Homeland Security First Ever National Alert For Domestic Terrorism Threats

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The feds are putting the entire country on high alert ... warning of a looming domestic terrorism threat from groups pissed about President Biden's victory and several other issues.

For the first time, the Dept. of Homeland Security issued a federal bulletin about Americans plotting to attack Americans, saying there's a potential threat of "ideologically-motivated violent extremists."

The feds feel these domestic terrorists may be emboldened by the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol -- and say threats across the country are likely to persist in coming weeks motivated by several issues ... including anger over COVID-19 restrictions and the 2020 election results.

For example ... there's a full-on manhunt right now for a person who left pipe bombs intended to be detonated at the Democratic and Republican headquarters in Washington just days after the insurrection.

Most recently, a Napa man was arrested after authorities were tipped off about a huge stockpile of firepower at Ian Benjamin Rogers' house and business. They found more than 50 guns, 15,000 rounds of ammo, several pounds of gun powder ... and text messages in which Rogers said he'd like to blow up a democratic building.

For what it's worth ... Rogers' attorney reportedly said his client was "simply following the advice and the commentary of the President of the United States."

Coronavirus COVID-Sniffing Dogs Screen NBA Fans ... Debut at Miami Heat Game

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SUPER SNIFFERS

COVID-sniffing dogs are now a thing in America ... and the pups are getting their first whiff of action at an NBA game in Florida.

The Miami Heat debuted the virus-sniffing dogs at Wednesday's game at AmericanAirlines Arena, with our four-legged friends screening fans before they could be allowed inside the building.

As you can see, a trainer walks a dog down a line of socially-distanced fans under a big tent and the canine takes a big sniff before moving on to the next person. The dogs are taught to sit if they detect the virus, and the process looks quick and efficient.

The dogs are being used because the Heat are opening the arena up to fans for the first time this season, and it's just an added level of virus protocol in addition to a health questionnaire and mask mandate.

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DOGGIE DETECTIVES

As we reported ... the dogs are being trained at nearby Florida International University, and Dr. DeEtta Mills, who is leading the program, told us how the canines could soon be deployed in airports across the country.

Before Miami, virus-sniffing dogs were already being used to detect COVID-19 in Chile, United Arab Emirates and Finland ... and researchers say the highly-trained dogs detect the disease with almost 100% accuracy.

Shaquille O'Neal Creates 'Shaq Bowl' Declares War On Super Bowl Pre-Game Shows

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THAT TIME OF THE YEAR

Shaquille O'Neal thinks the usual Super Bowl pre-game coverage is super lame -- so he's created his own event with a ton of his famous friends ... and he's calling it, "The Shaq Bowl."

Superstars like Tim Tebow, Ezekiel Elliott, Diplo, The Miz, Anthony Anderson, Nelly, Offset and more are all booked to compete in various crazy events at a custom-built Shaq Bowl stadium in Tampa on Feb. 7.

All of the action will happen leading up to the Super Bowl game -- and it'll be live-streamed across more than 20 platforms including LiveXLive, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok and Twitter starting at 3 PM ET.

"With everyone home this year, we're gonna do something that's fun and entertaining for the people," Shaq tells TMZ Sports.

"I got a crazy lineup, bunch of my close friends -- it's gonna feature athletes, celebrities, superstar-artists across 2 teams competing in fun and viral challenges."

Shaq tells us the event, officially titled "Mercari Presents the Shaq Bowl," will have strict COVID protocols in place ... and they WILL be enforced.

"We're gonna hire a professional well-known staff and they're gonna do what they do," Shaq says ... "Shaq does not mess around."

As for why he decided to go up against the big network Super Bowl pre-game show ... Shaq didn't pull any punches.

"Look, all the Super Bowl pre-game stuff is kinda boring ... so we're gonna change the game."

As for the events, we're told 2 teams will go head-to-head in everything from Dodgeball to a Tug-of-war ... and even a hot wing challenge.

Hot Mom in 'Wild Things' 'Memba Her?!

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Southern California actress Theresa Russell was in her early 40s when she took on the role of the head-turning widow Sandra Van Ryan -- who has a secret relationship with her daughter's high school counselor and her super dreamy "deckhand" -- in the skin-filled '90s film "Wild Things."

Theresa Russell shared the silver screen with some awesome actors including Denise Richards as her trust-lusting daughter, Kelly Van Ryan, Matt Dillon as the double-crossing counselor, Sam Lombardo ... and of course Bill Murray as the insurance-scamming lawyer, Ken Bowden.

