Spend 3-10 Years In Prison ... After Judge Accepts Plea Deal

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FACING THE JUDGE
Fox 5
UPDATE

11:52 AM PT -- Tina Tintor's family released a statement following Wednesday's hearing ... saying, "Today, like every day, we remember Tina and Max, and how they were taken from us that fateful night. No sentence will ever bring Tina and Max back, but we hope that everyone learns from this preventable incident so that no other families suffer like we do."

UPDATE

"We appreciate the efforts of the district attorney’s office to overcome the issues caused by the initial investigation, and we look forward to putting this behind us so that we can focus on honoring the memories of Tina and Max."

Henry Ruggs will officially be sentenced to 3-to-10 years behind bars later this summer ... after a judge formally accepted his plea deal on Wednesday morning.

The former Las Vegas Raiders star appeared in court to enter guilty pleas to one felony count of a DUI resulting in death and one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter after reaching an agreement with officials earlier this month.

As part of the deal, prosecutors agreed to drop the rest of the ex-football player's charges stemming from his November 2021 car crash.

The judge asked Ruggs -- who was wearing a navy suit with a blue tie -- several questions during the proceedings ... before she ultimately accepted the parameters of the agreement.

Ruggs will now learn whether it'll be closer to three or 10 years in prison at a sentencing hearing on August 9.

As we previously reported, Ruggs had been facing more than 50 years behind bars after prosecutors had initially hit him with five total charges following allegations he drunkenly slammed his Corvette into the back of Tina Tintor's Rav4 ... killing her and her dog.

They alleged at the time that Ruggs had traveled 156 MPH just before the crash with a BAC of .161.

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THE AFTERMATH
TMZSports.com

Ruggs' attorneys, David Z. Chesnoff and Richard A. Schonfeld said last week when the 24-year-old first agreed to the plea deal that it all was "a fair resolution to this matter."

Clark County district attorney Steven B. Wolfson said of the ruling Wednesday, "This outcome accomplished our three most important goals: (1) convict Henry Ruggs of the strictest charge allowed by Nevada law for drunk driving; (2) send Henry Ruggs to prison; and (3) eliminate his ability to appeal his conviction and prison sentence."

Wolfson added, "Tina's family members are the most important people in this process, and I met with them several times before reaching this resolution."

Originally Published -- 9:39 AM PT

Dolph Lundgren I've Been Battling Cancer For 8 Years

Dolph Lundgren says he's locked in an eight-year battle with cancer ... revealing his diagnosis for the first time.

The Swedish actor opens up about his cancer battle on the nationally syndicated interview series, "In Depth With Graham Bensinger," revealing he was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015.

Dolph says he eventually went into remission but then the cancer came back in 2020, when a doctor gave him a terminal cancer diagnosis, telling him he only had 2-3 years to live.

When the cancer came back, Dolph's fiancée Emma Krokdal says doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center told him he had tumors in his lungs, stomach, spine and kidneys ... and Dolph was resigned to the fact he would likely die soon.

Fortunately for Dolph, he says he went for a second opinion with Dr. Alexandra Drakaki and her treatments are making his tumors shrink.

It's interesting ... Dolph admits to using steroids back in the day and wonders if the drugs have some connection to his cancer.

Licking Ice Cream Couple Dragged For In-Store Shenanigans ... Keep That Trend Dead!!!

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GROSS PRANK
Instagram / @tequan_asia

Two ice-cold lovebirds are currently getting dragged through the mud after bringing back an infamous and dangerous social media trend that left a bad taste in people's mouths.

Here's the deal -- content creator Tequan Hines recently uploaded a clip of himself and his boo, Asia, sticking their tongues deep in a carton of ice cream in a grocery store before putting it back and fleeing.

They've since taken the video down, but you know how the Internet works ... it's been recirculating online, including on Reddit, where folks are laying into the couple.

Angry commenters are all singing the same tune, more or less -- "A**holes like this should go to jail," and "Looks like they are also pretty proud of their act. F***ing idiots" ... were just a few expressing outrage.

