NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The NYPD deployed officers to the city’s Asian communities Tuesday night in response to the deadly shootings in Georgia.

The NYPD said officers from the NYPD Critical Response Command were sent to areas such as Flushing, Sunset Park and Chinatown in Manhattan.

As CBS News reported, at least eight people were killed in shootings at three Atlanta-area spas Tuesday.

A suspect was taken into custody in connection with one of the shootings, and Atlanta police said it is “extremely likely” he is also the suspect in the other two shootings.

Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant said it appears all the victims are female and “it appears that they may be Asian.”

Officials have not yet determined a motive for the shootings. The investigation is ongoing.

Stay with CBSN New York and CBSNewYork.com for the latest on this developing story.

By Mark McIntyre, CBS2 Meteorologist/Weather Producer

Good Wednesday morning everyone, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

A cloudy and cold start to the day with temps in the mid 30s in NYC, upper 20s for the ‘burbs… but some breaks of sun this afternoon with temps nearing 50!

Later today though, clouds will thicken back up and temps will stay pretty steady in the mid 40s overnight. Thursday morning will start off dry, but by afternoon rain will move in and will be steady and even heavy at times overnight… some localized flooding is possible so be cautious out on the roads!

The heavy rain will end Friday morning but cold air will swoop in at the same time, so some snow showers are possible before everything is over… perhaps a final parting shot of winter before spring officially arrives Saturday!

Yegor Sharangovich and Sami Vatanen also had goals as the Devils ended an 11-game losing streak (0-10-1) on home ice. Mackenzie Blackwood made 33 saves.

“They made a push there in the third period and we didn’t break,” Wood said. “We stuck to the structure that was in place and we bought into that. Four lines, six D and Blackwood played well in net, that’s what it takes to win.”

Tobias Rieder and Jeff Skinner scored for Buffalo but the Sabres lost their 12th straight (0-10-2), the third-longest slide in franchise history. Jonas Johansson stopped 23 shots in his sixth start of the season.

“It was an excellent effort but we are not rewarded for effort, we are rewarded for results,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said. “Very painful at the moment. Frustrating. Opportunity was there. … We came here to win, and we didn’t get it.”

Wood redirected Jesper Bratt’s shot from the point at 4:52 of the third for his team-leading ninth goal. P.K. Subban also assisted on the play.

“I’ve asked a lot of him and he’s responded,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said of Wood’. “I still think there’s more upside to Miles’ game but the speed that he brings, and the way he can create chances on his own, it’s a tool that a lot of players just don’t have.”

Sabres forward Eric Staal had two opportunities to score a late equalizer, but Blackwood came up with his two best stops of the night in the final minute.

“Everyone did a great job digging in for each other and making up for one play here, one play there, trying to block shots and boxouts,” Blackwood said. “It was good to see.”

Buffalo scored two goals 57 seconds apart in the second period to take a 2-1 lead.

Wood failed to corral a bouncing puck in his own zone and Rieder quickly fired a shot from the right circle past Blackwood.

Skinner added his second of the season with a nifty forehand-backhand maneuver prior to roofing the puck at 7:10. Buffalo defenseman Brandon Montour started the sequence with an impressive outlet pass as the Devils were changing. Casey Mittelstadt also assisted on the play.

Vatanen tied it with a wrist shot from the blue line while Nathan Bastian screened Johansson at 10:39 of the second. Janne Kuokkanen extended his point streak to five games with the primary assist.

Sharangovich opened the scoring with a wrist shot from the slot at 17:40 of the first period. The 22-year-old forward has six goals this season and extended his point streak to three games. Damon Severson and Travis Zajac assisted.

“We just have to keep doing the same things, playing our game and the wins will come,” Vatanen said. “We just have to get over the edge and keep grinding.”

HISCHIER UPDATE

Before the game, New Jersey announced that captain Nico Hischier had surgery Monday to repair the frontal sinus fracture he sustained Feb. 27. Hischier is expected back in approximately three weeks.

ALTERNATE SWEATERS

The Sabres and Devils both wore their reverse retro jerseys.

BACK-TO-BACK

Buffalo wrapped up its eighth set of back-to-back games this season. The Sabres are 2-6-0 in the first game and 1-7-0 in the second.

UP NEXT

Sabres: Host the Boston Bruins on Thursday.

Devils: Host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.

(© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Fueled by a perceived snub, Harris has become a closer in the clutch and kept Philadelphia rolling without Joel Embiid.

Harris scored 30 points, Seth Curry had 20 and the 76ers beat the Knicks 99-96 on Tuesday night for their sixth straight win.

“That’s for sure what I said,” Harris said. “I’m just reaffirming that to myself. I know the fans know that. I just try and find motivation in different areas and that’s one of them.”

The Sixers (28-12) maintained their grip atop the Eastern Conference standings, in large part because Harris got hot in the final minutes. He scored seven straight points, including the tying bucket from 3-feet out and a go-ahead layup that made it 96-92.

He then yelled his All-Star proclamation loud enough for a sellout crowd of 3,071 fans to hear. Harris believed he should have joined teammates Ben Simmons and Embiid in Atlanta.

“I’m sure it fuels him,” 76ers coach Doc Rivers said. “I think Tobias wants to win more, but I still think he thinks he should have been on the All-Star team. I agree with that. ”

Simmons had 16 points and 13 rebounds and has never lost — 13-0 — against the Knicks.

Julius Randle had 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Knicks, and RJ Barrett scored 17 points.

The Sixers, again playing without injured All-Star Joel Embiid, had won all three games since the All-Star break by at least 22 points. The Knicks made them work for this one.

The Sixers reserves rallied them in the fourth. Matisse Thybulle and Furkan Korkmaz buried consecutive 3s that brought the Sixers within four and they stayed on the court when Simmons and Harris checked back into the game. Dwight Howard kept it a four-point game on a clean block on Randle’s drive — no restraint needed — and Simmons scored consecutive baskets that made it 89-87.

Curry gave the Sixers a 90-89 lead when he buried a 3 with 5:01 left.

Randle had to be held back by Knicks teammates after the buzzer following a call that went against him in the final seconds of a loss a night earlier to Brooklyn. The All-Star forward was furious when he was whistled for a travel and the play was not reviewed. Randle’s first season in New York has otherwise been fantastic. The crowd was sprinkled with Knicks fans and there was a brief “MVP!” chant when he went to the free-throw line in the first half. The Sixers promptly turned up the artificial noise.

Randle nearly had a triple-double through three quarters and helped the Knicks pick up their offense over the next two quarters. The Knicks led just 21-20 after a first quarter stuffed with missed shots in an ugly start to the game.

“The 90s are excited about this game,” 76ers President Daryl Morey tweeted.

The Knicks collapsed in the fourth and scored just 14 points on 5-of-19 shooting.

“It shows us the work necessary to get over the hump,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said.

TIP-INS

Knicks: G Derrick Rose remained out because of COVID protocols. “He’s feeling a lot better,” Thibodeau said.

76ers: Embiid turned 27. … Rivers had Thibodeau on his staff in Boston when the Celtics won the 2008 NBA title. The two have remained close through the years. “He is one of those guys whose love is basketball. Early on, I tried to get him out of the office. And then I realized that would make him unhappy,” Rivers said. “So let I him be.”

FAMILY AFFAIR

Rivers should have been coaching against his son, but Austin remained away from the team. Rivers lost his spot in New York’s rotation earlier this season when the Knicks acquired Rose and has been officially ruled out because of “personal reasons.”

Doc Rivers said he never talked about his son’s situation with Thibodeau.

“I don’t call coaches and suggest who they should play. I just don’t,” Rivers said. “If it’s your son or not, I stay away from that.”

Rivers also declined to comment on Austin’s personal and professional life.

HE SAID IT

Howard had 11 points and 12 rebounds off the bench for the Sixers. The key to Howard becoming a super reserve this season?

“Probably the drinks he had in Puerto Rico, or wherever he was over the break,” Rivers said.

UP NEXT

Knicks: Host Orlando on Thursday.

76ers: Host the Bucks on Wednesday in the teams’ first meeting this season.

(© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Ovechkin scored his 718th goal to pass Phil Esposito and became the second active player to record 1,300 points, vaulting the Capitals into first place in the East Division by beating the New York Islanders 3-1 Tuesday night.

“A goal is a goal — it’s always a nice feeling to get it,” Ovechkin said. “It was very good match, big points and obviously big numbers.”

Washington snapped New York’s winning streak at nine and point streak at 12. The Capitals have won six in a row and 10 of their past 11 to move ahead of the Islanders in the standings.

Ovechkin is a big reason for that. The longtime captain has goals in four consecutive games and five of six and is tied with longtime running mate Nicklas Backstrom, who also scored, for the team lead with 12 this season.

“We’ve seen him do it year after year,” Backstrom said of Ovechkin. “It’s just so impressive. I think the way he shoots the puck, the way he scores, the way he plays the game is just fun to see. As a teammate, you’re just enjoying every moment.”

Goal No. 718 also came against former Capitals teammate and countryman Semyon Varlamov, his supporting actor in the classic Russian spy “This is SportsCenter” ESPN commercial. Ovechkin hadn’t been able to get his timing quite right on his trademark one-timer but didn’t miss this time.

“I just have to hit the net,” he said. “Finally.”

Ovechkin is 13 goals shy of tying Marcel Dionne for fifth and needs 177 more to break Wayne Gretzky’s record.

“You are a fantastic hockey player,” Esposito said in a video message congratulating Ovechkin for passing him. “I don’t know how you score all those goals with the way these guys block shots with the great equipment that they wear. Good luck.”

With Ovechkin leading the way, the Capitals handed the Islanders their first loss since Feb. 27 and first in regulation since Feb. 20. The Islanders outshot the Capitals early but couldn’t cash in and paid the price.

“We’d like to keep them off the power play a little more,” Islanders winger Josh Bailey said. “They found a way to put a couple of them in on us there. Those are areas you can’t give these guys too many opportunities like that.”

Ovechkin didn’t just score himself. He made a perfect pass to spring Evgeny Kuznetsov into the offensive zone and picked up the secondary assist when T.J. Oshie picked up the rebound and scored.

That was Ovechkin’s 1,300th career point, making him the 35th player in history to reach that mark. Greybeard Joe Thornton is the only other active player on that list at 1,521.

With his 1,301st point on the power-play goal — his 264th, third all-time — Ovechkin also passed recently elected Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla for 33rd on the career scoring list. Barry Trotz, who coached the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018 and moved on to the Islanders said he wished he wasn’t in the building for another Ovechkin milestone.

“I do recognize his greatness and the milestones,” Trotz said. “I cheer for him, no question. Just not when he plays against us.”

LONG LIVE THE STREAK

The Islanders were a buzz saw during their winning streak, outscoring opponents 30-15 and needing to go past regulation for a victory just twice. They won their previous two without captain and second-leading scorer Anders Lee, who’s on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury.

Oliver Wahlstrom scored on the power play for New York’s only goal Tuesday night, when something was missing compared to the team’s play in recent weeks.

“It could’ve been a different game if we found a way to score early,” Bailey said. “It just wasn’t in the cards tonight.”

ALMOST ANOTHER SHUTOUT

Wahlstrom’s third-period goal ended Washington’s team shutout streak at just over 107 minutes. A day after Vitek Vanecek registered his first NHL shutout at Buffalo, Ilya Samsonov made 21 saves in the second half of the Capitals’ back-to-back set.

“I feel much better right now,” Samsonov said. “Thank you, team. We was play unbelievable today.”

BARZAL BENCHED

Trotz benched leading scorer Mathew Barzal for the first eight minutes of the third period after he took the penalty that led to Ovechkin’s goal and wasn’t good on his first shift out of the box. Barzal has a team-high 32 penalty minutes.

“It absolutely was a message,” Trotz said. “He’s leading our team in penalties right now. It should be a Matt Martin or a Casey Cizikas or someone like that. Barzy should not lead our team in penalty minutes. I didn’t like the penalty and I didn’t like the shift after that.”

LINEUP SHUFFLING

Jean-Gabriel Pageau returned to the Islanders lineup after missing their last game while on the NHL COVID protocol list. Defenseman Noah Dobson remained on the list and missed a second consecutive game.

Washington again dressed seven defensemen with center Lars Eller out because of a lower-body injury and no salary cap space to make another move. Winger Tom Wilson served the sixth game of his seven-game suspension.

UP NEXT

Islanders: Host the Flyers on Thursday for the first of three in a row against them, two on Long Island and one at Philadelphia.

Capitals: Host the New York Rangers on Friday in the first half of a back-to-back series.

(© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Gov. Andrew Cuomo‘s political problems mounted Tuesday as the State Senate majority leader now says she thinks an impeachment trial would result in conviction for the three term chief executive.

As CBS2’s political reporter Marcia Kramer reports, the question about Cuomo that was put to State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins was simple and straightforward: Does the upper house have the votes to impeach New York’s chief executive?

“You know, I think a majority of my members have come out and suggested that the governor should resign, so I haven’t canvassed anyone, but I think the majority of my members have spoken,” Stewart-Cousins said.

Although seven women have come forward charging Cuomo with sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior, a lot has to happen before the governor would face a Senate trial.

First, the Assembly would have to vote articles of impeachment. The lower house is still at the investigation stage, hiring an outside lawyer to conduct a wide-ranging probe. It will not be limited to the sexual harassment charges – it will include nursing homes and problems with the Mario Cuomo bridge, among other things.

TIMELINE: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Under Investigation For Nursing Home Deaths, Sexual Harassment Allegations

“We have a wide range of issues that come up, and every one of those concerns is very important,” said Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Queens).

Kim – who claims the governor bullied him over the nursing home investigation — also wants the probe to look at the governor’s book contract to see if that played a role in the administration’s decision to downplay COVID deaths in nursing homes.

“I’m confident there’s some personal profit motives in the contact. For example, how much money will he receive if he makes the New York Times bestseller list? How much money would he make if he sells 50,000 books? What are the benchmarks?” Kim said.

Watch Marcia Kramer’s report — 

Speaking of bullying, Stewart-Cousins says she’s also experienced that side of the governor’s personality.

“The governor is well known for being who he is and making sure you know how he feels. This Andrew Cuomo is certainly somebody who I have met,” she said.

Assembly sources tell Kramer they think their impeachment process will take four to six weeks. The attorney general’s probe could take longer.

President Joe Biden told ABC News he does believe Cuomo should resign if the investigation confirms the sexual harassment claims.

“I think he’d probably end up being prosecuted, too,” the president said.

Biden also told ABC News he would leave it up to the state to decide if Cuomo can remain an effective governor during an investigation.

“I start with the presumption it takes a lot of courage for a woman to come forward. Some are not, anyway — it takes a lot of courage to come forward, so the presumption is it should be taken seriously,” he said.

Meanwhile, there are new reports that Cuomo tried to disparage one of his accusers, CBS2’s Dick Brennan reports.

The New York Times says that when Lindsey Boylan first made sexual harassment allegations in December, Cuomo’s staff circulated an open letter attacking Boylan’s credibility.

The report says the governor helped draft the letter and hoped former staff members would sign it.

Boylan has been joined by six other women who allege harassment or inappropriate behavior by the governor.

On Monday, accuser Charlotte Bennett met with state investigators for four hours. Her attorney says the investigation will reveal an abuse of power by the governor and his office.

“They’re clear patterns of how his inner staff silenced women when they came forward, remove women when they came forward with allegations and just covered up for the governor,” attorney Debra Katz said.

CBS2’s Dick Brennan contributed to this report.

(CBS) — At least eight people were killed Tuesday in shootings at three Atlanta-area spas.

CARTERET, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A young child died after being attacked by dogs in Middlesex County on Tuesday.

It happened around 4:30 p.m. at a house on Laurel Street in Carteret.

According to prosecutors, the 3-year-old child and the child’s mother were in their backyard when two dogs attacked.

One neighbor heard a woman screaming for help.

“Just, ‘Help me, help me,'” neighbor Jeet Debinder said. “It’s very, very bad, too, you know.”

The child was airlifted to a local hospital but could not be saved.

Prosecutors say the child’s mother was seriously injured.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The COVID vaccines have now been given to millions of Americans with one big exception – children.

The Moderna is authorized for use in people 18 and older. For Pfizer, it’s 16 and older.

Now Moderna is testing its vaccine in younger children, including – as of Tuesday – kids from six months and older.

As CBS2’s Dr. Max reported, Blair Davis celebrated her 15th birthday Tuesday, and to celebrate, she and her her younger sister Dylan climbed into the car to head to a clinic to get a COVID swab. The Davis sisters are part of the Moderna adolescent vaccine trials.

They got their second shots, although it could be a placebo.

Moderna is testing its vaccine in children as young as six months old. (CBS2)

“I think it was the placebo,” Blair said.

“We’re like pushing for a fever, we’re pushing for body aches,” their mother, Mendy Jeter, said. “[Because] they’re getting a response. We’re looking for a response.”

Doctors Garvin Davis and Mendy Jeter are the girls’ parents.

“To get them protected was really important for us,” Davis said.

“It would protect us, it would protect their grandparents and anyone else,” Jeter added.

But for this family, it’s not just about protecting themselves from COVID.

“I wanted them to be an example and to set an example to say, ‘Hey, this vaccine is safe,'” said Jeter. “We actually as doctors trust our children getting this shot.”

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

It’s important to test these vaccines in children because their immune systems may not respond the same as adults, both for effectiveness and adverse reactions. The Moderna trial will recruit about 3,500 young children at 30 sites around the country including Mt. Sinai and Columbia in the Tri-State Area. The first part of the trial will test three different strength vaccine doses in young children and two different strengths in adolescents.

That child trial is expected to be complete by June of this year. The trial of 3,000 adolescents is fully enrolled but will not be complete until June of next year.

Watch Dr. Max Gomez’s report — 

“After we establish a dose, then a larger number of children will receive the vaccine to find out the safety and is it generating protective antibody responses,” said Dr. Lorry Rubin, director of pediatric infectious diseases at Cohen Children’s Medical Center on Long Island.

“What could that mean for ending the pandemic and getting to the end of the pandemic?” CBS2’s Ali Bauman asked Rubin.

“Although many children don’t get severely sick, they can still get the infection and spread the infection,” he said.

Pfizer also has a fully enrolled trial in adolescents.

All the vaccines that have so far been authorized here have proven extraordinarily safe and effective. That’s why the FDA gave the go-ahead for the pediatric trials.

With one fourth of the U.S. population under age 21, ending the pandemic will depend on getting children, as well as adults, vaccinated.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

• Ask CBS2’s Dr. Max Your Vaccine Questions
• COVID Vaccine FAQ From CDC
• Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
• Find A New York City Testing Site Near You
• Check NYC Testing Wait Times
• Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More
• Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home
• Complete Coronavirus Coverage

Also promising for parents, a Florida health care worker who received her initial dose of the Moderna vaccine while pregnant just gave birth to a baby with COVID antibodies. It’s the first known case.

Meanwhile, Tuesday night, former president Donald Trump, who has been vaccinated, went on FOX News urging people to get the shot.

“I would recommend it to a lot of people that don’t wanna get it, and a lot of those people voted for me, frankly,” Trump said.

Earlier, Dr. Another Fauci dispelled some of the far-fetched vaccine myths.

“Neither I, and I believe I can speak for Bill Gates, have put a chip into the virus when it gets injected into you,” he said.

Overseas, the European Medicines Agency is urging vaccinations should continue after 16 European nations  halted the use of the Oxford AstraZeneca shot amid reports of blood clotting.

AstraZeneca says a review of 17 million people who received the vaccine found fewer than 40 developed blood clots.

“The evidence is still very strong that if you want to live, the best thing you can do is have the vaccine,” said Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia.

The Oxford vaccine is expected to be rolled out in the U.S. in the coming weeks, pending FDA approval.

CBS2’s Ali Bauman contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The pandemic dealt a painful blow to New York City’s economy, driving most business to a standstill, but now, some merchants are starting to see signs that better days might be ahead.

The heart of New York City is starting to get its heartbeat back again, and David Cohen is witnessing it return from his Grand Slam Gift Store in Times Square.

“Business has started to pick up,” he told CBS2’s Cory James. “Slowly we’ve been seeing more and more domestic travelers come in, more local customers … You can feel the energy.”

Sergio Ramirez felt that, too. He has also noticed things are different here than other cities he’s recently visited.

“This is actually more busy than Chicago,” he said.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

• Ask CBS2’s Dr. Max Your Vaccine Questions
• COVID Vaccine FAQ From CDC
• Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
• Find A New York City Testing Site Near You
• Check NYC Testing Wait Times
• Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More
• Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home
• Complete Coronavirus Coverage

Chris Heywood with NYC & Company says early March data shows hotel occupancy rose over 43%, making it one of the strongest weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“You’re starting to see the streets get busier on weekends. You’re feeling that foot traffic increase. You’re seeing more people at restaurants, and you’re hearing people just get out and about,” he said.

They’re positive changes that do not overshadow the true hardships plaguing many businesses.

Many office spaces throughout the city are still left empty with an unclear return for most in sight.

It’s a hard tale for Beth Sheinis, who lost her restaurant of 11 years.

“We came in on a recession and we went out on a pandemic,” she said.

But progress is being made.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Shakespeare in the Park will return during the summer, beginning July 5.

“This is hope. This is New York City coming back to life,” he said.

It’s a gradual turnaround that is building confidence, even in some of our smallest out-of-town guests.

“Do you plan on coming back?” James asked one child.

“Yes. Because I like it here,” the child said.

Some business owners are hoping once the domestic quarantine travel advisory is lifted in April, even more people will come out.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Police are searching for a group of suspects accused of posing as police officers in a home invasion in Queens.

Police say five men broke into a basement apartment in Jamaica around 5:45 a.m. Tuesday and tied up a man and a woman inside with zip ties.

One allegedly hit the man in the head with a gun.

Police say the group ransacked the apartment, running off with an unknown amount of jewelry.

The man hit by a suspect was not seriously hurt.

Gas prices have climbed to the highest level in three years, up 14% in just the last month.

Right now, regular unleaded gas costs on average $2.91 a gallon in New York.

New Jersey drivers are paying about $2.94 a gallon, while in Connecticut, the price averages $2.90.

Overall, prices are 40-50 cents higher than this time last year.

MINE HILL, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A health care worker in New Jersey got some much-needed help with her home.

Patricia Lopez has been in need of a new roof on her Mine Hill home.

Lopez is a nurse’s assistant at a Morris County hospital. She has helped in the fight against the coronavirus for the past year while raising her son on her own.

After hearing her story, Parsippany-based roofing company GAF partnered with Morris Habitat for Humanity to install a new roof.

GAF provided workers from its roofing academy.

“Not only are we getting this experience, you know, hands-on experience, but at the same time, too, we’re helping somebody. Doing something like this for someone that helps everyone every day is amazing,” roofing academy student Joel Santos said.

GAF also donated the roofing materials.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Two firefighters were hurt fighting a fire in a Midtown penthouse Tuesday.

It happened just after 11 a.m. on West 58th Street and Sixth Avenue.

Fire officials say flames were in the walls of an apartment on the 16th floor of a 17-story building.

The two firefighters sustained minor injuries.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

UNION COUNTY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Clean-up is underway after a large gasoline spill in New Jersey.

It happened around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the marshland in Union County.

An unknown quantity of oil leaked from the Buckeye Pipeline into Morses Creek.

Crews have contained the spill. The cause is unknown at this time.

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey state health officials visited a vaccination site in Newark on Tuesday.

That’s where newly eligible workers from Newark Liberty International Airport got their shots.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

Monday, New Jersey expanded who can get the coronavirus vaccine to include a number of people, such as public transportation workers, public safety personnel and migrant farm workers.

By Mark McIntyre, CBS2 Meteorologist/Weather Producer

It was a C-O-L-D day across the region with clouds dominating… and there are even some raindrops and snowflakes moving through. That being said, we don’t expect a washout but some roads could be slick overnight with temps close to freezing.

Tomorrow will start off cloudy with some lingering drops and flakes, but the rest of St. Patrick’s Day will feature some afternoon breaks of sun and temperatures about 15 degrees warmer than today… nearing 50!

Clouds return overnight into Thursday ahead of our next storm, which looks to bring more considerable precipitation in the form of rain Thursday night.

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – The NCAA has granted current college athletes an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, but this may have unintended consequences for high school athletes hoping to play at the next level.

As CBS2’s Meg Baker reports, Brandon Hendryx is a star basketball player and solid student at Trenton Catholic. He’s hoping play Division 1 but is concerned college coaches didn’t get to see him play enough due to cancelled seasons, and he questions if there will be room for him on the team if college players take a fifth year of eligibility.

“Have you been in touch with schools? What are they saying?” Baker asked.

“It’s mainly just ‘We have students that may come back, we don’t know who’s coming in.’ So they just keep me posted,” Hendryx said.

“With the NCAA ruling, it causes a bottleneck effect with the high school students,” said his mother Dr. Tamika Covington.

