Breaking News

The SSC Tuatara has officially been crowned the "fastest production vehicle" EVER ... this after the supercar hit a staggering 331 mph on a Nevada highway earlier this month!

The rocket-ship-on-wheels took off on Oct. 10 on State Route 160 just outside of Las Vegas ... with its sights set on crushing a world record.

And, after a week and a half of analyzing data and confirming times ... officials say the car did exactly that.

SSC says its 1,750hp Tuatara ran two test runs to pull off the accomplishment ... hitting 301.07 mph one way and then 331.15 mph on the way back for an average of 316.11 mph.

Officials say that feat is good enough to dub the car the fastest production ride of all-time ... topping the Agera RS's 2017 mark of 277.9 mph.

And, get this ... the dude who drove the Tuatara says it could've gone even faster!!

"The car wasn’t running out of steam yet," Oliver Webb said of when he got the ride to 331. "The crosswinds are all that prevented us from realizing the car’s limit."

By the way, check out footage of Webb hitting the 331-mph mark ... it's intense as hell!

The "Doc" is out.

Legendary hockey announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick -- widely known as "The Voice of the NHL" -- is retiring Monday after working games for nearly 50 years!

The 74-year-old began his career calling college and minor league games in the early '70s -- then got his shot, calling NHL games for the New Jersey Devils in 1982.

Turns out, he was GREAT -- and the rest is history.

Emrick ultimately called 22 Stanley Cup Finals and has been inducted into 7 different Halls of Fame -- including the Hockey Hall of Fame (2008).

"I hope I can handle retirement OK, especially since I've never done it before," Emrick told the New York Post.

"But I've just been extremely lucky for 50 years. And NBC has been so good to me, especially since the pandemic, when I was allowed to work from home in a studio NBC created."

"Now, into my golden years, this just seemed to be the time that was right. Plus, I’ve now accumulated enough frequent-flyer miles -- to not go anywhere."

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson says he's hoping the racing org. will let him back on the track 6 months after he used a racial slur -- claiming, "I know deep down I'm not a racist."

"I said a racist word and I can fully understand why people would label me a racist," the 28-year-old told James Brown on "CBS This Morning."

As we previously reported, Larson was fired by his racing team and dropped by his sponsors after he called a teammate the n-word during a virtual race -- not realizing his audio was streaming out to thousands of people on Twitch.

Larson says the person he directed the comment at (a white person) was a friend and he didn't mean it in a derogatory way.

"I had raced with him in Australia and the group that we were with kinda used the word casually as a greeting, I didn’t use it in a way to degrade or insult anyone."

Larson says he now realizes why he should NEVER use that word ever again -- explaining he didn't understand the impact the word has on Black people.

"I guess I didn’t think of how it took African Americans, and probably in their thoughts, took them back to slavery and things like that and injustice and things they’ve worked so hard to overcome."

Larson says he know understands what he said was "extremely hurtful" and he would understand if he was never allowed to race again.

But, he also insists he's a changed man and would love a second chance.

Brown, who is Black, points out that Larson has a track record of doing a lot of work with the Black community -- including a long relationship with the Urban Youth Racing School in Philadelphia.

Brown reports Larson has gone through sensitivity and diversity training and has met with Black leaders including Jackie Joyner-Kersee. He thinks Larson is the "real deal" and he's not just putting on an act to get his career back.

Lindsey Vonn is parting ways with her "most prized possessions" from her career ... by auctioning off her iconic ski speed suits ... and it's all for charity!!

The retired skiing superstar's annual fundraiser was put on hold due to COVID-19 ... but that couldn't stop the folks at the Lindsey Vonn Foundation from helping out her cause, so she opened up her closet to raise money instead.

"My jackets, helmets and WINNING RACE SUITS that I never wanted to part ways with will help support young girls and women through our scholarship program for educational and stem programs," Vonn said.

Among the suits include her epic "Captain America" suit, which was made for the U.S. Olympic team in 2017 ... the white and rainbow suit from her 54th World Cup win in 2012 ... and her U.S. Ski team jacket from 2016-2017.

