Holidaze

Fireworks got started early in Maryland this weekend -- a good chunk of their stash went up in flames (and booms) well before the sun went down ... right at ground level, no less.

A truck carrying a crap ton of fireworks in Ocean City accidentally detonated Sunday AM, freaking out bystanders who were in the area ... but ultimately serving as an early indicator of what was to come. Seriously, it was like a full-blown firework show right there on the sand.

Of the mishap, the Ocean City Fire Dept. says ... "There was an unintentional discharge of fireworks that were being set up on the beach for the Town’s fireworks show." They added, "During the unintentional discharge, employees of the fireworks company received minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital by Ocean City Paramedics."

Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt ... but this could have turned ugly fast. In fact, it's eerily similar to another detonation gone wrong right here in L.A. from last week -- when the LAPD's bomb squad tried safely disposing of thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks they'd confiscated ... but ended up sending shockwaves through a southside neighborhood instead.

Barack and Michelle Obama have always had a very special 4th of July, at least for the last 23 years ... because it's not just Independence Day for them.

Malia turned 23, and her pops couldn't be happier, writing, "Happy Fourth of July, and Happy Birthday, Malia!  It's been such a joy to watch you begin to make your own way in the world with poise, grace, and humor.  I miss the days when you thought the fireworks were for you."

Michelle had her own message, "Happy Fourth of July, everybody -- and also, happy 23rd birthday to our dear Malia! It's been a few years since we took this photo, but I know that she'll always be my sweet little girl. Malia, we love you, and are so excited to see what this year will bring for you!"

Malia has a bright future, no doubt. She graduated from Harvard this year. She studied filmmaking in the Visual and Environmental Studies Dept. Given her parents' pivot from politics to filmmaking, seems like this could become a family biz.

Malia has dipped her toe in Hollywood, working as a production assistant and then part of the writer's room for Donald Glover's series about Hive, a Beyonce-like pop star.

She also has a fairly long-term BF -- Rory Farquharson, whom she's been dating since 2017.

With everyday life trending back toward normalcy in America, the country's turning to a long-standing tradition to demonstrate that -- dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on fireworks.

According to federal financial records, obtained by TMZ ... the upcoming aerial fireworks display at the National Mall in Washington D.C. will be put on by the National Park Service at a cost of $278,500.

The company cashing the check is Garden State Fireworks, and though it may sound pricey ... it's actually par for the course.

As we previously reported, the same fireworks company was paid $270k in 2018, but got a bump to $320k in 2019 when President Trump wanted to make the show an even bigger extravaganza.

Last year, amid the pandemic, the event was moved to Mount Rushmore ... where a company called Pyro Spectaculars received $350k to put on the fireworks display.

Garden State Fireworks is back at it this July 4 though ... they recently did President Biden's inauguration as well.

Of course, the total cost of the Fourth of July event in D.C. is likely much more than the $280k figure ... because expenses like security, planning, and yes -- toilets -- need to be factored in.

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are planning to say their vows soon -- like, potentially, July 4 weekend soon.

The engaged singers applied for their marriage license Tuesday in Oklahoma ... according to the Johnston County Court Clerk. The clock's now ticking for Blake and Gwen to walk down the aisle -- in Oklahoma folks have 10 days from the date they file for a marriage license to tie the knot.

Sources with knowledge tell TMZ ... Gwen and Blake are set to marry Saturday at Blake's Oklahoma ranch.

We're told the couple has an entire weekend of activities and celebrations planned, but they're staying a bit flexible due to the weather forecast. If mother nature cooperates, the ceremony will be held in an outdoor chapel on the ranch.

Our sources say Gwen, Blake and their kids are already in OK ... we're told they flew out from Los Angeles last Friday after Blake finished filming for "The Voice."

We're told the couple is sending their private plane from Oklahoma to L.A. Thursday to pick up Gwen's immediate family and whisk them to the heartland.

While the wedding is going down on a holiday weekend, sources say it will not be very big ... we're told only close friends and family will be on hand.

Bobby Shmurda might not have any kids of his own -- but still wanted to make someone's dad feel special on Father's Day ... rolling out the proverbial red carpet for those in his own backyard who needed it most.

