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Record Christmas Day Snowfall Recorded In Pittsburgh - CBS Pittsburgh

Snowfall in Pittsburgh on Christmas Day broke all-time records, with 5.1 inches of snow, breaking the previous record set 85 years ago.

By: KDKA-TV News Staff PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It was officially a White Christmas in Pittsburgh and a record breaking Christmas Day. A new snowfall record was set at Pittsburgh on December 25, 2020. 5.1 inches of snow was recorded for the day. This breaks the old record of 3.5 inches set in 1935. — NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) December 26, 2020 According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, 5.1 inches of snow fell on Friday, breaking the all-time record. (Photo Credit: KDKA Photojournalist Brian Smithmyer) This makes 2020 the snowiest Christmas in Pittsburgh history, breaking the previous record set 85 years ago in 1935.

Great Mall in Milpitas Temporarily Placed on Lockdown Following Shooting - CBS San Francisco

Police investigated a shooting Saturday night at the Great Mall in Milpitas and people temporarily sheltered in place.

MILPITAS (CBS SF/AP) — The Milpitas police department investigated a shooting Saturday night at a shopping center and people temporarily sheltered in place. At 8:30 p.m., the department said officers were escorting store employees and shoppers out of the Great Mall. The all-clear was given around 9:30 p.m. Police say two people went to the hospital for unrelated medical emergencies during evacuations. After lockdown #GreatMallshootingpic.twitter.com/ut6FgAzGNr — Alicia (@QnBch) December 20, 2020 The shooting was first reported at 5:32 p.m. Great Mall in Milpitas was placed on lockdown Saturday night following a shooting. (CBS) Angelo Palma said that he and a friend were coming from a church meeting when they decided to stop by the mall. He said they were in a store when they saw people running. “Everyone starts running,” Palma said. “A shooting! Everyone just started running. People were running forward, people were running back. People were falling. It was hectic.” There are currently no threats to the public, police said. Police said there were no other victims linked the the shooting. Detectives and crime scene investigators remained on the scene Saturday night actively investigating the incident. Police have not released any information about a potential suspect in the shooting. © Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press and Bay City News contributed to this report

Country Music Legend Charley Pride Dies Of COVID-19 Complications In Dallas - CBS Dallas / Fort Worth

Country music legend Charley Pride has died at the age of 86 of complications from COVID-19 in Dallas, his representative announced Saturday.

