Xmas Rescue Off-Duty Lifeguard and 'Shark' Save Family

A UK couple joined in a frantic rescue effort that saved a family from drowning.

Duncan Bannatyne -- who was one of the sharks on the UK version of "Shark Tank" -- and his wife, Nigora, were enjoying their vacation at Sandy Lane beach in Barbados Thursday when they came upon what looked like a tragedy ... a mother and her 2 young sons near death after being pulled out of the water by an off-duty lifeguard.

Duncan and Nigora joined in the best they could. The lifeguard is the true hero here. Not sure which one he is, but it appears to be the man in the black bathing suit cradling one of the kids.

The family was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance where they're being treated.

It appears the boys got in trouble in the water and their mom jumped in trying to save them. She, too, was overtaken by the sea.

Xmas Miracle Shelter Dog Gets Adopted After 5 Years!!!

Seamus the pit bull mix has a lot to be thankful for this Christmas ... he got adopted after spending 5 years in a shelter.

The 9-year-old pooch was scooped up at the Fresno Bully Rescue after spending half his life in a cage at the facility.

It's a no-kill rescue shelter that houses 40 dogs. The folks at the shelter have placed a number of other animals in foster homes.

As for Seamus, it's a Godsend. He's had trouble handling the weather of late ... the winter is too cold and the summers are too hot for him. Now he has a home and lots of comfort.

A little about Seamus ... he loves doughnut holes, taking long walks and pilfering toys out of the shelter bin on he way back to his cage.

Rescues rule. Merry Xmas, Seamus!!!

Prince William, Kate, George and Charlotte We're Celebrating Xmas ... Other Royals Noticeably Missing

The Royals have had a tough year no doubt, but at least some of them tried to put on a happy face for Xmas.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte clutched the hand of parents William and Kate as they made their way to church. They joined grandpa Prince Charles as they entered the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on the Queen's Sandringham estate, about 100 miles from London.

Prince Louis wasn't there ... he's 18 months old and too young for the festivities. Louis hung out with Kate's parents.

Also missing ... Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and baby Archie ...they're spending the holiday in Canada with her mom. Prince Andrew was not there, but he attended a church service with the Queen earlier in the day with Prince Charles.

Dublin Zoo Tiger Stalks, Lunges at Boy In Wild Video

Tiger Attack
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE TIGER
Storyful

Thank God for reinforced glass ... because it saved one little boy from becoming a hungry tiger's lunch.

Check out the insane video ... the boy and his father were visiting The Dublin Zoo and stopped for a quick photo-op with the big cat. You can see the tiger slowly start to creep -- then stop when the boy turns around -- and lunge into a full sprint when the boy looks away again.

The tiger is stopped by the glass before it can get to the boy, desperately pawing for a piece, before finally giving up and searching for its next meal.

Lucky for dad, his son's got nerves of steel, and plays the whole thing off pretty well.

Texas Barbershop Dad Shoots Barber 3 Times ... For Messing Up Kid's Cut

UPDATE

1:20 PM PT -- Cops just released the following, saying, "Investigators have identified a man believed to have been involved in the barber shop shooting. No charges have been filed at this time, and we are asking that he contact investigators directly to tell his version of what transpired."

A 13-year-old boy's haircut ended in gunfire in Texas after his dad got into it with the barber over a botched job.

The boy stopped in at Magic's Kutts and Fades outside Houston on Saturday for a haircut and left without issue. BUT ... his dad reportedly brought the boy back to the shop later that night and told the barber he messed the kid's cut ... super messed it up.

The barber repaired the 13-year-old's locks free of charge, but the dad and barber got in a fight in the parking lot ... ending when the dad pulled out a gun, shooting the barber 3 times. KHOU reports the barber was shot in the stomach, leg and arm but is expected to survive.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office says the father left the scene in a 4-door sedan ... possibly a Honda Accord. He still has not been apprehended or publicly ID'd.

Cops are combing surveillance footage and want to speak to both the 13-year-old and his father in connection to the shooting.

Originally published -- 8:06 AM PT

Andrew Yang Rips Trump Over Russia ... I Have the Right Tone for Putin!!!

Andrew Yang
NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE
TMZ.com

Andrew Yang's done his research, and knows there's no way to completely stop foreign interference in elections, but says there's still a right way to respond ... and President Trump ain't cutting it.