Russell can also be spotted in "Spider-Man 3" and "Bad Timing."

Guess what she looks like now!

NFL's Chad Wheeler Hit With Three Criminal Charges ... Over Alleged Violent Attack On GF

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4:36 PM PT -- Prosecutors have just formally hit Wheeler with three criminal charges -- including assault in the first degree -- over the alleged attack ... TMZ Sports has learned.

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Officials say they hit the 27-year-old with 1 count of first-degree domestic violence assault, 1 count of domestic violence unlawful imprisonment and 1 count of resisting arrest.

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In court docs, prosecutors say, "The defendant, who is physically conditioned and trained to compete at the highest level of professional sports, strangled, suffocated and beat the victim into unconsciousness -- twice -- both times leaving her for dead as blood poured from her nose and mouth, and into her stomach and lungs."

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Prosecutors say Wheeler is due back in court next month for an arraignment hearing ... where he's expected to enter a plea.

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UPDATE

2:06 PM PT -- Chad Wheeler has broken his silence on the allegations -- saying he's "deeply sorry" and "truly ashamed" ... and blaming the entire incident on a "manic episode."

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"Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode," Wheeler tweeted ... "I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to [the victim] and her family."

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He continued, "I apologize profusely for the turmoil that I have caused to my family, teammates, fans and those closest to me. The most important thing right now is that [the victim] gets the care she needs and I get help. Both are happening."

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Wheeler also announced he would be stepping away from football and seeking treatment.

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"It is time for me to walk away from football and get the help I need to never again pose a threat to another. I cannot express my sorrow or remorse enough. I am truly ashamed."

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The Seahawks have just announced Wheeler is a free agent this offseason and they have no intentions of bringing him back in the wake of the arrest.

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UPDATE

12:11 PM PT -- "The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence," the team said in a statement. "Our thoughts and support are with the victim."

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UPDATE

The team added, "We encourage Chad to get the help he needs. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please reach out for help."

Chad Wheeler's girlfriend told police ... the NFL player had stopped taking his medication for bipolar disorder in the days before he brutally attacked her -- and had "snapped into a bad place" on the night of the incident.

It's all spelled out in the police report, obtained by TMZ Sports, in which the alleged victim attempted to explain why she believes the Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman violently attacked her.

The Kent Police Dept. in Washington say they first received a call from a friend of the victim around 9:45 PM on Jan. 22 -- saying the woman was locked in a bathroom after a physical fight with her boyfriend.

Soon after, the victim called 911 herself and told the operator she was being "killed."

When cops arrived at the scene, officers say they "could hear a female screaming from inside the apartment" and forced their way inside. They also forced their way into a locked bathroom where they found the woman with blood all over her face and Chad standing behind her.

Cops detained Chad, who was not being cooperative, and he began to repeatedly yell, "sorry" while crying out, "I don't beat women," according to the police report.

The woman was transported to a nearby hospital where she told cops she had been dating Chad for 6 months without any notable issues.

She also explained, "Chad suffers from bipolar disorder and is medicated but has not been taking his medication recently."

According to the police report, the woman said, "Chad had a rough week and had a manic episode this evening. She said it was not provoked by an argument of any sort."

The woman says Chad "snapped into a dark place" out of nowhere and told her to bow to him -- which she refused. And that's when he beat her up, according to the police report.

The woman told cops Chad strangled her "with both his hands for some time" -- and continued his attack even after she fought back.

The woman says she lost consciousness -- and when she came to, Chad said, "Wow you're alive?"

That's when the woman says she ran to the bathroom, locked the door and called cops and family members.

Bam Margera Stolen Bentley Crashes Into House ... 'I Can't Write This S***!!!'

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UPDATE

4:22 PM PT -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department tells TMZ ... deputies responded to a call at a gas station around 1:30 AM Wednesday and saw several men climbing into a black Bentley. We're told the Bentley quickly drove off, followed by the deputy, who tried to make a stop, but 2 of the men inside fled on foot and the rest sped off into a residential neighborhood.

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The SDCSD says the Bentley evaded deputies, but only temporarily, and when deputies found the car crashed into a house it was unoccupied.

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We're told a Sheriff's helicopter helped find one of the men cops say took the Bentley, and he was arrested for a parole violation and is still in jail.

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The good news ... law enforcement says no one inside the home was injured by the car crash.

Bam Margera's Bentley had one helluva ride ... a thief stole the car and crashed into someone's front porch during a wild police pursuit ... and it's on video.

