Washington, D.C. We the People Are Boarding Up ... Businesses Prep for Election Day Unrest

Washington, D.C. is bracing itself for trouble ahead of Election Day ... with many businesses boarding up their doors as the final results loom.

Check it out ... outlets including a D.C.-based McDonald's and a Peet's Coffee have already shuttered their windows and storefronts with Election Day less than 24 hours away.

Some are even scrambling today to get plywood up to fortify their walls before any potential unrest unfolds because of the election.

NLE Choppa I'm A 🎥🎞️ Director Now!!! Stoner Comedy With Lil Wayne, Sukihana, More

NLE Choppa has added movie director to his résumé -- by remaking Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's car wash comedy "The Wash" with the help of Lil Wayne and social media influencers!!!

The "Shotta Flow" rapper recently unleashed his "NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash" on YouTube for fans to soak in for free.

The newly minted filmmaker co-directed the bit with hip hop video vet Ben Marc, and they didn't even bother with a script ... Wayne, Sukihana, Ray Vaughn, Relly B, Yaisel LM and several more improvised their parts!!!

Colts Mascot Blue Shoving Match With Youth Players ... During Game W/ Mascots

Halftime didn't mark a break in the action during "Sunday Night Football" ... as a group of mascots faced off against some youngins in a pickup game on the field -- and it didn't take long for chaos to ensue!!

The annual showdown -- which featured more highlights than the first half of the Vikings vs. Colts matchup -- served as intermission entertainment for fans ... but it was clear at least one furry creature wasn't taking it easy on the little ones.

Blue -- the Colts' mascot -- left it all out on the gridiron ... getting around a group of blockers and throwing one of the peewees to the ground.

Cardi B NSFW Rant at Kamala Rally Critics!!!

110424_cardi_b_kal
I'm Proud Of Myself!!!

Cardi B came in hot, defending herself against haters who questioned her using her phone notes for a speech at VP Kamala Harris' rally Friday night.

The rapper didn’t hold back on TikTok, dropping some choice words for her critics as she explained she did put serious effort into her speech, but had to jot it down -- because, well, juggling life as a mom of 3 isn’t exactly light work.

110124-cardi-b-kal
NO SECOND CHANCES

Cardi admitted she went all in for Friday -- even talking about how she rehearses in the shower for important events ... but then sometimes blanks when it's time to do the face-to-face speaking.

I, Robot Gets an I, Dog ... Goes for Casual Walk in Park!!!

110424_robot_dog_kal
BOT'S BEST FRIEND
ViralPress

Elon Musk's humanoid robots may have a run for their money ... a robot dog-walker has taken a robot pup for a stroll in a new video making the rounds online.

Check it out ... the human-looking android stomps around a dog park in China while guiding a metallic pooch on a leash. Unsurprisingly, onlookers stare as the metal man aimlessly guides the robot pup over the grass ... not that the bot pup needs to actually do its business on the ground.

Of course, this robot outing comes weeks after Elon gave a taste of his plans for an autonomous future ... which includes Tesla's Optimus "personal assistant."

Ben Affleck Says J Lo Gives "Spectacular" Performance In New Film ... Despite On-Going Divorce

Ben Affleck is giving major props to Jennifer Lopez for her "spectacular" performance in her new movie, "Unstoppable," despite the couple getting a divorce.

Here's the backdrop ... Affleck sat down for a Zoom interview Sunday with "Entertainment Tonight" host Nischelle Turner while promoting the sports drama in which Lopez plays the role of Judy Robles.

The true-life story follows Judy's unwavering support for her son, Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg, but manages to overcome his disability and win a spot on the Arizona State University Wrestling team.

Dak Prescott 'We F*****g Suck' Caught Rippin' Team On TV

Dak Prescott -- who signed a $240 million extension in September -- was caught red-handed trashin' his team (not necessarily unfairly) ... after TV cameras captured him saying "We f*****g suck" during the Cowboys game!

The unfiltered moment went down Sunday during the Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Dallas lost 27-21.

Prescott -- who wasn't playing after he was banged up during the game -- was captured by TV cameras as the 'Boys were down 14 in the 4th quarter, knocking his team's performance.

Patrick Dempsey Frankie Muniz Is An Incredible Driver!!! ... Pulling For Him In NASCAR Truck Series

102424-patrick-dempsey-kal
GO FRANKIE, GO!
TMZSports.com

Frankie Muniz has McDreamy in his corner ahead of his full-time gig with the NASCAR Truck Series ... 'cause Patrick Dempsey tells TMZ Sports he hopes his fellow actor/racer crushes it!!

The 38-year-old former "Malcolm in the Middle" star -- who got into motorsports after his time in front of the camera -- was announced as the driver of the No. 33 Ford for Reaume Brothers Racing last week ... and, will have a full-time seat for 2025.

Dempsey couldn't be more stoked for Muniz ... telling TMZ Sports he's been closely following the guy's career on the track -- and, he's got what it takes to make some noise.

Guess Who This Sweet Baby Turned Into!