College sports programs have been granted the option of offering an extra year of eligibility because of the pandemic. While it’s the right thing for those athletes, it could have a trickle down effect for high school athletes.

Joanne Nora-Trattner, a college athlete recruitment advisor with Bergen County-based Clear Direction, says she hasn’t seen the effects of this yet.

“Scholarships were not on the level that I had seen in the past because of budgets and coaches not sure what kind of money they had,” she said.

She says the repercussion may be a backlog of students on the roster.

“Tough times right now. You know, if the recruiters don’t know who you are, it’s kind of hard to be seen … Leaving the kids in a situation where they have little options,” said Kwaheem Smith, Hendryx’s AAU coach.

Some of the young athletes feel shortchanged. Covington is petitioning the state to allow parents to determine if their children should repeat a year. She says this would help make up the learning loss of virtual instruction and benefit the athletic recruitment process.

A bill passed in the Senate Education Committee that would allow parents to determine if a child stays back a year. Currently it is a joint decision with the school district.

Meg Baker contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Some residents in the Bronx say the city is shutting them out of a plan that shapes the future of one of the borough’s most popular parks.

This comes after dozens of healthy trees were chopped down.

As CBS2’s Lisa Rozner reports, watching an oak tree go through a slow, forced death was painful for the volunteer group Friends of Pelham Parkway Park.

Last year, the Parks Department removed more than 70 trees like it from the two mile-plus greenway, to make way for a road project.

Parks said those trees were worth nearly $2 million, but it would try to replant ones of similar monetary value.

“Disturbing. It’s very disturbing,” said Pelham Parkway resident Gwenneth Turner.

“A lot of older people, they love to come here,” said Pelham Parkway resident Juan Morales.

“My kids like to play, they ride their bikes,” said Belen Benvais.

Over the years we’ve shown residents spend countless hours cleaning up trash, beautifying the space and chasing away illegal barbecues. So it’s no surprise they wanted a seat at the table in the city’s replanting plan.

“What’s going to happen to the future generations?” said 17-year-old Stephanie Ramos.

The group’s founder Roxanne Delgado says last February there was one heated meeting, but ever since, her repeated requests to meet with the Parks Department forestry team have been ignored.

“It hurts me because this community stood up for this parkway, and they fought for this parkway during COVID-19. They cleaned up, they did beautification,” Delgado said. “Even when they’re suffering, they had no income, they had no jobs, family members were dying, and they were still here caring for the parkway and this is how they treat our volunteers.”

Late last week, the city finally gave Delgado the final plan, then told her a few days ago that starting this week, the first of 300-plus trees will be planted, with more going on the north side, which suffered the most tree loss, and where there’s low income housing.

However, she’s upset there will be no native trees, which she believes are more expensive, and fewer native trees than the south side where she says there are not as many working poor.

“They’re going to be smaller trees providing less shade,” said Councilman Fernando Cabrera. “We need trees. Trees especially in the Bronx where we have such a high asthma rate.”

“Native trees do well where they belong. They require less resources,” Delgado said.

Rozner asked the Parks Department how it decided which trees would go where. No one would speak on camera but a spokesperson did send an email, sharing a February letter to Delgado which said locations are based on historic design and site conditions.

For instance, Japanese zelkovas are “excellent street trees… resistant to drought, high winds and air pollution,” while native elm trees are more susceptible to disease.

Two experts not affiliated with the project explained other potential factors.

“Below ground, what is the rooting volume? Do you have enough space for a larger tree, a smaller tree?” said New York Botanical Garden landscape project manager Deanna Curtis.

“What was native to this part of New York City back in the 1880s or 1850s may not be appropriate for today after all the development,” said Rutgers University urban forestry Professor Jason Grabosky.

Some residents feel, appropriate or not, they’re the ones spending their time here, so they deserved at least a conversation.

Cabrera says he’s still trying to get a meeting with the Parks commissioner.

Ironically, last month the mayor launched an environmental justice initiative intended to make sure the community is part of the conversation for green space projects.

A Parks Department spokesperson says:

Pelham Parkway is an important historic landscape that we are working to preserve and restore in the midst of the large, multi-year critical infrastructure replacement project. Our ultimate goal is to provide a thriving tree canopy on both the north and south sides, consistent with the historic design of the Parkway, that will provide the entire, surrounding community with cleaner air, more shade, better water absorption and flood protection, and a host of other benefits for decades to come.

The spokesperson says Parks representatives “have attended multiple working group meetings, and have led multiple presentations on the original and amended tree planting plans—in 2020 and 2021.”

He claims parks employees communicated directly via correspondence with several interested parties—in 2020 and 2021.

The planting is expected to last until 2023.

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Thousands of dog owners are asking New York to lift the dog ban at state park beaches.

They say waterfront access is critical to the health and wellness of people and their pets, but not everyone agrees.

“It drives me crazy that I can’t take my dogs to the most important recreational resource on Long Island — its beaches,” said Ginny Munger Kahn, president of the Long Island Dog Owners Group.

Munger Kahn is counting petitions — 3,600 strong so far.

She and her group are asking for equal beach rights for their four-legged friends.

“We support the parks with our tax dollars, and to be denied access … it’s just not right,” said LI Dog member Peggy Heijmen.

Dogs are banned from New York State Parks’ sand and surf.

“This is the biggest island in the country with the most waterfront, and that’s the one place we can’t go,” said LI Dog member Michael Kahn.

The state says “banning dogs from beaches is based on longstanding concerns over sanitary issues, impact on native wildlife … uncollected dog waste, aggressive incidents between dogs and beach patrons.”

But LI Dog doesn’t want to go where sunbathers and swimmers relax. They want a special beach area away from the crowds.

“What we are looking for is access to non-lifeguarded beaches and coastal areas or seashore areas that would be appropriate for people with dogs,” Munger Kahn told CBS2’s Jennifer McLogan.

Long Islanders have mixed opinions about opening beaches up to animals.

“They don’t clean up after their dogs, you’ll have it everywhere,” one man said.

“I have no problem as long as he has a scooper with him,” another said.

“I don’t feel like anybody’s pet should be on the beach,” another person said.

The state says in recent years, access for dog owners has been expanded at non-beachfront areas of state parks.

“Dogs are members of the family. They’re furry members,” Munger Kahn said.

She believes beach time without family is a wrong that should be righted.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Odds are dramatically improving that New York will allow mobile sports betting in time for the fall NFL season.

State lawmakers have settled on a plan that would license more than a dozen sports wagering apps to sign up customers.

“This will be the year that mobile sports betting is enacted in New York,” said attorney Daniel Wallach, a leading expert on gaming issues with Wallach Legal LLC.

He says with both houses of the legislature including mobile sports betting in their budget proposals, apps such as FanDuel could be available for New York bettors by the fall.

“We hear stories all the time about people driving their cars across the border to New Jersey, placing their bets and coming back across, so these are New Yorkers’ dollars that are going out of state. If they’re going to do it anyway, we might as well realize the revenue,” said State Sen. Michael Gianaris.

“Now the debate is centered on what type of economic model the state will approve for sports betting,” Wallach told CBS2’s Tony Aiello.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo had proposed putting the New York Lottery in charge.

“I don’t think the state should be in the business of being a bookie for its residents,” Gianaris said.

Lawmakers, increasingly willing to challenge a scandal-weakened Cuomo, have settled on a plan that will allow casinos and racetracks to cut deals with betting apps, known as “skins,” which could mean up to 20 skins in New York.

“It seems like it’s more appealing to the consumer to have many skins competing,” Aiello said.

“Many sports bettors, experienced sports bettors, like to comparison shop,” Wallach said. “Odds, pricing and promotional discounts and deposit bonuses may vary slightly from operator to operator.”

The expectation in Albany is to wrap a deal in the next few weeks and have mobile sports betting in New York by September.

One proposed part of the deal would allow sports betting kiosks at venues such as Madison Square Garden and Citi Field.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Before the pandemic, Manhattan was the Mecca for office workers.

A new survey finds fewer than 10% are back at their desks in the city. So when will they return?

As CBS2’s Andrea Grymes reports, at midday on Park Avenue, lined with office buildings in Midtown, the usually bustling streets are a lot different these days, compared to pre-pandemic.

“It’s night and day. I mean, it’s like I’m in small town America,” said office worker Eddie Monaco.

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Monaco comes to the office a few times a week every other week. He’s one of fewer than 100,000 workers per day in Manhattan. Pre-COVID, that number was one million, according to Kathryn Wylde of the Partnership for New York City.

“It may never reach the same level of employment, or certainly not in the next few years, of activity in the city,” Wylde said.

The Partnership, a nonprofit that represents business leaders and employers, just released its latest “Return To Office” survey results. Among the findings: 45% of office workers are expected to return by September.

“There’s a lot of burnout. a lot of people under stress,” Wylde said. “Employers do not want to add to the stress.”

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Wylde says this drastic change will continue to have a large ripple effect economically here, at least over the next few years. Fewer workers means fewer paying riders on mass transit, and fewer paying customers at small businesses.

At a food truck on 52nd and Lexington, sales have plunged 75%.

“From the office I used to have a lot of customers. Now I see like five,” said owner Lina Saavedra. “Yes, and not every day.”

While some like the convenience of working from home, others like Joe Grotto says it’s better for business to commute to the city.

“I really believe in the end, people are going to want to come back to the office. I think it’s easy for now, but it’s not for everybody,” Grotto said.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A beloved New York City tradition that was halted during the pandemic is planning a comeback.

The Public Theater on Tuesday announced the return of Shakespeare in the Park.

Like all theaters, the Delacorte has been shut down since last March, but in just a few months, that will all change.

The decades-old summer tradition is returning from July 5 to Aug. 29, filling a painful void caused by the pandemic.

“This is hope. This is New York City coming back to life,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

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Saheem Ali will be directing “Merry Wives,” an adaptation of “Merry Wives of Windsor,” complete with a New York City twist.

“We’re excited to fill this theater with laughter, with radical Black joy and to celebrate the rich diversity that New York City has to offer,” Ali said.

But as with everything these days, it’s not just business as usual.

Organizers are waiting for new health guidelines to know how many people can fill the audience, and for safety reasons, those long lines for free tickets, a hallmark of the experience, may have to temporarily disappear.

“The idea of the line fundamentally is the equitable distribution of the tickets,” Oskar Eustis, artistic director for the Public Theater, told CBS2’s Aundrea Cline-Thomas. “We’ll find a way to equitably distribute the tickets even if we can’t have a physical line.”

Finding a way is grit that’s sustained the arts community during a devastating year, and finally, it’s time for their comeback.

If they were to put on a show today, the Delacorte would be allowed to have about 500 people in the stands. Organizers expect that number to rise by July.

But they say whatever the number, those performances will be an utter celebration.

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — A Suffolk County woman who is helping families in need during the pandemic while saving restaurants in the process has been named 2021 Woman of Distinction on Long Island, and that’s just the beginning of the good she’s accomplishing.

Diapers are piled in a Southampton garage, destined for families in need.

It’s just Marit Molin’s latest act of kindness.

“We have collected about 15,000 diapers in less than two weeks,” she said.

She has spent the pandemic inventing ways to help people.

“She’s like the Energizer bunny. We have one project, she’s thinking of the next project, she’s thinking of the next family to help,” volunteer Chuck Macwhinnie said.

Thus the honor as Suffolk County’s Woman of Distinction, chosen from 18 nominees.

“Those of us who are dealing with people who are suffering through the pandemic are moved by her efforts,” Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming said.

Efforts kicked into high gear during extraordinary times.

“When you say the Hamptons, everyone thinks it’s all mansions and everyone is doing incredibly well, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many, in between the mansions, there are many deeply impoverished places in the Hamptons where people can’t afford food,” Molin told CBS2’s Carolyn Gusoff.

She founded Hamptons Community Outreach and raised $250,000 in cash and $70,000 in food to feed people in need and help struggling restaurants.

“I just quickly put the two together — people are hungry and the restaurants are struggling,” Molin said.

She helped enable restaurants to stay alive and pay it forward.

“We are still open and we are here to help our community,” said Connie Rodriguez, co-owner of La Hacienda Restaurant.

She’s mobilized an army of volunteers to deliver groceries and medical supplies. She also pays for free counselling and tutoring, along with activity packets to keep children busy during the lockdown.

On Tuesday, she paid for surgery for a man losing his eyesight and his job as a result.

In her free time, the mother of two leads a Girl Scout troop in the Shinnecock Reservation.

A trained social worker, she says helping people is her passion and changing lives is her fuel.

“There are endless studies that support the importance of volunteering … and I would recommend everybody to look around in their own community and ask, see how you can help,” Molin said.

