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A police officer stopped a driver and begged him to cooperate, but after a standoff, he unloaded his gun on the suspect ... and this could be a case of suicide by cop.

It happened Tuesday night in Hillsborough County Florida. The officer was trying to serve an arrest warrant on Dylan Scott in a McDonald's parking lot. Scott was wanted on charges of grand theft and resisting arrest.

The officer asks Scott to put his hands up but he refuses. The cop begs Scott, telling him, "I don't want to do this. It's not worth it."

As Scott remains steadfastly uncooperative, the officer tells him if he makes a bad decision it could cost him his life, but still ... Scott refuses to cooperate.

The officer pled with Scott for 4 minutes, to no avail. He begs Scott to put his hands up, repeating he does not "want to do this." It then gets even more tense, when the cop apparently sees Scott reaching for something. He begs him not to, and says "Whatever you've got in your hands, drop it." Scott still refuses, and the officer tells a fellow cop, Scott has a gun.

You then hear a series of shots from the officer's gun. No gun was found in Scott's car.

Scott was taken to the hospital where he died.

Lizzo is going through it -- in a brutally honest moment, she's admitting she lets all the mean crap Internet trolls say get to her sometimes ... but she's also confident it will pass.

Lest you think things are always "Good As Hell" for the singer, Lizzo opened up about an emotional low she hit Wednesday as she was taking a shower -- "I just started having all of these really negative thoughts about myself. Like, you know, what's wrong with me? Maybe everything, [and] all the mean things people say about me are true."

The video is remarkable because it's the kinda honesty we don't often see from celebs ... and also because ya just wanna give her a hug.

Lizzo says, at that moment, she was hating her body ... but adds these are normal thoughts that "happen to everybody, they happen to the best of us."

She's never lacked for confidence, and you can almost see her working through her emotions, because by the end of the clip Lizzo had some inspirational words -- for herself and everyone else who goes through this on the daily.

The pandemic hasn't stopped people from getting their freak on at possible COVID super-spreader events -- they've simply gone underground, and they're going to extremes to keep it hidden.

A source with direct knowledge tells us the events have been happening since the start of COVID, but the recent surge in cases has made them more hush-hush. There's a vetting process, but more for secrecy than public health issues.

For starters, we're told anyone looking to access these speakeasy-esque events will first have to get in touch with a real sex worker.

Alice Little, a popular prostitute in Nevada, tells us sex workers -- who advertise on social media and escort sites -- serve as gatekeepers, giving only their most trusted clients the hookup to a party.

Alice says the sex worker might ask for references -- not unlike a job interview -- but we're told the grilling is more to sniff out narcs and undercover agents ... and not about health issues.

While you'd think there would be testing -- for COVID and STIs -- we're told that's not the concern for these underground parties ... they're more worried about getting busted by law enforcement.

This is a big change, and a dangerous one considering we're in a pandemic. Alice says pre-COVID these events would typically be run by brothels ... which were more likely to require medical testing.

Anyway, if you pass muster, we're told the sex worker takes you to the so-called kingdom -- which could be at a strip club, a private residence or even a literal underground hideaway.

As we reported, a swingers party in NYC was busted and more recently ... 158 people were arrested in L.A. County. So, these events are clearly on law enforcement's radar, and for good reason.

Party-goers risk arrest, but now the other major concern is the threat to public health and spreading COVID.

A recreational surfer was attacked by a shark in Maui on Tuesday -- forcing a pro surfing competition to go on hold until it's safe to get back in the water.

Officials in Hawaii confirm a 56-year-old man was badly injured in the attack while paddling out at Honolua Bay.

The details of his injuries are unclear but officials say the man was treated on shore and then raced to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

The Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources released pictures of the surfer's board ... and it looks like a prop from a "Jaws" movie.

The shark attack took place near the World Surfing League's Maui Women's Pro surf contest ... and event organizers decided to suspend action out of an abundance of caution.

"There will be no competition at the Maui Pro [Tuesday] following a shark incident involving a recreational surfer this morning at Honolua Bay," the WSL said in a statement.

"The WSL is working with authorities and our thoughts are with the victim of this incident. The Maui Pro is on hold until further notice."

