YouTube's Nelk Boys Sued For Assault and Battery ... Over Fake Meth Lab Prank

UPDATE

5:58 PM PT -- 9/13 -- The prank video at the heart of the lawsuit drew a police response ... and a police report was filed with investigators, but everyone involved declined to pursue criminal charges and the case was ultimately dropped ... law enforcement tells TMZ.

The Nelk Boys are being dragged to court over a YouTube prank video gone wrong -- the marijuana delivery driver they tried to trick is flipping the script on them with a very real lawsuit.

According to docs obtained by TMZ, a man named Nicholas Aliff claims he's the weed delivery guy in the YouTube stars' fake meth lab prank. In the video, he wasn't happy about being pranked and threatened to sue ... and now it looks like he's following through.

Aliff claims the Nelk Boys ordered weed and he ended up delivering the goods to a warehouse near Los Angeles, where the YouTube pranksters had set up a fake meth lab and hired an actor to play a cop who starts to make a drug bust before ultimately accepting a bribe.

The guy says he thought the actor was a real police officer, and he had no idea he was being pranked until after the fact, when the Nelk Boys told him it was all a joke. He says he reasonably became irate over the prank and started yelling at the guys, when their security grabbed him from behind and put him in a chokehold ... causing what he claims are severe physical and emotional injuries.

Aliff says the Nelk Boys lured him -- like a lamb to slaughter -- into their fake meth lab with the intention of frightening him and capturing his shocked reaction on camera. He says it felt so real, he thought he might get shot by the fake cop.

He's suing for assault and battery, false imprisonment, and infliction of emotional distress ... and going after the Nelk Boys for damages.

We reached out to the Nelk Boys ... so far no word back.

For more viral news, tune in to the TMZ Verified Podcast. Dropping every Thursday on all podcast platforms.

Originally Published -- 9/12 1:20 PM PT

Escaped PA Inmate Not Viewed as Folk Hero ... Says Retired U.S. Marshal

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NOT A HERO
TMZ.com

The man who escaped prison in Pennsylvania -- and who's currently on the run -- ain't no Robin Hood of the people, and he'll likely be caught soon ... so says a former U.S. Marshal.

We talked to Art Roderick Tuesday on "TMZ Live" and asked the veteran law enforcement official -- who's worked on cases like this one before -- if Danelo Cavalcante is primed to elude the authorities for good, considering he's gone uncaptured for almost 2 weeks.

Roderick tells us he does believe this fugitive will be brought to justice eventually, however ... he does acknowledge it's starting to look a little murky considering their ever-changing perimeters based on where this guy is spotted and where he might realistically be heading.

With that said ... Roderick is confident Cavalcante is going to be apprehended, and that it's just a matter of time.

Of course, the latest development is a concerning one -- Cavalcante snagged a rifle from someone's home in a small PA town. So, now, he's armed and dangerous ... which certainly ups the ante.

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ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

Roderick acknowledges the severity of the situation, but says he's confident this guy probably isn't out to hurt anyone -- in all likelihood, he's probably trying to flee the country.

On the question of whether locals might embrace his bandit-esque story -- in the vein of American antiheroes like D.B. Cooper -- Roderick halts that notion in its tracks, saying people in that area know damn well this isn't a good guy, and will not embrace him.

FWIW, Calvacante is a convicted murderer ... and he crab-walked his way out of Chester County Prison in one of the brashest escapes in a long time.

Novak Djokovic 'I Was Never Anti-Vax'

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Omaha Productions

Despite being turned away from multiple major tournaments over his refusal to get the COVID vaccine, Novak Djokovic is insisting he's not an anti-vaxxer.

The tennis superstar -- who just secured his 24th major championship with a victory at this month's U.S. Open -- broke the whole situation down for John McEnroe during a recent interview for Omaha Productions' "McEnroe's Places."

Djokovic told the tennis legend on the show that his gripe with the COVID vaccine situation was not necessarily whether it was effective or anything like that ... but rather, the way he perceived it was being forced onto people.