Molin says her work is far from done. There has always been need in the Hamptons and that will continue well after the pandemic.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Elliot Page is opening up for the the first time about coming out as transgender in a new Time magazine cover story.

The actor, formerly known as Ellen Page, now stars in Umbrella Academy on Netflix.

In December, Page announced on Instagram that he was transgender, and changing his name to Elliot.

He says he was inspired by trans icons including Janet Mock and Laverne Cox who have found success in Hollywood on their own terms.

Page tells Time magazine a lot of his energy was spent being uncomfortable in his body. He says undergoing top surgery has transformed his life.

“I just never recognized myself. For a long time I could not even look at a photo of myself,” Page told the magazine. “This feeling of true excitement and deep gratitude to have made it to this point in my life, mixed with a lot of fear and anxiety.”

To read the full interview, CLICK HERE.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The New York Blood Center has announced a blood shortage emergency.

The agency says its currently has a four day supply of blood, far below what’s needed by area hospitals.

They say New York’s healthcare system requires 1,500 donations daily to treat patients ranging from trauma victims to new babies to cancer patients.

Donors with type O and B blood are particularly needed – NYBC says it currently has a 1-2 day supply of those blood types.

Donations are by appointment only. To make an appointment call 1-800-933-2566 or CLICK HERE.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — There are growing concerns about gun violence in New York City after several people were shot over the past few days.

A man and woman were wounded Monday waiting in line at Pitkin Seafood restaurant in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

Exclusive surveillance video shows the moment chaos broke out. Innocent bystanders run and duck for cover, as bullets leave holes in the front of the building.

“Guy is coming from left side and shoots over there,” one witness told Dias.

The witness, who works in the area, told CBS2’s John Dias he and his customers took cover in the back of his store after hearing at least five rounds.

“Lady screaming over there across the street,” he told Dias. “Everybody stay here. This police is coming. Everybody go outside.”

Police said a 53-year-old woman and 28-year-old man were standing in line when a suspect started shooting from outside the restaurant.

The woman was grazed on the arm, and the man was hit in the foot. Both are expected to be OK.

“That’s amazing, that’s crazy,” one person in the area said.

Neighbors told Dias they believe the shooter was aiming for someone else.

“There’s a lot of beef going on over here, with a lot of gangs,” said another person. “New York is, Brooklyn, period, is just on a different level. Gang stuff is just on a different level.”

The NYPD continues to grapple with the ongoing gun violence spiking across the board.

2 people shot waiting in line at Brooklyn seafood restaurant. (CBS2)

Also Monday in East Harlem, police said a man in his 30s was killed near East 118th Street and First Avenue. The gunman was arrested.

The search continues for a man wanted for reckless endangerment after firing two rounds into a Jackson Heights apartment building Sunday. No one was injured in that incident.

Compared to last year, this week shooting incidents are up almost 82% and shooting victims a little over 109%

That includes a deadly weekend in the city, where police responded to at least 13 shootings with 20 victims.

One of them was a Queens mother of two. Another was 17-year-old Bryan Sanon, who was walking with friends near his Canarsie home when a gunman jumped out of a gray sedan and started firing.

“To know that I will never see my baby again… he was just a baby,” his mother told CBS2. “Life is so precious. It’s too short to be living like this.”

On Monday, the mayor and public advocate announced a new pilot program to pair youth at-risk for gun violence with mentors. They then work together to set goals, like getting a GED, with a monetary reward if the child succeeds.

“We know it’s not enough to just react to violence. We need to advance peace,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

The program is based off “evidence-based models,” according to Williams, and it’s set to launch this July in each borough.

(CBS4) – Tad Boyle and the Buffs are in Indianapolis preparing for their first round game in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Saturday.

Head coach Tad Boyle of the Colorado Buffaloes talks to his team during a timeout at Jon M. Huntsman Center on Jan. 11 in Salt Lake City. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

It’s been a whirlwind past couple days for Boyle and the Buffs, who lost in the Pac-12 championship game on Saturday night then less than 24 hours later heard their name called for the NCAA tournament.

“We went from the low of lows, tears in the locker room and feeling just so deflated to the next day — the sun rises and your hear your name called which is really what you work all year for,” said Boyle from his hotel room in Indianapolis.

While the Buffs have gone through the spectrum of emotions recently, Boyle is fully confident his team will be ready to play this Saturday.

“I don’t worry about getting our guys minds, right. Their minds will be right I can promise you that,” Boyle said. “We have a very resilient group that bounces back and learns from losses but there are no tomorrows now — we’re in the NCAA tournament — so the next loss and our season is over, so we want to extend this thing as long as we can.”

The Buffs open up the NCAA tournament against the 12th seeded Georgetown Hoyas. Georgetown won 4 games in 4 days to win the Big East tournament and qualify for the Big Dance. Boyle knows the Hoyas are riding a big wave of momentum.

“They come from a really good conference like we do,” Boyle said. “We’re not playing a lower level team from a lower level conference. They’ve been battling through a really good conference all year and they have good guard play and a couple interior guys who are really talented. They’re on a hot streak.”

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — There are new accusations that Sharon Osbourne, a host of the CBS show “The Talk,” used homophobic and anti-Asian slurs to describe her former co-hosts.

According to a report by independent journalist Yashar Ali, Osbourne used the slurs to describe Sarah Gilbert and Julie Chen.

CBS is already investigating an argument last week between Osbourne and co-host Sheryl Underwood.

After Tuesday’s report, CBS says it’s extending the show’s hiatus until next Tuesday.

Osbourne says the allegations were made by a disgruntled former employee and that she is “disappointed but unfazed and hardly surprised at the lies.”

The network said in a statement that, “CBS is committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace across all of our productions. We’re also very mindful of the important concerns expressed and discussions taking place regarding events on ‘The Talk.'”

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — As the city continues its road to reopening businesses, the owners of group fitness studios say they’re being left out.

It’s been a full year since Dance Body members have been able to enjoy class inside a studio.

Owner Katia Pryce joined them and other fitness boutique owners outside City Hall on Tuesday, demanding Mayor Bill de Blasio allow them to reopen.

“We are not asking for special treatment here, let’s be clear. We’re asking for the same rules, the same regulations, as every other small business and business that’s been able to reopen in New York City,” Pryce said.

In September, the city allowed regular gyms to reopen with restrictions, but group fitness studios — like SLT in Tribeca, which is known for its intense form of Pilates — remain closed.

SLT founder and CEO Amanda Freeman had to close four of 13 studios in New York City and lay off 200 employees.

“Compared to 2019, 2020 was down 80%, and 2021 continues similarly,” she told CBS2’s Hazel Sanchez.

The mayor is defending the city’s position.

“I’ve had this conversation with the health team and they remain very consistent in saying not yet,” de Blasio said.

“A lot of that has to do with people in close proximity, breathing heavily, and the likelihood that masks may fail because they get wet,” said Dr. Jay Varma, NYC senior health advisor.

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“We can be six feet apart. We can require masks. We can do contact tracing, no sharing of equipment, limited numbers of people in the classes. We can be just as safe as a gym, if not more so,” Freeman said.

The owners say the importance of reopening is not just about restoring a financial lifeline for them but also a physical and mental lifeline for their clients.

“The irony is that one of the healthiest businesses around, one of the healthiest industries in group fitness, is not allowed to help their clientele right now,” Freeman said.

“This is not about getting your cardio in. This is about preserving our mental health as we come out of this pandemic,” Pryce said.

Those who rely on the classes for peace of mind say the continued closures aren’t working out.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – An unprovoked racist altercation was caught on camera.

A woman tells an Asian American woman to go back to China.

So what is the correct response when confronted with this kind of hate?

As CBS2’s Jessica Layton reports, the altercation between an Asian American couple from a Manhattan and a woman in a cab began before Danny Lee even took out his cell phone.

Maria Ha says it started with a nasty stare – way too close for comfort.

She pretty much got into my face. It was nose to nose, and she says ‘You’re not from here, you’re from China . Go back to China!” Ha said. “So I screaming, ‘Danny, Danny! Get that lady! She said racial slurs at me!'”

“Your defense alarms go off and you’re like ‘Oh man, this is unacceptable,'” Lee said.

So the upset husband hit record.

“Did you just say ‘Go back to China?'” Lee said.

“You’re assaulting me! You’re assaulting me!” the woman said.

“I’m not touching you,” Lee can be heard saying in the video.

They say the anti-Asian insults continued as they walked away near 22nd Street and First Avenue.

On the video, you can hear the woman offer to pay double if the driver takes off before giving the Korean couple the finger. It was all so shocking and unprovoked, Lee admits he acted with anger. Ha says she froze.

“When you’re in the middle of that heated exchange, and you’re the victim, what’s the best way to handle that situation?” Layton asked.

“I do not not recommend engaging an assailant,” said former NYPD Lieutenant Dr. Darrin Porcher. “We want to exit it as quickly and safely as possible — and that means walking away.”

Porcher says, as hard as it may be, stay calm and do not engage. Get a picture of the offender if you safely can and show it to police when you file a report. Never turn to violence.

If you’re a witness, don’t get physically involved, Porcher says. Try to get a picture and call for help.

The group Stop Asian American and Pacific Islanders Hate, formed at the start of the pandemic, it has gotten 3,795 reports of hate incidents since last March, including more than 500 in 2021.

It’s all the more reason Lee and Ha say they can’t brush off this encounter, like they may have in the past.

“Just want to put an end to this. We’re both very tired of this,” Lee said. “No matter if it’s a small incident or big incident – you can’t – it’s not OK.”

A message to her, and anyone, with hate in their heart.

Jessica Layton contributed to this report. 

(CBS) — Adults will hit roadblocks when trying to search for or message minors on Instagram with whom they have no connection. Instagram is rolling out new safety features aimed at protecting younger users from adults they don’t know.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Tuesday marks the one year anniversary COVID restrictions shut down New York restaurants to in-person dining.

For many businesses, the impact has been devastating.

But as CBS2’s Kiran Dhillon reports, some owners say they have hope for a full recovery.

Exactly one year ago today, COVID-19 restriction forced Hold Fast in Hell’s Kitchen to shut its doors to in-person diners. The pub only only reopened for takeout more than a month later.

“It was scary. There was no one around, like a scene out of a movie,” said owner Shane Hathaway.

RELATED: Over 90% Of Restaurants, Bars, Nightlife Venues Surveyed By NYC Hospitality Alliance Couldn’t Afford Rent In December

In the months that followed, outdoor dining returned, followed eventually by indoor.

Hathaway calls the last year a rollercoaster.

“If we weren’t able to receive any kind of funding or help from our generous landlord, we couldn’t have survived,” Hathaway said.

Many restaurants weren’t as lucky. The Hourglass Tavern and Bettibar closed its doors for good in September. Owner Beth Sheinis calls losing her business of 11 years devastating.

“We came in on a pandemic and went out on a recession,” Sheinis said. “They were very small spaces, so for us the logistics were impossible to do it on a minimized way.”

The New York City Hospitality Alliance says there are about 25,000 bars and restaurants in New York City alone. Recent estimates have found about 5,000 of those have closed in the past year.

The group says more government funding and a rapid but safe vaccine rollout is key to ensure more restaurants do not follow suit.

“We have a lot of businesses teetering on survival, so it’s not too late to correct any wrongs and support our local small businesses,” said Andrew Rigie, executive director with the New York City Hospitality Alliance.

The Alliance says the one silver lining is that restaurants across the state can boost indoor dining capacity on Friday. Junior’s Restaurant agrees. The family owned business shut three of its four locations last March. They’re now hoping to reopen by summer.

“We see New York coming back and in a big way,” said Miles Ellis of Junior’s. “We’re really on looking forward and moving forward.”

Many of these businesses say, in a year filled with challenges, there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

A YEAR IN THE PANDEMIC: REMEMBRANCE & RESILIENCE

• A Look Back On What’s Been Lost And How Tri-State Has Persevered
• Timeline Of Virus’ Swift Impact Across The Globe
• Long Island Nurse Who Documented Painful Journey Warns Fight Is Not Over
• Essential Workers Risk Their Own Safety To Keep Supplies And Services Running
• Area School Districts Continue To Make Best Of Tough Situation, Always With Eyes On The Future
• Daughter Looks To Carry On Father’s Legacy At Arthur Avenue Restaurant
• Unemployment Forced Many In Our Area To Reinvent Themselves, And Gain Perspective Along The Way
• Food Insecurity Grows Throughout Tri-State Communities, ‘The Face Of Hunger Has Changed’
• The Sports World Stopped, But Hope And Progress Are Beginning To Win The Days
• ‘Long Haulers’ Still On Long Road To Recovery, ‘A Complete Lifestyle Change’
• Vaccines Offer Shot Of Hope, Despite Ongoing Distribution Struggles

(CBS) — CBS News has confirmed that a record 7,300 unaccompanied migrant kids were transferred into a network of shelters run by the U.S. refugee agency in February.