The goal is to raise $200k for the LVF ... which will help provide resources for the youth.

Kyle Rittenhouse appeared in court as his lawyers continue fighting efforts to extradite him to Wisconsin to stand trial as an adult.

The 17-year-old arrested in the killing of 2 people during the protests over the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI was briefly back in court Friday morning, where his lawyers are fighting to keep him in his home state of Illinois ... as opposed to sending him back to Wisconsin.

Rittenhouse's legal team stated this case is a "very unique, extraordinary situation," and argued there are issues with the extradition paperwork by prosecutors that suggest "this is a political prosecution."

The defense lawyers have also argued extradition would violate Rittenhouse's constitutional rights and "turn him over to the mob" ... and claim his life would be in danger if he's jailed with adults in Wisconsin.

Prosecutors accused the defense of intentionally delaying the case, but the judge did grant Rittenhouse's attorneys more time before a decision is made on extradition. There will be another hearing later this month.

The Antioch, IL teenager is accused of killing 2 people and wounding a third on August 25. He's been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide. If convicted, he's looking at a mandatory life sentence.

As we reported ... Rittenhouse traveled roughly 21 miles from Antioch to Kenosha -- armed with a semi-automatic rifle -- to join armed vigilantes taking on rioters. Video showed him running on the street with his gun while witnesses told cops he shot someone.

After falling to the ground and appearing to be accosted by others, cops say he opened fire ... killing two people and injuring another.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer just made a stunning revelation ... 13 members of 2 militia groups have been arrested for hatching a plot to kidnap and possibly kill her.

The Governor, who has been sharply critical of Donald Trump, said the FBI investigated and made the arrests.

She blames Trump for setting a violent tone that encourages right-wing groups to resort to violence.

Trump has gone after Governor Whitmer, sometimes not even referring to her by name but rather as "that woman." The 2 got into it over Trump's response to the coronavirus.

As you know ... Trump urged his supporters to "liberate" Michigan and a gaggle of his supporters showed up with guns at the State Capitol to make their point.

President Trump is pulling out of the 2nd debate with Joe Biden, because it would be done remotely ... something he calls a waste of his time.

The Prez was defiant Thursday morning on FOX Business Network, reacting to the Commission on Presidential Debates announcement to go virtual due to Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis. He said, "I'm not gonna waste my time on a virtual debate. That's not what debating's all about."

The CPD announced the change, but said C-SPAN's Steve Scully would still moderate next Thursday from Miami. Biden's agreed to the new safety protocols, but Trump says it's not acceptable -- because sitting behind a computer is not how you debate.

Remember, the first debate was a disaster with both candidates interrupting each other, calling each other names and the President attacking moderator Chris Wallace. The sequel to that is now totally up in the air.

The Commission's move comes in wake of Trump -- and at least 13 others who work in the White House -- contracting the coronavirus last week. Trump, who falsely claimed living with COVID is less deadly than the flu, also claimed he now feels great, and also says HE thinks he's not contagious now. We've yet to hear from that from a doctor.

The latest 'Jurassic World' flick just got hit with a viral meteor, of sorts, and it's putting things on ice behind and in front of the camera, yet again.

Director Colin Trevorrow made the announcement Wednesday, saying a new batch of COVID-19 cases were discovered on the set of "Jurassic World: Dominion" ... and, as a result, production is going on a brief hiatus.

He writes, "Woke up to the news we had a few positive Coronavirus tests on Jurassic World: Dominion. All tested negative shortly after, but due to our safety protocols we’re going to pause for two weeks. Back soon." So in other words, potential false positives here.

In any case, it's enough to give Universal Studios pause. The studio says its rigid protocols don't allow for them to resume, even if the cast/crew tested negative right afterward -- emphasizing they'd rather be safe than sorry. Those affected have gone into self-isolation.

