Walmart Special (Drone COVID Test) Delivery ... Free in El Paso & NY!!!

Walmart is going from always low prices to almost no prices for at-home COVID-19 tests that they'll drop off at your pad via drone ... if you're in a certain area, that is.

Here's the deal ... two Walmarts in El Paso, TX and Cheektowaga, NY are doing a pilot program in which there's no pilot at all -- sending free COVID test kits to folks that live within a mile radius of their stores, and doing so through a nifty drone delivery service.

It's pretty simple -- people can hop online and fill out a questionnaire to get the nasal swab test sent to their home, where they can administer it to themselves in private ... and then send the whole thing back to a Quest Diagnostics lab, which is also on the house.

Walmart is saying this is all same-day from the time you request it online -- they're also saying asymptomatic people can get tested without issue ... a huge relief for those who've wanted to get tested, but have been turned away on the ground.

Eventually, you'll get your results back through an app. So, in other words, you'll never have to leave your living room to see if you're positive or negative. No lines, no waits ... and no having anyone awkwardly watch you get a stick jammed up your nostrils.

As for why Walmart's doing this in these specific locations -- it could be any number of reasons ... not the least of which might pertain to the infection rates. In El Paso, for instance, cases are at an all-time high ... some are even calling it a new epicenter.

It's so bad inmates are collecting bodies and placing them in mobile morgues -- and there are at least 10 of those already up and running.

So, yeah ... the more contactless solutions they can find, the better.

'ANTM' Model Toccara Jones The Pope Likes 'em Thick ... Just Like Drake!!!

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THE HOLIEST OF LIKES
TMZ.com

Toccara Jones has no problem with Pope Francis double-tapping a pic of a bootylicious model -- allegedly -- and thinks all clergy should be free to explore their feelings ... like a certain rapper.

The former "America's Next Top Model" star had a good time with us poking fun at the Pope over his official Instagram account appearing to 'like' model Natalia Garibotto's racy photo.

Toccara thinks the Supreme Pontiff was liking a lot more than Natalia's Catholic school-themed attire ... she says he was down with the thiccness.

In that way, the popular plus-sized model tells us His Holiness has a lot in common with Drake ... who's also known to go double-tapping on big booties.

Toccara says she's happy to see the Pope openly liking butt shots, and she's pushing for more religious leaders to follow suit. After all, we're all humans with similar attractions and everyone knows it ... whether you delete a 'like' or not.

University of Alabama Cancels Huge 600-Person Bash ... Mayor Responds

UPDATE

8:02 AM PT -- 11/18 Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox tells TMZ ... he had ZERO involvement in the city council approving the liquor license after informing city council members his daughter is a member of the sorority that was seeking the booze license. He also said the sorority party itself was reviewed and approved by the University of Alabama ... adding the city itself has no legal authority to approve parties.

UPDATE

Maddox added, "The Council approved the license 4-2 begrudgingly. Frankly, I understand their frustrations -- I felt it too. In large part, the approval was granted because their was no legal reason to deny the application. [By the way], I believe it was unfair the council was placed in this position, especially since the City has been active in fighting COVID-19."

UPDATE

5:44 AM PT -- 11/18 The Kappa Delta sorority canceled the soiree at the 11th hour. The sorority's president reportedly said they nixed the event out of concerns over "the health and safety of our campus community, guests and our members."

UPDATE

The cancelation comes a week after the city council approved a liquor license for the event. It's interesting ... Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox's daughter is a member of the sorority.

Forget your side of mashed potatoes ... this Thanksgiving holiday may come with a side of COVID-19 after a University of Alabama sorority got the OK to throw a massive, booze-fueled bash before breaking for the holidays.

The Kappa Delta sorority in Tuscaloosa is getting ready to throw the rager Tuesday night at the 14-acre Black Warrior Farms largely thanks to the city council giving the event a 4-2 stamp of approval last week.

The party coordinator rationalized it this way -- the 600 guests will NOT arrive all at once and instead be bussed in in 3 shifts ... each shift including 200 guests. Everyone will have their temperatures taken before hopping on the chartered buses and all attendees are expected -- not mandated -- to wear masks at the outdoor party. Yeah, good luck with that.

