From clothing to hairstyles, nostalgia is all the rage. While it’s easy to think of ways to bring some traditional flair to your wardrobe, many incorrectly believe that vintage-looking kitchen appliances and electronics can only be found in antique markets.

Actually, classic designs and old-fashioned color palettes are becoming readily available everywhere home furnishings are sold. Thanks to manufacturers getting in on the trend, you don’t need to sacrifice today’s modern conveniences for a previous decade’s good looks.

What exactly is retro, anyway?

Today’s perception of retro takes inspiration from the decades between 1950 and the late 1980s. While clothing and fashion sensibilities currently draw heavily from the ’80s, thanks in no small part to pop-culture entertainment like “Stranger Things,” home appliances call back to pastel colors and metallic accents made popular in the diners of the ’50s and ’60s. In today’s world of connected devices and always-on technology, many find the simplicity of years past to be compelling.

Countertop kitchen appliances

Toaster ovens, waffle makers, coffee makers and more can be found in decidedly vintage designs. Even brands that don’t make products specifically to appeal to nostalgia are getting in on the action by offering appliances in colors that appeal to the retro revival. If you see a coffee pot you like but find it to be a bit too modern, shop around because you may find the same item offered in a refreshing mint green or robin’s egg blue.

Full-size kitchen appliances

Nostalgic looks aren’t confined solely to the countertop. You can also find convection ovens, ranges and refrigerators with designs and color palettes straight out of the ’50s. If you want to go all in and give your kitchen a top-to-bottom retro makeover, you can do so with quality appliances from reputable manufacturers that don’t prioritize form over functionality.

Retro shopping tips

• Match colors: From cotton-candy pink to marshmallow white, many manufacturers offer appliances in colors that look alike and follow similar naming conventions. However, when placed side by side, you may find that they clash. To avoid this, keep your appliances far enough away from one another to not notice slight color differences. Better yet, purchase them all from the same manufacturer to ensure a perfect match.
• Choose an era: If you intend to create a consistent retro theme, select the era you like the most and stick to it. Combining ’50s art deco with ’80s boldness, for example, can deprive your decor of intention and give your space a haphazard, cluttered feel.
• Shop for quality: Don’t choose an item based solely on how it looks. Makers of cheap appliances tend to be quicker to jump on hot trends than reputable manufacturers due to lower overhead costs and inexpensive materials. Choose carefully, read reviews and try to stick to brands you trust to provide warranty options and stand by its products.

Best retro kitchen appliances

Redmond Retro Two-Slice Toaster

This fancy-looking toaster has classic-car vibes, thanks to its luxurious chrome trim. Available in white and aqua green, it also features a setting you can use to perfectly crisp bagels.

Lily’s Home Retro Kitchen Wall Clock

You can check the time and temperature and even set a timer with this vintage-looking wall clock. Powered by a single AA battery, it’s as functional as it is beautiful, and it can be purchased in five bold colors.

Nostalgia Retro Compact Microwave Oven

Don’t let the classic styling and five retro color options fool you. This countertop microwave oven features multiple settings and a bright LED display, making it the perfect choice for a small kitchen or dorm room.

Redmond Retro Electric Hand Mixer

You can whip up some classic recipes with this timeless-looking mixer. It has five selectable speeds and includes a storage case that conveniently doubles as a measuring cup.

Nostalgia Retro Coffee Maker

Looking like a 1955 Chevy, this coffee maker seems to have jumped out of a Norman Rockwell painting. It has a 24-hour timer, can hold up to 12 cups of coffee and features an anti-drip mechanism that lets you safely pour yourself a mug before the rest of the coffee has been brewed.

Elite Gourmet Retro Toaster Oven

You can bring the diner home with this toaster oven in traditional pastel blue. It includes a crumb tray, a baking pan and a wire rack.

Magic Chef Retro Two-Door Mini Fridge

Magic Chef brings its reputation for quality to the retro revival with this mini fridge that looks like it was just retrieved from a time machine. Featuring a separate freezer compartment and four color options, this fridge complements garages, kitchens, dorm rooms and man caves alike.

Unique Appliances Retro Gas Range with Convection Oven

This oven’s stylish art deco design makes a bold statement. With four sealed burners and two oven racks, it also makes any dish you may be in the mood for.

Dash Express 8-Inch Waffle Maker

Enjoy a nostalgic breakfast for one with this adorably retro waffle maker. Simple to use, it comes in three colors, and you can even buy one that creates waffles in the shape of a heart.

Nostalgia Electrics Classic Retro Snow Cone Maker

You can keep summer going all year long with this countertop snow cone maker that only requires ice cubes and syrup. An LED indicator lets you know when the machine is ready to go.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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These versatile shoes are perfect for your warm-weather outfits

When spring weather starts to roll in, you can finally put away your heavy winter boots. When you’re switching out your winter wardrobe, ballet flats work with many spring outfits.