One even wrote, "I'm so glad these people had the intelligence to film and upload themselves to the internet for the benefit of law enforcement."

If it rings a bell, that's because the same thing was going down in the summer of 2019 -- when people were seeking social media clout by licking ice cream out of containers and putting them back on the shelves.

Those looking for quick fame didn't get a happy ending at the time, BTW -- some got arrested and charged, like D’Adrien L’Quinn Anderson ... who pled guilty in 2020 to criminal mischief for licking some Blue Bell ice cream and was forced to do 30 days behind bars.

He also had to cough up more than $2,500 with more than half going to Blue Bell for restitutions. Needless to say, in the wake of the covid pandemic, this is one trend that should've stayed frozen.

Shakira Fans Collectively Freaking Out ... Over Report Tom Cruise Is Into Her!!!

Tom Cruise apparently wants to court Shakira in what could be a new romance -- but her fans are having a hilarious reaction to the news ... STAY THE HELL AWAY!!!

Page Six came out with a story Tuesday, claiming insiders are saying Tom is "extremely interested in pursuing" her -- this after they crossed paths Sunday at Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix ... where they were photographed looking chipper, not to mention talking a lot.

According to the outlet, there's some chemistry between them -- so, it would seem they hit it off ... enough so for him to send her flowers post-meeting, which he reportedly did.

Of course, both of them are single and unattached at the moment ... especially Shakira, who just went through a nasty public split with her longtime partner and soccer star Gerard Pique -- who cheated on her with a younger, less-famous woman ... who he's currently dating.

Not just that, but Tom and Shakira aren't too far off in age -- she's 46 and he's 60 ... and they're both in the upper echelon of stardom. Plus, as PS notes, she's not taller than him.

On paper, you'd think they'd be a great match, but Twitter certainly doesn't like the pairing ... and they're making it known in droves. Users are screaming into the void in hopes Shakira will hear them. The message being ... please don't get mixed up with this guy, Shak.

One tweeter wrote, "SHAKIRA! LISTEN TO ME! HE'S TRYING TO RECRUIT YOU INTO SCIENTOLOGY! DON'T GO OUT WITH HIM! LISTEN TO ME!  SHAKIRA!!" Another chirped, "'Get away from her' and 'stay away from her' trending because there are reports tom cruise wants to date shakira is sending me." Obviously, in reference to the collective freak-out.

The reason they don't want her to date Tom, it seems, has to do with his past relationships -- as well as his connection to Scientology. Bird app folks feel like those 2 things haven't historically meshed very well ... especially when he's involved with high-profile women.

His ex-wife Nicole Kidman's iconic reaction to her divorce from Tom being finalized in 2001 comes to mind ... when she was seen rejoicing outside of a law office, which was telling.

With that said, we feel like it's kinda unfair to Tom to mock him like this ... and maybe even for Shakira too. Fact is, they're both grown and probably up to speed on each other's reps. So, if Shakira feels inclined to test the Cruise waters -- she should.

All aboard???

Britney Spears Amped Up on Caffeine Coffee, Red Bull, Celsius

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CAFFEINATED CHAOS
TMZ.com

Britney Spears drinks caffeine drinks by the gallon, something experts say is not great but unsurprising for people with mental illnesses.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, which has produced a documentary that will air Monday, Britney guzzles Red Bull, Celsius, coffee, and dandelion tea almost nonstop. We're told she consumes so much caffeine, she'll sometimes stay awake for 3 consecutive days.

Experts, including Dr. Drew, tell TMZ, people with mental illnesses crave the high from these drinks, but it's not particularly healthy.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

The documentary -- "TMZ Investigates: Britney Spears: The Price of Freedom" -- chronicles her life in the last 1 1/2 years since the conservatorship ended. The documentary details her relationships with her family, husband, and kids, in addition to other struggles that have caused concern among those closest to her.

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KNIVES ARE AN ISSUE
TMZ.com

The documentary reveals some of the recommendations people who were caring for Britney made at the end of the conservatorship.  One of the recommendations -- keep knives away from her.

The documentary airs Monday at 9 PM ET on Fox.