(CBS Local)- It’s that time of the year again where we all sit down to fill out a bracket as we attempt to win our office or friend’s bracket pools. The 2021 NCAA Tournament is going to be different than years past in many respects. Limited capacity of fans, all games being played in one state, and a different rhythm to the schedule with First Four games starting Thursday and the first round on Friday.

But, one thing that is unlikely to change is the upsets. Each year, there are teams that we don’t expect who pull off big upsets in the first round or make a deeper run than we expected. Divining which teams have that potential can be hard so we enlisted CBS Sports Network broadcaster Chris Walker to help us out. He gave six teams, one from each region and two bonus picks that he thinks have a chance at busting some brackets.

13 seed Ohio Bobcats

1st round matchup- 4 seed Virginia

Credit: Jason Miller/Getty Images

“The Ohio-Virginia matchup is very intriguing. Jason Preston, a kid who reminds me of Lamelo Ball, very talented. They’re (Ohio) a high-scoring team. They didn’t finish great in their league but they’re sixth in the nation in assists per game, 17th in scoring percentage and they’re Top 20 in a bunch of offensive categories. They’re a team that could be very scary if they get ahead of you. The thing about Virginia, which is why it’s a good matchup, is they don’t let you score. A great matchup by the committee with a great star and great team. That’s a game I would keep my eye on for sure,” said Walker in an interview with CBS Local’s Ryan Mayer.

Preston, a 6’4″ junior guard from Orlando, averages 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game in leading the Bobcats. The team as a whole shoots 56.9% from inside the arc, 36.1% from outside and averages over 80 points per night. Normally, you’d look at a team like that against Virginia and think, ‘not much of a chance’. But, the Cavaliers are coming off a pause for COVID that forced them to withdraw from the ACC tournament last week. Add in that head coach Tony Bennett said they’re not traveling to Indy until Friday before playing Saturday, and the Cavs could be primed for an upset.

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8-seed Loyola-Chicago

1st round matchup- 9-seed Georgia Tech; potential 2nd round- 1-seed Illinois

“Everybody is going to be looking at the Loyola-Chicago game. Georgia Tech has Moses Wright, Jordan Usher, Jose

Loyola center Cameron Krutwig (25) Credit: Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Alvarado, a number of stars. They have a good team and Josh Pastner deserves all the respect in the world for bringing them back,” said Walker. “But, they are playing the best defensive team in the country by numbers. They’re also playing one of the most efficient offensive teams. They’re also playing a team that has probably one of the most underrated players in the country that you don’t know in Cameron Krutwig who is one of only four players in that league’s history to have 1,800 points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists. He can drop a dime anywhere. With the bevy of shooters around him, the way they shoot the basketball and spread you out? And Porter Moser has already done it before. They will be a very dangerous team based on the numbers.”

As Walker points out, the Ramblers are tops in the country in Ken Pomeroy’s Adjusted Defensive Efficiency rating. On offense, Krutwig acts as the linchpin of the offense both as a force inside and distributor. The Ramblers shoot 36.8% from beyond the arc and average nearly 16 assists per game. It won’t be easy for them to pull the upset against Illinois in Round 2 but it’s possible.

9-seed St. Bonaventure

1st round matchup- 8-seed LSU; potential second round matchup- 1 seed Michigan

Credit: Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

“The reason I think this is a big game, LSU has the three-headed monster in (Cameron) Thomas, (Javonte) Smart, and (Trendon) Watford and Will Wade’s done a great job in the SEC almost beating Alabama in the title game,” said Walker. “But, they’re playing a very experienced team. A very good coach (Mark Schmidt), a very experienced team that just won their first outright Atlantic 10 championship in history. They have a tremendous point guard in Kyle Lofton an exceptional shot blocker in Osun Osunniyi and they have guards on the perimeter that can make shots. They’re junkyard dogs, very tough. Those guys are going to be very tough to beat.”

The Bonnies have five starters that average double digit points making for a balanced attack that also takes care of the ball (11.1 turnovers per game among fewest in DI). Combined with a defense that allows just 38.9% shooting from the field and 30.6% from deep? With a shot blocker in Osunniyi who can dramatically affect opponents confidence around the rim? Keep them in mind.

14-seed Colgate

1st round matchup- 3-seed Arkansas

“Colgate is the number two scoring team in the country. I still don’t understand how they were number nine in NET but they did. They’re one of the best offensive teams period in the nation,”

Credit: Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

said Walker. “They don’t turn the ball over, they’re 6th in fewest fouls, 3rd in fewest turnovers, No. 1 defensive rebounding team, 10th in defensive field goal percentage, they can do it all. They haven’t played any quad 1 games, that’s the thing. But, with Jordan Burns, player of the year in the league, Jack Ferguson coming off the bench, they have the pieces, they have an opportunity. This is going to be a really good game, up-and-down for sure.”

If you’re looking for the pick to differentiate yourself, the Raiders could certainly help. They fill it up on offense by shooting the lights out from three (40.2%), and inside the arc (55.3%). They’re led by a trio of senior guards in Burns, Ferguson and Nelly Cummings. The Razorbacks are far from a lockdown team defensively which could make this a high-scoring affair.

10-seed VCU

1st round matchup- 7-seed Oregon

“Oregon plays great, a model of consistency in that league (Pac-12). Dana Altman is a great coach, went to the Final Four a few years ago,” said Walker. “But, that is a very dangerous game. VCU turns you over at a high rate, they’re the best team in the country in points off of turnovers. They get that press going and they can really make it an up and down game. I like VCU in that game.”

If you’ve been filling out brackets any time in the last 10 years, you likely have come across VCU and been on the wrong end of one of their upsets. This year’s team is in the same mold. They’ll pressure opponents on defense, forcing them into mistakes and getting out in transition. Add in the star guard in NahShon “Bones” Hyland, who can go off on any given night and you have the makings of a potential upset.

Bonus: 11-seed Michigan State or UCLA

1st round matchup- 6-seed BYU

“Whoever wins the Michigan State-UCLA game. Whoever wins that game and plays BYU, I think they’re going to win that game,” said Walker. “That’s a tough place for someone to have to play an 11-seed. UCLA has lost four in a row and Michigan State was 9-12 in the Big Ten and their Quad 1 situation isn’t great but are you really going to bet against Tom Izzo in March? Him being an 11-seed is like the worst nightmare for everybody.”

Up until the 2019 tournament, at least one team that played in the First Four pulled off the 11-6 or 12-5 upset in the Round of 64. While neither the Spartans or Bruins jump off the page at you, both are tested power conference teams who would be facing BYU in their first game of the tournament. An upset is far from out of the realm of possibility.

(CBS) – On the heels of The 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards this past Sunday, CBS will broadcast the new two-hour special A GRAMMY Salute To The Sounds Of Change, that highlights the stories behind the songs that have seen us through the darkest hours and greatest triumphs of the 20th and 21st centuries. The special airs Wednesday, March 17th from 9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT on CBS and will also be available to stream live and on demand with Paramount+.

A GRAMMY Salute To The Sounds Of Change will feature notable performances, including Gladys Knight singing Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” alongside Adam Blackstone, Shelia E., Israel Houghton and D Smoke, Cynthia Erivo’s interpretation of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” and John Fogerty bringing his “Weeping in the Promised Land” and “Fortunate Son” to the stage.

Check back here for more information as it becomes available and be sure to tune in, Wednesday, March 17th at 9:00PM ET/PT for this incredible event. Check your local listings for more information.

(CBS Local)– Charmaine Walker has been a mainstay on VH1 for years as one of the members of “Black Ink Crew: Chicago” and the actor, radio host and entrepreneur is back with shows you do not want to miss. Part one of “Black Ink Crew: Secrets Unlocked” aired on Monday and part two airs Monday, March 29 at 9pm EST/PST on VH1.

The special celebrates nearly a decade of the Black Ink franchise and features your favorite personalities from New York, Chicago and Compton. Walker will also be appearing in “Blank Ink Crew: Chicago Confessions” on Monday, April 12 at 9pm EST/PST. Charmaine hasn’t been on TV for a year because of the pandemic, so she is excited to be front of mind for her fans again.

“We are coming back on your television screens and it’s about to go down,” said Walker, in an interview with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith. “It’s called Secrets Unlocked for a reason because we are unlocking all the Blank Ink secrets. I’m really excited to get back out there and give more content to our viewers and I’m ready to connect with everybody again.”

Walker was working at Groupon prior to becoming a TV star and she would go to 9 Mag Tattoo in Chiago right after work and hang out out with Ryan Henry and the rest of the crew.

“We turned up really crazy for two years straight,” said Walker. “Next thing you know, Black Ink was reaching out asking if they can film a pilot and we got the show. It’s just been crazy ever since. Now we are going to be filming our seventh season and it’s a huge blessing. The fact that we’re all still here is awesome. The growth of the industry has been tremendous. Tattooing not that long ago would be something that you would get done in someone’s basement. Now for instance, my shop Second City Ink, I have to make sure I’m up to date with the city. Things have changed drastically with tattooing.”

Watch all of DJ Sixsmith’s interviews from “The Sit-Down” series here.

(CBS Local)- The Final Four has been played in Indianapolis seven times prior to this year’s edition in a few weeks. This year, the entire tournament takes place in Indiana and mostly in the city. CBS’ top broadcast team of Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill and Tracy Wolfson have plenty of memories from the previous trips made to Indy and they took time to share those memories this week on a media call with reporters.

For Wolfson, the lead sideline reporter for CBS, she remembers the city fondly because it’s where her time with CBS really got started as an intern for the crew back in 1997 when Arizona cut down the nets in Indy.

Band of the Arizona Wildcats cheers on their team during an NCAA Final Four game against the North Carolina Tarheels at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. Arizona won the game 66 – 58. Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport

“That was my first memory, I was still at the University of Michigan, it was my senior year and I got the opportunity to be a runner throughout March Madness I worked in the New York studios and then they sent me to Indianapolis and work the Final Four there,” said Wolfson. “My job there at the Final Four, besides doing odds and ends, my job was to cue the band. I remember wearing the headset, telling them when to play and when not to play, when we were going to commercial, not going to commercial.”

“Then, I got so excited because I was really a fan and I got so into it and for some reason, I took to this Arizona team and I rooted for them the whole way, no ties, I found them fun,” said Wolfson. “As soon as the game ended, I remember actually running onto the court celebrating with them and I think it was Bob Dekas at the time screaming in my ear, ‘Get off the court Tracy!’ I just got so caught up in the whole thing. That was my first memory in Indianapolis and its fun to come full circle now.”

For Hill, his best moment arguably came as a player in 1991 when his Duke Blue Devils upset the undefeated defending champion UNLV Runnin’ Rebels before beating Kansas in the title game. But, as a broadcaster, Hill’s first Final Four came in Indy back in 2015 when Duke hoisted the championship trophy.

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“My first Final Four working with Jim, Tracy and Bill, obviously my alma mater was fortunate enough to win that year,” said Hill. “But to work with these individuals, to celebrate Jim’s 25th anniversary of calling the Final Four and experiencing St. Elmo’s Jim Nantz style, that was as memorable as you could possibly be.”

Gordon Hayward (20) of Butler University puts up a last second shot attempt as the game ends. Credit: Ryan McKee/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Speaking of Nantz, he’s been on the call for CBS at the Final Four since the first go round in Indy back in 1991. His favorite however? The magical run of Gordon Hayward and Butler to the championship game in 2010.

“My favorite was in 2010. I have a lot of memories in Indianapolis, I love that city and I’ve never hidden that,” said Nantz. “A lot of Final Fours including my first call in 1991 when Duke beat UNLV led by Grant Hill, Bobby Hurley and Christian Laettner, they beat Kansas in the championship game. I’m going to fast forward to 2010, Butler is in the final. You could just feel there was something magical happening with that team throughout the ride to the championship game.”

“Now here they are, 6.2 miles their campus from Lucas Oil Stadium. On the day of the championship game, I drove to the campus, parked my car and walked the campus with the main goal to go to Hinkle Fieldhouse,” continued Nantz. “I was a big Hoosiers fan of the movie growing up. The music, there’s something about it that strikes a chord if you’re a basketball fan…Finally was able to find an open door and take a sneak peek at Hinkle and came back and called a game that came down to a half court heave by Gordon Hayward at the buzzer that very nearly dropped for what would have been the greatest finish not only in tournament history but in any sports championship history.”

