TX Gov. Greg Abbott Tests Positive for COVID-19 ... Just Attended Packed Event

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is now among the thousands who've recently tested positive for the coronavirus in his state, and his breakthrough case comes on the heels of him being in very close contact with a lot of people.

Abbott says he's tested daily and Tuesday was his first positive test result. According to a statement from his office ... he's receiving Regeneron's antibody treatment even though he's not experiencing symptoms, and will isolate at the Governor's Mansion and test daily.

The good news is, he's also fully vaccinated and says he's in good health. The bad news is ... just last night he attended a standing-room-only event in Collin County where, as you can see, there were no masks in sight and no social distancing.

Gov. Abbott says everyone he's been in close contact with Tuesday has been notified, but does not clarify if that includes all the people at Monday night's event. His wife has tested negative so far, but he also recently tweeted about meeting musician Jimmie Vaughan ... brother of the late legend, Stevie Ray.

The Texas governor has been under fire as cases, hospitalizations and deaths have been on the rise lately -- especially in nursing homes and cases are up even among kids.

Abbott's state, along with Florida, accounted for nearly 40 percent of the nation's new coronavirus cases last week, and he -- like FL Gov. Ron DeSantis -- has been a vocal opponent of mask mandates.

Kendall Jenner Rocks Booker's Gold Medal During Lake Boat Trip

Caitlyn Jenner ain't the only one in the fam rockin' gold medals now ... 'cause Kendall Jenner is sporting her boo's new hardware during a lake vacation with Devin Booker!!

Of course, the 24-year-old just returned to America after Team USA dominated at the Tokyo Olympics earlier this month ... securing gold in men's basketball.

Book's back stateside ... and he didn't waste any time meeting up with his supermodel girlfriend for some lakeside R&R after weeks away hooping.

Devin -- who also brought along his pooch, Raven -- posted video of the superstar couple on a motorboat ... while Kendall soaked up the sun, gold medal around her neck.

Of course, Caitlyn won it all in the decathlon in the 1976 Montreal Olympics ... so the fam is used to seeing gold.

It's unclear where Devin and Kendall are ... but in the past, they've visited Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club with friends Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber in Idaho.

Booker and Jenner have been one of the hottest couples in sports and Hollywood since they began dating in early 2020.

We first saw them together at a gas station in Arizona ... where they made a quick pit stop in their chauffeured Maybach.

They finally went official during Valentine's Day in 2021 ... and it's been nothing but mushy, lovey content ever since.

Gold medal + Supermodel GF + Gorgeous lake ... good to be Devin Booker.

Travis Barker Pool PDA with Kourtney ... Reaping Benefits of First Flight Since 2008 Crash

Travis Barker's making the most of his first trip via airplane in 13 years by enjoying his new favorite thing ... getting frisky with Kourtney Kardashian.

The couple's currently on vacation in Cabo, and from the looks of things -- have picked up right where they left off in the States ... with no shortage of PDA.

We're told they were together for a while in the pool at the Las Ventanas al Paraiso resort and making out  ... while enjoying tropical drinks in the agua.

Kourtney and Travis are staying in a very secure spot at the hotel, but they're clearly mingling with other guests in the main pool.

We broke the story ... Barker's trek to Mexico with his girlfriend -- along with Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble -- was his first time flying since the deadly 2008 plane crash that killed 4 people and left him with third-degree burns on 65 percent of his body.

After the crash -- in which the Blink-182 drummer lost 2 of his close friends, Charles "Che" Still and Chris Baker -- he vowed to never fly again ... but recently said he might give it another try.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

That's exactly what he did this past weekend, and he's crediting Kourtney with helping him get there ... saying, "With you anything is possible."

Paul Anka Pandemic Fear Aside ... Sold-Out Tour's Full Steam Ahead!!!

081721_paul_anka_kal_1
ALL IN THE PLAN
TMZ.com

Paul Anka's got a simple but effective blueprint for planning his tour during a pandemic ... hope for the best, plan for the worst.

The legendary singer joined "TMZ Live" on Tuesday and broke down how he's gone about launching his tour this fall. Remember, his tour was upended last year due to COVID-19 raging out of control across the country. And, while things are ratcheting up again ... Paul's praying things settle down.