In the wake of a strong showing in the latest Democratic Presidential debate ... Yang joined us Friday on "TMZ Live" to tell voters why he'll get tough with Vladimir Putin and any other foreign leader who tries to screw with our elections.

Yang said he views Russia's meddling in the 2016 election as an act of hostility and aggression, one he wouldn't take lightly if he's in the Oval.

He's already thinking about who he'll need by his side to get to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. -- as in, who's gonna be his running mate. It's clear Yang's working on a short list, and gave us the criteria for his Veep.

Best of all, Andrew gave us his best Rocky impression.

Something happened during Thursday night's debate that had him feeling very Stallone-esque.

It might not be the best impression, but the guy's got personality, for sure. Cut him, Mick!

Carnival Cruise Ships Collision in Mexico Brings Chaos ... 'Get Videos, All of You!!!'

Carnival Cruise
CRUISE SHIP RIGHT AHEAD!

Carnival Cruise's insurance rates just went through the roof -- 2 of their massive ships collided, causing a huge panic on several ships ... including one where passengers were losing their minds.

The scary maritime accident went down Friday morning near the Port of Cozumel, Mexico -- the Carnival Glory, on the right, smashed into the pointed bow of the Carnival Legend. The video is pretty insane ... like a low-speed, but VERY high-priced, fender bender at sea.

The cruise line is reporting one minor injury to a Carnival Glory guest that happened while dining rooms were being evacuated.

But, someone might want to check on a passenger on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas -- which was dangerously close to the collision -- the guy aboard panicked they were about to be sunk.

Hugh Hefner's Son Cooper Enlists in Air Force ... Closes Down Media Co.

Hugh Hefner's son, Cooper, is forging his own path ... and it's taking him overseas to train with the Air Force.

Cooper, who infamously quit his father's beloved Playboy to start his own media empire, has already joined the Air Force after recently abandoning his plans to launch a digital content platform for millennials ... and this week he left for basic training overseas.

Hef's son says he's stepping back from the Stag and Hefner Media Corporation to move forward with a greater service to our community and country ... this after his March enlistment.

Cooper is one of Hugh's two sons with his second wife, Kimberley Conrad, and the 28-year-old previously took over Playboy back in 2016 when his father's health declined, bringing back nudity to the magazine's spread.

We're guessing Cooper will be a popular figure at basic training, with plenty of stories to share with his new comrades.

Orlando Jones I Was Fired from 'American Gods' ... Blames New Showrunner

UPDATE

4:30 PM PT -- A rep for STARZ's show 'American Gods' tells THR Orlando's assertion he was fired over race or politics is wrong. The spokesperson says the storylines have simply shifted for season 3, and his character -- Mr. Nancy -- isn't featured in the portion of the book they're about to hone in on. They say that's why his option wasn't picked up, nothing more.

UPDATE

They add, "Several new characters, many of which have already been announced, will be introduced into Shadow Moon’s world that will further contribute to the show’s legacy as one of the most diverse series on television."

Orlando Jones is putting the new showrunner for "American Gods" on full blast ... saying he's responsible for getting the actor fired from the show.

OJ went on the attack Saturday morning in a video he posted to his social media, saying he was fired from the STARZ series a few months ago in September ... a decision he appears to be pinning on TV screenwriter Charles "Chic" Eglee, who got tapped to head up season 3.

Check out the clip ... Orlando -- who played Mr. Nancy for the first two seasons on 'AG' -- says the new showrunner apparently felt his character's "angry, get-s**t-done" attitude was the wrong message to broadcast to black America. Clearly, Orlando thinks that's BS.

Orlando Jones
KICKED TO THE CURB

He goes on to say, "That's right, this white man sits in that decision-making chair. And I'm sure he has many black BFFs who are his advisers and made it clear to him, that if they did not get rid of that angry god Mr. Nancy, he'd start a Denmark Vesey uprising in this country."

Orlando goes on to thank the OG showrunners -- Neil Gaiman, Bryan Fuller and Michael Green -- for letting him become a writer/producer on the show, as well as fans of course.

In a separate post, Orlando also blasts Fremantle Media, the production company behind "American Gods" and several other TV shows, including "America's Got Talent." Speaking of that, OJ tags Nick Cannon, Gabrielle Union, Mel B and other stars ... saying they've all claimed the company is a nightmare and treats its talent like "2nd class citizen(s)."