"I was never anti-vax," Djokovic said. "I was always pro-freedom-to-choose. And that's something that we took really for granted. I didn't feel like a lot of people had a choice, really."

Djokovic told McEnroe that at the height of the vaccine mandates and vax passports -- he felt like he was "a villain of the world."

"I just wanted to compete," he said, "and I wanted to play tennis because that's what I do best."

While still apparently unvaccinated from COVID, Joker's seemingly put the whole issue behind him ... he's dominated 2023 so far as vax mandates have eased, reclaiming his spot as the No. 1-ranked men's tennis player in the world.

In fact, just a few days ago, Barack and Michelle Obama -- two of the biggest proponents of COVID vaccines -- watched him courtside at the US Open ... and cheered him on.

The full Djokovic interview with McEnroe -- plus the rest of the season of "McEnroe's Places" -- is out now on ESPN+.

Kanye & Bianca Hangin' Real Loose Again in Italy

Kanye West and Bianca Censori have been blasted for letting it all hang out in Europe -- and yet, they refuse to cover up ... opting for the commando look evermore, it seems.

The couple continues to gallivant in Italy, and yes ... they're still showing off the goods, especially Bianca -- who doesn't seem to believe in bras or regular tops. On Monday, she was photographed with her hubby in Florence ... and again put her boobs on display.

Remember, she's been catching heat over there for what many people apparently view as inappropriate attire -- and you can see why. The fact we're blurring her nipples says it all.

As for Ye ... well, he's also very comfortable in his own skin these days -- especially below the belt. During their little shopping spree here, his pants were sagging down below his booty a bit ... and some crack-age got flashed for the paps.

Not nearly as much booty as his boat ride the other day -- which was a cheek-full and then some, and enough to get him banned from a certain boat taxi service -- but it sure doesn't look like KW has any underpants on whatsoever. No support needed on either end!

As for the general fashion vibe from these two ... more of the same, really. It's a blend of futuristic homeless couture -- with a couple of models who look to be on a never-ending pilgrimage to Fantastica.

Fall is fast approaching ... ya gotta wonder if the lower temps might force their hand. So far, there's no indication they're going to start getting shy anytime soon.

Kevin Costner's Lawyer Christine, Are You Kidding?!?? You Want $885k for Attorney's fees for What???

Kevin Costner's lawyer is incredulous ... blasting estranged wife Christine Baumgartner for asking a judge to make him pay $885k to argue a single issue in divorce court.

Disso queen Laura Wasser filed her blistering response to Christine's request ... explaining the fees would supposedly be incurred for a mini-trial over one issue in the prenup -- whether her waiver of spousal support is enforceable.

Christine's lawyers say it will take $885k to make their case -- and they want Kevin to foot the bill -- but Wasser fired back that based on hourly rates, Christine's legal team would have to put in 1,106 hours to justify the fee.

Wasser calls Christine's ask "nothing short of outrageous," also noting the judge has already indicated the prenup is enforceable, so the road Christine's going down is a dead end.

Christine has not only lost most of the legal battles in the divorce, she's actually lost more than if she had settled with Kevin. For example, she originally wanted $248k a month in child support, which Kevin rejected and claimed the reasonable amount was $63k. Nevertheless, he offered to pay her $75k a month, but Christine rejected that offer and duked it out in court. In the end, the judge said $63k was the appropriate amount.

Wasser says Kevin's already paid Christine $300k in legal fees, and also allegedly took $105k from Kevin's accounts to feed her legal team.

And there's this ... if Christine challenges the prenup and loses, she'll have to return more than a million bucks Kevin gave her and also pay his lawyer's fees.

Stay tuned ...

Ex-NFL Network Reporter Files Lawsuit Against NFL I Was Canned For Questioning Goodell

UPDATE

1:30 PM PT -- Trotter referenced Jerry Jones in his lawsuit and now the Cowboys owner is responding, providing his version of a conversation the men had in 2020.