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – Country music legend Charley Pride has died at the age of 86 of complications from COVID-19 in Dallas, his representative announced Saturday. Pride was known as a trailblazer for Black artists in the world of country music. In the late 1960s to the early 1970s, he was known for hit singles such as “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone,” and “I’d Rather Love You.” From 1967 to 1987, Pride had 52 Top 10 country hits, numerous Grammy awards and became RCA Records’ top-selling country artist. Charley Pride attends the 54th annual CMA Awards at the Music City Center on November 11, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMA) His last performance was “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” at the CMA Awards on Nov. 11, 2020 at Nashville’s Music City Center. Pride was raised in Sledge, Mississippi, the son of a sharecropper. He had seven brothers and three sisters. In 2008 while accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the Mississippi Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts, Pride said he never focused on race. “My older sister one time said, ‘Why are you singing THEIR music?’” Pride said. “But we all understand what the y’all-and-us-syndrome has been. See, I never as an individual accepted that, and I truly believe that’s why I am where I am today.” As a young man before launching his singing career, he was a pitcher and outfielder in the Negro American League with the Memphis Red Sox and in the Pioneer League in Montana. After playing minor league baseball a couple of years, he ended up in Helena, Montana, where he worked in a zinc smelting plant by day and played country music in nightclubs at night. After a tryout with the New York Mets, he visited Nashville and broke into country music when Chet Atkins, head of RCA Records, heard two of his demo tapes and signed him. To ensure that Pride was judged on his music and not his race, his first few singles were sent to radio stations without a publicity photo. After his identity became known, a few country radio stations refused to play his music. For the most part, though, Pride said he was well received. Early in his career, he would put white audiences at ease when he joked about his “permanent tan.” “Music is the greatest communicator on the planet Earth,” he said in 1992. “Once people heard the sincerity in my voice and heard me project and watched my delivery, it just dissipated any apprehension or bad feeling they might have had.” Throughout his career, he sang positive songs instead of sad ones often associated with country music. “Music is a beautiful way of expressing oneself and I truly believe music should not be taken as a protest,” he told The Associated Press in 1985. “You can go too far in anything — singing, acting, whatever — and become politicized to the point you cease to be an entertainer.” In 1994, he wrote his autobiography, “Pride: The Charley Pride Story,” in which he disclosed he was mildly manic depressive. He had surgery in 1997 to remove a tumor from his right vocal cord. He received the Living Legend award from The Nashville Network/Music City News, recognizing 30 years of achievement, in 1997. Instead of flowers, Pride’s family is asking for fans to donate to the The Pride Scholarship at Jesuit College Preparatory School, St. Philips School and Community Center, the Food Bank or other charities. Pride was a minority owner in the Texas Rangers baseball team. The team released a statement on his death. “The Rangers have been honored to have Mr. Pride be a part of the team’s ownership group for the last ten years. A longtime resident of this area, he was a regular at home games when his schedule permitted. He sang The Star Spangled Banner one final time before the first regular season game ever played at Globe Life Field on July 24. Mr. Pride was a true gentleman, and we will never forget the lasting contributions he has made to the Texas Rangers organization. We express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Pride’s family and friends on this sad day.”  Popular music venue Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth tweeted its condolences. “It’s with heavy hearts that we share that our friend Charley Pride has passed away at the age of 86. Charley played here at the World’s Largest Honky Tonk many times over the years, cementing his mark on the club with his handprints in 1992. Our thoughts are with his loved ones,” the venue said. Its with heavy hearts that we share that our friend Charley Pride has passed away at the age of 86. Charley played here at the Worlds Largest Honky Tonk many times over the years, cementing his mark on the club with his handprints in 1992. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/nGDjdTMWHa — Billy Bob's Texas (@BillyBobsTexas) December 12, 2020 (© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.) MORE FROM CBSDFW

Northern Colorado Could See Small Glimpse Of Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights - CBS Denver

Slight chance for a glimpse of Aurora Borealis as far south as northern Colorado.

DENVER (CBS4) – This year of 2020 may have cancelled many events, but it can’t stop the Northern Lights from putting on a big show. The Aurora Borealis is going to have a big surge this Wednesday night the 9th through Friday the 11th. The burst will be large enough to be seen farther south than usual. The increase in visibility is being caused by a extra strong blast of solar energy from a storm on the sun known as a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). This rare phenomenon allows the lights to be viewed in many areas that don’t normally have the opportunity. (credit: Ian Geraghty) NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued geomagnetic storm alerts for Wednesday thru Friday. As the expected solar flares collide with the magnetic force of the North Pole, the Aurora should strengthen and may be able to be glimpsed in an arc from Washington to Maine. This may include a very small chance of seeing a flicker from Denver into southern Wyoming. Credit NOAA Much better views of the lights can be had by driving up into Wyoming or Nebraska. A place like Sheridan for example would have a much better chance at seeing the lights than Denver would. If you do plan on viewing the best time is Wednesday night into Thursday morning away from light pollution (city lights). Thursday night will be bright but, it just won’t the peak of the lights and with a storm coming in the skies wont be clear. RELATED: Stargazer Alert: Jackson Lake Ready For Geminid Meteor Shower

Survey: 55% Of FDNY Members Don’t Want To Take COVID-19 Vaccine - CBS New York

FDNY employees are among the first groups that will be offered the coronavirus vaccine after hospital workers, and nursing home patients and staff. But will they actually take it?