In fact, it’s their versatility that makes ballet flats so popular. So whether you’re going to work, grabbing lunch with friends or just running errands, the right pair of ballet flats can complete your look.

If you’re looking for new shoes to add to your closet for spring, check out these top-rated ballet flats that are stylish enough to dress up any outfit.

How should I style ballet flats?

Because of their versatility and the various styles available, you can wear ballet flats with plenty of items already in your spring wardrobe, from casual looks to more polished outfits.

Some items that look great with ballet flats include:

• Jeans, including straight, skinny and even cuffed boyfriend jeans
• Trousers
• Leggings
• Shorts
• Skirts and dresses, especially midi-length styles

Ballet flats look best with pants, skirts or dresses that hit above the ankle, so there isn’t fabric pooling on top and hiding your ballet flats. Skip the socks and tights, too. Wearing ballet flats without hosiery usually gives them a more sophisticated look.

Best ballet flats under $50

Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat

These classic ballet flats have a round toe and elasticized design, making them both comfortable and flattering. They are made of soft faux leather, have a flexible outsole and come in more than 30 colors, including several animal prints.

Ollio Lace Ballet Flat

These unique lace ballet flats are ideal for spring because they have a breathable design to keep your feet cool and comfortable. They stretch to fit your feet comfortably and have an anti-slip rubber sole to keep you steady.

Clarks Sara Orchid Ballet Flat

Made of 100% leather, these chic ballet flats are comfortable and durable enough to wear every day. They have a soft, supportive foam footbed, elastic around the top edge for a better fit and a slight heel that measures less than an inch.

Lucky Brand Alba Ballet Flat

These faux leather ballet flats have a square toe that sets them apart from other pairs. They have a synthetic lining and a lightly padded footbed to improve their comfort. They’re also available in 14 colors.

Naturalizer Flexy Ballet Flat

These basic ballet flats earn high marks for their comfortable, supportive design. They have a soft, breathable lining and a cushioned footbed with targeted arch support. They also come in seven colors.

Skechers Cleo Point Ballet Flat

These soft, stretchable ballet flats are perfect for daily wear. They are made of woven, machine-washable fabric and feature an air-cooled memory foam cushioned insole to keep your feet comfortable all day.

Ollio Faux Suede Decorative Flower Ballet Flat

These faux suede ballet flats add a fun element to any outfit with their large flower decorations. They also have an elasticized top edge that provides a comfortable fit and a durable rubber sole. They’re available in 14 colors, including bright red and purple.

Best ballet flats for $50-$100

ALDO Blanchette Ballet Flat

These ALDO flats offer a sophisticated take on the traditional ballet flat. They are made of supple genuine leather and have a pointy toe that helps elongate the look of your legs. Their rubber sole also provides excellent traction.

Lucky Brand Emmie Ballet Flat

These classic leather ballet flats have a stretch top that provides a more secure fit. They also have a memory foam insole to provide support and a flexible rubber sole that allows for more comfortable walking.

Anne Klein Umeko Ballet Flat

These chic ballet flats have a striking metal buckle at the front to give them a more dressed-up look. They also have an Ortholite footbed that provides cushioning and support and a water-resistant design that’s ideal for wet spring weather.

Nine West Speakup Leather Ballet Flats

These classic ballet flats have sleek leather uppers that make them a timeless addition to your closet. They also feature flattering almond-shaped toes, a low profile and a durable synthetic sole. The shoes are even lined for greater comfort.

Frye Carson Ballet Flats

Made of premium leather, these stylish ballet flats offer a smooth, comfortable fit because they stretch with your feet. The supple leather also provides a subtle sheen that helps them stand out, while the outsole is durable and holds up well to wear and tear. They’re available in more than 15 colors.

Anne Klein Oalise Ballet Flat

These unique flats have a pointed toe with stretch that provides plenty of room for a comfortable fit. They are made of durable faux leather and have a flexible outsole that moves easily with your foot. They also come in 15 colors, including classic black and spring-ready coral.

Best ballet flats for $100+

Vionic Minna Ballet Flat

With genuine leather construction, these sophisticated ballet flats are highly comfortable and durable. They feature Vionic’s patented motion support, which conforms to your foot’s natural curve as you walk. They also have a cute bow at the front for added fun.

Sam Edelman Felicia Flats

These elegant ballet flats are made of 100% premium leather and have a cute bow detail with the brand’s logo charm at the front. The top edge is elasticized for a more comfortable fit, while the padded insole offers cushioning and support. They come in more than 30 colors.

Michael Kors Fulton Moccasin

If you want more mature-looking ballet flats, these shoes are for you. They are made of premium leather and feature a metal buckle with the Michael Kors logo across the toe. The cushioned footbed makes them more comfortable, too.