The NYC-based rapper -- who's fresh out of prison after a long six years -- gave back to the community Sunday ... namely, by helping out struggling dads from different men's shelters in his home borough of Brooklyn with free grub, haircuts by pro barbers (pro bono) and even toys for their own kiddos.

We're told Bobby made at least a couple stops on his Father's Day tour -- first hitting the Win Shelter ... and then moving on over to the CAMBA Men's Shelter after that, while serving up hot meals from a Caribbean-inspired brunch menu ... which had some sweet dishes to choose from.

Some of the food available included jerk salmon, curried chickpeas, stew chicken, mac and cheese, scrambled eggs, mixed veggies, fried chicken wings and even waffles. Good eatin', no doubt. BTW, Bobby's godchildren were on hand to assist with the hot food handouts.

Speaking of kids ... our sources say Bobby made sure to hook up the kids who were on-site as well, handing out gaming consoles, Hot Wheels sets, board games, action figures, footballs, jump ropes, princess-themed costumes ... and a whole Santa bag of other goodies.

Usain Bolt is not letting that surname of his go to waste -- especially as it pertains to his kids ... including the two latest additions to his family, who've got names that really lean in.

The Jamaican track star rolled out a bit of a Father's Day surprise Sunday, taking to IG to post a photo of his brood -- including his GF, Kasi Bennett, his daughter, Olympia Lightning ... and newborn twins, who go by Saint Leo Bolt and Thunder Bolt. One big Bolt-y family!

The two new kiddos kinda come as news to many -- as it doesn't appear a whole lot of people knew he and Kasi were expecting. All the same, friends and fans sent him well-wishes in his comments.

Kasi, meanwhile, paid tribute to Usain herself, throwing up another shot from the shoot and adding this caption ... "Happy Father’s Day to my forever love! @usainbolt You are the rock of this family and the greatest daddy to our little ones. We love you world without end!"

It's unclear when exactly Kasi gave birth to the babies -- but it appears to be somewhat recent. It also looks like the couple didn't waste much time getting busy for more children -- Olympia was born just last year ... so she's got her about 365 days on her siblings.

One last thing we should note ... it seems like UB is going to be able to enjoy fatherhood fully at the ripe age of 34. He isn't competing in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics ... as he retired from competing a few years back, this after an incredible run and many, many gold medals.

Chrissy Teigen just gave John Legend a shoutout for Father's Day -- but she also seemed to give some insight into her own state of mind ... and it sounds like she's drained, literally.

The embattled model and social media star -- who's been in a war of words lately due to her bullying scandal -- posted a sweet FD tribute to John, whom she snapped posing with both of their kids, Luna and Miles.

She captioned the pic, "There are no words. Only tears that I am fresh out of. To our everything, we love you forever." It's a nice sentiment, but also ... fairly revealing too.

As we're sure you're aware by now -- Chrissy's been fighting off accusation after accusation of bullying by folks like Courtney Stodden, Michael Costello and Farrah Abraham, just to name a few. Some came even after she issued her latest apology ... and it's gotten ugly.

Costello, specifically, alleged she bullied him to the point he entertained suicidal thoughts -- and he posted screenshots of DM's that he claimed showed Chrissy telling him to die. Chrissy, meanwhile, has accused him of doctoring those DMs ... calling them bogus.

DMX's fiancee posted a Father's Day message that is both incredibly sweet and heartbreaking.

Desiree Lindstrom shared a video of an incredibly touching moment between X and their son, Exodus, where dad was teaching the child his ABCs in song. The delight on Exodus' face is palpable.

Exodus was born in 2016 and captured the heart of his devoted dad.

Desiree also posted a message to her man ... "SCREAMING HAPPY FATHERS DAY ALL THE WAY TO THE HEAVENS ABOVE…! Earl you were such an amazing, protective, loving, inspiring, hands on, incredible father! I thank God that @exodus_simmons1 had a father like you! I appreciate every moment you had spent with Exodus… In my eyes you are the best father, a mother could of asked for when it comes to her child! Thanking God and you for all these memories of you being a wonderful father! I love and miss you so much… I know in my heart you are our guardian angel 👼 🙏! Please continue to watch over us!"