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — FDNY employees are among the first groups that will be offered the coronavirus vaccine after hospital workers, and nursing home patients and staff. But will they actually take it? One union survey says the majority of firefighters may not, CBS2’s Lisa Rozner reported Sunday. About a quarter of firefighters took the survey and 55% said they do not want to take the vaccine right now, while 45% do. MORE: Debate Heats Up Over Who Should Get COVID-19 Vaccine After Health Care Workers And Most Vulnerable The firefighters union said more education is needed on the vaccine to encourage more members to take it, and it wants to know the plan for rollout sooner than later. As CBS2 has been reporting, New York’s first 170,000 doses of the vaccine are coming Dec. 15, but union reps for the firefighters and EMS workers said they haven’t heard when the first doses will actually be available for their members. CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro told Rozner he will get the vaccine, but some feel they’d rather their dose goes to someone more vulnerable or feel they don’t need it because they have the antibodies. “We can’t have this on 24-7, so there is going to be exposures. There is actually about six firehouses that are seeing upticks right now. In my mind, it’s not a lot, but it’s climbing and that’s the real issue. It’s climbing. We’ve gotta get ahead of this,” Ansbro said. Anthony Almojera, the vice president of Uniformed EMS Officers Union Local 3621, which hasn’t done an official survey, believes most of his members will get the vaccine. “The trepidation is in the efficacy of it, the logistics of it, is there any side effects of it,” Anthony Almojera said. “The feeling and the feedback I keep getting is the worry that it was rushed and my answer to them is, yeah, it had to be rushed. We’re in a pandemic, right?” Dr. Bruce Y. Lee of the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health agrees more data needs to be released. He said of the latest press release from Pfizer: “That really focused on the measured efficacy and didn’t indicate a significant side effect rate, but we also have to keep in mind that that was from the first few months of the trial,” Lee said. Rozner did reach out to the FDNY for comment and was waiting to hear back. Last week, it did say it would not make taking the vaccine mandatory for its members. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday he will get his shot in public to show New Yorkers it’s safe and effective. MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK:

Cris Collinsworth Apologizes For On-Air Comments That He Was ‘Blown Away’ By Female NFL Fans Questions During Ravens-Steelers Game - CBS Baltimore

Longtime sports announcer Cris Collinsworth said he is "sick" over his comments on-air during the Ravens-Steelers matchup Wednesday, when he said he was "blown away" by female Steelers fans understanding football so well.

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Longtime sports announcer Cris Collinsworth said he is “sick” over his comments on-air during the Ravens-Steelers matchup Wednesday, when he said he was “blown away” by female Steelers fans understanding football so well. During the second quarter of the game, Collinsworth made a comment about female NFL fans he had run into before the game began. “Everybody’s a fan. In particular, the ladies that I met. They have really specific questions about the game,” he said of the women.  “And I’m like, ‘Wow,’ you’re just blown away by how strong the fans are here in this town.” >>WJZ has a new news app! Download it now!<< After online backlash from him singling out “ladies” questions on the game, he issued an apology statement on Twitter later Wednesday night. MORE RAVENS CONTENT: “Today on our broadcast I made reference to a couple of women that I met in Pittsburgh who so impressed me with their football knowledge that I wanted to tell their story on the air. I know the way I phrased it insulted many. I’m so sorry,” he said. pic.twitter.com/pT5NqD5oDs — Cris Collinsworth (@CollinsworthPFF) December 3, 2020 “What I intended as a compliment to the fans of Pittsburgh, became an insult. I’m sick about insulting any fan, but especially female fans and journalists. I know first hand how much harder they have to work than any of us in this industry. I was wrong and I deeply apologize,” Collinsworth added. The Steelers beat the Ravens, whose roster was depleted by COVID-19 in the last week, 19-14 on Wednesday.

Vic Fangio ‘Disappointed’ Drew Lock And Other Broncos Quarterbacks Put Team In Difficult Position - CBS Denver

Quarterbacks Drew Lock, Brett Rypien and Blake Bortles were pulled off the practice field and sent home after the NFL deemed them high-risk close contacts of Jeff Driskel, who tested positive for COVID.

