Former health official claims Cuomo staff interfered during pandemic

A former top official in the Cuomo administration testified about what was going on at the state Health Department during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

Santa Claus may not be coming to town this year amid hired Santa shortage

There are an estimated 10-15% fewer Santa Clauses this year compared to last year due to COVID-19 and many Santas retiring, according to Mitch Allen, head elf at Hire Santa.

Aluminum can shortage hits craft breweries hard

Craft brewers have coined it "the candemic" — a shortage of aluminum cans that has put them under pressure.

American consumers bear heavy burden of soaring prices

A worsening surge of inflation for such bedrock necessities as food, rent, autos and heating oil is setting Americans up for a financially difficult Thanksgiving and holiday shopping season.

Mike Zimmer: Vaccinated Vikings player hospitalized due to COVID-19

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said a player who has been vaccinated had to be taken to the emergency room Tuesday night due to COVID-19.

Cell process may explain why coronavirus variants are more infectious, NIH study shows

NIH scientists believe they have discovered why the coronavirus alpha and delta variants have an easier time infecting host cells and hope the discovery will lead to more effective treatment.

NYC children eligible for $100 COVID vaccination incentive

A $100 incentive is available if a child gets the COVID vaccine at either a city-run vaccine site or a public school.

Saliva test developed in NYC makes COVID tests less invasive

Mount Sinai Health System went to work devising an inexpensive, non-invasive, accurate way to test people on a large scale.

Pfizer seeks OK for COVID booster for all adults as CEO predicts need for annual shot

Pfizer on Tuesday announced it has asked the FDA to amend its EUA for boosters to include all adults. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said that people may need to get a COVID shot every year, much like with the flu shot.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut agree on federal transit aid sharing

After months of negotiations, New York and its two neighboring states have finally agreed on how to divide up billions in federal COVID-19 relief money aimed at public transit. New York will receive about $10.8 billion, New Jersey will get about $2.6 billion and Connecticut will receive about $474 million.

NFL fines Packers, Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard for violating league COVID-19 rules

The NFL on Tuesday fined the Green Bay Packers $300,000 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers as well as wide receiver Allen Lazard $14,500 each for violating the league’s COVID-19 protocols.

U.S. casinos have best quarter ever, fueled by online and sports bets

America's commercial casinos are marking the industry's best quarter ever and pushing U.S. casino revenue past what it was for all of 2020. Figures released Tuesday by the American Gaming Association show U.S. casinos are poised to have their best year ever in 2021 as more consumers feel comfortable visiting casinos amid the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, and as online and sports betting revenues continue to grow.

Biden to extend FEMA-backed COVID-19 aid until April 2022

The White House says President Joe Biden is extending the federal government’s 100% reimbursement of COVID-19 emergency response costs to states, tribes and territories through April 1, 2022.