DMX, who is survived by his 15 children, died in April.

He was 50 years old.

Bindi Irwin is celebrating Father's Day and showing love for 3 men who are pillars in her life, but there's someone else who is causing her great pain ... her own grandfather.

Bindi posted a heartfelt tribute Sunday ... "Appreciation post for the three most incredible fathers in my life. My dad, my husband and my father-in-law. My dad taught me the importance of strength when standing up for what I believe in and to have empathy for all living beings. My husband amazes me every day with his kind and steadfast heart, his love for our daughter is infinite. My father-in-law works tirelessly for his family and is always there with a word of encouragement. These extraordinary men inspire me and I love them so very much."

She showed love and appreciation for her late father Steve, her husband, Chandler and father-in-law Chris -- but she opened up about what she calls her "abusive relationship" with her grandfather, Bob Irwin, saying he has shown "no interest" in her or her family.

Bindi got specific ...“He has returned gifts I’ve sent him after he opened them, he has ignored my correspondence and from the time I was a little girl he has ignored me, preferring to spend time doing anything else rather than being with me.”

And, it got even more heartbreaking ... “He has never said a single kind word to me personally," adding, “It breaks my heart but it is not healthy to engage in an abusive relationship.”

She says her mom, Terri, has persisted, trying to make their relationship with Bob work ... even sending him Xmas gifts, but they have been met with silence.

Bindi says the estrangement has taken its toll ... "I have struggled with this relationship my entire life and it brings me enormous pain."

The last time they were photographed together was in 2007, at a memorial for Steve.

Arnold Schwarzenegger says his family HATED that he pivoted from movies to politics and gave an insight on his view of raising kids, and the word "military" comes to mind!

Arnold appeared on his daughter Katherine's IG show, "BDA Baby" -- which stands for Before, During and After Baby.

He said his kids were baffled when he decided to run for California Governor ... they apparently loved life on movie sets, which Arnold called "the perfect after-school program." When they moved to Sacramento, Katherine told him bluntly ... "Dad, I hate your job."

Maria, who knew a thing or 2 about growing up in politics, also had an intense dislike for politics, and she and Arnold agreed the fam wouldn't be used to advance his political career.

As for childrearing ... Arnold was a taskmaster. He says if the kids didn't make their beds he was known to throw the sheets out the window. He wouldn't let the housekeepers touch their rooms ... it was a privilege that, for him, went too far.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says the Republicans who voted against making Juneteenth a federal holiday have 3 things in common ... they're white, male and in denial.

We got AOC on Capitol Hill and asked her about the importance of recognizing the end of slavery in the United States with the new federal holiday. While she acknowledged the passage of the bill was an important first step, she was also sad to see opposition from GOP Congressmen.

While the proposal to make Juneteenth a holiday passed unanimously in the Senate, there were 14 votes against it in the House before it ended up on President Biden's desk.

AOC was quick to point out the GOP votes against it were all entered by white men.

She believes that lack of diversity ties in with the movement in several states to ban public schools from teaching students about America's history of slavery and systemic racism.

As we reported ... Biden signed the landmark bill Thursday, and both he and Vice President Kamala Harris said it's just the next step in the long journey to equality.

Arthroscopic surgery can't stop Genie Bouchard from having a super cute playdate with her NFL boyfriend, Mason Rudolph ... with the star couple hitting the beach in Miami on Friday!!

The 27-year-old tennis pro revealed she went under the knife earlier this month to fix a torn subscapularis ... and has been on the road to recovery ever since.

Part of that rehab?? Catching some rays with her 25-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers QB boo for a bit to kick off the weekend -- but don't worry, it looks like Genie switched to a waterproof sling before hopping in the water!!

As we previously reported, GB and MR went "Instagram official" back on Valentine's Day earlier this year ... after they started dating back in fall 2020.

They've been on a hot streak ever since ... and Friday was no different -- Rudolph appeared to help apply sunscreen on Genie's face and make sure she kept her balance while getting hit with waves.

Genie -- sporting a white bikini -- looks to be in great shape as she's on the mend ... and Rudolph showed off his quarterback bod while rocking some blue trunks.