He seems to agree with that characterization. As far as Eglee, Orlando doesn't name drop him -- but there's only been one new showrunner announced for season 3, and it's him.

We've reached out to the guy for comment ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 1:26 PM PT

Alleged Butt-Slapping Runner Arrested for Sexual Battery

The guy who admitted to slapping a female reporter's backside while running a 5k race has been arrested.

Thomas Callaway of Georgia surrendered to authorities Friday and posed for this mug shot. He was booked for misdemeanor sexual battery and was released on $1,300 bond. If convicted, he faces a max sentence of up to 12 months behind bars and up to a $5,000 fine.

TMZ broke the story ... the WSAV-TV reporter -- 23-year-old Alex Bozarjian -- seemed intent of pursuing a criminal case against Callaway after his alleged "smack and grab" during the River Bridge Run last weekend ... when a shocked Bozarjian seemed to respond to contact.

She filed a police report soon thereafter, and went to blast Callaway on social media by saying she the moment was "violating" and "embarrassing." She later told "CBS This Morning" that he'd taken her power from her, and she was simply trying to take it back.

Callaway went on national TV to try and apologize, saying he had a lapse in judgment and got caught up in the moment. He said he hoped Bozarjian could forgive him. BTW, he's reportedly a teen church youth minister and a Boy Scout leader too.

His attorney said his client did not act with any criminal intentions, adding ... "Tommy is a loving husband and father who is very active in the community. We have been in touch with WSAV and representatives of Ms. Alex Bozarjian, as well as members of Savannah law enforcement."

Looks like the reporter isn't letting this one go.

John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John Grease is the Word ... At Least for an Evening

Travolta & Newton John
GREASE IS THE WORD
MEGA

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John gave a bunch of fans an evening that will trigger jealous rages across the country ... a "Grease" revival!!!

Olivia and John were front and center Friday night at the Meet 'n' Grease Sing-Along at the Coral Sky Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, Florida.

They recreated their iconic characters, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. And, they both look really good and sound really good!!!

So, check out the video ... 71-year-old Olivia sings "Hopelessly Devoted to You," and John sings "Sandy," and then joins the male chorus in "Greased Lightning'."

Olivia, as you know, has struggled in her battle with cancer, and she's always said John has been there for her during tough times.

In case you didn't know ... the flick came out in 1978 and became the highest-grossing musical film of its time. The soundtrack ended up as the #2 selling album in '78. And, in case you're wondering what was #1 -- "Saturday Night Fever." Yeah, Travolta had a good year.

Harry Styles Debuts 'Fine Line' at Forum ... Ticket Prices INSANE!!!

Styles Nicks
DIFFERENT DIRECTION
TMZ.com

Harry Styles packed The Forum in Inglewood, CA Friday night ... and the resale prices were INSANE!!!

Harry debuted his new album, "Fine Line" but didn't stop there. He rejiggered the One Direction hit, "What Makes You Beautiful" into a rock version.

And then ... Stevie Nicks walks out onstage and she and Harry did a duet of "Landslide" ... which was awesome. Harry also got in the xmas spirit, singing, "Wonderful Christmastime."  As he sang, confetti fell from the rafters. Hey, it's as close to snow as Los Angeles is gonna get, right?

Harry Styles XMas
SNOW IN L.A.
TMZ.com

As for ticket prices ... get this. All seats went on sale originally for $25. The Forum sold out in seconds. And then, the resale. $400 for nose-bleed seats. $1600 for floor seats!!! And people were paying.

Harry seemed extremely grateful for it all, telling the crowd how lucky he felt to unveil his album this way.

Harry's new album dropped Thursday at midnight.

Donald and Melania Trump Dreaming of a White XMAS Party

Donald and Melania Trump threw a bash at The White House for members of Congress and ... well, let's say it looked liked it snowed in D.C.

The annual Congressional Ball went down Thursday night, although the photos were just released.

45 posed for photos with guests in the Grand Foyer of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Among those who attended ... Democratic Reps. Antonio Delgado (NY.), Susie Lee (Nev.), Elaine Luria (VA.), Jim Costa (CA), Josh Harder (CA) and Gil Cisneros (CA).

As you know the House Judiciary Committee gave its thumb's up Friday to impeachment and sent the 2 articles on to the full House of Reps. All money is on the full House impeaching Trump next week, but it's virtually a foregone conclusion the Senate will not convict him, which means Trump will remain in office.