The "Jackass" star says his expensive whip was stolen Tuesday night in Vista, CA, where he had stopped to charge his phone and get gas on his way to his shaman's house.

Bam says he looked out a store window to discover his car was missing, and then suddenly a bunch of cop cars swarmed and police helicopters appeared overhead and the chase was on.

BM says the high-speed chase ended when the thief crashed his whip into a house ... and video shows the Bentley stopped on someone's front lawn, right up against a house, with tons of police on the scene.

The only good news here ... sources close to Bam tell us the car was NOT totaled, but it's been towed to a dealer and needs some repairs.

Oh, and the icing on the cake -- Bam says his phone ended up in someone else's hands too!!!

We think he summed it up best while talking to his buddy, Danny Way ... "I can't write this s*** dude!!!"

Originally Published -- 3:44 PM PT

Cloris Leachman Dead at 94

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Cloris Leachman -- the incredibly talented and hilarious actress and comedian, who starred in some of the biggest movies and TV shows ever -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Leachman passed away of natural causes Tuesday night at her home in Encinitas, California, with her daughter, Dinah, by her side ... this according to her son.

He tells us ... "She had the best life beginning to end that you could wish for someone." He adds that she was at peace, and "she left everyone with a lot of love."

Cloris' career in showbiz began shortly after she competed in the 1946 Miss America Pageant, when she made her debut on the 'Actors Studio' TV series.

After years of landing small roles on television, Leachman had her breakthrough playing the landlady, Phyllis, on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in the '70s ... which led to her own spin-off.

She won 2 Emmys for the role, and a Golden Globe for Best TV Actress for "Phyllis."

In film, Cloris is best known for 2 movies she made during the same time period -- "The Last Picture Show" in 1971, for which she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress ... and 1974's "Young Frankenstein."

She'd go on to star in another popular Mel Brooks' film in 1981, "History of the World, Part I."

But, that's not all -- she was also racking up Emmys for "A Brand New Life" and "Cher" in the '70s, "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle" in the '80s, "Promised Land" in the '90s ... and most recently, "Malcolm in the Middle."

With 22 Emmy noms, she's the most nominated actress in history, and her 8 wins is the most of all time ... tied with Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Her other notable roles spanning over 7 decades include "The Twilight Zone," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "WUSA," "Yesterday," "Spanglish," "Raising Hope" and the "Mad About You" reboot.

Cloris also voiced characters on several projects, including 'The Croods' films and "Bob's Burgers."

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LAST TIME WE SAW HER

When we last saw her in 2017, she joked about her faux feud with Betty White, and accepted a duel ... on the dance floor.

Cloris was 94.

RIP

New Trey Songz Video Removed Mask to Snack on Fries ... Other Maskless Fans Got Pass???

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A new video from the Trey Songz saga shows he had a good excuse to take off his mask at one point during the Chiefs game -- but it won't help his case with cops.

As you can see, Trey's face mask was in chin strap mode as he chowed down on a cup of french fries. While masks were required for all fans, the stadium does allow an exemption for eating and drinking.

However, we're told this was about 10-15 minutes before the KCPD officer came over -- backing up 3 visits from stadium security -- demanding Trey pull up his mask.

The other interesting element to this new video is that you can see there are at least a couple other fans watching the fight who didn't have their masks up.

It does make ya wonder if the singer was being singled out ... whether it be by other fans or security.

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ARREST FROM ABOVE

Of course, the video police released Tuesday clearly shows Trey throwing the first punch during the interaction with the officer -- so, the french fry excuse only goes so far in explaining what went down.

As we reported, Trey also posed for a masked up pic with a security guard at some point prior to the fight. Worth noting ... he did appear to have the mask down during each of the 3 visits from security.

Trey's team claims the officer had it out for him before the brawl, but there's still no footage supporting that.

Michael Strahan Tests Positive for COVID-19

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Michael Strahan has tested positive for COVID-19 ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the "Good Morning America" host and NFL Hall of Famer tell us he is currently quarantining ... which is why he's been absent from 'GMA' all week.

Football fans also noticed he only appeared remotely for his other gig on "FOX NFL Sunday" during the NFC Championship -- that's because Michael was already taking precautions.

We're told he found out on Saturday he'd been exposed at some point last week, and immediately started quarantining. Our sources say he's planning to appear on 'GMA' Thursday, remotely, to discuss his diagnosis. He's not currently experiencing any severe symptoms.