In any event ... Paul's "Anka Sings Sinatra" tour -- kicking off October 23 in New York -- is sold out. What's more ... Paul says the venues he's playing in will have some sort of requirement for those who want to attend. He didn't specify ... but tons of venues are now requiring vaccination proof or proof of a negative test.

Paul essentially says all he can do is worry about what's in his control ... like the logistics. He's done just that ... the rest is up to fate. In the meantime ... Paul says between now and his tour he'll be working on his next album, "Paul Anka: My Christmas 2021."

073021-paul-anka-kal
THE ULTIMATE CELEB SHOUTOUT

And, speaking of albums ... the crooner just dropped his new album "Making Memories," just weeks after he celebrated his 80th birthday. You'll recall practically all of Hollywood and beyond showered Paul with some touching tributes.

"Making Memories" will feature duets with Olivia Newton-John, Michael Buble, Il Divo and Andrea Bocelli.

Paul tells us his secret on how he keeps his success -- and dashing looks -- going strong after all these years. Listen up, young bucks.

'American Idol' Syesha Mercado I'm Being Deprived of Precious Time ... Since Babies Were Taken From Me

081721_syesha_mercado_kal
DEPRIVED OF MOTHERHOOD

"American Idol" finalist Syesha Mercado broke down in tears describing how she's been missing out on precious moments with her babies since child protective services took them from her.

Syesha held a news conference Tuesday to explain how she's been deprived of holding and feeding her newborn daughter, Ast ... while also missing her toddler son, Amen'Ra, who was put in foster care back in March. Syesha said she's also upset about her kids not getting to meet.

She was joined by the babies' father, Tyron Deener, who said they are law-abiding citizens who live a life of service and can't understand why someone with no criminal background is being hounded by the police.

081321-syesha-mercado-kal
TAKEN FROM FAMILY
@syesha / Instagram

As we reported ... Syesha sobbed as she reluctantly handed over Ast to Manatee County Sheriff's deputies last week in Florida. The department has since said they picked up the baby by order of a family court judge.

Amen'Ra was taken from her following a hospital visit where a doctor claimed the boy was malnourished. Last week, deputies told Syesha and Tyron they were taking Ast because they didn't tell authorities she'd given birth during their ongoing legal battle for their son.

081721_syesha_mercado_crump_kal
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has now gotten involved in Syesha's case ... calling out the deputies for making a spectacle out of a Black family and "publicly dehumanizing them." He vows to help Syesha and Tyron get their kids back.

Syesha started a GoFundMe to help cover her legal costs. The target was set at $200k ... but so far they've raised more than $400k.

LAX Newlyweds Honeymooning in Our Wedding Wear ... But We Packed Undies!!!

081721_newly_weds_kal
HONEYMOON HYPE
TMZ.com

Here's a honeymoon you don't see every day ... a newly married couple from Oregon is doing tons of sightseeing in Los Angeles, but they're doing ALL of it in their wedding dress and tuxedo!!!

We ran into the bride and groom Monday at LAX and our photog asked if they had just gotten hitched at the airport?  Seriously, why else would you be dressed like this at LAX?!?

Turns out Dan and Olivia Corcoran tied the knot the night before in Portland and took a short flight down to L.A. for their unique honeymoon idea ... 2 jam-packed days in L.A. without shedding their wedding wear.

Get this ... the happy couple says their itinerary includes Universal Studios, Disneyland and a Dodgers game in less than 48 hours -- a ton of activities in a very limited wardrobe.

Olivia says it's all her idea and they're traveling super light ... with one backpack and a couple changes of underwear. Hopefully, there's some deodorant in there too.

If you're looking for a quirky honeymoon idea, the Corcorans might be starting a trend. And, we know what you're thinking ... about all that dirt they're gonna accumulate, especially on Olivia's dress.

They told us why they're willing to lay it all on the line ... after their big day.

Afghan Athletes To Miss Tokyo's Paralympic Games ... After Taliban Takeover

Afghan athletes set to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics next week will NOT be able to represent their country ... this, after the Taliban's takeover over Afghanistan.

"Regrettably, NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Afghanistan will no longer participate in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games," International Paralympics Committee said on Monday.

“Due to the serious ongoing situation in the country, all airports are closed and there is no way for them to travel to Tokyo."