The DNLR says both county and state officials are working on the situation and evaluating the danger.

No word on the victim's current health status -- but here's hoping he's okay.

Elon Musk, we have a problem.

SpaceX's much-hyped high-altitude test flight of Starship -- a spacecraft designed to take people and cargo to the moon and Mars -- ended in a fireball as it crash-landed Wednesday in South Texas.

Video shows the large reusable capsule, which is supposed to land vertically, came down way too hard and instantly exploded. However, even though the footage is crazy ... it was not unexpected.

Musk predicted Starship would likely crash land, but said data gathered in the test flight would be critical in moving the mission forward. SpaceX stated ... "With a test such as this, success is not measured by completion of specific objectives but rather how much we can learn."

Twitch -- one of the biggest live streaming gaming platforms on the planet -- is following NASCAR's lead ... and officially BANNING the Confederate flag.

The streaming giant announced its updated Hateful Conduct and Harassment Policy will go into effect on Jan. 22 ... in hopes to sustain a more inclusive environment.

"Communities on Twitch are diverse and are growing rapidly, representing nearly every interest, background, and language around the globe," Twitch said in a statement Wednesday.

"As we evolve, it’s necessary to revisit and update policies to make sure all streamers and all communities can create together safely on Twitch."

The platform added ... "We know that many people on Twitch -- particularly women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Black, Indigenous, and people of color --unfortunately continue to experience a disproportionate amount of harassment and abuse online, including on our service."

"Not only is this blatantly unacceptable, it also undermines the community we’re building on Twitch and threatens the long term viability of streaming as a career for everyone who wishes to pursue it."

Twitch specifically notes the Confederate flag will not be allowed on its platform, citing its "historic and symbolic association with slavery and white supremacist groups in the US."

As we previously reported ... NASCAR announced its decision to ban the Confederate flag after Bubba Wallace publicly called for its removal from events ... saying, "No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race."

Among other prohibited actions on Twitch include repeatedly making unwelcomed comments on a user's attractiveness or sexuality, as well as sending unsolicited nude pics and videos.

Post Malone's got a new line of custom Crocs, and to test them out ... he put a new pair on the feet of every single kid at his old school FOR FREE.

The Post Malone x Crocs Duet Max Clog II hit the market for the first time Tuesday, and sold out within a few hours -- but one group that was for sure able to snag some before they were swept up was the entire academic body of Grapevine High School in Grapevine, TX.

Sources tell us Posty hooked up his alma mater with a new pair of PM Crocs of their own -- and we're talking every single student and every single faculty member. What does that mean numbers-wise??? Well, Grapevine HS has a student body of about 1,900 and with maybe 100 or so teachers ... we're talking somewhere in the 2,000 range.

Grapevine's principal, Alex Fingers, made the announcement to everyone this week ... saying Post had noticed all the good work they'd been doing for the community of late, so he decided to give back a little himself. Principal Fingers even flashed his own set of Crocs.

We're told a Google spreadsheet was distributed throughout the entire school last week, where everyone was told to put down their shoe size ... and then the Principal dropped the news.

He also posted photos of kids on campus opening their bags of PM Crocs -- and as you can see, people seemed pretty pleased. BTW, we're told these were distributed as safely as possible ... clearly, Grapevine's one of the schools in this country that's open right now.

Spike Lee praised Darnella Frazier -- the teen who captured George Floyd's death on video, sparking worldwide protests -- while presenting her with an award for courage.

The famed director said he was "proud of my sister" in presenting Frazier with the 2020 PEN/Benenson Freedom of Expression Courage Award during Tuesday night's PEN America Virtual Gala. Spike made note of what everyone's been saying about Frazer ... her courage to stand there for more than 10 minutes to record every minute of George's last dying breath reverberated around the world.

For her part ... Frazer said everything that transpired after posting the video on social media has been a lot to take in and NOTHING she would have ever imagined. She also said she felt honored about Spike presenting the award.

The org noted Frazer didn't set out to change the world on May 25 ... just another teenager looking out for her young cousin heading to a nearby store when she saw Floyd's encounter with cops ... including ex-cop Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd's neck.