There's also this ... we've learned Strahan's daughters came into contact with him AFTER he'd been exposed -- so they're getting tested. So is their mother, Jean, with whom they live most of the time. We're told they haven't gotten their results yet.

It's unclear how much he'll be working for now. We've seen other anchors work from home while quarantining -- CNN's Chris Cuomo comes to mind.

'GMA' has been through this already ... you'll recall Michael's co-host George Stephanopoulos caught the 'rona last year.

Chester Bennington Widow Files for Divorce ... 1 Year After Tying the Knot

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Talinda Bennington has filed for divorce 1 year after tying the knot again ... TMZ has learned.

Chester Bennington's widow filed her divorce petition Wednesday in L.A. County Court ... according to court records. As you know by now, she got married to L.A. County firefighter Michael Fredman around New Year's Eve 2019 at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii.

Talinda already took to Instagram to announce the news too ... saying, in part, "Divorce is never easy, but in our case it is for the best. We have remained good friends and he continues to be an important part of my children's lives."

Talinda and Michael had no kids together during their short marriage. She and Chester had 3 children -- son Tyler and twins Lily and Lila. The children were also part of Talinda's wedding to Fredman.

Interestingly enough ... Talinda and Chester were also married on New Year's Eve in 2005.

As we previously reported ... Talinda and Michael got engaged back in April 2019 ... just over 2 years after the Linkin Park singer committed suicide.

After the news about her engagement broke ... Talinda said, "I can find love after tragedy" and added, "To all suicide loss survivors, you CAN be happy again. You CAN have space in your heart for grief, joy, happiness, sadness and love."

Pamela Anderson I Married My Bodyguard ... Fell In Love In Lockdown

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Pamela Anderson tied the knot -- for the fifth time -- and this time she said "I Do" to her bodyguard.

The actress and her muscle, Dan Hayhurst, got married Christmas Eve in a private ceremony at Pamela's Vancouver Island home in Canada ... according to the Daily Mail.

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Pamela says she fell in love with Dan during coronavirus lockdown, when they were together 24/7, so they got hitched over the holidays.

The ceremony, reportedly in the backyard of a home Pam originally bought for her grandparents, was super small ... no bridesmaids, no groomsmen, no family or friends, just a local pastor and a witness.

Hey, when ya fall in love and get married during a pandemic lockdown, it's hard to invite a lot of people to a wedding in the middle of said pandemic. Pamela says both of their families gave their blessings, as did their friends.

As we said, Pamela's done this 5 times now with 4 different grooms ... and that's not even counting last January when she said "I Do" to movie mogul Jon Peters before breaking up 12 days later having never filed legal docs to become mister and missus.

Dan joins Tommy Lee, Kid Rock and Rick Salomon (twice) as Pamela's other halves.

Congrats!!!

Tim Robbins Files for Divorce After Secretly Marrying GF

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Tim Robbins has filed for divorce, which comes as a surprise ... because we didn't know he was even married.

The "Shawshank Redemption" star filed legal docs Wednesday in L.A. to divorce Gratiela Brancusi ... who he'd been rumored to be dating for about 3 years now.

The 2 were first linked publicly when he brought her to the premiere of his HBO show, "Here and Now," in February 2018, but they attended several more events together in 2019 ... including a family outing at a hockey game in Dec. 2019.

It's unclear when they got hitched ... but he's seeking a dissolution of their marriage now. According to his filing, they don't have any kids together.

As you know ... Robbins was previously with Susan Sarandon. The famous Hollywood couple began dating in the late '80s after meeting on the set of "Bull Durham" and were together for 2 decades, until their split in 2009.

They were never married, but have 2 adult sons together.

Lewiston, ID City Council Woman Says She Rocks 'Muslim' Garb To Avoid Mask Wearing

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An Idaho woman showed up to a city council meeting dressed in what she described as Muslim attire, as an example of the lengths she says she goes to just to avoid wearing a mask.

This went down Monday in the city of Lewiston, where council members opened the meeting with public comments ... which brought forth a throng of angry citizens, many of whom were griping about local mask mandates and restaurant shutdowns, claiming it was illegal.

Eventually, this woman -- who ID'd herself as Katie Dugger -- stepped up to the podium ... wearing a bright purple headdress that she later said she got in Peru, but apparently used in public to get out of putting on face covering.

Watch for yourself ... it's bonkers. Basically, Dugger says in order for her to go to school in-person, this is what she has to wear to get by without any hassle, passing herself off as a Muslim. She even wraps the fabric around her face like a burka, to bring her point home.