Of course, in the wake of the U.S. retreat, the Taliban has taken over much of the county ... including the capital city of Kabul. Travel out of the country by air is basically impossible.

081521_afghans_flee_kal5
MAD SCRAMBLE
Newsflare

Two athletes from Afghanistan were scheduled to compete ... Taekwondo player Zakia Khudadadi and track athlete Hossain Rasouli.

And, it would've been historic ... 23-year-old Khudadadi would've been the first female representing the country in the Paralympics.

"I just want to be there with the other athletes from the world and give my best. It is an opportunity to show my ability and I will be so proud to stand with all of those athletes," Khudadadi said last week before the Taliban takeover.

Rasouli and Khudadadi were supposed to arrive in Tokyo on Tuesday ... with the games scheduled to start on August 24.

Britney Spears Why Do I Go Topless??? Whole New Meaning to 'Free Britney'!!!

Britney Spears is opening up about the flood of topless photos she's posting, claiming that baring her boobs is all about lightening her load ... and freeing herself from pain of the past.

As you probably know, Britney started sharing a series of revealing shots on her social media just days after she was granted permission to hire her own lawyer for the first time under her conservatorship, and she hasn't let up -- including a Monday evening gallery of shots with a strategically placed rose.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

This has led to some concern from her fans -- and some advice from her peers to "be cautious" online -- but Britney explains that going naked on IG is for her own good ... and has made her feel better lately.

She says the meaning of her topless posts is her attempt to reclaim her body after years of feeling self-conscious and embarrassed about how she looked while performing.

Britney says she's felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and wants to "see myself in a lighter way," adding ... "I am a woman …. a beautiful … sensitive woman who needs to look at myself in my purest form !!!"

It all connects to the "Free Britney" movement too, according to Brit, who says ... "There’s a way deeper meaning to the movement than you can ever imagine … my fans have always been so damn amazing and I love you all."

One more thing -- Britney's debunking anyone who thinks she got a boob job! She says they just look bigger because she's eating more. #themoreyouknow

Lil Wayne Offered Financial Help to 'Uncle Bob' ... Ex-Cop Saved Him After Suicide Attempt

Lil Wayne's never forgotten "Uncle Bob" -- the former New Orleans police officer who saved his life when he attempted suicide at age 12 -- and he's told him he's got his back for life if he ever needs anything.

"Uncle Bob," whose real name is Robert Hoobler, tells TMZ ... he saw Lil Wayne in 2019 when the rapper was in NOLA for a radio show, and that's when Wayne offered to provide Bob with financial support if he ever needed it, telling Bob all he has to do is say the word.

Bob says he hasn't taken up Weezy on the generous offer, but there have been talks about him joining Weezy's team in some sort of administrative capacity ... it's still TBD.

If you don't know ... Lil Wayne recently opened up about his mental health struggles as a kid and the incident with "Uncle Bob" when he was 12.

Lil Wayne now admits he intentionally shot himself in the chest -- for years, it was believed to be an accidental shooting -- and Bob was the cop who came to his rescue, refusing to let him die.

Now, all these years later, Wayne's still trying to pay back Bob. It's not the first time he's tried either -- you may recall his 2015 track "London Roads" in which he rapped about Bob saving him, and suggested the ex-cop had died.

But, Bob was still alive ... and says he got in touch with Wayne to let him know all reports or rumors of his death were greatly exaggerated.

Uncle Bob says Wayne was actually ready to pay for his funeral. Thankfully, that wasn't necessary.

'FBoy Island' Star Sarah Emig Garrett Morosky 'Did Me Dirty' ... Not Ready to Make Nice!!!

081721_sarah_emig_and_cj_franco_kal
LET'S HEAR IT
TMZ.com

"FBoy Island" star Sarah Emig wants Garrett Morosky to save his apology ... at least for now, 'cause she's not in the mood for it after he embarrassed her on the show.

We got Sarah hanging out with her co-star, CJ Franco, Monday outside the Peninsula Hotel in Bev Hills and asked if she was down to give Garrett another shot now that they're both in Los Angeles.