The school has also reportedly required the sorority to include a 30-minute break between each group's arrival/departure and to sanitize tables and chairs at the venue. They must also cap the bus ride capacity to 50 percent. So, multiple busses will be needed.

But, even though the event's doing its part to implement safety protocols ... the party -- and the city council's approval -- is coming under fire from locals, medical workers and university employees after 76 new overnight cases.

According to local reports .... there's been a recent spike in Tuscaloosa County, where there's 11,886 confirmed cases and nearly 150 deaths. Worse ... these students are expected to travel home for the holidays and could potentially spread the virus across the country.

Originally published -- 11/17 4:00 PM PT

AEW's Nyla Rose Takes Sledgehammer to Jaguar ... In Wild New Trailer By Director X

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RAISING THE BAR
AEW

AEW + Director X = 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

TMZ Sports has obtained AEW's explosive new trailer -- featuring Nyla Rose using a sledgehammer to smash the living hell out of a Jaguar ... and it's AWESOME!

The trailer was put together by legendary music video and movie director, Director X -- who's worked with every major artist you've ever heard of from Jay-Z to Rihanna to Kanye, Bieber to Drake ... even Ariana Grande, One Direction and Korn!

Director X tells TMZ Sports the goal is to show how AEW is "smashing the status quo" -- and what better way to than to give Nyla Rose a sledgehammer and let her tee off!

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SMASHING THE OLD SYSTEM
TMZSports.com

FYI, Rose is the first transgender wrestler signed to a major wrestling promotion -- and Director X tells us he was so moved by her story, it became an obvious decision to open the video with Nyla's glass-shattering scene.

"I mean it just felt right," Director X tells us ... "It's by far the most dramatic scene. She has one of the most dramatic stories you know what I'm saying? Like it's a big, big deal."

Director X says empowering women like Nyla says a lot about AEW and how they're taking pro wrestling to the next level.

The trailer also features Cody and Brandi Rhodes, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks and more ... explaining how they launched a brand new successful wrestling promotion against all odds. The ultimate underdog story.

The video also celebrates the 1 year anniversary of "AEW Dynamite" -- the #1 wrestling show on Wednesday nights on TNT.

"We're boundless in our ability to grow," Cody says ... "We're boundless in our talent."

Brandi adds, "We're living literally our best lives and we just got started! If that's Year 1, what does the rest of it look like?!"

Guess Who This Sunkist Kid Turned Into!

Before this beach boy was making audiences laugh on a television sitcom, he was just another thirsty kid sippin' on soda in South Orange, New Jersey.

This little lad is best known for starring in a comedy series that takes place in a hospital -- his character was a doctor who the rest of the cast would call by his initials. You may recognize him from his hilarious "bro-mance" with a fellow actor on the show, on and off-screen!

During the height of his career, this star dove into writing and directing as well ... making his debut with the film "Garden State".

Can you guess who he is?

Harvey Weinstein Very Ill, COVID Likely

UPDATE

4:39 PM PT -- Harvey's camp tells TMZ ... "It should come as no surprise that Mr. Weinstein has numerous maladies and conditions including a heart condition, high blood pressure and spinal stenosis. We are working with the NYSDOCCS and the excellent team at Wende CF to ensure Mr. Weinstein receives the proper medical attention he needs."

Harvey Weinstein is in isolation with 101-degree temperature, and doctors believe he has COVID ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Weinstein is "doing poorly" with various health issues ... some of which point to a coronavirus infection.

Our sources say Weinstein was tested Tuesday morning and doctors are awaiting results, but they are confident enough he has COVID that they have placed him in isolation for 72 hours.

We're told if the test comes back positive, which they expect, he'll be transferred to the prison hospital.

Our sources say Weinstein has various health problems which complicate his current illness. The sources are clear ... he has various symptoms that are very serious.

There were reports Weinstein had coronavirus back in March, but our sources say he was never officially diagnosed.

The sources say Weinstein's current battle is anything but a mild case ... we're told given his overall health, his age and current illness -- he is at extreme risk.