UPDATE

"Diversity and inclusion are extremely important to me personally and to the NFL. the representation made by Jim Trotter of a conversation that occurred over three years ago with myself and our VP of Player Personnel Will McClay is simply not accurate," Jones wrote in a statement.

UPDATE

1:20 PM PT -- Bills owner Terry Pegula also vehemently denied claims made by Trotter in the lawsuit.

UPDATE

"The statement attributed to me in Mr. Trotter's complaint is absolutely false," Pegula said in a statement. "I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind. Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint."

"The statement attributed to me in Mr. Trotter's complaint is absolutely false," Pegula said Tuesday in a statement. "I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind. Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint."

Jim Trotter, a longtime reporter and columnist who worked for NFL Network for 5 years, is suing the NFL ... claiming his contract wasn't renewed after he pressed Roger Goodell on the league's hiring practices when it comes to minorities.

"Jim Trotter ... was let go by the National Football League because he challenged Commissioner Roger Goodell and others regarding the NFL's record of race discrimination and lack of diversity," the complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in New York, reads.

On several occasions, Trotter, an employee of the NFL-owned NFL Network, publicly grilled Goodell on the lack of Black execs within the league and teams, including during a nationally televised interview during the week leading up to the Super Bowl in February 2023.

Still, Trotter says all indications were he'd receive a new contract in the spring, as his deal was expiring ... however, in late March, his deal was not renewed, and he was out of a job.

"It has already been acknowledged by many in the media that the NFL retaliated against and took vengeance on Mr. Trotter for him having taken the NFL to task on its discriminatory practices," Trotter's attorneys from Wigdor LLP wrote.

"The NFL’s treatment of Mr. Trotter is consistent with a documented history of silencing, retaliating against and 'blackballing' Black men who speak out about such conduct. This is the NFL’s modus operandi and part of the fabric of the league."

Wigdor is the same firm that is representing former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores in his racial discrimination suit.

The lawsuit also references Jerry Jones ... and an alleged conversation he had with Trotter in August 2020, when the reporter asked the Cowboys owner (similar to the question he posed Goodell) about the league's hiring practices when it came to Black executives.

“If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire,” Trotter claims Jones responded.

Trotter also references Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula ... whom he claims once remarked ... “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”

JT says he raised concerns about the comment, but "no remedial action was taken."

FYI, per Trotter's suit, the NFL only has 8 Black General Managers and 3 Black head coaches.

In addition to the 53-page lawsuit, Trotter, who now works for The Athletic, also released a statement further explaining his reasons for filing the lawsuit.

"The NFL has claimed it wants to be held accountable regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. I tried to do so, and it cost me my job. I'm filing this lawsuit because I can't complain about things that are wrong if I'm unwilling to fight for what is right," JT wrote on social media.

"I hope this lawsuit leads to real change across the league and in the newsroom. It is on the backs of a majority black player population that owners have made billions and those players deserve to have someone who shares their cultural and life experiences at the table when decisions are being made about how they are being covered."

Wedding Party Fights Police In Wild Video!!!

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WILDIN' WEDDING

Celebration turned to chaos as a Rhode Island wedding party got into an all-out brawl with police officers ... and it's all on video.

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THE BODYCAM FOOTAGE

Half a dozen members of the wedding party were arrested early Sunday morning following a melee with cops outside a Newport restaurant ... and footage shows the incident escalating from a tense interaction to straight-up combat.

In the video, punches thrown by both sides fly and connect ... and a woman in an orange dress, who police later identified as Alexandra Flaherty, is seen kicking a cop in the groin.

Another woman in the wedding party gets knocked out cold ... hitting the deck when an officer throws her to the ground.

In the police report, obtained by TMZ, the cop says the woman was reaching for his firearm when he turned around and threw a punch connecting with her jaw. Police say the woman, later identified as Rachael Onik, eventually became conscious and was arrested.

Cops say Rachael's husband, David Onik, started the whole thing when he threw a fit after being denied entry to a bar. Police say David got physical with bar staff, who called the cops.