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flats

These ballet flats don’t just look great; they also feature a design that makes them easy to pack for all your spring trips. They are made of soft napa leather and feature multiple layers of foam cushioning for comfortable all-day wear.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Younger kids are becoming increasingly comfortable with technology

More and more kids are adopting tech at younger and younger ages. In fact, a recent NewsNation article brought to light how COVID-19 increased kids’ comfort with technology. The downside is kids are much more vulnerable when they are comfortable. This means parents have to be more vigilant and learn which tech products are safest for their kids to use.

How to protect your tech-savvy kid

It happens with every generation: Kids are exposed to new technology first, so they become more comfortable with it than their parents. To protect a child who may know more than you, you need to take advantage of the built-in tools, such as Parental Controls and Screen Time monitoring, that nearly all modern devices have. This is your first line of defense in keeping your child from venturing onto potentially dangerous sites and helping them learn to limit their daily screen time.

Products that help keep your kid safe online

While Amazon might not have the slickest products, such as iPads or Galaxy tablets, we have been testing items in our lab and found the company’s strength is in offering devices that are ideal for children.

The Amazon Fire 8 Kids Tablet, for instance, has built-in, easy-to-use parental controls that let you block undesirable content and access to inappropriate websites. It also lets you set screen time limits by category and has a rugged, child-proof case.

Similarly, the Echo Dot Kids has comparable protection. Additionally, it can help your child with homework, read to them and more.

If your child streams a lot of content or listens to music using headphones, it is important to protect their hearing because excessive volume can cause permanent hearing damage. A pair of Onanoff foldable headphones are a great accessory because they limit the volume level to a WHO-recommended 85 decibels.

Tech that keeps kids safe in the real world

Keeping your child safe in the real world has different challenges than keeping them protected online. Because of that, you need a different set of tools. For instance, an Apple AirTag can be placed on your child’s backpack, so you know that they made it to their friend’s house after school.

Best products to protect your kids

Amazon Fire 8 Kids Tablet

If you are considering getting a tablet for your kid, this is the best choice. Not only does it have a bevy of built-in parental control features, it comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee — if it breaks, simply return it for a free replacement.

Kindle Kids

Kindle Kids is a great way to start your child reading. This latest model has twice the storage, a longer battery life and an upgraded display. Purchase includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. The Parent Dashboard lets you easily protect your child.

Echo Dot Kids

Whether they need help with homework, would like to listen to some music or want to hear a story, the Echo Dot Kids is there to help. With the Parental Controls, you can filter out songs with explicit lyrics, ensure kid-friendly responses, set daily screen limits and more.

Onanoff Explore Volume-Limiting Kids Headphones

These award-winning headphones limit the volume level to protect kids’ hearing. They are built using hypoallergenic materials and have a foldable design to make them easier to store. These headphones are also built to withstand a kid’s curiosity, such as wondering how far they can bend.

Apple AirTag

While the Apple AirTag is not designed to track objects that are in motion, it is a great, affordable way to know if your child is where they are supposed to be. Just attach a tag to your child’s backpack or belt loop in order to make sure they are where they should be.

Jiobit GPS Tracker for Kids

For a little more protection, and the ability to monitor anywhere in the nation in real time, consider purchasing this tracker. Know precisely where your child is at all times by discreetly attaching this tracker to clothing, shoes or a backpack. It also features smart alerts and location history for even more protection.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Expect the next several months to be a gladiatorial to-the-death showstopper extravaganza where the part of imperial Commodus will be played by the once and future near-octogenarian de-facto fascismo nominee, Donald J. Trump.

Conventional wisdom would suggest the Mar-a-Lago Mussolini ought to be clearing his casting couch for swing state or youthful party leaders, who, like eight years ago, could help him coalesce the establishment wing of the GOP. Except it’s eight years later and the Donald (now a convicted lady-groin grabber) has transformed the party establishment into his own personal plaything. He does not need conventional. He needs a lickspittle lackey.

Mike Flynns and Ric Grenells of the world, rejoice. But in the event the great Orange God King does choose to humor the political class, he has a few limited options.

Trump will need every state he won in 2020, plus some combo of the six that swung away, namely: Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada. Of those, half elected Republicans in 2022, while the other three stayed the course and shut the GOP out entirely statewide.

Packers fans sent Republican Ron Johnson back to the U.S. Senate after narrowly delivering the Badger State for Joe Biden by fewer than 21,000 votes two years prior. Johnson has been a reliable shill for every “America First” initiative over the past eight years, voted twice to acquit the former president during his impeachment trials, and consistently promoted fringe conspiracy theories like “race replacement” at every opportunity.