You'll recall ... Weinstein was rushed to the hospital shortly after his trial earlier this year, when he complained of chest pains. And, of course, he came to court each day with walker in hand because of chronic back issues he says he's suffered in recent years.

Long story short, the guy's in bad shape ... and a bad case of COVID could take its toll.

Originally Published -- 3:40 PM PT

'MasterChef Junior' Ben Watkins Dead at 14

Ben Watkins, famous for competing in "MasterChef Junior," is dead after a battle with cancer.

Ben, who was undergoing treatment for an extremely rare form of cancer at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, died Monday ... according to his family.

He was diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor when he was only 13 years old, and the family says doctors told them Ben was 1 of only 6 people in the entire world diagnosed with the rare illness called Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma.

An aspiring chef, Ben used to cook and man the front counter at Big Ben's Bodacious BBQ and Delicatessen in Gary, Indiana. with his late parents, who died 3 years ago in a murder-suicide. Ben's grandma and uncle remembered him as "the strongest person we've ever known."

Ben competed in season 6 of the Gordon Ramsay-hosted cooking competition show, "MasterChef Junior," when he was only 11 years old and quickly became a fan-favorite.

Gordon and Ben's former "MasterChef Junior" competitors sent him a special video earlier this year when he was battling cancer, letting him know they were praying for him and helping raise donations for a GoFundMe, which is now a memorial fund.

Ben was 14.

RIP

Parking Spot Brawl Turns Into Violent Road Rage Crash ... Car Slams Into Bakery

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IDIOTS, ALL OF THEM
Lina Mei

A parking spot brawl quickly morphed into violent road rage ... ending with a car crashing into a bakery celebrating its grand opening, and it was all caught on video.

The insane incident went down Monday in Queens where a group of men were throwing hands in the middle of the street over a parking spot. The video picks up with one man stuck in a headlock while another man wields a bat, swinging it like crazy.

You see the bat-wielding gent land several shots before everyone appears to walk away. Keyword ... appears. That's when all hell broke loose ... with the dude taking a whack at the Audi's front bumper. That's when the man behind the wheel floors it and mows down the man with the bat ... violently hurling him onto the sidewalk before crashing into Rainbow Bakery. The bakery had just opened for business Monday.

Cops say 3 women and a man -- including a bakery employee -- were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Jie Zou, the man behind the wheel, was arrested for assault and reckless endangerment. Jonathan Zhang, the passenger in the Audi, was also arrested for assault.

Goes without saying ... the bakery owner said he was sad about his shop getting destroyed.

Holidays 2020 How to Celebrate, Travel Safely ... According to Harvard Doc

With the holidays fast approaching, many are wondering how to celebrate safely amid a pandemic -- and, luckily, we have some answers ... courtesy of a top doc in the field.

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THINK TWICE THIS THANKSGIVING
TMZ.com

Dr. Abraar Karan joined us on 'TMZ Live' to ask him how to tackle Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's ... all while 'rona is still lurking. He gave us some great tips on flying, testing beforehand and gatherings in general.

Dr. Karan -- who works at the Harvard & Brigham Women's Hospital -- dropped much-needed knowledge about boarding commercial jets. He says improved air circulation has made air travel much safer, but there are still a few factors to keep in mind.

The most important one is ... how many other passengers are on board -- but he says the duration of the flight is also critical to reducing your COVID-19 risk. BTW, he also strongly suggests going windows down during Uber or taxi rides.

As for sitting around a dinner table ... Dr. Karan noted a few misconceptions about getting tested beforehand and thinking you're home-free for home gatherings. It's not quite that simple, and he explained why you could still unknowingly pass the virus ... along with the stuffing.

Great tips here for traveling, IF you're planning to do so -- but the good doc is hardly recommending it. His biggest piece of advice ... if you and your peeps can avoid shindigs this year, you should. It's in everyone's best interest.

Lil Wayne Charged by Feds ... Poss. of Firearm, Ammo

Lil Wayne's just been hit with a federal weapons charge and could face serious prison time if convicted.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida has charged the rapper with 1 count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Weezy -- who was convicted of a felony gun charge in NY back in 2009 -- faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The charge is for a December 2019 incident where federal agents searched Wayne's plane at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. He was a passenger on that plane, which made a stop in Florida on its way to California.

