Governor Gavin Newsom is ordering an investigation into whether Erik and Lyle Menendez are fit to return to public life … TMZ has learned, and he says it’s a critical first step before he, or anyone else, can decide if they get out of prison.

This is a major, unexpected development in the Menendez brothers‘ fight for freedom. It seemed the Governor was going to take a back seat until the courts ruled on Erik and Lyle’s fate, but all that has now changed.

The CA Gov. tells us, he’s directing the Board of Parole Hearings to conduct a “risk assessment investigation” on the Menendez bros., which he says is their version of a “parole hearing” — but before the Board weighs in, a “Comprehensive Risk Assessment” must be done.

Newsom says experts will analyze “what led each brother to commit their offense, and if they have done the transformational work needed — and gained the skills — to avoid repeating their mistakes.”

The Governor’s initiative comes one week after Lyle and Erik appeared on TMZ’s “2 Angry Men” podcast, speaking with Harvey and Mark Geragos (their attorney) about their lives during incarceration … including several programs they’ve launched to better the lives of their fellow inmates.

It sounds like all that information will be factored into Newsom’s decision — along with the Risk Assessment, which will help him determine just how rehabilitated the Menendez brothers are after 34 years in prison … and, ultimately, whether he should commute their sentences.

That’s one path to release, but the Gov. says the investigation results will also be shared with the Board of Parole and the judge deciding whether they get resentenced … which is their other potential path to freedom.

Once the Risk Assessment is complete — which will take a few months — Newsom says there will be a hearing “that works like a standard parole hearing, providing the District Attorney and the victims a chance to be a part of the process.”

L.A. County D.A. Nathan Hochman made it clear last week he’s opposed to the Menendez brothers getting a new trial, but told us on “TMZ Live” he’s open to the possibility of them getting resentenced.

Bebe Rexha? More like Bebe Sex-ha — ’cause the singer is turning up the heat in Dubai, serving looks hotter than the desert sun!

The singer was putting those curves on full display — rocking everything from skintight bombshell dresses to barely-there bikinis. And trust, she’s looking so darn good … check it out for yourself.

Bebe’s all about serving body confidence — flaunting her curves, soaking up the sunshine, and, of course, striking the perfect pose with that booty popped to the sky for maximum effect!

If you thought she couldn’t get any hotter, think again! She absolutely slayed in a black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, turning heads all night long.

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You can spread a little Disney magic any time of the year with these fun finds!

Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion … or just want to treat the little one in your life … they’re guaranteed to love these goodies featuring their favorite Disney characters.

From enchanting LEGO sets to a brand new Frozen bike, Disney has something that’s sure to create a lasting memory.

Young Disney fans are sure to love this LEGO The Enchanted Treehouse Set.

Give your favorite princess a makeover with this Disney Princess Belle Styling Head!

Belle will be sitting pretty as your little ones style her flowing brown locks and get her glam for a night at the ball. The set comes with all the hair accessories imaginable including a brush, barrettes with hair extensions, elastic bands, and a floral claw clip. It even comes equipped with a pretend nail polish bottle, a color changing makeup wand and styling guide booklet.

One five-star reviewer shared: “I am really impressed with the overall quality of the doll, especially her silk-like hair texture! The hair accessories are great also. My daughter absolutely loves it! A great purchase!”

Your little ones will be cozy in these Disney Moana Plush Fuzzy Slippers.

Available in sizes that range from toddler to little kid, these cute slippers will be a hit for any Moana fan. Lined with faux fur, these comfy slip-ons feature an image of the Polynesian princess as well as a pink plumeria flower, like the one Moana wears in her hair. Plus, parents won’t have to worry as these slippers feature slip resistant soles.

One reviewer shared: “For any girl that loves Moana, these are for you. My granddaughter loves them. Fits true to size, snug, not slippery. Cute pic on each slipper. Good value.”

Take your little princess on a ride with the Huffy Disney Frozen 2 Trike.

This enchanting three-wheeled bike is the perfect first set of wheels for young riders, ages three and up. With whimsical Frozen graphics that feature Anna, Elsa, and Olaf, this trike will delight any fan of the Disney film. And it’s sure to provide a safe and stable riding experience thanks to its durable frame, comfortable grips, and wide, stable wheels. Plus, the adjustable seat height allows it to grow with your child so they can have it for years to come.

One customer raved: “For parents seeking a blend of magical fun and developmental benefits, the Huffy Kids Frozen 2 Balance Trike is a win-win. It’s not just a ride; it’s a journey into the enchanted world of Frozen, sparking joy and imagination with every pedal.”

A hug from this Winnie the Pooh Squishmallows Plush is always the right size!

This ultra-squeezable 14-inch stuffy is the perfect addition to you or your little one’s Squish Squad. Featuring embroidered details and marshmallow-soft materials, this high quality plush is built to last you years to come.

“This was literally the best purchase I’ve ever made…I sleep with this daily and I carry it with me sometimes on the road. The only note I have was the size was a bit bigger than I had originally expected but alas it’s no complaint for me. Purchase for you kids and loved ones it’s great,” one five-star reviewer wrote.

It’s about time you picked up the Disney Lilo & Stitch Interactive Watch for your little one!

Just like a grownup smartwatch, it has a full touchscreen and rechargeable battery — but the rest has been perfectly tailored for children. It includes fun features like a camera, a fitness tracker, a voice recorder, and a stopwatch. It even has interactive games and 10 customizable watch faces highlighting all your kid’s Lilo & Stitch characters.

“Bought this for my 9-year-old granddaughter, she loves it. My daughter has an Apple Watch and we were comparing the two — my daughter says, amazingly, they are very similar. That’s amazing for the price, I was surprised to hear that,” one happy customer shared.