Police say when officers arrived to talk to David, his wife "began injecting herself into the incident and becoming uncooperative" ... and when an officer tried to move her back, she tripped on the cobblestone street. That's where the video picks up and all hell breaks loose.

Footage also shows a man in a suit and tie, who police later identified as Robert Nash, punching a cop in the face, taking him to the ground and then pummeling him.

When the dust settled, three men and three women were arrested and hit with criminal charges.

Sophie Turner Smoke Break In Spain ... First Glimpse Since Joe Jonas Divorce Filing

Sophie Turner is still hard at work in the wake of Joe Jonas' divorce filing ... taking a smoke break in Spain while on the set of her latest project.

The "Game of Thrones" star was spotted filming the British series, "Joan," a biopic about infamous jewel thief Joan Hannington. Sophie is slated to play the titular character, which explains why she's rocking the blonde hair and big tattoo on her back.

As you know, Joe filed for divorce last week, asking for joint custody of their 2 young daughters. TMZ broke the story ... Joe saw Sophie doing and/or saying something on a Ring camera, which is what made him realize it was over between them.

Sources told us the decision to end things also had a lot to do with the couple's different lifestyles, as Sophie recently liked to go out, and Joe was more of a homebody.

That dynamic was a big difference from the months after Sophie gave birth to the couple's second child ... when we're told she's the one who wanted to stay home and would get uncomfortable while attending events.

We were told Joe complained about Sophie being MIA from a specific event at one point, feeling she needed to get out more -- a sign to some that their relationship was on the rocks.

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TAKE IT FROM ME, GUYS
X / @ohhiikayla

Joe took a moment out from his Jonas Brothers concert in Los Angeles over the weekend to speak about all the noise surrounding his relationship ... claiming anything not coming out of his mouth is bogus.

We covered Joe and Sophie's split on a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Ex-NFL WR Mike Williams Dead At 36 ... After Construction Accident

Mike Williams -- a former NFL receiver who played for the Buccaneers and Bills -- has passed away following a tragic accident at a construction site.

He was only 36 years old.

Williams' agent, Hadley Engelhard of Enter Sports Management, confirmed the news ... saying the New York native died Tuesday morning.

"He will be missed," Engelhard said in a statement. "He fought hard his whole life. Prayers to his family."

As we previously reported, Williams was placed on life support in Florida after he was injured doing electrical work at a construction site. Williams was "mostly non-responsive" as he fought for his life last week, according to family members.

Williams -- a standout at Syracuse -- was selected in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He had a stellar first season for the Bucs, finishing second in Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.

Mike went on to play four seasons with Tampa Bay, and had short stints with the Bills and Chiefs.

He logged 3,089 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns over the course of his career.

The Bucs released a statement on Williams' passing ... saying, "We are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Mike Williams, which has left our organization, his former teammates and fans with heavy hearts."

"We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy."

RIP.

Tom Sandoval Wishes Rachel Leviss Happy Bday ... Says He Misses Her

UPDATE

10:05 AM PT -- Tom Sandoval's birthday wishes are falling on deaf ears, because Rachel's blocked him on Instagram.

UPDATE
UPDATE

She posted a screenshot of his blocked page and, just for good measure, added an "Ok bye!"

Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss are still in touch -- at least in one direction -- 'cause one of them is wishing the other a happy birthday ... even though they seem to be miles apart.

Rachel posted a video Sunday showing off where she's been hanging out lately, and it looks lovely -- a beautiful farm setting with a garden of flowers all around, which she's enjoying to the max. Her caption was, "I've been dreaming of a place like this."

While the clip went up 2 days ago, TS just commented on it Tuesday ... which is Rachel's 29th birthday. He wrote, "Happy Birthday Rachel, I really hope ur finding peace and happiness. Miss u friend."

Rachel hasn't responded ... but a lot of other people have, and most of the reactions to his unprompted shout-out aren't great. As you might imagine, folks are telling Tom to buzz off.