At the time ... Wayne's attorney, Howard Srebnick, had said his client was "cleared" to leave even though guns and drugs were reportedly found on the plane. It appears now the feds believe Wayne was wrongfully in possession of a weapon and ammunition.

Srebnick tells TMZ ... Carter was charged for possessing a gold-plated handgun in his luggage back in December. The lawyer says, "There is no allegation that he ever fired it, brandished it, used it or threatened to use it. There is no allegation that he is a dangerous person."

He added, "The charge is that because he was convicted of a felony in the past, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm."

Wayne's scheduled to appear in court next month.

Giant Food Oops, We Made a Giant Mistake ... With 'Super Spread' Ad

"Hosting? Plan a super spread." That's the tone-deaf holiday advertisement that's got an East Coast supermarket chain bending over backward to say sorry for its brain fart.

Giant Food ran the full-page ad in its own magazine, slapping the slogan in bold letters in front of a backdrop of grub synonymous with sharing ... including a shrimp cocktail platter, fruit tart and a cheeseboard.

The advertisement is encouraging folks to host holiday parties and entertain guests with foods that are easy to get your hands on and share -- but it's doing so using a phrase synonymous with COVID-19 outbreaks ... and as the virus is surging around the country. Basically, a horrible time for a "super spread."

As you know, health and government officials across the country are discouraging folks from getting together for large gatherings with Thanksgiving and the holidays fast approaching ... warning against potential super-spreader events.

The supermarket chain -- which has stores in Delaware, Maryland Virginia and D.C. -- should have known better ... after all, they're operating in Joe Biden and Dr. Fauci's backyards ... and now it's apologizing.

Giant Foods says ... "While, in hindsight, the choice of words was a poor one, Giant had no intentions of insensitivity."

Report: James Harden Wants Out Of Houston ... Due To Owner's Trump Support

UPDATE

9:20 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Landry's -- Tilman Fertitta's company -- issued a statement to TMZ Sports, saying the billionaire has donated to politicians on BOTH sides of the aisle ... including to Joe Biden's campaign.

UPDATE

“Throughout his business career, Tilman Fertitta has supported many individuals in public service. He has hosted numerous fundraisers for President Bill Clinton and hosted President George W. Bush in his home."

UPDATE

"Last year, he hosted a fundraiser for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as well as supported his longtime friend, Mark Kelly, now U.S. senator-elect of Arizona."

UPDATE

"He also contributed to President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign. As a respected business leader recognized across the country, Fertitta supports many Democrats, as well as Republicans.”

James Harden and many others in the Rockets' org. all want OUT of Houston ... and it's all reportedly because the team's owner is a big Donald Trump supporter.

NBA insider Ric Bucher dropped the bombshell revelation on "The Odd Couple" podcast this week ... saying Tilman Fertitta's ties to the Republican party and Trump have created a massive divide in the org.

According to Bucher ... players and staffers have disagreed so heavily with Tilman's donations to the Trump campaign -- it's created a straight-up "revolt."

"What I heard is," Bucher said, "and we know how much politics and political position had to do with the boycott and protests during the Bubble -- I'm hearing that Tilman Fertitta’s strong Republican support and donations is one of the things that is contributing to this dissatisfaction."

Bucher added, "There is a revolt here because they look at Fertitta as a guy who supports the current President."

Russell Westbrook has already reportedly requested a trade from the Rockets ... and Harden is said to now want out as well.

The team also jettisoned Robert Covington this week ... while last year's coach, Mike D'Antoni, and last year's GM, Daryl Morey, have already left the squad.

Fertitta -- who bought the Rockets in 2017 for $2.2 BILLION -- has never been shy about his public support for Trump ... he's praised POTUS often, and the two are known to be good pals.

We've reached out to the Rockets for comment on Bucher's report ... so far, no word back yet.

Mossimo Giannulli New Tough-Guy Look for Prison ... Gray Beard and Buzz Cut

Lori Loughlin's husband is about to head behind bars just like her -- and he's adopted the conventional Hollywood look of a prison inmate in preparation.