It's unclear who within the production -- cast or crew -- might've contracted coronavirus. Chris Pratt is the lead and Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill are all reprising their role from the original "Jurassic Park."

None of them are discussing their health ... but all have been plugging the movie over the past 24 hours.

This 'rona development is the most recent setback for the film. It also shut down back in March due to the pandemic -- and earlier this week, Universal pushed its release date a full year to June 2022!

Bill O'Brien's time with the Houston Texans is officially OVER -- the head coach and GM has been fired after starting 0-4 this season.

The news broke Monday afternoon ... one day after the Texans lost to the 0-3 Vikings.

50-year-old BOB took over the reigns as head coach in H-Town in 2014 ... and also took over the general manager position earlier in 2020.

O'Brien was 52-48 during his 7 years with the team ... making the playoffs 4 times, but failing to make it past the divisional round.

O'Brien also made the trade to send away superstar receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona in exchange for David Johnson, who has less than 200 rushing yards on the season.

BOB spoke about his job security earlier Monday ... saying he was not concerned about being on the hot seat.

"All I can control is what I can control, and I've got to do a better job with the team," O'Brien told reporters. "That's obvious. And we're going to work hard to do that."

Several others working under Kayleigh McEnany have reportedly tested positive for coronavirus -- including two key aides -- Chad Gilmartin and Karoline Leavitt -- as well as other mid-level staffers in the White House press shop.

Another White House staffer has tested positive for coronavirus -- this time, it's the Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, who says she's asymptomatic ... and eager to keep working.

McEnany shared the news Monday, saying she'd contracted COVID-19 after days of testing negative since Trump's positive diagnosis announcement Thursday. She says she's experiencing no symptoms, adding no members of the press are reported as close contacts by the White House Medical Unit -- so presumably, they should be alright.

She also claims she had no knowledge of Hope Hicks' positive status prior to holding her last press briefing last week, explaining she's been doing her public service for the American people as diligently as possible.

Now that she's positive, however, McEnany says she'll begin to quarantine right away -- but goes on to say she'll continue to work remotely. She's the latest person in Trump's orbit who's been infected over the past week -- at least 5 others have also tested positive.

Unclear who might've started the super-spreading going on at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., but what seems clear is that the virus was front and center at the Amy Coney Barrett nomination ceremony. Among those present who now have COVID ... Donald and Melania Trump, Kellyanne Conway, Rev. John Jenkins, Chris Christie, Senators Mike Lee and Thom Tillis as well as Hope Hicks.

Donald Trump is doing well enough that he can be discharged as early as Monday, but the latest update from doctors raises new concerns about Trump's health and whether his doctors are being straight with the American public.

Trump's personal physician, Dr. Sean Conley, fessed up that he was evasive Saturday when he wouldn't say if Trump received supplemental oxygen at The White House before being transferred to Walter Reed. This time, Dr. Conley said Trump not only received oxygen Friday at The White House but a second round Saturday. In both instances, Trump's oxygen level dropped below 94%.

And, there's this ... Dr. Conley confessed he wasn't forthcoming Saturday because he wanted to reflect Trump's "upbeat mood." As for whether he hid information, Dr. Conley said that "isn't necessarily true."

Dr. Conley actually said Trump's Chief of Staff "misconstrued" Trump's condition when he said Trump's condition was deteriorating Friday at The White House. Yet, Dr. Conley concedes Trump was tired with a fever, a cough and low oxygen levels.

A reporter asked Dr. Conley if Trump's lungs were damaged and he would not answer directly. Nor would Dr. Conley say if there was evidence of pneumonia.

Trump's being pumped full of drugs and doctors say he's responding well.

Thomas Jefferson Byrd -- who appeared in several Spike Lee joints -- has been murdered in Atlanta ... according to Spike himself.

Lee says ... "I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia." Spike shared a photo of Thomas as the character Errol Barnes in his 1995 film, "Clockers."

Along with "Clockers," Byrd also appeared in "Get on the Bus," "Bamboozled," "He Got Game," "Red Hook Summer," "Chi-Raq" and more.

