Amazon Driver Killed, Apparent Dog Attack in MO

An Amazon driver is dead after an apparent dog attack in Missouri -- with the guy's body being laid out on the owner's property for hours.

Sheriff's deputies were called out to a residential home near Excelsior Springs Monday night, where neighbors reported an Amazon van had been parked in front of a house for quite a long time, with no sign of movement or change.

When they arrived, they found the driver dead on the front lawn, with 2 aggressive dogs also roaming about the grounds near the victim's body ... according to FOX 4 Kansas City.

Officers reportedly shot one of the dogs outside, but then they both scurried inside through the home's front door. First responders later killed both animals. We don't know what breed they were, or where their owners were at the time.

The driver's injuries are believed to be consistent with a dog attack, but the Sheriff's County Office has yet to confirm an official cause of death. A medical examiner will weigh in, and the incident is under investigation.

TYCOON RAINER SCHALLER Missing Plane Crashed ... But No Confirmation on Deaths

Rainer Schaller -- who owns Gold's Gym, among other brands -- is still missing after his plane disappeared off the coast of Costa Rica, and his gym's parent company says the plane crashed.

The RSG Group issued a statement Monday confirming Rainer, his family and two others were on board the plane when it crashed.

There is still no official word if Rainer died ... though there are reports two bodies were found, plus luggage and pieces of the twin-engine plane.

The airplane wreckage was found at sea, so the situation does not sound good.

As we reported ... Rainer's flight disappeared overnight Friday, with the plane vanishing off the coast of Costa Rica on a flight path from Mexico.

Rainer is the founder and CEO of RSG Group, which operates a string of gym chains across the globe, including Gold's, John Reed and McFit.

Serena Williams Teases Comeback ... 'I'm Not Retired'

102422-serena-williams-kal
RETIRE-WHAT?!
TechCrunch

Serena Williams is flirting with a tennis return once again -- the superstar says she is NOT retired ... and the chances of her playing are "very high."

The 23-time Grand Slam winner made the comment at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco just days ago ... and it definitely sounds like she's got the itch to pick up the racket again.

"I'm not retired," Williams said.

In fact, Serena goes on to say there's a good chance fans will be able to watch her compete again ... but followed up with a joke.

"The chances are very high," Willaims said. "You can come to my house, I got a court. I got you."

Remember ... Williams said back in August she was "evolving away" from the game of tennis after 27 years, and her last match would be at the U.S. Open.

Of course, we saw that end on an emotional note as Williams lost in the third round to Ajla Tomljanović ... and since then, Serena says it's been challenging to adjust to her new life.

"I did wake up the other day and I went on the court and I was like, 'Oh, for the first time in my life, I'm not playing for a competition and it felt really weird,'" she said.

"It was like the first day of the rest of my life, and so far, I am enjoying it. But, I’m still trying to find that balance."

Williams has hinted at making a return in the past -- back in September, she name-dropped Tom Brady when talking about possibly coming back.

So you're saying there's a chance?!?!

Taylor Swift's Ex Conor Kennedy Fought In Ukraine ... Recalls 'Scary' Time While Serving

Conor Kennedy, who briefly dated Taylor Swift, recently opened up about a scary period in his life -- one where he went overseas to fight in the war in Ukraine.

Conor took to Instagram, saying he, like many others, was moved by what was happening in Ukraine, and wanted to help -- he realized the best way to do that would be to go to the embassy and enlist.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

He writes, "Going in, I had no prior military experience and wasn’t a great shot, but I could carry heavy things and learned fast. I was also willing to die there. So they soon agreed to send me to the northeastern front."

Conor admits his time in the country wasn't long, but calls the experience "scary" ... adding he's lucky to have made it back alive, and "I would also take all the risks we took over again."

He's been met with an outpour of love in his comments ... with many calling him inspiration for the dangerous feat.

For those unaware, Conor and Taylor started seeing each other way back in 2012, breaking up just months after it began. It's been rumored Conor and Jake Gyllenhaal were the subjects of her "Red" album that dropped the same year.

Stockton PD Arrest Suspected Serial Killer ... After 7 Victims in a Year

A suspected serial killer is in custody in Northern California -- and police say they caught the guy while he was looking for his next victim ... this after 6 lives have already been taken.

43-year-old Wesley Brownlee was arrested Saturday morning in Stockton ... where Police Chief Stanley McFadden says he appeared to be scoping out a new person to kill. Stockton PD were surveilling him and stopped Brownlee after he left his house in a car around 2 AM. Upon a search, they say they found him armed with a gun and a mask around his neck.