Kim Kardashian No, I'm Not Dating a Laker ... I'm Just a Big Fan!!!

Kim Kardashian has become a fixture, and maybe even a good luck charm, at the recent Los Angeles Lakers playoff games -- and while there's plenty of speculation as to her motivation in going -- we've got some answers.

If you tuned in to games 3 and 4 of the Lakers vs. Warriors this week, you likely saw the cameras pan to Kim sitting courtside with her friend Sarah Staudinger. Of course, social media was buzzing, wondering if Kim was there to support a possible love interest.

Our Kim sources say she's "absolutely not" dating anyone on either team, she's simply there to hang with her friend and to support her hometown Lakers.

What's more, we're told the courtside seats belong to Kim's agent, Ari Emanuel, who also happens to be Sarah's husband ... so the two women have easy access to two of the best seats in the house to watch the game.

Of course, Tristan Thompson is now on the Lakers' roster, so it's nice for Kim to be able to support him -- she's even posted a couple pics of TT at the game -- but our sources say she'd go and watch regardless of him being on the squad or not.

Kim's become quite the sports enthusiast over the last couple years, taking her kids to events both in L.A. and around the world. She's become a regular at L.A. Rams games with her son Saint, even taking him and some buddies across the pond for soccer matches. We're told she also brought Saint to one of the Lakers' playoff games.

Of course, Kim's always on the sidelines when her kids are playing sports too ... most recently taking in a soccer game over the weekend, which Kanye attended as well.

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KIM'S NOT PLAYING BALL

As for that Kardashian curse ... the Lakers are now 3-0 with Kim courtside, so they might wanna keep her around in their quest for another championship.

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

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."

Ryan Reynolds 'Jury Duty' Star in New Mint Mobile Ad ... You Can Trust Me, Ron!!!

Ryan Reynolds is back with another timely ad for his cell phone company -- this time, he's recruited a guy who's recently famous for getting duped ... only now, he's in on the joke.

Of course, we're talking about Ronald Gladden, who's the star and main subject on the hit Amazon Freevee show "Jury Duty" -- which is basically the modern-day 'Joe Schmo Show' ... where one person thinks they're part of something real, and everyone else is an actor.

Ron has become an internet sensation since the series premiered last month, and now his new gig is starring in Ryan's latest Mint Mobile commercial -- which is awesome.

Watch ... RR starts by plugging all of Mint's services and features -- like the fact it's still $15/month -- which then prompts him to ask Ron if he can believe it. The guy walks into frame and responds, "No, this doesn't seem real" ... referring to the big "Jury Duty" reveal.

The 2 guys banter back and forth for a bit, before Ron says he has trust issues since he's been "through some s***" -- again, he's talking about his 'Truman Show'-esque time on the show. Ryan comes over and hugs him, saying he can trust him ... 'cause he's an actor. 😅

It's pretty funny, and just a testament to Reynolds having his finger on the pulse of pop culture. You might recall his Peloton ad, which also came out on the heels of big news.

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"TAKE ANOTHER RIDE"
Peloton

Anyway, more good news for Ron ... the guy's been signed to a talent agency in the wake of his 'Jury' fame. Artists First -- which also reps Awkwafina, Minka Kelly and others -- snatched him up, and is now looking to get him more work.

As it turns out, nice guys do finish first!

Elon Musk Makes Play for Don Lemon on Twitter After Tucker Carlson Launch

Elon Musk is making a push to land a Don Lemon show on Twitter, just as Tucker Carlson's started his own show on the platform -- and Elon's goal seems to be balancing right and left.

Elon made his pitch to Don Wednesday morning with a tweet inviting him to do a show on the bird app. He included a dig at CNN's ratings, saying, "Maybe worth a try. Audience is much bigger."

The move comes after Tucker's Tuesday video tweet, announcing he'd be launching a "new version" of his TV show on Twitter -- a move that was quickly welcomed by the platform's owner.

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TUCKER RETURNS

Elon boasted, "On this platform, unlike the one-way street of broadcast, people are able to interact, critique and refute whatever [Tucker] or anyone may say."