For the record ... Sarah says Garrett has, in fact, reached out to patch things up -- but it's clear she's not ready to hear it. She still has strong feelings about how Garrett left her hanging at the end of the HBO Max show. She says Garrett really did her dirty, and for that reason alone ... she's won't be breaking bread with Garrett.

081321-fboy-island-kal 8/13/21
THE DOOR IS OPEN
TMZ.com

As we reported ... Garrett showed his true 'FBoy' colors in the finale by choosing the $100k prize over a relationship with Sarah. Now, he told us he's planning to apologize ... but Garrett might wanna watch this clip first.

We can sum up her response to a potential date with Garrett in 2 words: Hell nah!!!

Bottom line for Sarah ... "F-boys shouldn't be rewarded for F-boy behavior." She's living by those words now, but only after Garrett burned her badly.

A-Rod Chicken Pizzas??? I Didn't Order These ... Turns Out, 'Ben' Did!!!

Jennifer Lopez is at the center of a pretty cheesy war between her current BF and her ex-fiance Alex Rodriguez, who got trolled with a symbolic chicken pizza order ... TMZ has learned.

So, here's the deal ... a certain someone named Ben hit up the Florida-based online pizza joint Bulls Bears & Squares, and plunked down $141.32 to send some pies to A-Rod back on June 17.

It's unclear exactly how many pizzas were ordered, but the joint's owner, Samuel Tadros, confirms the only topping requested was chicken. He says their Chicago stuffed jalapeño ranch chicken deep dish pizza is one of the most popular, and they don't come cheap -- $140 will get ya about 3 pies when you add shipping costs!!!

Anyway, back to the trolling culprit -- Bulls Bears & Squares tells us the Ben who ordered gave his name as "Ben Afflec." We're not thinking J Lo's Ben Affleck was actually responsible ... why would he use his real name, minus one letter?

But, it's clear some prankster got a kick out of sending the pizzas to A-Rod's 9,200-sq.-ft. summer pad in the Hamptons -- and possibly making him think Ben and J Lo were messing with him.

BTW, the troll knew the correct home address for Alex's rented mansion ... so, they did their homework.

One thing they screwed up was ... no note with the pizza delivery! So, it's hard to say exactly what the troll was insinuating with the topping. Calling A-Rod a chicken, perhaps, but about what??? 🤷🏽‍♂️

It's unclear if Alex was even home to get the pizza surprise. We've reached out to his camp, but no word back. Whatever the case, A-Rod's got his hands full right now, and doesn't seem focused on food. Or trolls.

'FBOY Island' Star Chaun Williams I'm Going Back To Chippendales ... For Show's Big Return!!!

081621-chaun-williams-fboy-chippendales-kal
BACK ON STAGE

"FBOY Island" star Chaun Williams is going back to his roots ... he's going to be dancing for Chippendales again when the male revue returns next month from a 17-month hiatus.

A rep for Chippendales tells TMZ ... Chaun is returning to Chippendales when the show comes back to the Rio hotel and casino in Las Vegas for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend.

Chaun's famous now for being dubbed the nicest guy on "FBOY Island" ... but before his big break on the HBO Max hit, his claim to fame was dancing for Chippendales when he was just 18.

Ya gotta see the video of Chaun's shirtless dance moves during the latest rounds of Chippendales rehearsals ... looks like he's already back in his male revue groove.

Chaun went on to perform for Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil after getting his Sin City start with Chippendales ... but with Zumanity shuttered by the pandemic and not reopening, Chippendales is welcoming him back into the fold for their big return.

Another reality TV star will be joining Chaun on stage when the Chippendales come back to Vegas Sept. 1 ... we're told Ricky Rogers from MTV's "Double Shot at Love" and "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" will also be dancing ... and stripping.

Trevor Bauer Accuser Testifies In Court Against MLB Star ... 'I Was In So Much Pain'

The woman accusing Trevor Bauer of sexual assault testified in court against the MLB star on Monday ... telling a judge the Dodgers pitcher treated her "like a rag doll" during two sexual encounters in April and May.

The 27-year-old -- who's seeking to obtain a permanent restraining order against Bauer -- spoke on the stand for roughly 4 hours in a Los Angeles courtroom ... and explained in graphic detail how she says Bauer sexually assaulted her.