Marlon Wayans isn't stopping with a federally mandated 3-day weekend, no sir ... the Juneteenth celebration he has in mind requires taking the whole month off!!!

We got the comedian and actor Friday leaving Equinox in WeHo, and asked how he plans to recognize the U.S of A's newest national holiday. Marlon isn't waiting for President Biden's signature -- he's simply anointing June as Black History Month, Part II.

On a serious note, or at least seriously funny ... Marlon told us how Black people will be marking the holiday this weekend. Sounds like he'll be joining in starting tonight, on what he calls Juneteenth eve.

We also ask him how non-Black Americans should celebrate. He says that's a no-brainer.

As we reported, on Thursday, Biden officially signed Juneteenth into law.

Juneteenth, of course, is the oldest celebration in America commemorating the end of slavery. Brush up some more on the history here. It had previously been a state holiday or an observed day in 47 states and Washington D.C.

President Biden just made it official ... there's now a federal holiday marking a milestone in the abolishment of slavery in the United States.

Biden put pen to paper Thursday, signing a landmark bill establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. It's a huge deal, and not only because it's the first new federal holiday established since 1983 with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Juneteenth is the oldest celebration in America commemorating the end of slavery. Prior to Biden signing the bill, the day was marked as a state holiday or observance in 47 states and Washington D.C.

While both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris said the holiday shows how far America's come as a nation, they stressed there's still a long road to go in making good on the promise for equality for all.

Still, Kamala says it's a day of celebration and the party's already starting on Capitol Hill ... the Congressional Black Congress sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" -- aka the "Black National Anthem" -- after the bill was signed in the House and sent to Biden's desk.

Biden and Harris hope folks understand the history of Juneteenth and learn from it ... so here's a quick lesson.

The name Juneteenth comes from June 19, 1865, the date Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and informed a group of slaves the Civil War was over and they were free.

Of course, President Lincoln had actually abolished slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation nearly 3 years earlier, but Texas was the most remote of the slave states and had a low presence of Union soldiers ... so enforcement was beyond slow.

The first Juneteenth celebration traces its roots to 1866 in Texas, with the holiday spreading across the South in the following decades, and in 2020 there was a renewed push to make it a federal holiday.

Usher was spotted at the White House for the historic event.

D.L. Hughley's fired up about Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday, but it's got nothing to do with getting a 3-day weekend -- he's fuming at the ironic dilemma it presents.

We got the comedian on "TMZ Live" Thursday and he made a hilarious comparison about President Biden soon signing Juneteenth into law to make it the 12th federal holiday. D.L. says it's like getting the wrong order from Amazon, and keeping it ... but still wondering why the original order's missing in the first place.

His point is Black people have been demanding justice and equality, but instead got a 3-day weekend. Yeah, no one's gonna complain, but what about the justice part?

D.L. says there's another aspect of the new Juneteenth federal holiday that reeks of irony -- the fact that several U.S. Senators who voted for the bill are simultaneously trying to block schools from teaching about the role slavery played in building America. As he put it ... it's kinda hard to explain the holiday if critical race theory is censored.

More than 20 states have introduced legislation that would restrict lessons on racism or any other "divisive" concepts. Hughley says this is the duality of our life in America.

Richard Branson sure looks like he's putting his billionaire space race on the back burner ... 'cause the only thing he's betting on this weekend is Vegas, baby!!!

The Virgin Galactic honcho was a true ring leader Friday in Sin City, and dressed the part while roaming around his new Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. It officially opened back in March, but the celebration was largely muted due to the pandemic.

But, with Nevada lifting restrictions on June 1, Branson launched his official grand opening this weekend ... dubbing it "Unstoppable Weekend." He and his crew hit up the joint and gave away tons of cool stuff, and he took selfies with guests all over the casino.

Looks like fun, but also looks like a strange way to train for a sub-orbital flight to space in just 3 weeks! We can't recall any images of John Glenn or the Apollo 11 crew at a craps table. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Remember, Branson's reportedly trying to move up his Virgin Galactic launch to the July 4 weekend in an effort to beat Amazon's Jeff Bezos out of Earth's atmosphere.

Bezos announced he and his bro will be on the first crewed flight for his Blue Origin aerospace company, which is set for July 20.