Seems the wounds of the cheating scandal are still fresh for many fans ... even though most of the '"Vanderpump Rules" cast is already moving on -- as cameras have been rolling for a new season, sans Rachel.

Remember ... she stepped away to deal with her mental health in the aftermath of the combative reunion, and at this point -- there's no indication she plans on coming back to L.A., at least for the time being anyway.

Meanwhile, Ariana Madix has a new man ... and Tom appears to be linked to a new flame.

And yet, he still has Rachel on the brain -- despite all they've been through.

Originally Published -- 7:51 AM PT

*NSYNC Reunion at VMAs ... Members Already in NYC

UPDATE

7:39 AM PT -- A source connected to the group tells us there will not be a performance, the guys will only be presenting.

*NSYNC diehards are convinced a reunion is afoot after spotting a few members in the Big Apple -- and TMZ knows the band will be front and center during the show.

Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone and Lance Bass were all photographed in and around NYC over the past 48 hours -- JT hit up the US Open, Joey was spotted roaming the streets/posing with fans and Lance got snapped grabbing drinks in Manhattan.

In addition to these sightings ... JC Chasez was pictured riding in a private jet -- through a recent social media post from his manager -- although it's unclear where exactly he was flying to.

The one person who has yet to be shot in public is Chris Kirkpatrick ... but he did post a 9/11 tribute Monday, and threw up a NYFD firetruck. Unclear if he took it himself though.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the group will be presenting during the show Tuesday at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. We do not know if they will also perform.

Of course, another clue of a reunion ... a track that's been teased through Justin's latest 'Trolls' movie -- which has the first letter of their band name and a catchy whistling tune ... although the full song has yet to be released/named.

The guys haven't performed together since the 2013 VMAs -- so a reunion now would be timely ... a 10-year anniversary. They haven't released new music since the early 2000s.

Lord knows their day-ones have been craving a reunion for a long, long time now.

The big award show is only hours away, so we'll see if the iconic boy band is ready to join forces. A lot has changed since they last rocked a major stage -- here's hoping they still got the juice!

Originally Published -- 7:11 AM PT

Drake Security You're Slow AF 🐢 ... Get This Stage Crasher!!!

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I'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE
TikTok / @rids.raza

Drake took it easy on a fan who rushed the stage during his "It's All a Blur" tour in Austin, TX -- but had no mercy for the security guard taking his sweet time to remove the guy!!!

The fan managed to crash the Moody Center stage Monday night as Drake addressed the audience during his show, but was initially met with a cold shoulder push when he tried to get rewarded and dapped up.

You can't blame Drizzy ... in a dark-lit arena, it would be hard to tell if the guy's friend or foe -- ya never know until it's too late!!!

Drake then agreed to shake the fan's hand and openly questioned the venue's vigilance... asking "Y'all not doing security???" as he led the fan off the stage.

A security guard eventually came up the stairs to the stage and removed the fan, but Drake noticed he lacked pep in his step and shamed him, calling him "slow as f***" for not getting on the job sooner.

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DAMN, DRAKE

It's understandable why Drake would be on edge. Fans have been throwing crap at artists all year and Drake's been a victim himself ... if it wasn't for his ninja-like reflexes, he would've been decked with a book last month!!!

He also revealed a new single from "For All the Dogs" this week ... fun times ahead!!!

Jonathan Majors Squashes Students' Beef At In-N-Out ... Breaks Up High School Fight

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HAD TO STEP IN
TMZ.com

Jonathan Majors just wanted to satisfy his craving for In-N-Out, but stopped a beatdown instead ... swooping in the middle of a high school fight to break things up.

We got the actor in West Hollywood Monday, hours after stopping 2 girls from fighting each other at the fast-food chain -- at a location next to Hollywood High School.

Jonathan's not sure what sparked the brawl, but makes it clear he just wanted to make sure folks didn't get hurt in the scuffle, so he stepped in. Jonathan's also hoping the girls are doing alright after the fight, and he's got some cool & simple words for those involved.