Chief McFadden says there's no doubt in their minds he was "out hunting" and that they stopped another killing. Brownlee was booked for homicide -- although it's unclear if all of the murders are being pinned on him right off the bat.

Six men have been slain dating back to April 2021 -- all of whom were ambushed, shot and killed. Five took place in the Stockton area up through September, and the final one happened in Oakland more than a year ago. A seventh victim, a woman, was also shot in Stockton last year, but survived. A good handful of the victims are said to be homeless.

No motive has been ascribed ... none of the victims were beaten or robbed, simply shot and killed. Eventually, police declared they had evidence linking the murders -- and announced a manhunt to find the killer ... offering up as high as a $125k reward for help from the public.

The cops say they nabbed Brownlee working on tips and their own police investigation, and they believe they have their man. Chief McFadden says the case is going to be sent to the D.A.'s office for further consideration of charges. Brownlee will be arraigned Tuesday.

Navy Seals Swoop Down on Yacht with Guns Drawn!!!

101422-navy-training-kal
ROUTINE TRAINING
TMZ.com

Members of the SEAL Future Foundation certainly know how to entertain dinner guests ... putting together a Michael Bay-esque demonstration while onlookers stood in shock and awe.

We've obtained footage from the dinner, held Thursday at the Newport Beach Marina, and you see a helicopter swoop down just feet above the deck of a yacht, as Navy Seals jump from the chopper to the vessel, guns drawn!!!

The soldiers sweep through the yacht, as those onboard film with their cellphones, and the helicopter dashes up and down the Marina, at times circling the boat.

As for the event, it was held at Lido Marina Village, hosted by NOBU and Lido Marina Village.

Of course, those in the Marina who might not have been privy to the demonstration were probably dumbfounded ... you hear commotion from onlookers who clearly think this is some sort of raid.

Don't rock the boat -- or the Navy Seals will come a-knockin'!!!

Kiely Rodni Death Investigation Wraps No Foul Play, Accidental Drowning

The investigation into the death of 16-year-old Kiely Rodni has wrapped, with results concluding she accidentally drowned in her vehicle after it was driven into a lake.

The Nevada Co. Sheriff's Office released Rodni's autopsy report Thursday, which says, "descendent drown in a lake while inside her vehicle." What's more ... the documents, obtained by TMZ, state there was no indication of foul play in Kiely's death.

As for the toxicology results, Rodni had both THC and ethanol in her system -- though the ethanol could have been a process of decomposition.

It was back in August when Kiely first went missing after attending a party up near Lake Tahoe, California. About two weeks later, Kiely's vehicle was found by a team of YouTube divers submerged in 14 feet of water with her body inside.

The final investigation report states Kiely's body was located in the rear passenger section of her Honda.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi Rioters 'Defecating' All Over House Floor ... New Jan. 6 Footage

101322-nancy-pelosi-defcation-capitol-jan-6-kal
SH**TY SITUATION

The Jan. 6 Committee is releasing new video showing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi dealing with a real sh**ty situation -- as she tried to get troops and Congress back to certify the 2020 election results.

The video, more than 7 minutes long, shows the Congresswoman and Sen. Chuck Schumer in several different rooms in the Capitol -- they were being moved around for their safety, but were fully aware of how intense and dangerous the insurrection had become.

101322-nancy-pelosi-tear-gas-kal
GETTIN' SERIOUS OUT THERE

While on the phone with VP Mike Pence, Rep. Pelosi told him they had reports there was "defecation and all that kind of thing" on the floor of the House.

She and Schumer also spoke to various governors, the acting Attorney General, and the Mayor of Washington, D.C. requesting they send National Guard troops immediately.

The legislators determination to complete the vote was evident, even though ... as the Speaker put it, "It could take time to clean up the poo poo that they're making all over" the House chamber.

In the end, Pence lets Nancy know he's spoken with the Chief of Capitol Police who says they can go ahead and complete the certification of the election.

NIKOLAS CRUZ Jury Recommends Life Without Parole For Parkland School Massacre

101322_nikolas_cruz_verdict_kal
READING THE JURY'S FINDINGS
FOX
UPDATE

10:32 AM PT -- Nikolas Cruz's brother, Zachary, just released a statement, saying, "My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of my brother’s crimes. In the coming days and weeks, I will have much to say about the Broward State Attorney’s office and that Broward School division. Today is not the day for that. Today is a day for the victims to find peace in knowing that this legal process is finally over."

UPDATE

He continues, "My brother was sentenced to life in prison today. While many people wanted death, I know my brother will be forced to live with what he did for what may be a very long time. In the long run, that may be a fate worse than death, and it is the fate he deserves for committing heinous crimes against innocent people.”