He was also a successful theater actor, nominated for Broadway's 2003 Tony Award as Best Actor for a revival of August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

He has starred in numerous regional stage productions including the San Diego Repertory Theater's award-winning performance of "Spunk".

Story developing ...

Tennessee and Pittsburgh will NOT be playing in Week 4 ... after one additional player and team staffer in the Titans organization tested positive for COVID-19.

The matchup -- originally scheduled to take place in Tennessee on Sunday at 1 PM PT -- becomes the first game to be pushed back due to the coronavirus this season.

The league released a statement Thursday, saying, "The decision to postpone the game was made to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel."

"The Titans facility will remain closed and the team will continue to have no in-person activities until further notice."

As we previously reported ... the Titans shut down their team facility after 3 players and 5 staffers tested positive earlier this week ... and announced it would not reopen until Saturday at the earliest.

There were hopes of pushing the game back until Monday or Tuesday ... but after the news of another player and staffer testing positive, the league had no choice but to push it past Week 4.

The league says the makeup date will be announced shortly.

Adjust your fantasy lineups accordingly ... and get better, Tennessee.

Amazon is dropping some alarming stats and, in case you were wondering, life on the frontlines ain't easy for their employees ... nearly 20,000 of whom they believe caught COVID-19.

The shipping giant made the revelation Thursday in a report about its testing policies and how it's responding to the health crisis. Amazon said between March 1 and September 19 ... 19,816 employees were either presumed or confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus. That's out of their roughly 1.37 million staffers at Amazon and Whole Foods Market.

While the number is startling, Amazon says its rate of infection among employees was way lower than expected. The company noted it could have reached 33,952 sick workers if its infection rate ran parallel to the general population.

BTW, the stats don't include third-party delivery drivers.

Amazon says it's currently conducting thousands of tests daily at its warehouses and by November they could be doing as many as 50,000 tests per day in 650 facilities.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson says the XFL isn't gonna rush back on to the field ... announcing the league will return in Spring 2022.

"As owners, we’re proud to champion our XFL players, coaches, cities and fans into an electrifying 2022 season!" Johnson tweeted Thursday.

"It’s an uphill battle - but we’re hungry, humble and no one will outwork us."

"A league of culture, passion & purpose."

Johnson's business partner and co-owner Dany Garcia previously said the league would consider trying to play in a bubble format to make a 2021 season happen ... but that plan was scrapped.

League President and COO Jeffrey Pollack also released a statement on the decision, saying, "For the love of football and for the safety of our players and fans, we’ll be back on the field in 2022."

"The opportunity in front of us, with our new ownership, is simply too big to rush back."

"We want to do this properly with care and thought for everyone who loves football, especially our players, coaches, partners and fans."

And, in true Rock fashion, the wrestling legend and Garcia released a hype video about the league's return ... and it'll have you ready to run through a brick wall.

President Trump is walking back his ominous message to the far-right group, Proud Boys ... and now says he doesn't even know who they are.

Trump fielded questions on the South Lawn about the "stand back and stand by" remark he made when debate moderator Chris Wallace asked if he would denounce white supremacy.

He told the White House press corps ... "I don't know who the Proud Boys are" and asked reporters for a definition of the group -- which has been widely labeled a neo-fascist, male-only, politically violent organization.

The President added, "Whoever they are, they have to stand down -- let law enforcement do their work."

Interestingly, though, he was again asked straight-up if he denounces white supremacy. Watch how he dances around the question before finally responding ... but without ever saying the words, "white supremacy." Trump finally mutters ... "I've always denounced any form, any form, any form of any of that, you have to denounce."

The Prez then pivoted to attack the liberal left and Antifa instead, much like he did during the first presidential debate.

As we reported ... the debate has been widely panned as a disgrace -- or much worse -- and the ratings were way down from 2016. That could be the result of voters turned off by the nastiness or voters who've already decided just not watching.

Either way, it could be too late for this kinda damage control