DENVER (CBS4/AP) – Quarterbacks Drew Lock, Brett Rypien and Blake Bortles were pulled off the Broncos practice field Saturday and sent home after the NFL deemed them high-risk close contacts of Jeff Driskel, who tested positive for the coronavirus on Thanksgiving Day. It turns out, the four Denver QBs had gathered for some film study on their own Tuesday, the players’ day off, “which is commendable,” coach Vic Fangio said after Denver’s 31-3 loss to New Orleans on Sunday. Drew Lock during practice last week (credit: CBS) But the four QBs didn’t wear their mandated masks or keep their social distance, something the league discovered in looking at surveillance footage. None were allowed to play against the Saints. An hour before kickoff, Lock issued an apology, an explanation and a defense in a lengthy Twitter post. “In a controlled and socially distanced area, we let our masking slip for a limited amount of time. An honest mistake, but one I will own,” Lock wrote, adding, “I sincerely apologize and I fully understand why these safety precautions are so important. Doing the right thing for a majority of the time is not good enough.” Fangio, whose team fell to 4-7 with Kendall Hinton as the emergency starter at QB, said he was “disappointed on a couple of levels” that his quarterbacks’ actions put his team and the NFL into a difficult position. (credit: CBS) “We count on them to be the leaders of the team and leaders of the offense and those guys made a mistake and that is disappointing,” Fangio said. “Obviously, I haven’t done a good enough job of selling the protocols to them when they are on their own so part of that could fall on me. I thought I was. “We have emphasized it a lot and we’re really doing good with COVID up to this point … relative to other teams. There was a failing there and that’s disappointing.” When the league informed the Broncos that their QBs had violated COVID-19 protocols and had to quarantine, the Broncos pleaded with league commissioner Roger Goodell to postpone their game against the Saints a day or two. Making that argument were Fangio, who was fined earlier this season for not wearing a mask on the sideline, and two executives in general manager John Elway and team president Joe Ellis who were infected by the virus earlier this month. “I feel like maybe it could have been moved, but at the same time, maybe the league (was) just making an example of us,” said safety Kareem Jackson. Fangio demurred when asked if the NFL’s refusal to push the game back was unfair, saying that was a question for Elway or Ellis. “Terribly unfortunate,” Elway posted on Facebook after the league disqualified his three healthy quarterbacks. (© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

‘Very Excited’: Doctors React To News That COVID Vaccines Will Arrive At Denver Health In A Few Weeks - CBS Denver

The COVID-19 vaccine is expected at Denver Health in just a few weeks.

DENVER (CBS4) – The COVID-19 vaccine is expected at Denver Health in just a few weeks. This comes on the same day that Colorado successfully completed a simulation to help prepare for the arrival of the coronavirus vaccine. (credit: CBS) “We’re very excited. This is what we view as a solution, as our ‘out’ to this pandemic,” Dr. Connie Price, Denver Health Chief Medical Officer said. CBS4’s Brian Maass confirmed the news with Dr. Price shortly after obtaining a bulletin sent out to employees this week. The vaccine is expected to be the Pfizer vaccine, which is still pending FDA approval but is expected to pass. Once that happens, the rollout is expected to be quick. It could arrive as soon as mid-December. “The first is our health care workers, so there’s a phase one which includes health care workers, it includes those that are in long-term care facilities, and the highest risk individuals,” she explained. There will be a priority system in place. “If you’re not in the first priority group, don’t sweat it, you will soon get a vaccine,” she said. The vaccine will require two scheduled visits, three weeks apart. (credit: CBS) “If you got the Pfizer vaccine for your first dose, we need to make sure we got you the Pfizer vaccine for your second dose,” she said. And Dr. Price wants to set some expectations. “When some people get the flu vaccine, sometimes they feel a sore arm, sometimes they feel a little bit ill,” she cautioned. Denver Health expects to be handling thousands of vaccines and that means, they’re also planning to ensure they have enough storage. “It needs a special freezer that can get down to temperatures of -80,” she added. (credit: Pfizer) Once widely available, Dr. Price also said, those who have already had the virus may want to get the vaccine too. “That’s because we don’t have a full understanding of COVID-19, of whether that previous infection allows you to have sustained immunity,” she said.