As we reported ... Darnella's bravery didn't come without her facing her own consequences in the aftermath of her video. Her family told us they sought therapy to help Darnella cope with the emotional trauma.

Gayle King says the fact our top former leaders in the U.S. are willing to get a COVID-19 vaccination -- with the world watching -- should be all the proof people need to feel reassured.

We got the CBS News anchor leaving the studio Tuesday in NYC, where we asked what she made of the fact that the 3 most recent former Presidents (plus soon-to-be-former Prez Trump) have said they're willing to get a COVID vaccine live on camera.

She says she's all for it -- anything that gets people to trust the vaccine, in her mind, is a good thing ... and what better way to convince folks than to get a bunch of Commanders in Chief to partake?

We asked if Gayle would be open to having one administered to herself on her own show, and if she'd be courageous enough to take a gamble. The veteran interviewer flipped it on our guy, and asked an even more poignant question ... about bravery and the COVID-19 vaccines. Well played, GK!

The L.A. restaurant owner who called it a "slap in the face" her place is shut down -- while a film set operates next door -- might be back in biz soon ... thanks to an outpouring of support.

Employees at the Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill in Sherman Oaks tell TMZ ... awareness of the restaurant's struggle has skyrocketed and led to an influx of donations. ICYMI ... owner Angela Marsden called out Governor Newsom and L.A. Mayor Garcetti for apparent double standards with COVID-19 restrictions.

Pineapple Hill's GoFundMe has currently raised about $150,000, and we're told because of the generosity, there's a strong chance it will be able to reopen for takeout soon ... allowing employees to earn a much-needed paycheck again.

While celebs like Maria Shriver have encouraged people to donate, we're told others like Ricky Schroder, Todd Hoffman (Wheels from "Meatballs") and Maria's son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, have also hit up the restaurant directly, offering to help in any way possible.

As for the restaurant's newfound fame ... employees tell us it's a team effort right now to keep spreading the word about why small businesses need to be allowed to operate outdoors. Some of the workers are even helping Marsden schedule media interviews to do so.

Pineapple Grill tells us it did get some backlash from people who thought they were doing a disservice to the entertainment workers who were being employed on the film set. It wants to clarify it has no problem with that, and it supports all those who were working on the set of NBC's "Good Girls" that day.

Cops in Georgia are searching for this maniac who stabbed a teenage Dunkin' Donuts worker -- on video -- because the joint didn't have the flavor he wanted.

This went down over the weekend in Union City, GA where a drive-thru customer got irate the Dunkin' had run out of his favorite donut. Union City PD tells TMZ ... the guy left, but returned a short time later and went inside to start arguing with the employee.

You can see from the video, things got violent quickly ... as the suspect started flailing away with a knife ... stabbing the 17-year-old worker twice -- once in the left forearm and the upper arm.

The suspect fled before cops arrived ... bolting in a red Audi with a female passenger. Police are still looking for him, and asking for the public's help.

Here it is -- some of the first clear, up-close video of Donald Trump's golf swing ... and it's, uh, something!!!

Golf pro P.J. Cowan -- who's a swing coach for players of all ages -- shared the footage of a round with #45 this week ... showing off a perfect view of one of POTUS' drives.

You can see in the clip ... Donald PIPES the golf ball -- which is kind of surprising, given the uneasiness of his swing.

The 74-year-old has a little jerky motion in his backswing ... but to his credit, the guy is still able to square up the clubface and drive it a mile.

"My man Mr DT," Cowan wrote along with the video. "Textbook."

Trump and most of those who have golfed with him recently have talked glowingly about his game ... with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham saying over the summer that Donald shot a 74 in one of the rounds they played.

FYI -- a 74 is REALLY good ... some pros don't even hit that mark on a regular basis!

"He beat me like a drum!" Graham said at the time.

Then again, others who have played with Trump in the past have sworn he's a cheat on the course ... with Barack Obama recently saying of DT, "There’s sometimes problems with the scoring. And whether he’s keeping track of his strokes."

Manny Ramirez is a Boston legend -- so when he saw a man wearing a Red Sox hat in Australia, he wanted to give the guy a thrill!