She isn't using the religious liberty argument ... she claims her aversion to mask-wearing is all about childhood trauma 🤷🏽‍♂️.

In any case, it just goes to show ... the inclination to fight masking up -- even at this point in the pandemic -- is still very much alive in this country.

Capitol Police Union Blasts Leadership for Riot Response ... 'Inaction Cost Lives'

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12:13 PM PT -- The Capitol Police union admits its front-line officers are beyond angry, and is blasting the bosses for failing to protect them from injury and death ... stating "Leadership Betrayed Our Mission."

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UPDATE

The union calls acting Chief Pittman's admission that the department knew what was coming on January 6 but did not properly prepare the cops for potential violence "unconscionable" and "inexcusable."

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The Union Chairman says, "The officers are angry, and I don't blame them. The entire executive team failed us, and they must be held accountable. Their inaction cost lives."

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The union goes on to criticize Pittman further by suggesting she should not remain Police Chief, but rather another leader from within the department who has the support of the front-line officers should get the job.

Capitol Police officers are furious with their Police Chief for apologizing to lawmakers for the Capitol riots ... while still failing to talk to them about what went down January 6, and what to do if something similar happens again.

Sources within the Capitol Police tell TMZ ... neither acting Police Chief Yogananda Pittman, nor any of the other USCP higher-ups have directly addressed the officers who were on duty during the insurrection to say sorry to them for the lack of preparedness.

Even worse, we're told upper management has not clearly communicated to the officers what's being done -- or should be done -- to thwart another coup attempt at the Capitol.

According to our sources, cops want to hear from their leaders, "This is what went wrong, and this is what we need you to do next time" ... but so far, nothing.

Instead, Chief Pittman issued an apology to Congress on Tuesday, admitting that her department was not well enough prepared for the terrorist attack. She added they knew armed militia groups and white supremacists would be protesting, and there was a strong potential for violence and that Congress was the target.

We're told the feeling among the police officers is ... USCP management cares more about the image of the agency and getting the media off its back than taking care of its force, and Pittman's apology lends more proof.

Our sources say there's also not much internal support for Pittman as police chief, especially because she was the head of intelligence during the Jan. 6 riots ... and cops involved that day feel she let them down.

We broke the story ... Capitol Police officers were also incensed by the lack of direction before President Biden's inauguration, and a lack of clarity in the use of deadly force.

Originally Published -- 12:50 AM PT

'Mighty Ducks' Goalie Shaun Weiss is Celebrating 1 Year of Sobriety!!!

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Shaun Weiss -- famous for playing Goldberg in "The Mighty Ducks" -- is damn near unrecognizable again, but in a great way ... and that's because he's now 1-year sober.

His friend, Drew Gallagher, tells TMZ ... Shaun officially hit the milestone yesterday. He says Shaun chose to delay his Christmas as part of the celebration ... waiting to open presents on the day he celebrated his sobriety.

There's more good news ... remember the full dental sponsorship he got back in September to address his need for new teeth? Well, his permanent pearly whites -- top and bottom -- are almost done. He's wearing temporary dentures for now.

Shaun, who is still at a sober living house in Tarzana, CA, is getting ready for his next steps in life. We're told he's working on his comedy chops and doing some scriptwriting.

As we reported ... Shaun lived on the streets, suffering from methamphetamine addiction, and ran into trouble with the law before checking into a sober living facility changed his life. 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽

Halsey Surprise ... I'm Pregnant!!!

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Halsey just dropped a bombshell ... she's got a bun in the oven!!!

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The "You Should Be Sad" singer definitely is not that now ... she made the surprise announcement Wednesday, posting three pics of her baby bump and adding the caption, "surprise!"

It's unclear when the photos were taken, but in the images, Halsey looks at least a few months along.

Halsey also dropped what appears to be a huge hint about the baby's father ... she tagged Alev Aydin in the post. The two have been hanging out a lot recently -- going back to October, at least -- and he's a writer and producer.

As we've reported ... Halsey just scooped up Liam Payne's Calabasas mansion for a cool $10,161,150. The 9,659-square-foot home has 5 bedrooms, plus a home theatre, giant library, beautiful backyard, pool, koi pond, waterfalls, gardens and a massage/meditation house. In other words, a pretty good nesting spot.

Halsey previously sparked pregnancy rumors back in 2019, rubbing her belly with then-boyfriend Evan Peters. She later clarified it wasn't a baby bump, just a stomach full of pancakes.

This time though, it's the real deal. Congrats!!!