Attorney: Mike Lindell Among Those Who Paid To Bail Out Kyle Rittenhouse, Charged In Kenosha Protest Shootings - CBS Minnesota

A 17-year-old from Illinois who is charged with killing two people during a protest in Wisconsin and whose case has become a rallying cry for some conservatives posted $2 million bail Friday and was released from custody.

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP/WCCO) A 17-year-old from Illinois who is charged with killing two people during a protest in Wisconsin and whose case has become a rallying cry for some conservatives posted $2 million bail Friday and was released from custody. Kyle Rittenhouse is accused of fatally shooting Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz during a demonstration Aug. 25 that followed the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. He posted bond through his attorney at about 2 p.m., Kenosha County Sheriff’s Sgt. David Wright said. Rittenhouse, of Antioch, Illinois, told police he was attacked while he was guarding a business and that he fired in self-defense. Attorney Lin Wood, on Twitter, claimed that among the people who paid into a fund to bail Rittenhouse out was MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. Wood was already in the news earlier Friday after a failed election affidavit filed in defense of President Donald Trump reportedly confused the postal code for Michigan with that of Minnesota. Rittenhouse faces multiple charges, including intentional homicide, reckless endangerment and being a minor in possession of a firearm. Wisconsin law doesnt permit minors to carry or possess a gun unless theyre hunting. He is due back in court on Dec. 3 for a preliminary hearing. His case has taken on political overtones. Supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement have painted Rittenhouse as a trigger-happy white supremacist. Conservatives upset over property destruction during recent protests have portrayed him as a patriot exercising his right to bear arms during unrest. A legal defense fund for him has attracted millions of dollars in donations, and his mother got a standing ovation from women at a Waukesha County GOP function in September. Huber’s father, John Huber, asked Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner Loren Keating during a hearing Nov. 2 to set Rittenhouse’s bail between $4 million and $10 million. Huber said Rittenhouse thinks he’s above the law and noted the effort to raise money on his behalf. He also suggested militia groups would hide him from police if he were released. Rittenhouse’s attorney, Mark Richards, asked for $750,000 bail. Keating ultimately set bail at $2 million, saying Rittenhouse was a flight risk given the seriousness of the charges against him. (© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny County Issues Stay-At-Home Public Health Advisory - CBS Pittsburgh

The Allegheny County Health Department is enacting a stay-at-home advisory, saying people should only leave their homes for work, school and essential activities