Before this little cutie pie in a white onesie turned into a Hollywood actress, she was just the youngest of four, growing up in Atlanta, Georgia ... before heading off to L.A. to make her big dreams come true!

After making her movie debut in "A Cross To Bear" opposite Kim Fields, she starred in "12 Years a Slave" and of course, her brilliant performance in "Euphoria" playing Zendaya's sister put her on the map.

In 2021 she enrolled at the University of Southern California, and she enjoys sharing her college life on Insta.

Can you guess who she is?

Diddy Asks Judge For Gag Order ... Says Grand Jury Witness Making False Claims

Diddy's lawyers have asked a judge to restrict statements made by potential witnesses and their lawyers outside of court ... citing one grand jury witness in particular who keeps speaking to the press.

The music producer’s team filed the documents Sunday ... asking the judge to expedite the process of responding to Diddy's motion for a gag order because one witness -- a man named Courtney Burgess -- has given multiple interviews in recent days.

103124-courtney-burgess-ariel-mitchell-kal
TURNING OVER EVIDENCE
TMZ.com

TMZ caught up with Burgess and his attorney, Ariel Mitchell, outside the courthouse Thursday ... with Mitchell telling us Courtney was called to testify because he has or has seen salacious videos of Diddy and his celebrity friends.

Maitland Ward Trump Isn't Good For Porn Industry ... Religious Right Ain't Pro-Sex Worker!!!

110324_maitland_ward_presidential_candidate-kal
POLITIX & PORN
TMZ.com

Maitland Ward says she doesn't think a second Donald Trump presidency will benefit the porn industry ... 'cause he's got the religious right on his side -- and, they're notoriously anti-porn.

We talked to the sitcom-star-turned-porn-star Saturday about the upcoming election ... asking her how she felt about others in the adult film industry saying they were voting for DJT because he will help the adult industry.

Maitland says she's not sure what those people are talking about ... 'cause many of Trump supporters are God-fearing people who look down on the porn industry -- so, he's not likely to do porn stars a ton of favors.

Teddi Mellencamp Husband Edwin Arroyave Refers to 'Dark Days' ... After Divorce News

Teddi Mellencamp's husband posted an inspirational message about getting through the "dark days" ... this just a day after Teddi announced she was filing for divorce.

Edwin Arroyave -- Teddi's husband of more than a decade -- shared a post-workout selfie outside hot yoga this morning with a message to supporters who aren't always inspired or motivated to train.

Arroyave says this is where habits and ritual come into play ... saying they help people stay motivated in the workout journeys.

JAMES VAN DER BEEK Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer

James Van Der Beek is battling colorectal cancer ... TMZ has confirmed.

The 47-year-old actor, best known for "Dawson's Creek," was recently diagnosed with the disease -- telling People he's receiving treatment to resolve it.

Van Der Beek says -- despite the scary diagnosis -- there's reason to be optimistic. He doesn't clarify exactly what he means here, but he adds he's feeling good.

'Hell's Kitchen' Star Kecia Lewis Blasts Patti Lupone For Calling Show 'Too Loud' ... Requests Apology

A Broadway star is slamming Patti Lupone for saying the hit show "Hell's Kitchen" is "too loud" ... saying it's a total microaggression.

Here's the deal ... Kecia Lewis -- who plays Miss Liza Jane in the Alicia Keys-inspired jukebox musical and won her first Tony Award for it back in June -- took to Instagram Saturday and directed an open letter to Lupone about her comments regarding the show.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Patti has been filmed publicly saying the show -- with a primarily Black cast -- is far too loud for her liking ... a phrase Kecia says is "racially microaggressive."

Donald Trump Someone Would Have to Shoot Media to Get to Me ... Alright in My Book!!!

110324_donald_trump-kal
cracking jokes

Donald Trump's not worried about another assassination attempt ... saying the media at his rally Sunday was standing in the way of any bullets -- and, he's fine with them being shot at.

The Republican candidate for president held a rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania Sunday morning ... and, he mentioned the assassination attempt he survived in Butler, PA back in July -- pointing out he has protective glass in some areas and not others.

DJT says it's alright he doesn't have glass completely covering him though ... 'cause the side where he's exposed is right in line where the "fake news media" is sitting -- and, a would-be assassin would have to shoot through them to get to him.

Bobby Portis Jr. Burglars Broke Into House Mid-Game ... Release Surveillance Video

110324_bobby_portis_jr-kal
ANY INFO WELCOME

Bobby Portis Jr. says he loves Milwaukee, but he's not feeling it back from the city ... 'cause a couple burglars broke into his home during a game -- and, he's got it all on video.

The Milwaukee Bucks star took to his X account Sunday ... sharing a video saying he loves the Cream City -- noting it's the first time in his 10-year journeyman career he's really felt at home somewhere.

Portis Jr. highlights his charitable work in the clip ... saying he's helped out with food drives, spoken to young people in the community and more -- saying Milwaukee's his home, so why wouldn't he want to make it a better place.