The jury has recommended life in prison for Nikolas Cruz, the gunman who murdered 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018 ... and the judge is delaying sentencing until November 1.

In an emotional sentencing hearing Thursday the judge read the jury's verdict of life without parole after they were unable to unanimously decide on the death penalty.

The jury of 7 men and 5 women discussed the 24-year-old's fate Wednesday and came back with their sentence Thursday morning in a Fort Lauderdale courthouse.

Family members of Cruz's 17 victims were very obviously angry sitting inside the courtroom -- many shaking their heads and crying in disbelief. Cruz sat expressionless.

As for the delay, the judge agreed to give surviving victims a chance to be heard before the judge issues the sentence.

101322_nikolas_cruz_sentencing_kal 10/13/22
SENTENCING DELAYED
FOX

Cruz pled guilty last year to 34 counts -- 17 charges of murder and 17 charges of attempted murder.

In the sentencing phase, multiple witnesses took the stand to describe the pain and horror they endured as a result of the massacre. There were cell phone videos jurors saw ... showing students hiding in fear as gunshots rang out.

102021_nikolas_cruz_kal 10/20/21
ADDRESSING THE FAMILIES
Law & Crime Network

Attorneys for Cruz highlighted his mental health struggles, and they called witnesses who testified his illness was triggered by his biological mother's drug use while she was pregnant.

During his courtroom appearance, he went on a bizarre rant and begged the families of the victims to give him a second chance ... claiming he wanted to be spared so he could help others.

As you know, Cruz opened fire on students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland in February 2018.

It remains one of the deadliest high school shootings in U.S. history.

071521_nikolas_cruz_kal 2018
PICKING A FIGHT

In a separate case, Cruz also pled guilty to assault and battery charges for attacking a jail guard in 2018 after the whole thing was caught on camera.

Originally Published -- 8:54 AM PT

American Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing ... Something's Stinkin' Up the Cabin!!!

Everyone onboard an American Airlines flight smelled it -- that much we know -- but the problem is they had no clue who or what dealt it, so the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing.

The Wednesday night flight from Miami to Barbados was inundated by the pungent chemical odor -- and because the crew believed it was coming from a passenger's carry-on bag, you can imagine the panic that caused.

The pilot made the quick decision to head back to the MIA.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units met the plane once it landed, and all 172 passengers were quickly evacuated as firefighters investigated.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the smell was coming from a large, industrial-strength bottle of nail polish -- it somehow made it through TSA and spilled in the passenger's bag. We're told the woman isn't in any trouble.

The airline reported some of the crew members on board were feeling sick from the odor ... and went to a hospital out of extreme caution.

Art Laboe Mr. 'Oldies But Goodies' ... Dead at 97

Art Laboe, a pioneering voice in radio who created one of its most famous phrases, is dead after battling pneumonia.

The famous disc jockey who's widely credited with coining the phrase "Oldies but goodies" died on Friday night at his home in Palm Springs ... according to a rep for Art's production company. We're told he was diagnosed with pneumonia 2 weeks ago.

We're told he had close friends by his side when he passed -- and generations of his fans, particularly on the West Coast, are remembering the man who revolutionized radio broadcasts.

Art was just 18 years old when he got his first gig on KSAN in San Francisco. During WWII he started taking requests and dedications ... a new concept for disc jockeys at the time. He later moved to L.A. and had an enormous social impact on the city.

He organized live DJ shows at a drive-in movie theater ... where he would play rock 'n' roll music, and attract young audiences of white, Black and Latino fans. His shows were so popular, some credit him with helping end segregation in SoCal.

Art went on to become a record producer, and concert promoter and even owned some radio stations. And, when you talk about marathon careers ... Art's final syndicated radio show was produced last week, and aired Sunday night.

He was 97.

RIP.

President Biden Putin Could Start Nuclear 'Armageddon' After Setbacks In Ukraine

President Biden put the nation on red alert Thursday, announcing nuclear "Armageddon" is a real possibility given Russia's recent setbacks in its 8-month war in Ukraine.

At a Democratic fundraiser hosted by James Murdoch, Biden characterized Russian Czar Vladimir Putin as "a guy I know fairly well" -- and added, Putin was "not joking when he talks about the use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons."

Biden went on to say, "We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis." He also implied the threat from Putin is tangible "because his military is -- you might say -- significantly underperforming."

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day showdown in 1962 born out of the Soviet Union's deployment of nuclear weapons in Cuba ... prompting the Kennedy administration to launch a naval blockade of the island.

As far as the public knows, it remains the closest the U.S ever came to a nuclear war.