Some pundits are saying the Democrats who showed up at the W.H. shindig may be considering voting against impeachment.  We should know by Thursday.

NHL's Oskar Lindblom Diagnosed with Rare Cancer ... Out for Season

Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and will miss the rest of the season to focus on treatment, the team announced.

23-year-old Lindblom is a rising star in the NHL -- he already has 18 points in 30 games this season ... impressive for someone so young.

But, Friday the team announced Lindblom has been diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma -- which is described by St. Jude's as "a cancerous tumor that grows in the bones or in the tissue around bones (soft tissue)."

Only about 200 children and young adults are diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma each year in the United States.

The good news ... the cancer is treatable and people diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma have a good chance of beating it, according to WebMD.

The Flyers say Lindblom "will undergo further testing and evaluation next week and begin treatment immediately thereafter."

"He is not expected to return to play for the remainder of the season."

The team added, "The Flyers will do everything possible to support Oskar and assist him in securing the best care available."

"Out of respect for Oskar and his family the team will have no further comment at this time and asks that Oskar be afforded a period of privacy so that he may focus his efforts on his treatment and a return to full health."

Rupert Murdoch's Son Buys 'Beverly Hillbillies' Mansion ... Sets New Record!!!

Come and listen to a story about a man named Lachlan ... a not-so-poor media mogul who bought a house for $150 MILLION!!!

That's right ... the L.A. estate known as Chartwell -- best known for being featured on "The Beverly Hillbillies" -- is off the market, and the mansion's new owner is Rupert Murdoch's son, 48-year-old Lachlan.

The real estate transaction is not only the most expensive in L.A. history but in the history of the entire state of California. And, get this ... it sold for $200 million LESS than the initial asking price.

Chartwell was listed off-market about 2 years ago at an astronomical $350 million but dropped to a slightly more affordable $245 mil when it entered the multiple listing service. The price dipped again to $195 mil this summer, before reportedly being sold to Lachlan for the cool $150 mil.

It's now the second priciest home sale in the U.S. ... trailing only the $238 million NYC penthouse purchased by hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin in January.

The exterior was used for the credits of the legendary '60s show ... and it's become a tourist destination ever since, where people peer through the gates to get a look. The estate boasts a 25,000-square-foot main house, a tennis court, a guest house, and of course -- a cement pond ... and another house to go with that.

There are also acres of gardens with tall hedges and trees for privacy.

BTW -- Chartwell is actually located in Bel-Air, not Beverly Hills, and was last owned by late billionaire A. Jerrold Perenchio, the chairman of Univision. The new owner is cochairman of his family's company, News Corp.

Jersey City Major Gun Battle Leaves 6 Dead ... Includes Cop, 2 Shooting Suspects

UPDATE

2:34 PM PT -- The number of fatalities has risen to 6. The dead include a police officer, 3 people who were inside the market and the 2 suspected shooters.

UPDATE

12:41 PM PT -- At least one police officer involved in Tuesday's shootout was fatally wounded, according to authorities.

UPDATE

More than one officer was shot as well. Gov. Phil Murphy confirmed as much in a tweet, writing ... "I have been briefed on the unfolding situation in Jersey City. Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Jersey City Police Department, especially with the officers shot during this standoff, and with the residents and schoolchildren currently under lockdown."

UPDATE

It appears the shooting is still being treated as active, no suspects have been taken into custody. Every school in the area has reportedly been placed on mandatory lockdown as well.

There's a massive battlezone unfolding in Jersey City, in which two reported shooters are holed up and firing out at police officers ... one of whom has reportedly been hit and wounded.

Reports of a shooting trickled out Tuesday morning, with initial reports indicating 2 different gunmen were barricaded in a bodega and firing out on the street with what's been described as a "long rife." Shots ringing out were captured on video, showing just how crazy the situation really is.

Several different agencies are reportedly responding and are on the move -- including ATF, local law enforcement and other authorities with guns drawn.

According to the NYT, at least one officer has been hit in the gunfire and is being transported to the hospital. One report says the officer was hit in the head. It's unclear how the shooting started, which still sounds very active.

A large crowd of people has gathered in the blocks surrounding the incident, many with their phones out and screaming as the whole thing unfolds.

Understandable ... this is pretty damn scary.

Originally Published -- 11:26 AM PT