What he got instead was the cold shoulder -- the guy didn't have a CLUE he was talking to THE Manny Ramirez ... and the whole exchange is pretty hilarious!

The Tik Tok video was shot by Rachel Balkovec -- a hitting coach for the NY Yankees who also works for the Sydney Bluesox in Australia.

And, since Manny signed a 1-year deal with the Bluesox back in August, the two have been working together Down Under.

The two hit up a local restaurant, which is where Manny -- who made 8 All-Star teams during his run with the Sox -- saw a man wearing a Boston hat.

"Excuse me, nice hat! Can I ask you a question?" Manny said to the man ... "Who's your favorite player?"

The man -- clearly clueless he's talking to the 2004 World Series MVP -- replied, "Are you serious?! It's my girlfriend. Why?"

Dude, chill!!!

Manny didn't want any smoke -- and responded, "No, no, no ... it's just a nice hat" ... before walking off.

Hey, props to Manny for TRYING to make a cool moment with an alleged fan in a foreign country.

The guy who used to run Israel's space security program is sounding the alarm -- claiming aliens are real, and they're secretly working with our governments and biding their time.

Haim Eshed reportedly told the Israeli publication Yediot Aharonot he can confirm the existence of aliens, because he claims they've been among us for a damn long time. He even says they have their own org ... the "Galactic Federation."

Not only that, but Eshed -- who worked for the Israeli government from '81 to 2010 -- also alleges President Trump was about to blow the lid off the whole thing recently, but that he was convinced to shut his trap, 'cause most humans weren't ready for the truth ... yet.

The 87-year-old reportedly said, "There’s an agreement between the U.S. government and the aliens. They signed a contract with us to do experiments here. They, too, are researching and trying to understand the whole fabric of the universe, and they want us as helpers."

So ... they come in peace???

One more outlandish claim -- Eshed said there's an underground space base on Mars RIGHT NOW, where man and alien are working side-by-side for the betterment of the "Federation."

Ooookay ... so why's he going public? Much like comedy, Eshed says it's all about timing -- noting that if he had brought this up 5 years ago, he would've been written off as nuts.

BTW, plenty of people are still going with that take ... insinuating the dude's not all there anymore.

Conspiracy theorists, on the other hand, are pointing to Trump's fascination with ramping up Space Force, as evidence Eshed's on to something. And, don't get us started with UFO sightings either.

Remember, Obama all but confirmed the existence of aliens himself too -- but wasn't as loose-lipped as old Haim is here.

An NYPD cop went ballistic on a Trump supporter who wouldn't wear a mask in public ... a guy who cussed the cop out ... despite waving a pro-police flag.

The shouting match was captured on video this weekend in NYC at 30 Rock, where Trump supporters came face-to-face with counter-protesters. Of course, many in the Trump crowd weren't masked up -- and eventually, an officer got involved.

The cop was trying to talk over the Trump-er and the other NYC demonstrators, but wasn't getting anywhere ... that is, until she screamed at the top of her lungs.

It's kinda funny, but also pretty shocking ... because she then gets in the face of the main antagonist here (the dude with the red MAGA hat, sans mask) and they start exchanging heated words. She cools down by trying to talk to the other side, which seem more receptive to her words, but then goes right back to jawboning with the Trump supporter.

BTW, the Trump guy is holding a huge black and blue flag -- colloquially known as a Back the Blue symbol -- but he's not showing a whole lot of respect to the badge in person.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME ... Kornacki?!

That's what football fans got on Sunday night -- when MSNBC's lord of the big board took his talents to the NFL!

Kornacki -- who became a viral sensation in November for his election updates -- was called on to break down the NFL playoff picture on NBC's "Football Night in America" ... and stayed true to form.

Fast talking, lots of numbers, some hypothesizing ... and, of course, the trademark khaki pants!

Among the highlights, Kornacki pointed out the NY Giants' playoff chances jumped from 30% to 45% with a win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday ... and he expects that number to grow further.

Over in the AFC, Kornacki was impressed with the Cleveland Browns -- pointing out they have a 97% shot at making the post-season.

"it's not quite 100% ... but they are 97% away to the first one (playoff appearance) in 18 years," he said with a smile.