Nantz, like Hill, has never had the opportunity to be inside Hinkle Fieldhouse for a game. He’ll get to check that off the career bucket list on Friday when the crew calls three games from their in the first round.

Matt Howard #54 and Gordon Hayward #20 of the Butler Bulldogs remain on the court dejected after they lost 61-59 against the Duke Blue Devils. Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Finally, Raftery, known for his legendary “Onions!” calls throughout tournaments past, has fond memories of the ’91 and 2010 Final Fours as well.

“Jumping on both, the Duke game in 1991, I was not a Grant Hill fan obviously,” said Raftery with a wry smile for his broadcast partner. “We were very tight with the Hurley family so it was very nice to see that one of course. And Jim mentioned the Butler game, I was doing radio and one of the greatest plays of all time because Hayward missed the shot, I think it was Matt Howard with the screen to get him free. Years later I asked Brad Stevens about it and I said, ‘I never even thought of a play like that to end the game.'”

Adding to those memories, having the tournament in Indiana which for Raftery, conjures memories of his relationship with Bob Knight, is special. This year, the crew will have the chance to make some more memories as they call games throughout including the Final Four and National Championship Game on CBS.

CBS will have coverage of the Final Four and National Championship games on Saturday April 3 and Monday April 5. Games can also be seen via NCAA March Madness Live and streamed through Paramount+.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (CBSMiami) – A Florida man is charged with murdering his 77-year-old grandfather and cutting the elderly man’s ears off with a knife. Police say the suspect, Kolby Parker, even pulled the ears of the victim, identified as Ronald Wells Sr., out of his pockets when questioned.

According to CBS affiliate WPEC, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was called to a home in DeLand in Central Florida on Saturday night for reports of a man who said he was attacked by his grandfather. Parker, 30, told deputies he and his grandfather were smoking marijuana when there was a confrontation. Parker claims he was only acting in self-defense when the older man attacked him with a knife. He told deputies he managed to get the knife away and used it on Wells, who was found dead on the front porch with multiple stab wounds.

While he was being questioned by police, Parker allegedly pulled two human ears from his pant pockets, which were later discovered to be those of his grandfather, according to the police report.

Deputies said Parker became violent toward them, but he was eventually subdued and taken into custody.

Investigators say Parker confessed to hitting his grandfather multiple times in the head with a baseball bat and then stabbed him with a butcher knife numerous times. He also admitted to cutting his grandfather’s ears off and stated that he wanted his grandfather to be with his dead grandmother.

Parker is charged with second-degree murder, battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting with violence.

He is being held with no bond.

(CBS Local)- The Fighting Illini are a top seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2005 season. That was also the last time that the program made a Final Four appearance, losing the the national title game. Could they repeat that team’s success this year? It’s certainly possible.

But, they have some teams lurking who could trip them up on the way to a spot in Lucas Oil Stadium in early April. Oklahoma State has the consensus number one pick in the NBA Draft, Cade Cunningham, who could put on a show in the tournament. Loyola-Chicago, the top defense in the country as measure by Ken Pomeroy, could be the matchup in the Round of 32. Let’s take a look at the teams in the region.

No. 1 Illinois

The Illini have a star in Ayo Dosunmu (20.7 ppg 6.3 rpg 5.3 apg) and a dominant interior presence in Kofi Cockburn (17.6 ppg 9.6rpg). Brad Underwood’s team is Top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They can fill it up (81.4 PPG) and connect from deep (37.6%). The biggest question is free throw shooting. The Illini hit just 69.1% of their attempts from the charity stripe this season. In a close game late in the tournament that could keep them from advancing.

The Midwest Region is gnarly from top to bottom. But @Kyle__Boone still likes Illinois' chances of emerging from the bracket and advancing to the Final Four.

Region breakdown: https://t.co/T8b4riao2V

— CBS Sports CBB (@CBSSportsCBB) March 15, 2021

No. 2 Houston

The Cougars have been ranked in the AP Top 10 for much of the season for a reason, they’re a strong group. They finished second in the AAC before winning the conference tournament in a blowout over Cincinnati. They’re Top 10 in offensive efficiency and Top 20 in defensive efficiency. Led by junior guard Quentin Grimes (18 ppg), the Cougars average over 77 points per game and shoot free throws well (74.1% FT). Other than a win over Texas Tech, they have just one other win over a tournament team, splitting their series with Wichita State.

No. 3 West Virginia

The Mountaineers finished third in the Big 12 before dropping a close game to Oklahoma State in the conference tournament. Bob Huggins’ group is balanced in its scoring with four players between 11 and 15 points per game. They rate as the 11th most efficient offense in the country and are top 65 defensively. As we’ve come to expect from Huggins coached teams, they force turnovers (14.9 per game) and hold opponents to just 32.3% from three.

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No. 4 Oklahoma State

If you haven’t watched Cade Cunningham play yet, this weekend is your chance. The 6’8″ freshman guard averaged over 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game this season leading the Cowboys to a fifth place finish in the Big 12 and a runner-up finish in the conference tournament. They’re a Top 25 defensive efficiency team as well allowing teams to shoot just 31.9% from three and forcing over 14 turnovers per game. The biggest problem for them? They also turn the ball over with nearly 16 per game.

No. 5 Tennessee

The Volunteers finished fourth in the SEC and lost to eventual champion Alabama in the conference tournament. Rick Barnes’ group is a defensive force (4th in efficiency), forcing opponents into turnovers (15.7) and tough shooting nights from three (31.8%). They shoot well from the free throw line (74.6%) but are below average from beyond the arc (33.8%).

No. 6 San Diego State

The Aztecs won the Mountain West regular and post season titles. As you’d expect from a San Diego State team, they’re a strong defensive squad (11th in efficiency) allowing just over 60 points per outing and forcing 15 turnovers per game. They shoot well from three themselves (37.5%), but hit just 72.3% from the free throw line. Against Syracuse, getting offensive rebounds will be a key as the Orange struggle in that area allowing over 12 per game.

No. 7 Clemson

The Tigers finished fifth in the ACC thanks to a defense that ranks Top 20 in efficiency and points allowed (62 per game). They force opponents into 14 turnovers per game and rarely allow offensive rebounds (8.7 per game). Senior forward Aamir Simms leads the way with 13.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. The big question is offensively as they averaged just 65 points per game and were just average from three (34.6%).

No. 8 Loyola Chicago

The Ramblers last tournament appearance was the magical Final Four run of 2018 and by all accounts, this version of Porter Moser’s group is even better. Center Cameron Krutwig, a freshman on that ’18 team, leads this year’s version averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game. But, the defensive end is where the Ramblers shine rating as the most efficient defense in the country per Ken Pomeroy. Good luck shooting threes (32.6%) or trying to get on the offensive boards against this team (6.5 allowed per game). Is another Final Four run in the cards? It will be more difficult having to go through Illinois in Round 2 but maybe some more Sister Jean magic is in store?

"Get Sister Jean vaccinated." @SethDavisHoops hopes @RamblersMBB's biggest fan gets to see them in Indy. pic.twitter.com/CArNtFdRc0

— CBS Sports CBB (@CBSSportsCBB) March 7, 2021

No. 9 Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets won the ACC tournament to earn their bid after finishing fourth in the conference during the regular season. They have a balanced attack with four scorers between 11 and 17 points per game and a senior laden starting lineup. They’re top 30 in offensive efficiency, shooting 54.7% from inside the arc and taking care of the ball (11.1 turnovers per game). The question is whether they can keep opponents off the offensive glass (9.6 allowed per game).

No. 10 Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights are back in the tournament for the first time in 30 years and looking for their first win since 1983. Thanks to a strong defense (18th in efficiency) that allowed opponents to shoot just 42% from the field and 32.1% from three, they could get that win. The trio of Ron Harper, Jacob Young and Geo Baker lead the team offensively and take care of the ball well (11.3 turnovers per game). But, they struggle from three (31.1%) and the free throw line (63.2%) which could keep them from pulling the upset.

No. 11 Syracuse

It’s not usual for us to see the Orange this low in the bracket. But, when they are, the history is good. They made the Final Four as a 10-seed in 2016 and the Sweet 16 as an 11 in 2018. As you’d expect, the Orange they defend the three point line well (31.7%) and force turnovers (14.6 per game). They’re very good at the free throw line (78.4%). They do struggle keeping opponents off the offensive glass which could pose problems.

No. 12 Oregon State

The Beavers surprised everyone by winning the Pac-12 tournament after a sixth place regular season finish. Senior guard Ethan Thompson is the leader (15.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.9 apg) and they shoot well from the charity stripe (75.8%). Their three point shooting is just average (35.3%), but they take care of the ball well (11.9 turnovers). They defend the arc well (30.7%) but get killed inside (51.9% 2PT).

No. 13 Liberty

The Flames won the Atlantic Sun regular season and tournament titles en route to their tournament bid. They feature a Top 60 offense per Ken Pom, shooting well from three (39.1%) and the free throw line (77.7%) while taking care of the ball (9.7 turnovers per game, 5th DI). They held opponents to just 31.2% shooting from deep and allowed just 59.6 points per game. But, they were 0-2 in games against tournament teams (Purdue, Missouri). They have upset potential if they are able to hit threes and force OK State into turnovers.

No. 14 Morehead State

The Eagles won the Ohio Valley Conference to get back to the tournament for the first time since 2011. They’re led by freshman forward Johni Broome who averaged a near double double this season 13.9 points and 9 rebounds per game. Defense is the calling card allowing opponents to hit just 30.7% from three and 40.4% overall from the floor. But, they struggle with turnovers (15.3 per game) which could be a big problem against WVU.

No. 15 Cleveland State

The Vikings are back in the field for the first time since 2009 after winning the Horizon League. They’re led by a trio of guards, Torrey Patton, Tre Gomillion and D’Moi Hodge who combine for over 34 points and 16 rebounds per game. But, they don’t shoot the ball particularly well (31.9% 3PT/66.9%FT) and have allowed over 70 points per game to their opponents. Facing Houston, it would be hard to see the Vikings pulling the upset.

No. 16 Drexel

The Dragons made a surprise run to the Colonial Athletic Association conference title to earn their first tournament bid since 1996. Zack Spiker’s team has balanced scoring (four players in double digits) and shoots well from three (37.2%). But, they do struggle with turnovers (12.9 per game) and will have a tough time defending Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn inside. A good story to see Drexel back in the tourney but it could be a short trip.

Get every pick, every play, every upset and fill out your bracket with our help! Visit SportsLine now to see which teams will make and break your bracket, and see who cuts down the nets, all from the model that beat nearly 90 percent of brackets last tournament, one year after finishing in the top 5 percent!

GREENWOOD LAKE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — A castle owned by Derek Jeter is up for sale at a reduced price.

The home on Greenwood Lake in Orange County was once owned by the parents of Jeter’s grandfather, before the family sold it in 1996.

(Credit: Top10RealEstateDeals)

When it came back on the market last year, the retired Yankees’ captain bought and restored it.

Now that Jeter is part-owner and CEO of the Miami Marlins, he and his family spend much of their time in Florida.

Previously listed at $14.75 million, the castle can now be yours for just $12.75 million.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A company known for taking history lovers on tours through New York City is bringing the interactive experience to people at home.

This Women’s History Month, Inside Out Tours is highlight the fierce females who helped shape the Big Apple.

President Stacey Toussaint guided CBS2’s Jenna DeAngelis through the Great Women of New York virtual tour, showing the city’s hidden history — or in this case, “her-story.”

“Really starting with the Native American women — the Lenape Indians — who had been here since 10,000 B.C.,” Toussaint explained. “Going all the way to modern times.”

(Credit: CBS2)

The tour uses 360-degree technology. It begins, virtually, in Battery Park and includes stops at the African Burial Ground, Grand Central and Trinity Church — significant places to share stories of important female figures.

“We talked about this woman here, Margaret Corbin,” Toussaint said. “She’s really the first female soldier that was recognized who was fighting during the Revolutionary War.”

The Women’s Rights Pioneers statue is one of 10 stops along the virtual tour, and an important one.

“This was the first statue of real women put in Central Park,” said Toussaint. “Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and also Sojourner Truth… Three amazing New York women who fought both against slavery through the Abolitionist movement and also for giving the women the right to vote.”

The hour-long tour about women is led by women, like Toussaint. Inside Out Tours expanded its walking tours to this interactive, online experience when the pandemic hit, bringing history to your home.

“From anywhere in the world, you could learn about these women,” Toussaint said.

From enslaved women, to religious leaders and 9/11 heroes, it’s a tour about trailblazers — from women on Wall Street to those in the highest court.