The woman was questioned by her attorneys (she's expected to be cross-examined by Bauer's legal team as proceedings continue Tuesday) ... and said she was flat-out in "so much pain" after her experiences with the pitcher.

"He was treating me like I wasn't a human being," the woman said.

Bauer's accuser also showed a judge how she says the Dodgers star choked her unconscious with her own hair during their two encounters.

Bauer, meanwhile, sat in the courtroom for the hearing ... and was described as quiet and stoic as the questioning of his accuser unfolded.

Bauer -- who has been adamant the sexual encounters with his accuser were entirely consensual -- is expected to take the stand at some point during the proceedings this week.

As we previously reported, Bauer's accuser obtained a temporary restraining order against the 30-year-old in June ... and is now looking for a judge to make it a permanent one.

The Dodgers player, meanwhile, is currently away from his team on administrative leave as a police investigation and an MLB probe into the allegations continue.

Rapper Trippie Redd No Charges in Assault Case

Rapper Trippie Redd can breathe a sigh of relief ... we’ve learned he won't be prosecuted in his assault case..

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the Fulton County D.A.'s Office says even though Atlanta PD had probable cause to arrest the rapper -- way back in 2018, BTW -- prosecutors have decided NOT to prosecute Trippie at this time.

We've reached out to the D.A.'s Office to find out why they came to this decision. In any event ... Trippie's attorney, Drew Findling, is thrilled about the decision. He tells TMZ ... his law firm has worked tirelessly for over 3 years to prove the rapper was innocent of the aggravated assault allegation.

Findling says Trippie is now looking forward to the release of his new album -- "Trip At Knight." Gotta love it when your lawyer doubles as a hype man.

TMZ broke the story ... Trippie was busted back in June 2018 after cops said a woman accused the rapper of pistol-whipping her. At the time, cops said they noticed a bump on the woman's head where she said she was struck ... prompting cops to arrest TR.

WWE's Seth Rollins Olympic Wrestling Champ Gable Steveson ... I'll Train You To Wrestle In WWE!!

081621_seth_rollins_kal_1 8/16/21
GABE'S GOT IT!
TMZSports.com
UPDATE

8:46 AM PT -- Gable says he's going to be at SummerSlam this weekend -- now, the only question is ... will we see him in the ring!?

NFL. UFC. WWE.

Those are three of the lucrative options U.S. Olympian Gable Steveson reportedly has on the table after winning a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Games.

TMZ Sports ran into Seth Rollins at LAX ... and we asked the WWE Superstar if pro wrestling would be a good career move for 21-year-old Steveson.

"I mean, we’d love to have him. He seems like an incredible athlete, and decent dude. And, you know, we've had some luck with Olympic gold medalists before, so why not?" Rollins said.

Seth is referring to Kurt Angle ... who won a gold medal in wrestling at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta before ultimately joining WWF (now WWE) in 1998 -- where he became a legend in the squared circle.

But, freestyle wrestling and pro wrestling are VERY different sports ... which is why Rollins is offering Gable some assistance.

"I do have a wrestling school, Black and Brave Wrestling Academy, so if he wants to move to Davenport, Iowa for three months, we'll get him ready."

Of course, since defeating the #1 seed in the gold medal match in Tokyo with fractions of a second remaining, 6'1", 260+ lb. Steveson says he's received interest from the NFL (Ravens, Bills), UFC, Bellator, and WWE ... to name a few.

Gable hasn't ruled out signing with any of the organizations ... making it clear if they write a big enough check, he's interested in football -or- wrestling -or- fighting.

If Vince McMahon backs up the Brinks truck, Rollins -- former WWE heavyweight champ -- is more than willing to train the Olympic champ.

Jodi on 'Knocked Up' 'Memba Them?!

California native Charlyne Yi was only 21 years old when they took on the break-through role as the super-stoney roommate Jodi -- who hilariously has no idea how in utero feeding works -- in the classic 2007 Judd Apatow comedy "Knocked Up."

There was a whole host of big-named actors in the pregnant picture including Katherine Heigl as the hard-working mother-to-be, Alison Scott ... and of course, Seth Rogen as the weed-loving degenerate turned positive parent, Ben Stone.

Charlyne continues to make art on and off the screen and has a long list of credits for their voiceover work on animated projects.

Guess what Yi looks like now!