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COURT COUPLE
AP

As we reported, Jonathan is currently in the middle of a legal battle with his ex-girlfriend -- he was arrested in March for misdemeanor assault, aggravated harassment, attempted assault, and harassment after allegedly slapping her in a taxi.

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PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG

Remember, Jonathan's been adamant that he did no such thing, and his legal team submitted footage of what they say shows his ex going to a club after the alleged attack with no signs of injury. He's due back in court on Friday.

DJ Envy & Wife Tyrese Dissed Our Marriage!!! Claim He's a Creeper Disguised as a Friend

DJ Envy and his wife Gia Casey are coming in hot with allegations against Tyrese ... claiming the actor/R&B star attempted to wedge himself into their marriage!!!

Tensions have still been high in the aftermath of their Breakfast Club interview last week where Tyrese acknowledged a beef between himself and Envy, but fans were clueless as to why ... until now!!!

On Tuesday, Envy revealed the reason on-air ... claiming Tyrese was becoming pushy in his friendship with his wife, and was planting bugs in Gia's ear with tempting words like " ... if you had a man like me."

To make matters worse, Envy says a man claiming to be Tyrese's ex-assistant texted him from out of the blue warning him not to trust Tyrese, because his own wife had allegedly been seduced by Tyrese's charms as well.

Gia then called in claiming the strong bond she and Tyrese formed via text became alarming when he became demanding with her time, and even set a list of expectations.

Tyrese just dropped a 20-minute video defending himself, claiming he had been in good standing with Gia up until their last text exchanges in August 2022.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

He copped to being a little hazy while taking prescribed psychiatric meds, but he denied being an adulterer.

Patrick Mahomes I Don't Hate Aaron Rodgers!!! ... Clarifies Post After QB's Injury

Patrick Mahomes learned the importance of punctuation while sharing his grief over Aaron Rodgers' injury on Monday ... clarifying he does not actually "hate that man" -- he just forgot to add a comma.

The Kansas City Chiefs superstar was quick to react to Rodgers' apparent ankle ailment while watching the New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills matchup ... going to his X account to address the incident.

"Hate that man… Praying for the best 🙏🏽"

Of course, upon first read, it comes across as Mahomes revealing his abhorrence for the four-time MVP ... but Patrick eventually realized his mistake and made use of the "edit" feature on the social media platform.

"Hate that, man… Praying for the best 🙏🏽"

Ah, much better.

Mahomes took the gaffe in stride ... joking, "Knew i was going to need that edit button on here one of these days 🤣"

Unfortunately for Jets fans, they're not laughing Tuesday morning ... as many fear, Rodgers could be out a significant amount of time to nurse his injury.

While the extent of it has not been announced, Jets staffers are reportedly losing sleep over the idea of being without Rodgers ... which would essentially end their chances of contending for a Super Bowl.

Despite the major blow, N.Y. was able to pull off a thrilling overtime win over the Bills ... so at least Jets fans have that to be happy about.

New York City Double Rainbow Covers Sky On 9/11 Anniversary

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THE BREATHTAKING SIGHT

New Yorkers marveled at a special sight on the anniversary of 9/11 -- a massive double rainbow stretched over the city exactly 22 years after the terrorist attack.

Big Apple residents stepped out of their apartments on a rainy Monday, and looked up to see the spectacle in the sky, which had folks oohing, ahhing and shooting photos and videos which took the internet by storm.

One person shared their view from high up in a skyscraper, and it looked like the entire city was practically covered by the double rainbows.

Mother nature's timing couldn't have been better ... as so many New Yorkers were remembering or reliving the horror of what filled the city sky 22 years ago -- so, the sight of the rainbows was a striking difference. And, an emotional one, too.

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INVESTIGATING FLIGHT 23

As we reported, NYC officials said on Friday a man and woman's remains have now been identified all these years later, thanks to major advancements in DNA testing.

They've become the 1,648th and 1,649th victims to be ID'd ... but over 1,000 more victims remain nameless.