RIP

Peanut the Squirrel's story hit hard for one New York State Assemblyman, who's now pushing for a law to stop future animal heartbreaks like the one that befell the social media star -- and he says a request for an investigation is falling on deaf ears.

Jake Blumencranz, repping Assembly District 15 on Long Island, has drafted "Peanut's Law: The Humane Animal Protection Act," which would impose a 72-hour wait before euthanizing any sanctuary animal. He tells TMZ the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Governor Kathy Hochul have been radio silent about an investigation into the matter so far.

Blumencranz, a big-time animal advocate, says all he's heard from authorities is that DEC officials were just following the rules when they seized Peanut from P'nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. And, that's exactly why he's pushing for change -- because current protocols feel way too extreme and lack compassion for the animals involved.

A freak accident claimed the life of a 39-year-old soccer player in Peru ... when the man was tragically struck by a bolt of lightning, killing him as he was walking off the pitch.

Several others, including two teenage boys, were also injured during the strike ... which was captured on video.

It all went down during Sunday's matchup between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca at Coto Coto stadium in the Peruvian city of Huancayo.

Quincy Jones, the legendary music titan who worked with nearly every icon ... from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra to Will Smith ... has died, TMZ has confirmed.

Arnold Robinson, Quincy's publicist, told TMZ ... he died Sunday night at his home in Bel-Air, California surrounded by his family.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

The owners of Peanut the squirrel are still in an emotional whirlwind after their beloved social media star was seized and euthanized by authorities in New York ... and now they're readying to fight back, TMZ is told.

Mark Longo and his wife, Daniela, tell us they are already in the process of legal action ... but they cannot give too many more details at this point. But ML makes it crystal clear ... "Peanut did not die in vain!"

Their story went national after they accused the state of abusing power and wasting taxpayer funds to seize and kill Peanut -- all because of some anonymous claims ... which ML says were all total BS.

Alan Rachins -- an actor best known for a pair of popular '90s TV shows -- has died ... according to reports.

The actor passed away in his sleep from heart failure early Saturday morning according to The Hollywood Reporter which cites his wife, actress Joanna Frank.

Rachins got his start on the screen in the mid-1970s ... appearing in bit roles in a number of shows and TV movies. His big break came in in 1986 when his brother Steven Bochco -- a famed TV producer -- cast him as Douglas Brackman, Jr. in the hit legal drama "L.A. Law."

Social media flew into a frenzy Saturday morning when an apparent press release from Donald Trump’s campaign called for justice for Peanut the squirrel … but it was all a hoax, TMZ has learned.

Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung tells us a statement that spread on X like wildfire was not real … Trump had not addressed the confiscated and euthanized squirrel controversy.

In the fake release, Trump was quoted as saying in part … “If Peanut could have told them he was from Mexico, they would have sent him on his way and given him a hotel room and a $500 gift card to Buddy Squirrel. Instead, he was taken from his family. Very sad, and a complete waste of resources!”

The owners of a pet squirrel with a massive social media following are going nuclear on government officials in New York ... accusing the state of abusing power and wasting taxpayer funds to seize and kill Peanut, all because of some anonymous claims.

Mark Longo and his wife, Daniela, joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday and shared their outrage over what they say has been a grave injustice ... and it got emotional.

Mark tells us officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation showed up at his doorstep Wednesday with a search warrant signed by 4 state agencies and a judge ... treating him like a criminal while they raided his home in search of Peanut.

Fat Joe is adding his 2 cents to the brewing conversation that today's hip hop journalists are big trash, spurned over backlash from Kendrick Lamar giving his first "Not Like Us" interview to SZA!!!

The Bronx rap legend sat down for a new interview to discuss the fleeting practice of artists having journalists ask them fair questions, in exchange, to be able to alter the narrative on their own platforms. Fat Joe says the coverage of Tupac Shakur and Biggie's beef led to their demise!!!

"I also believe that the old guard of hip-hop journalists created a lot of conflict and might even have blood on their hands," Joe explained.

An unidentified fan chose a poor time to heckle Dodgers star Freddie Freeman ... shouting "You Suck!" at the first baseman during a moment of silence at the World Series, honoring people afflicted with cancer.

The Dodgers slugger was honoring his mother ... whom he lost to cancer at the age of 10.

Major League Baseball carved time out of the broadcast to allow players, fans, umpires, and others to pay tribute to those either battling cancer, cancer survivors, or sadly the people lost to the horrible disease, teaming up with "Stand Up To Cancer" for the powerful moment.

Sam Pounds, who collaborated with Liam Payne on the singer's final single, has decided not to release the track ... days after announcing his plans to do so.

The musician, who is known for producing music for Jamie Foxx and Wiz Khalifa, posted on X his new plan regarding the unreleased single, titled "Do No Wrong" ... noting he'd like the late One Direction star's family to make the decision when or if the tune sees the light of day.

He wrote ... "Today I’m deciding to hold 'Do No Wrong' and leave those liberties up to all family members. I want all proceeds go to a charity of their choosing (or however they desire)."

Actress Teri Garr, best known for her work in "Young Frankenstein" and "Tootsie," has died ... following a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis.

The comedy legend died in Los Angeles Tuesday ... over 2 decades after she first revealed her MS diagnosis, which she detailed at length in her autobiography, "Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood."

She also suffered from an aneurysm in 2006 ... later retiring from acting altogether 5 years later in 2011.

Charvarius Ward's 1-year-old daughter has tragically died.

The San Francisco 49ers star announced the sad news on his Instagram page just minutes ago ... revealing the toddler he described as his "baby," "life," "queen," "heart" and "my everything" passed away on Monday morning.

"She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear," Ward wrote in the caption of a photo of little Amani Joy smiling.

Rising Italian skiing star Matilde Lorenzi tragically passed away at just 19 years old after suffering injuries during training, officials announced Tuesday.

According to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, Lorenzi fell during a session on the Grawant G1 slope in Val Senales on Monday.

After the accident, Lorenzi was taken by helicopter to a nearby hospital ... where she tragically succumbed to her head injuries.

Matthew Perry's family is reflecting on the late actor's hopes before his untimely death at the age of 54 ... sharing the "Friends" star was eager to start a family of his own.

According to his mom, Suzanne, who sat down with the rest of Matthew's family for an interview with "TODAY" for the first anniversary of his death, her son was "so desperate for a solution" to his ongoing addiction problems ... as he felt "it was time" for him to have a wife and kids.

Suzanne suggested these personal goals led Matthew to seek out mental health treatment -- including ketamine infusion therapy -- which MP's mom said had a "frightening aspect" to his medication.

Ric Flair's stepson, Sebastian Kidder, sent a message to his father just before he died by suicide on Saturday, TMZ Sports has learned.

Ryan Winderweedle, a spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Police Dept., shared the heartbreaking detail with us on Monday ... explaining Kidder's biological dad, Paul, told police he received a text from Kidder at around 4 PM -- just before he passed away.

Winderweedle said Paul then placed a 911 call, and Kidder was found dead from a gunshot at the family's home a short time later. Winderweedle said investigators discovered an envelope with a note inside that was left on a table in Kidder's bedroom.

Jennifer Aniston is reflecting on her grief in the year since Matthew Perry died ... posting a poignant tribute to her late friend on social media.

The "Friends" star posted on Instagram Monday to commemorate the first anniversary of her costar's death ... sharing a number of sweet photos of them together from their time making the NBC sitcom.

Jennifer kept the caption short, but sweet ... selecting a dove emoji and a healing heart emoji next to a simple "1 year" message.