Biden says he's still "trying to figure" out Putin's "off-ramp" in Ukraine. Where does he find a way out?" Biden asked. "Where does he find himself in a position that he does not not only lose face but lose significant power within Russia?"

Despite Biden's chilling warning, U.S. officials have NOT seen Russia change its nuclear posture to launch an imminent attack.

Small victory ... for now.

AMUSEMENT PARK DEATH Ride From Teen's Fatal Fall Removed

The amusement park free-fall ride where a teenager fell to his death in Orlando is about to be reduced to scrap metal.

Orlando Slingshot, the company that operates the 400-foot tall ride known as the "Orlando FreeFall," tells TMZ ... it's scrapping the ride as a direct result of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson's death. The company says this is what his family and the community wanted.

We're told Orlando Slingshot will honor Tyre by creating a scholarship in his name, and it's working with his family to hammer out those details.

Remember, Tyre died March 24 after falling from the ride at Orlando's ICON Park. The Orlando FreeFall -- which plummets at 75 MPH -- had only been open since December.

As we first told you, Tyre was a gifted athlete with a promising future ahead of him.

ICON Park leases land to Orlando Slingshot for FreeFall, and the park is supporting the decision to take down the ride, telling us ... "Tyre's death is a tragedy that we will never forget."

The ride operator says the timeline for taking down FreeFall is TBA due to all the red tape ... but no one's going on it again.

Oklahoma Police Officer Allegedly Brutalizes Teen During Arrest

100422-tulsa-county-sheriff-kal
PUNCHED BY POLICE

A police officer pummeled a 17-year-old boy and drove a knee into his neck while arresting him in Oklahoma over the weekend ... and it was all caught on video.

Footage of Sunday's "attack" shows the deputy and other officers trying to restrain the teen on the ground at the Tulsa State Fair.

In one video, the cops are struggling to place the teen in handcuffs. At some point, the deputy slams his fist into the teen's head. Then he pushes his knee hard into the boy's neck as onlookers scream, "He's a f---king kid, y'all!"

But it didn't stop there. The deputy drags the teen -- who has seemingly gone limp -- across the asphalt with his face to the ground. The cops then cuff the boy.

Another video shows the angry crowd begging officers, who are standing around, to do something. Several witnesses confronted one officer and gave him a tongue lashing.

They screamed, "What the f--k is the matter with you? Do something about this? You can't just let him do this to this kid. He's beating the shit out of this kid. You better hope that kid lives, man. You guys are fucking ridiculous. He's barely conscious."

100422-tulsa-county-sheriff-fair-kal
MANHANDLED BY COPS

According to police, the teen was drunk and acting belligerent while waiting in line for a ride. Several people complained and police responded. The teen, who is white, began mouthing off and, according to cops, using racist language toward a black deputy. That's when all the trouble began.

Tulsa County Sheriff's Captain Mike Moore backed up the actions of his officers, reportedly saying "the deputies were required to use the force necessary" when the teen "continued to resist and continued to fight deputies."

The Sheriff's Office is now reviewing the matter.

Soccer Match Stampede Kills at Least 125 Fans

100222_football_riot_kal_1
SCARY SIGHT
Twitter / @TheInsiderPaper

At least 125 people were killed Saturday after a stampede erupted during an Indonesian soccer match.

It was a horrifying scene ... fans swarmed the field and opposing sides squared off as they fought violently.

Police were at a loss, firing rounds of tear gas. In fact, it was a fatal move, because fans ran for the exits ... causing a stampede.

Dozens were reportedly trampled to death. Others died by suffocation.

More than 300 others were injured and taken to nearby hospitals, but a number of them died en route or once they got to the ER.

The hospitals in the area are overwhelmed.

Neil deGrasse Tyson Elon Musk's Our Thomas Edison!!!

093022_neil_degrasse_tyson_kal
ELON, GO FLY A KITE!
TMZ.com

Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of the smartest guys out there, and he's now weighed in on who he thinks is one of the world's great visionaries ... and he's squarely Team Musk.

We got Neil at the Reagan National Airport Friday, where he compared the Tesla honcho to perhaps the most imaginative person in the history of our country -- Thomas Edison.

Mind you ... Neil doesn't co-sign on every one of Elon's ideas. In fact, he thinks some are pie in the sky, but he says Elon dreams big, and that's when big things are bound to happen.

092622-nasa-asteroid-kal
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE
NASA

Tyson also has words for the place we call home ... AKA a "f***ed up" planet. He does, however, think there's a ray of hope with NASA's recent mission crashing into an asteroid.

Neil grouses ... if only dinosaurs had a little vision, they might be alive today.

And, that's a good thing?