(CNN) Millions of children in America became eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine this week. And some officials are sweetening the deal by including them in various incentive programs. In New York City, children can claim $100 if they get their first dose of Pfizer's vaccine at city-operated vaccine site. Alternatively , they can get tickets to city attractions such as the Statue of Liberty or the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team. The incentive program was already available to other New Yorkers who got vaccinated. "We really want kids to take advantage, families take advantage of that," Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday. "Everyone could use a little more money around the holidays. But, most importantly, we want our kids and our families to be safe." In Chicago, health officials are also offering $100 gift cards for children ages five to 11 when they get the shots at Chicago Public Health events or clinics, officials said. Why you should vaccinate your … [Read more...]

Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images There’s nothing like a revived conflict-of-interest snafu to wake up an outgoing mayor with his eye on the governor’s mansion . On Wednesday, the New York Times released the contents of a 2018 letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio sent by New York City’s Conflict of Interest Board, cautioning him to stop asking developers for donations. The agency tasked with administering the city’s conflict of interest law wrote that de Blasio’s fundraising tactics “created the very appearance of coercion and improper access to you and your staff” that the administration hoped to avoid. But the record shows they weren’t trying too hard to avoid conflicts of interest, since they had already been warned by the same board years before and kept the practice up. After coming into office, de Blasio would make calls to developers building affordable housing in the city — including the executives of Douglaston Development and Toll Brothers in the winter of … [Read more...]

Isaias Torres and Adner Ramirez squared off to help their coach demonstrate the day’s drills — arm grabs and snapdowns — with a quiet intensity that set the tone for the Grand Street Campus High School wrestling team. Soon, all 20 wrestlers were paired off, working on hand fighting and then takedowns, staying focused, not stopping even when a mask slid down or popped off. Like every sports team at a public school in New York City, the wrestlers at Grand Street must be vaccinated, and those participating in contact sports must wear masks in practice and at competitions. These restrictions seem to have reduced the participants around the city — this team normally would have 10 to 15 more students. But the bigger concern is the policy forbidding city students from even competing at tournaments where nonvaccinated athletes are allowed. It essentially bars city athletes from high-level competitions on Long Island and in Westchester County, proving grounds for the best wrestling … [Read more...]

close Video 'The Five' announce new All-American Christmas Tree lighting ceremony Dana Perino reveals when the new Fox News Christmas Tree festivities will take place. The 49-year-old suspect who was arrested Wednesday in connection with the alleged torching of a Christmas tree outside the New York City headquarters of Fox News and other News Corp. units has been freed on no bail, according to a report. Arson suspect Craig Tamanaha was seen leaving a Manhattan criminal courthouse on Wednesday night following his arraignment, the New York Post reported. "I didn’t do it," Tamanaha told reporters outside the building. The alleged arson, which happened early Wednesday morning, sent dangerous flames and thick smoke into the air outside the building at Sixth Avenue and West 48th Street, just hours before workers, holiday shoppers and tourists would be flooding sidewalks and pedestrian plazas in the area. FOX NEWS' ALL-AMERICAN … [Read more...]

Pinellas Beaches | News | Oct 4 Foodies To Enjoy Variety Of Cuisine During Taste Of The Beaches Pinellas beach restaurants are offering a variety of taste sensations during the annual Taste of the Beaches Oct. 4-10. D'Ann Lawrence White , Patch Staff Thank Share Pinellas Beaches | News | Aug 4 Orange County Choppers' Paul Teutul Sr. To Meet With Fans Aug. 9 Fans of the Discovery Network series, "American Chopper," can hang out with the show's star and founder of Orange County Choppers Aug. 9. D'Ann Lawrence White , Patch Staff Thank Share Pinellas Beaches | Press Release | Jul 26 John’s Pass Waitress To Compete At Hooters Pageant Ireland Dabydeen will compete for the title of Miss Hooters International and a cash prize. Press Release Desk , News Partner … [Read more...]

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — The U.S. Small Business Administration and Iona College joined Wednesday to highlight a $5 million grant for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. The college’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship was selected by the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families. READ MORE: David Banks To Be Named New York City Schools Chancellor It was chosen to support their Community Navigator Pilot Program, funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. READ MORE: 'Why Should We Live Like This?': NYCHA Residents On Staten Island Say Gas Service Has Been Out For Nearly A Year The head of the SBA explained how the program works. “The navigator program is going to level up our resource partner network by connecting entrepreneurs to the great content and the capital and the government contracting opportunity and the trade opportunities that the SBA presents to small businesses,” said Isabella Casillas Guzman. MORE … [Read more...]