He also made it clear he's not involved in Tucker's show or programming -- "We have not signed a deal of any kind whatsoever. Tucker is subject to the same rules & rewards of all content creators."

Of course, Don and Tucker were fired from CNN and Fox News, respectively, on the same day last month. On the heels of Carlson's announcement, Elon said he wanted more content creators, "particularly from the left" to follow suit.

He clearly thinks Don should be one of them.

BTW ... TMZ broke a story about News Nation pushing hard to land Lemon and Carlson. We're told the cable channel's cooled on both of them due to the news about Tucker's racist text messages, and Don's low ratings at CNN.

LSU Apologizes For 9/11 Attack Reference ... In Flau'Jae's Rap Song

LSU is apologizing for Flau'jae Johnson's lyrics referencing the 9/11 terrorist attacks in her new rap song ... saying the hoop star never meant to offend anyone in the now-deleted music video.

The 19-year-old, 5'10" guard dropped the September 11th line in a new remix to Latto's hit, "Put It On Da Floor" ... saying "In this 911 blowing smoke just like them towers."

Of course, when Johnson says 911, it's got double meaning ... the Porsche, and the 2001 attack. The next line refers to the Twin Towers smoking before they collapsed, tragically killing over 2,000 people.

The music video has since been deleted, but not before it was captured and shared across social media platforms.

The university got word of the controversial lyrics ... and said they spoke with the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year about the remix on Tuesday.

"While she never intended to offend or upset anyone with her lyrics, she expressed sincere remorse for any possibility of a misunderstanding and immediately took the video down," LSU told FOX News in a statement.

"We will learn and grow from this experience together."

Johnson -- who wasn't born until 2003 -- has yet to release a statement herself.

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CHAMPIONSHIP CONCERT
TMZSports.com

Of course, Johnson -- who's signed with Roc Nation -- takes her rap career seriously. She even performed her song "BIG 4" in front of fans after the Tigers' NCAA championship win last month.

Johnson -- whose father was a rapper -- also linked up with several hip hop stars, including Lil Wayne ... who recently said they'll connect on some music in the future.

Busta Rhymes 25-Year Reunion with Janet Sublime ... What It Had to Be!!!

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25 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Busta Rhymes says a highly-anticipated reunion with Janet Jackson for their 1998 song together was well worth the wait -- and right on time too ... almost like it was divine!

The legendary rapper was gushing about JJ Tuesday night ... this shortly after they shared the stage at Madison Square Garden, where she was putting on a crucial show that's part of her larger 'Together Again' tour -- which couldn't be more perfectly named.

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BIGGER THAN MUSIC
BACKGRID

Indeed ... Busta got on the mic with Janet to crank out their hit, 'What's It Gonna Be?!' -- a fan fave, and something folks have wanted to see them perform together live for years now.

That's certainly what BR has wanted as well ... and he talked to a photog about just how big of a moment it was for him. As it turns out -- the dude, who's no stranger to being in front of audiences, says he was actually shaking in his boots ahead of their big duet onstage.

He actually suggests something happened up there that gives away the fact he was freaking the hell out -- we have video of the performance ... so take a look for yourself.

Anyway, it's clear that this was big for Busta and that he's grateful for the opportunity to have done it now -- even if it is 25 years later. He says any sooner wouldn't have been as significant ... so, in his mind, this coming together with Janet was right on time.

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OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME
BACKGRID

BTW, he also gets into the story about how he first linked up with her to record way back when -- and even that tale sounds too good to be true. Busta remembers it like it was yesterday.

As he notes, the reunion marks a cultural snapshot that transcends music. And, considering Janet's theme for the tour is in this ballpark, there's probably more stuff like this coming.

Can't wait!

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

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.

UPDATE
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IT'S A WITCH HUNT!!!
Fox News
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
BACKGRID

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

Originally Published -- 7:00 AM PT

Westminster Dog Show Buddy Holly Wins Best in Show Petit Bassets Rule!!!