Mossimo Giannulli's just days away from reporting to federal prison on Nov. 19 to begin serving his 5-month sentence for his role in the college admissions scandal, but he looks less like a rich father who committed a white-collar crime ... and more like a character from "Oz."

Lori's hubby traded his trimmed facial hair and handsome hairstyle for a shaved head ... along with his grizzly, graying beard. He took his new look for a spin Monday in Bev Hills.

Mossimo's still rocking designer clothes and a fancy watch though. Baby steps ... he's not locked up yet.

As you know ... both he and his wife will be spending the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday incarcerated, as Lori's currently serving her 2-month sentence at FCI Dublin near San Francisco. If all goes well for her though ... she'll get out around Christmastime.

Mossimo's release date will likely be after Easter, and by then ... his beard might be totally white.

Barack Obama to Oprah What I Miss About Being President ... Oval, Music & Travel!!!

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KEEPIN' IT COOL
AppleTV+

Barack Obama was feeling nostalgic talking to Oprah about his new book -- reminiscing on what he missed most about being President ... and his answers might surprise you.

44 sat down for a chat with O on her Apple TV+ show, "The Oprah Conversation," in which they discussed his latest written project -- "A Promised Land" -- and also took a trip down memory lane about the perks that a Commander in Chief gets to enjoy.

He admitted flying on Air Force 1 and Marine 1 is an unmatched experience -- and one he sincerely misses -- because of the exceptional staff, and not having to wait around to get somewhere.

Barack also said he always took joy walking into the Oval Office -- where he says he could feel the ghosts of Presidents past all around him -- and he revealed his favorite view from the White House.

And, of course, BO says he got a kick out of the intimate White House performances they'd put on every now and then for free -- with some marquee acts swinging by, like Paul McCartney ... who famously sang The Beatles' "Michelle" to the First Lady in 2010.

Good times and good memories.

Scott Disick I Got a Thing For Daughters of Famous Folks ... Hits Beach with 19-Yr-Old Amelia Hamlin

Scott Disick can't stay single for very long ... and his latest fling is with a 19-year-old with some very famous parents.

Disick and Amelia Hamlin -- daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin -- were arm-on-shoulder Monday in Santa Barbara. The two recently hung out at a Halloween party ... so it appears things have gotten way past the friend zone.

As you know, 37-year-old Disick recently split with 22-year-old Sofia Richie after dating for 3 years. Sofia's dad, of course, is none other than Lionel Richie ... so, more famous parents.

Scott and Kourtney Kardashian -- with whom he shares 3 kids -- recently took a few trips together ... but we're told the two were strictly co-parenting and having fun together as friends.

Disick had a brief stint in rehab earlier this year --  the word was he was dealing with some lingering emotional traumas including his parents' deaths.

TMZ broke the story ... he checked out early after a photo of him inside the facility was leaked to a media outlet.

As for Scott and Amelia ... they hit the beach because the temps Monday were in the 80s. Not that we're trying to rub it in.

Santa Claus in Malls Ho Ho Hold On, Kids ... Check Your Temp and Mask Up Please!!!

Santa Claus will still be at malls across America this year, but children will have to tell them what they want from 6-feet away and behind a pane of plexiglass. Great. Bah humbug.

As is tradition, Saint Nick is being brought back to malls as a holiday attraction, but he'll be a little less jolly ... courtesy of the coronavirus pandemic. Mall Santas this year come with a slew of COVID precautions for his sake and for the families visiting him.

Kids may be required to get a temperature check before approaching Kris Kingle's chair ... and there won't be any sitting on his lap in 2020. So much for that precious shot of little Tommy crying!

Instead, kids will have to deliver their Christmas lists from a socially distanced location -- like behind a transparent barrier like at this Bass Pro Shop in Bridgeport, CT -- and maybe while wearing a mask too.

As for getting a photo with Santa ... it will still be allowed from a safe distance, and everyone may still be required to put masks on, even though it covers up those cheerful smiles.

Of course, all of the rules will vary from state to state and city to city. Fact is, some malls might be shut down altogether due to surging COVID cases.

But, with a reported 10 million U.S. households going to see the jolly fat man in malls last year, it's clear he's good for business and malls don't want to lose that ... so check your local Santa listings.

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