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Allegheny County Health Department is enacting a stay-at-home advisory, saying people should only leave their homes for work, school and essential activities amid a surge in coronavirus cases. Allegheny County leaders held their weekly coronavirus briefing on Wednesday as the Pittsburgh area continues to see what County Executive Rich Fitzgerald called “alarming numbers.” WATCH: County Officials Give Update On Coronavirus Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen announced the advisory, which is effective immediately, saying the rise in cases was “very concerning.” “For the past few weeks, I’ve asked people to follow the rules, curtail gatherings and parties, stay home except for essentials and wear masks,” Dr. Debra Bogen said. “I’m done asking, and today I’m telling you that these are things we must all do to bring down the level of spread and keep our community safe. Today I am issuing a stay-at-home and ‘stop social gatherings’ public health advisory.” CLICK HERE: TO READ THE FULL ADVISORY It’s not an enforced stay-at-home order, but rather clear recommendations about staying home and stopping social gatherings. She says people can only leave their homes for work, school and essential activities like medical care or grocery shopping. People also shouldn’t have guests at their home, and she’s asking people to cancel their traditional Thanksgiving gatherings involving members of other households. WATCH: KDKA’s Royce Jones Has More It comes as Allegheny set another single-day record with 620 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours. Two more deaths were attributed to COVID-19 Wednesday. Dr. Bogen said this increase in cases threatens our health systems because more people are being hospitalized. An increase in deaths also trails a few weeks behind a rise in case, she said. She said this sharp increase in cases isn’t because of increased testing, and that percent-positivity rates continue to climb. Fitzgerald said case numbers are escalating because of after-work and after-school activities. With a vaccine possibly months away, he says now is not the time to let our guard down. “We can do this,” he said. “I know we can do this.” RELATED STORIES: He also called on people to mask up, calling wearing a mask “patriotic.” Amid a fall resurgence of coronavirus, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine strengthened the mask mandate and issued a testing order for out-of-state travelers Tuesday. WATCH: KDKA’s Lindsay Ward’s Morning Update On Your Day Pittsburgh Statewide, masks are now required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you’re away from home. Anyone who visits from another state is required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entering Pennsylvania. If they can’t or choose not to get a test, or they’re still waiting on results, they have to quarantine for 14 days. The same goes for Pennsylvanians visiting other states and returning home. Allegheny County’s stay-at-home advisory is in place for 30 days or until Dr. Bogen determines it’s appropriate to change it.

Sunday Night Weather In Mass. Features Severe Thunderstorms, Powerful Winds - CBS Boston

A powerful cold front moved through Massachusetts on Sunday, sparking showers and embedded thunderstorms, along with strong to damaging wind gusts.

BOSTON (CBS) — After a dry finish to the weekend, a powerful cold front moved through Massachusetts on Sunday, sparking showers and embedded thunderstorms, along with strong to damaging wind gusts. (WBZ-TV graphic) A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH was put in effect for the area (until 2 a.m on Monday). (WBZ-TV graphic) A WIND ADVISORY was also issued on Sunday ahead of the cold front passage. It was in effect until 1 a.m. on Monday. Southerly winds ahead of the front gusted 50+ mph in some areas. The strongest winds coincided with the passage of the front between 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. from west to east. (WBZ-TV graphic) Gusty downpours impacted the Patriots game at Gillette on Sunday night. (WBZ-TV graphic) As the front pushes off the coast early Monday, winds will then turn out of the west and remain blustery through the day. Despite highs in the upper 40s to low 50s, the wind will make it feel 10 degrees cooler. (WBZ-TV graphic) A second, less potent front will slide through the area on Tuesday. This front may stir up the clouds and allow for a short-lived sprinkle or flurry. Any activity will be isolated to scattered and shouldn’t amount to much. This front, however, will introduce a blast of cold air into area midweek. (WBZ-TV graphic) Those 70s we enjoyed last week are going to be way in the past by the time we get into Wednesday. Highs will struggle to get out of the mid-30s. BRRRR….

Celebrities Send Out Prayers For Reportedly Hospitalized Rapper, Singer Jeremih - CBS Los Angeles

"Everywhere We Are" rapper Jeremih is reportedly ill and fellow artists are sending out their thoughts for his recovery.

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — “Everywhere We Are” rapper Jeremih is reportedly ill and fellow artists are sending out their thoughts for his recovery. Chance The Rapper, rappers 50 Cent and Big Sean, and producer Hitmaka, among others, took to social media on Saturday to ask everyone to keep Jeremih, born Jeremy Phillip Felton, in their prayers. Please if you can take a second to pray for my friend Jeremih, he is like a brother to me and hes ill right now. I believe in the healing power of Jesus so if you can for me please please say a prayer over him — Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) November 14, 2020 Praying for my dawg @Jeremih — Metro Boomin (@MetroBoomin) November 15, 2020 Prayers up, praying for your strength @Jeremih — Sean Don (@BigSean) November 14, 2020 The nature of Jeremih’s illness was not officially disclosed, but rapper 50 Cent said in an Instagram post that the cause was coronavirus-related. Please check back for updates.