The Westminster Kennel Club dog show has had lots of breeds that have snagged Best in Show, and lots of folks thought that'll be the day when a petit basset griffon Vendéen became top dog ... well Buddy Holly proved them wrong.

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PBGV-ICTORY!!!
FS1

Buddy stole the show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York ... he's the first of his rabbit-hunting breed to take home top honors.

There were 6 finalists competing for the award ... Cider the English setter, Monty the giant schnauzer, Trouble the American Staffordshire terrier, Rummie the Pekingese, Ribbon the Australian shepherd, and Winston the French bulldog.

Also among the competitors -- Lepshi, a Bracco Italiano, co-owned by country music star Tim McGraw, won best in breed.

One handler at the show raved, "I never thought a PBGV would do this... Buddy Holly is the epitome of a show dog.” He's also named after one of the most awesome performers in Rock history!

Buddy Holly lives on!!!

Donald Trump Goes Nuclear on E. Jean Carroll, Judge ... After Losing $5 Million Jury Sexual Abuse Verdict

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IT'S A SCAM

Donald Trump ripped into his perceived enemies Tuesday night after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the E. Jean Carroll civil trial.

The 45th President posted a series of videos to his Truth Social platform, condemning Carroll, the judge and jury in the case and New York City where the trial was held.

As you probably know, Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million in damages for abusing her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the '90s and then defaming her years later by calling her a liar.

In the footage, Trump first directed his ire toward Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, labeling him a "Trump-hating, Clinton-appointed judge, who went out of his way to make sure that the result was as negative as it could possibly be."

The 2024 Republican presidential frontrunner also said the jury was from an "anti-Trump area," meaning NYC, a place where he could never get a fair trial. BTW ... the verdict was unanimous and quick.

Trump then said he would appeal the jury's decision because he doesn't know Carroll from a hole in the wall. He went on to say the trial was a "scam" and "political witch hunt" (No surprise there). He also said the verdict was a "disgrace to our country."

And he wasn't done yet. Trump described Carroll as a liar whose case was financed by Democratic operatives, but it wasn't clear who he was referring to. He also mentioned fighting back against “this stuff,” implying a rigged justice system, so the country doesn't fall into an abyss.

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DONNIE'S DEPOSITION

As for why the jury ruled against him ... jurors heard him via taped deposition say for a million years male celebs have groped women, adding "unfortunately or fortunately."

Of course, Trump's legal woes might only just be starting. Last month, he was criminally indicted in the Stormy Daniels hush money case in Manhattan.

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DONALD VS DANIELS
CNN

He also faces possible criminal charges in two federal cases involving the January 6th riots and for allegedly pilfering classified government documents.

Trump could also face a criminal indictment in Fulton County, Georgia, over his purported role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

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

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
BACKGRID

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

Nikola Jokic Squashes Beef With PHX Suns Owner ... Sweet Pregame Moment

The Nikola Jokic-Mat Ishbia beef is no more ... the Nuggets star and the Suns owner made nice before Game 5 on Tuesday night -- and their feud-ending moment was super sweet.

Jokic appeared to first extend the olive branch just before the big playoff game in Denver ... when he walked over to Ishbia -- who was sitting courtside -- with a basketball and a smile.

You can see in video of their interaction, Jokic tossed the ball to the Suns honcho ... before grabbing his hand and pulling him in for a hug.

Ishbia was all smiles as he embraced Jokic back -- and it was clear, the two were pals once again.

Of course, back on Sunday night, the guys were anything but friends ... after Jokic pushed the 43-year-old for the way he held onto the ball during a play in the middle of Game 4.

Jokic was fined $25,000 for the incident.

Tuesday night, though, wasn't without at least some spice for Jokic ... 'cause while the Nuggets ended up winning easily over the Suns and the Ishbia problems evaporated, the big center still found drama.

Late in the game, Jokic and Kevin Durant got into a mix-up on the sideline -- one where Durant actually shoved the Denver star. KD was given a technical over the play.

Cooler heads ultimately prevailed, and after the big win, Jokic was all smiles ... even joking with Shaquille O'Neal during an interview.