Inside Out Tours offers group virtual tours and still does some in-person tours. You can learn more about the Great Women of New York virtual tour by clicking here.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Maybe you’ve been scratching your eyes or wiping your nose more lately.

Spring allergy season is here, once again right alongside the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the symptoms between the two are similar. So how do you know if it’s COVID-19 or allergies? We’ll help you spot the differences, and highlights a common deterrent for both of them.

Spring is a crazy season. One day you’re basking in the sun. The next, it disappears behind a blanket of snow. And amidst those frosty flakes that fell Monday is an annual helping of allergies.

Staff at Sunnyside Gardens in Minneapolis almost specialize in fighting them.

But how can we tell if it’s COVID-19 or allergies? WCCO spoke with Dr. John Sweet, an allergist with Hennepin Healthcare.

“There’s a lot of overlap between allergies and COVID, which can be very confusing,” Sweet said.

The overlapping symptoms include coughs, fatigue, headaches, sore throat and some congestion. But here’s how they’re different: COVID-19 has fever, body aches, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting — all of which are not connected to excess pollen in your nose.

(credit: CBS)

Meanwhile, allergies will bring on itching, sneezing and nasal congestion.

“You can have decreased sense of smell in both cases, but with COVID it would be a sudden onset and often without nasal congestion,” Sweet said.

For instance, you can take a deep breath with your nose and not smell anything, which is a COVID symptom. With allergies, you struggle to smell because you can’t breathe through your congested nose.

Does a mask help at all with allergies?

“Yes, masks can help, to a point,” Sweet said.

As masks prevent us from spreading COVID-19 droplets, they also somewhat help to stop us from breathing in pesky allergens like pollen.

One big difference between this spring season and the last is the better access to COVID-19 testing in Minnesota, which Dr. Sweet said will help people determine what they’re dealing with.

“The tests are very quick and the results can come back within a day,” Sweet said. “It’s best for everyone, your safety and everyone else’s to get tested if you think you may have an infection.”

Dr. Sweet says taking your allergy meds early in the morning and daily can help fight symptoms. And if you’ve been outside much of the day, a shower at night can help wash off the pollen on your hair or skin.

While most adults succumb to seasonal allergies at an early age, Dr. Sweet said it’s possible that some people can get them for the first time in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

“But there’s usually some family history of someone in the family having allergies, also,” he said.

(CBS Detroit) — The third stimulus check is already starting to reach bank accounts. But the $1.9 trillion economic relief package, which President Biden signed into law last Thursday, includes a lot more than a $1,400 payment. The American Relief Plan attempts to ease the economic pain brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It contains programs that support struggling families, communities and small businesses, and fight the spread of COVID through testing, tracing and vaccinations. Some of these efforts may also put more money in your pocket.

Exactly how much money depends on your financial situation. The programs and the rules surrounding them have changed somewhat from the last two stimulus packages. When that money arrives is more a function of how implementation plays out in the coming days and weeks.

Here’s what’s in the stimulus package.

Third Round Of Stimulus Checks

Given the $1,200 last spring and $600 this winter, a third payment seemed imminent if the economy continued to falter. The $1,400 number came about after former President Trump requested a $2,000 payout rather than the then-pending $600. Democrats quickly backed the larger amount, passing a bill in the House that would more than triple the second stimulus check. Republican Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, who were embroiled in close runoff elections in Georgia, also supported the increase.

A larger second stimulus check never came to pass, but the number stuck. And when Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock won those two January elections, tilting control of the Senate to their party, the effort gained some momentum. Democrats soon held the presidency and both houses of Congress and pushed through a third stimulus.

While $1,400 is the topline number, some people are receiving less or more, depending on their income and dependents.

The previous two stimulus checks phased out for individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) over $75,000 per year and married couples with an AGI over $150,000. (AGI is the total of one’s wages, interest, dividends, alimony, retirement distributions and other sources of income minus certain deductions, such as student loan interest, alimony payments and retirement contributions.) For every dollar of income over the threshold, the previous two stimulus payments decreased by five percent. So the $1,200 CARES Act payment shrank to $0 for incomes over $99,000 ($198,000), and the $600 second stimulus shrank to $0 for incomes over $87,000 ($174,000).

In early February, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine proposed an amendment aimed at “targeting economic impact payments to Americans who are suffering from the effects of COVID–19, including provisions to ensure upper-income taxpayers are not eligible.”

The income threshold doesn’t change in the American Relief Plan. But the phase out happens much more quickly. So while the AGI to receive the full stimulus remains at $75,000 ($150,000), those earning $80,000 ($160,000) or more receive nothing. The phase out progresses at a constant rate — in this case, 32 percent. That means people receive $.32 less for every $1 they earned over the limit.

Those with older dependents could see more money. A dependent was defined as anyone under the age of 17 living in your household the last time around. The American Rescue Plan expands the pool of eligible dependents to include those over the age of 16. In that group is college students and older adults with certain kinds of disabilities. This change makes an estimated 13.5 million additional people eligible for stimulus payments, with up to $1,400 more per dependent going to the eligible taxpayer. Dependent stimulus payments are added to the taxpayer’s total and phase out at the same rate.

Other Assistance To Families

A third relief payment will account for about $422 billion of the $1 trillion or so meant to assist families. But some small portion of the remaining money could find its way into your pocket as well. Assistance to families also includes extended unemployment benefits, a more generous child tax credit, and more.

The current weekly federal unemployment insurance bonus of $300 expired on March 14. The American Rescue Plan extends it through Labor Day. Recipients with household incomes below $150,000 will not have to pay taxes on the first $10,200 in unemployment benefits. Those eligible for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which covers people who have used up their state benefits, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which covers freelancers and gig workers, will also see their benefits extended through early September. PEUC runs out after 53 weeks. PUA expires after 79 weeks.

Under the revised Child Tax Credit, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will pay out $3,600 per year for each child up to five years old and $3,000 per year for each child ages six through 17. Payments will be issued automatically on a periodic basis from July to December of 2021, with the remainder issued when the recipient files their 2021 taxes. (Many expect that “periodic” will actually mean monthly or possibly quarterly, but the IRS still has to determine that.) The benefit will not depend on the recipient’s current tax burden. In other words, qualifying families will receive the full amount, regardless of how much — or little — they owe in taxes. Payments will start to phase out beyond a $75,000 annual income for individuals and beyond $150,000 for married couples. The more generous credit will apply only for 2021, though Democrats will probably look to extend it.

The child and dependent care tax credit also becomes more generous. The value of the credit amounts to $4,000 for one child or $8,000 for two or more children. At a household AGI of $125,000, those amounts will start to decline. The credit currently maxes out at $2,100 and covers no more than about one-third of eligible expenses. It starts to phase out at an AGI of $15,000.

The American Relief Plan includes other money-saving programs that could benefit large numbers of Americans. The stimulus package provides another $27 billion in rental assistance and $10 billion in mortgage assistance. Those who lost jobs and have resorted to buying health insurance through COBRA will see Uncle Sam pay their premiums from April through the end of September. The cost of health insurance bought through a government exchange will be capped at 8.5 percent of a person’s AGI.

An extension the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) bonus is also part of the American Rescue Plan. The additional 15 percent in SNAP benefits provided by the second stimulus package is also extended from June to September. The 15 percent bonus provides about $27 more in food assistance per person per month, or over $100 for a family of four.

The $15 minimum wage, which was part of the stimulus package proposed by the President and first passed by the House, was not part of the final version.

The Rest Of The Stimulus Package

There’s a lot more to the economic relief package than stimulus checks and other aid to families. The American Rescue Plan also includes hundreds of billions of dollars to help communities and small businesses and hundreds of billions more to stop COVID and bolster the vaccination effort.

States and localities have been hit hard by declines in tax revenue, with 26 Democrat and Republican-led states experiencing budget shortfalls. Since most states are required by law to balance their budget, public jobs and services have been cut. As of mid-February, approximately 1.3 million state and local government jobs were lost, mostly in education. A budget shortfall could also necessitate a rise in taxes. With the allotted $360 billion, states and local governments can address this key area of need. This part of the plan also features $30.5 billion for transit systems, $15 billion for airlines, and $10 billion for critical infrastructure. Restaurants, one of the most hard-hit industries during the pandemic, receive $25 billion.

The best way to return the economy to some semblance of normal is to minimize the threat people face when resuming their pre-pandemic lives. That requires a bulked-up COVID response. To that end, over $76 billion is going toward vaccines and testing. That includes almost $48 billion to continue national testing and tracing, $15 billion to better distribute and administer vaccines, $6 billion to improve research and development and $1 billion to raise awareness.

Schools also receive $128 billion to help with reopening efforts, with another $39 billion set aside for colleges and universities. The bill reestablishes the requirement that employers provide paid leave to those who catch COVID and/or must quarantine and makes it easier to purchase individual health insurance.

Why Another Stimulus Package Is Still Needed

The economy shrank by 3.5 percent in 2020, the largest single-year decline since the end of World War II. Weekly unemployment figures remain historically high, with approximately 712,000 people initially applying for unemployment insurance in the first week of March. (For reference, a typical pre-pandemic week saw about 250,000 new unemployment applications.) An additional 478,000 sought Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Approximately 20 million people were receiving unemployment benefits of one kind or another as of late February. That’s about one out of every nine workers. While the official unemployment rate is 6.2 percent, the actual rate is probably closer to 10 percent, given all the people who have dropped out of the labor force. On the bright side, employers added another 379,000 jobs last month.

An economic bounceback depends on the widespread distribution of a COVID vaccine. And efforts to inoculate the public are improving. Shortages and winter weather had forced some areas to temporarily close vaccination centers and scale back administering the vaccine. Many who qualify had faced problems in scheduling appointments. Nevertheless, Americans have received over 109 million doses, with 21.4 percent of the population having received at least one dose and 11.5 percent completely vaccinated. Vaccination numbers continue to increase at a rate of about 2.4 million doses per day.

The Food & Drug Administration recently authorized Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot vaccine, with millions of doses already shipped. Biden has recently stated that the country will have enough doses to vaccinate all Americans by May. Actually putting needles in arms will likely take longer. Mask-wearing and a general lack of normalcy could continue into 2022. Currently, domestic COVID cases are nearing 29.5 million, while deaths have climbed past 535,000.

Originally published on Monday, March 1 @ 12:53 p.m. ET.

CAMBRIDGE (CBS) – Moderna has started a study of its coronavirus vaccine in children under the age of 12.

The Cambridge-based company announced Tuesday that the first participants in the research – ages 6 months to less than 12 years – have received doses.

The two-part study is designed to show how children tolerate the vaccine, and to make sure it’s safe and effective for them.  This expands the age bracket of Moderna’s study which started with kids ages 12 to 17.

Moderna’s vaccine is two shots given 28 days apart.

The study, called kidCOVE, is expected to enroll 6,750 healthy children in the U.S. and Canada. As with earlier studies, some will receive the vaccine and others will get a placebo. Moderna said the placebo is a “saltwater solution that looks just like the study vaccine but contains no active vaccine.”

The children will be followed for a year after their second vaccination.

CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus said getting kids vaccinated is critical to ending the pandemic.

“We have to do everything we can to get to herd immunity and, given that 25-percent of the United States is under the age of 21, this is going to have to include children,” he said.

Moderna’s adult vaccine trial had 30,000 people. Agus said the smaller trial for children only needs to answer two questions.

“Is it safe? Period. And do they mount effective immune responses? Period. And those are very easy to do with smaller numbers of children.”

“It is humbling to know that 17.8 million adults in the U.S. have received the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to date. We are encouraged by the primary analysis of the Phase 3 COVE study of mRNA-1273 in adults ages 18 and above and this pediatric study will help us assess the potential safety and immunogenicity of our COVID-19 vaccine candidate in this important younger age population.” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a statement.

For more information about the trial and enrollment visit kidcovestudy.com.

(CBS Local)- The Michigan Wolverines are one of two Big Ten teams to draw a one seed in this year’s tournament (Illinois is the other). Juwan Howard’s group finished the season tops in the Big Ten, but suffered two losses in the conference tournament. They fell in the semifinals to Ohio State, but perhaps more importantly, they lost senior forward Isaiah Livers to a stress fracture in his foot. Livers was second on the team in scoring and averaged over 31 minutes per game.

While the Wolverines certainly have the talent to replace the production, the question is how much they will miss Livers’ steady hand and leadership in the pressure cooker of the tournament. With Alabama, Florida State, and Texas potentially waiting in the later rounds, it will be a test for this Michigan team that at times this season had seemed to place itself firmly in the contenders tier with Gonzaga and Baylor.

No. 1 Michigan

The loss of Livers is big, but there is a lot of experience on this roster. Grad-transfer senior guard Mike Smith is a steadying hand at the point dishing over 5 assists per game. He’s joined by fellow seniors Eli Brooks and Chaundee Brown. In the front court, sophomore Franz Wagner (12.8 ppg 6.2 rpg) and freshman center Hunter Dickinson (14.2 ppg 7.6 rpg 1.4 bpg) are handfuls for opponents. Michigan is strong from the three point line (38.7%) and defends the line well allowing opponents to hit just 33.5% of threes.

No. 2 Alabama

The Crimson Tide completed the double winning both the regular season and conference tournament titles in the SEC. Nate Oats’ group features a balanced attack with four players averaging 11 or more points per game and defensively, they’re the nation’s 2nd most efficient unit per Ken Pomeroy. They are particularly effective defending the three point line (28.8% opponent 3PT) and crash the offensive glass well (12.4 ORPG). They do struggle a bit on the defensive glass which could be a problem against later opponents.

SEC TOURNAMENT CHAMPS! The historic season continues as #Alabama has won the #SECMBB tournament for the first time in 30 years!! #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/TTnowb0pQt

— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 14, 2021

No. 3 Texas

The Longhorns finished third in the Big 12 in the regular season before winning the conference tournament. Shaka Smart’s group has a trio of experienced guards in senior Matt Coleman and juniors Andrew Jones and Courtney Ramey and a talented freshman who could be a top draft prospect in forward Greg Brown. They rate as a top 25 offense in efficiency and top 40 defensively. But, they can fall in love with the three ball at times and don’t shoot it overly well (35.7%) which could hurt them in the tournament.

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No. 4 Florida State

Leonard Hamilton’s group finished 2nd in the ACC and made it to the conference title game before falling to Georgia Tech. They’re a particularly strong three point shooting group (39%) and are strong on the offensive glass (11.6 per game). They’re 10th in offensive efficiency and Top 50 on the defensive end in that category. They also are one of the best rim protecting teams averaging 5.1 blocks per game.

No. 5 Colorado

The Buffaloes finished third in the Pac-12 in the regular season and made it to the tournament title game before falling to Oregon State 72-70. They appear to be a bit under seeded rating 17th in Ken Pomeroy’s rankings (17th in offensive efficiency and 29th defensively). Senior guard McKinley Wright IV leads the team in scoring (15.5 ppg) and is joined by forwards Jeriah Horne (11.4 ppg) and Evan Battey in double figures (10.2 ppg). The Buffs are the second best free throw shooting team in the country (82.2%) and take care of the ball (11.1 turnovers per game).

No. 6 BYU

The Cougars finished second in the West Coast Conference and runner-up to Gonzaga in the title game. They’re efficient on both ends of the floor (Top 30 in both per Ken Pomeroy) and are strong three point shooters (37.8%). The trio of Alex Barcello, Brandon Averette and Matt Haarms are the clear leaders. They do struggle at times with turning the ball over, averaging over 13 per game in the bottom half of Division I.

No. 7 UConn

The Huskies appear to be under seeded judging by Pomeroy’s ratings. They check in as a Top 25 offensive and defensive efficiency team and don’t turn the ball over much (11.7 per game). Sophomore guard James Bouknight leads the way averaging 19 points per game with juniors R.J. Cole (12.3 ppg) and Tyrese Martin (10.7) also averaging double digits. Cole is questionable at this point, recovering from a concussion. Also a concern is their shooting where they rank in the bottom half of DI, hitting on 33.6% of their threes.

No. 8 LSU

The Tigers finished third in the SEC and fell just short against Alabama in the conference tournament championship game. Will Wade’s group is one of the most efficient offenses in the country (5th in Ken Pom) averaging 82.1 points per game and shooting 74.6% from the free throw line. Freshman Cameron Thomas leads the group in scoring (22.6 ppg) but three other players are also averaging double digits. The question is defensively where they allowed opponents over 75 points per game. They defend the three point line well (30% allowed) which could come in handy.

No. 9 St. Bonaventure

The Bonnies were Atlantic 10 regular and tournament champions thanks to a balanced offensive attack and a strong defense. The defense hinges on junior forward Osun Osunniyi who averages 2.9 blocks per game and routinely alters shots at the rim. The perimeter players all defend well also with three players (Kyle Lofton, Jaren Holmes and Dominick Welch) averaging over a steal per game. They are also adept at defending the arc (30.6%) making for a fun first round battle against LSU.

No. 10 Maryland

The Terps finished eighth in the Big Ten in the regular season and bowed out in the tournament quarterfinals to top seed Michigan. Mark Turgeon’s group has been okay from deep 35.3% but below average from the free throw line (70.2%) which could hurt them in the tournament. They take care of the ball (11.2 turnovers per game) and the guard combination of Aaron Wiggins and Eric Ayala is a strong one. Both they and UConn play at a slower pace which means that game could come down to free throw shooting late in a tight affair.

No. 11 Michigan State/UCLA

March is the month of Izzo and the Spartans being in as an 11-seed is a bit scary for those who are used to seeing them higher up the bracket. They’re strong in the rebounding department but struggle from deep (32%). The Bruins lost their top player, senior guard Chris Smith just eight games into the season. They were able to pull together and make the tournament finishing fourth in the Pac-12 and featuring an attack that saw four players in double figures. They’re much better from three than the Spartans (36.7%) but don’t shoot a ton (18.7 attempts). Rebounding could be the difference as the Bruins average just 35 per game on the season.

No. 12 Georgetown

The Hoyas stunned the Big East, finishing eighth in the regular season before running through the conference tournament to win the automatic bid. Patrick Ewing’s group shoots the three (36.6%) and free throws (75.4%) well while also being dominant on the glass averaging over 40 rebounds per game, 28.5 defensively. They do have turnover issues (15.4 per game) which could cost them the chance at the first round upset against Colorado.

No. 13 UNC-Greensboro

The Spartans are back in the tournament for the first time since 2018 after winning the Southern conference. Senior guard Isaiah Miller is the leader averaging 19.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4 assists per game. They’re a strong ball handling team and Miller can certainly cause opponents issues. But, they shoot just 30% from three and 68.3% from the charity stripe which, like the Wildcats below, could pose problems for trying to pull off an upset.

No. 14 Abilene Christian

The Wildcats won the Southland conference to make their second tournament appearance in the last three seasons. Senior center Kolton Kohl (7′ 240) leads the way in scoring 12.3 ppg and with junior forward Joe Pleasant (10.8 ppg) and sophomore guard Coryon Mason (10.7 ppg) right behind. The Wildcats are in the Top 30 in defensive efficiency and shoot fairly well from three (35.3%). The big question is free throw shooting where they connect on just 67.3% of their attempts. That could be a big road block for trying to pull the upset.

No. 15 Iona

The Gaels are probably the biggest unknown in the field outside of those programs dealing with COVID issues. They had the longest pauses in the country due to COVID this year and played just 17 total games. Despite not playing a game between February 20 and the conference tournament on March 9, Iona won four straight to book a spot in the tournament. Head coach Rick Pitino brings plenty of tournament experience and the Gaels are solid defensively. But, they struggle on the defensive glass and do foul quite a bit.

No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s/Texas Southern

Mount St. Mary’s won the Northeast Conference tournament after finishing third in the regular season. They boast the duo of guard Damian Chong-Qui and forward Nana Opoku who combine for 25 points and 11 rebounds per game. The Mountaineers are solid defensively (62.7 ppg allowed) but they struggle from the charity stripe (67.8%). Texas Southern won the SWAC after finishing third in the regular season and are led by a trio of juniors in guard Michael Weathers and forwards Joirdon Karl Nicholas and John Walker. The Tigers play at a fast pace and can put up points in a hurry.

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This time last year everyone was wondering if there would even be a season. So the imminent return of America’s Game, and the certainty that comes with it, is enough to brighten any fan’s step. Players are rounding into form. Rosters are starting to take shape. And major league ballparks will soon be filled with some reduced number of cheering fans.

Life is beginning to feel a little more normal.

Spring Training Report this week takes a spin around the majors to look at a seemingly healthy Shohei Ohtani, Jacob deGrom’s increasing velocity and teams’ plans to have fans in seats.

Shohei Ohtani Looking Good

The Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom is looking better after an abysmal 2020 season. Tommy John surgery in late 2018 to repair his right elbow kept him off the mound in 2019. Shohei Ohtani did hit .286, with 18 home runs and 62 RBI in his 384 at-bats as a DH that season.

The 2020 season was hardly the return to the mound that the Angels hoped for. He faced a grand total of 16 batters in 1 and 2/3 innings and managed to walk eight of them. A forearm strain quickly put him out of his pitching misery. Ohtani suffered at the plate as well, batting just .190, with 7 HRs and 24 RBI in 153 ABs.

But spring training this year has Ohtani flashing more of the two-way potential that got the Angels so excited. The speed on his fastball is averaging over 97 mph and peaking at 101 mph, much like it did before the surgery. He looks good at the plate, where he has hits in 9 of his 16 ABs. That includes a monster 468-foot homerun to dead center.

The Angels are dedicated to continuing the two-way experiment with the 26-year-old this season. And early evidence suggests that it might actually be a success.

Jacob deGrom Getting Faster

The New York Mets starter remains among the best pitchers in baseball. He won the National League Cy Young in the last two 162-game seasons and finished third in the pandemic-altered 2020 season. Over the course of those three seasons, his ERA hasn’t topped 2.50. In 2018, when he struck out 269 batters in 217 innings, his ERA was 1.70.

That three-season stretch has also seen the velocity on his fastball increase, from an average of 96.7 mph and a max of 100.1 mph in 2018 to an average of 99 mph and a max of 102.7 mph in 2020. In a recent spring training outing, he was pitching in the 100-102 mph range. It’s not that rare for younger pitcher to get faster. It’s virtually unheard of for a pitcher pushing 33 years old to add speed. Yet somehow deGrom is doing exactly that, despite all the wear and tear on his arm over the years.

March is a little early to read too much into these velocity gains. He’s had a lot of time to rest these last few months. But that’s still pretty fast for the time of year when pitchers are supposed to be ramping up. We’re still months from the dog days of summer, when pitchers are typically at their fastest.

Fans Returning To Games

This season will look and feel a little more like the pre-pandemic seasons of yesteryear. That’s because the seats in ballparks across the the majors will be filled — or at least dotted — with fans.

The 2020 season lacked an in-person audience until the end of the postseason. The piped-in crowd noise did add a little something to the atmosphere. But not enough to make it feel normal. On the other hand, hearing the sounds of the game usually covered over by the crowd noise did enhance the experience in its own way.

The 2021 season will begin mostly with fans in seats. The numbers will be generally be limited based on local restrictions. That ranges from full capacity for the Texas Rangers opener at Globe Life Field and socially distanced seating thereafter to no fans for any Washington Nationals games at Nationals Park. (The DC government plans to revisit their decision before April 1, however.) The other 28 teams will allow some reduced number of fans or have yet to decide. Many of those that have decided will cap the percentage at 25 percent or less. Mask-wearing and social distancing will be required; vaccinations and negative COVID tests will not.

The Toronto Blue Jays will open regular season play in Florida due to the ongoing closure at the U.S. Canada border. It’s unclear fans whether fans will be allowed in the park for the first game. But there’s a good chance. The Miami Marlins will cap attendance at 25 percent, while the Tampa Bay Rays are shooting for about 17 percent.

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Keep an eye on your bank account this morning.

Stimulus relief checks have already started hitting American’s bank accounts.

If you’re still waiting for your check, don’t be concerned.

The IRS says the payments are going out in batches and the paper checks will make longer.

If you want to check the status of your payment, you can use a new tool called ‘Get My Payment.’

Click here to use that tool.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Police are investigating a frightening attack on an 18-year-old woman in Greenwich Village.

It happened around 12:30 p.m. on March 1 along East 8th Street between Mercer and Greene streets.

Police said a man hit the woman with a hard object, then grabbed her by the throat.

(Credit: NYPD)

There were no words exchanged before the attack.

Police said the victim suffered pain and bruising. She refused medical attention on the scene.

The suspect took off in an unknown direction. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.

FALLSBURG, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Ronald DeFeo Jr., the Long Island man convicted of murdering his family in Amityville, New York has died.

DeFeo was serving 25 years to life in prison at the Sullivan Correctional Facility.

He died Friday, March 12. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

DeFeo was convicted in the shooting deaths of his parents, two sisters and two brothers inside their home in 1974.

The gruesome murders were depicted in a book and the 1979 film “The Amityville Horror.”