Next, we can safely say that without Trump, Ohio’s J.D. Vance would be just another corpse collecting maggots on the landfill of political also-ran obscurity. Since eking out a bare plurality on the back of Trump’s endorsement in the 2022 Senate primary, Vance has manifested himself a staunch acolyte of MAGA eternal — refusing to acknowledge the 2020 election wasn’t stolen, and fanboying over Vladimir Putin.

Given his proximity to and shared roots with Appalachian Western Pennsylvania, Vance could prove a boost in a state Biden flipped by a little more than 1%.

Conversely, Govs. Joe Lombardo of Nevada and Georgia’s Brian Kemp have signaled such a vexingly stubborn allegiance to the Constitution that the frice indicted career kleptocrat has practically excommunicated both from his orbit.

There is one potential short-lister who ticks all the based boxes: former Hawaii congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard.

Unlike Q-Anon Ron and Surrender Vance, Gabbard is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, was deployed to Iraq, is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, and the first Samoan-American to serve in Congress. She’s what the former “Apprentice” host would consider “good casting.”

No longer a Democrat, Gabbard has spoken at CPAC, voted “present” during Trump’s first impeachment, guest hosted what used to be “Tucker Carlson Tonight” where she vilified the Justice Department for its lawful raid on Mar-a-Lago, and, perhaps most telling, successfully rattled rival Kamala Harris during the July 30, 2019 Democratic presidential primary debate.

Checkmate, gin, and yahtzee.

While poll aggregator FiveThirtyEight pegs Biden’s approval rating at 39%, Harris rates shockingly worse, at 37.5% — coupled with her boss’s advanced age and the perception he could suffer a debilitating health crisis in a second term, the thought of a President Harris sends voters stampeding into the open sweaty embrace of the con man from Queens by an 8.5% margin, according to a Real Clear Politics average.

Oddly, pundits continue to popularize the forever thirsty Rep. Elise Stefanik and Gov. Kristi Noem as potential VP material. But why would Harvard Elise, who did debate prep for Paul Ryan after toiling away in the Bush globalist White House, who spent three years lambasting Trump before greasing herself up to be MAGA’s chief congressional sleaze, get anointed over true believers Johnson, Vance, or media maven Gabbard?

As for Noem, her preference for extra-marital intrigue effectively puts the kibosh on any vaulting ambition. However, none of these Falange Five can help buoy their Golden Pyrite Calf over his ever-mounting electoral hump.

Trump’s conscious effort to systematically shrink the GOP over the past eight years — especially, in must-win swing states, will end up caponizing any vice presidential vetting pool, and leave his already cash-strapped campaign threepeat starved for hyper-oxygenated political phosphodiesterase.

Brass tacks: Nov. 5 will be a referendum on Trump and Trump alone. Dictum factum.

Schiffbauer is a political consultant and served as deputy communications director for the New York Republican State Committee from 2014-16.

There’s a mismatch here between the reality and the response. Judging exclusively by the plan, one might imagine that the subways have descended into a Hobbesian state of chaos and disorder, with New Yorkers being constantly shot and stabbed as they simply try to take a train. If you actually venture down into the system, you’ll largely see normal people going about their days, grumbling more about service outages than violent criminals.

Insofar as there are people disturbing the peace, they’re often homeless New Yorkers with mental health issues who’ve suffered from a dearth of psychological and psychiatric care options and who need help, not troops. The governor understands this, which is an increase in so-called SOS teams — made up of social workers, medical specialists, and others that help homeless people in subways find bed placements and services — and is a welcome part of the effort. This is the type of targeted intervention that gets results, not just headlines.

None of this is to minimize the impact of the crimes that do occur on trains and platforms, and the ripple effects they have. While crime may be generally down in the subways, felony assault was up slightly and burglary up significantly in the last year. The headline-grabbing severity of these assaults — with straphangers hit with metal objects or tossed to the tracks — creates shock that obscures the sheer unlikelihood that someone will be harmed on the trains.

Last year, the NYPD reported 570 assaults on the subways, every one of them terrible for the victim and society, but that represents something like two million rides for every assault, or an assault likelihood of around 0.00005% per ride.

Yet these assaults can and do make the public afraid of riding, and anything that keeps riders away is a self-reinforcing problem as fewer people pay fares and occupy the stations and trains at all hours. If we’re going to get serious about stopping the upward trend, the solution is not untrained soldiers to gum up the works, perform invasive searches and increase the likelihood of altercations with the public. More real transit cops on the platforms and the trains are helpful, but that is also quite expensive.

Instead, Adams and Hochul should scrap the showy but ineffective Guardsmen plan and focus on targeted interventions. Don’t make the subway system feel more like the airport with bag searches, but put more NYPD transit officers specifically in known problem areas, and have them be visible but relatively unobtrusive.

Also, expand having social services staff develop relationships with those suffering from substance abuse and mental illness by offering placements and supports. The subways cannot serve as campsites, which is degrading for people living there and unsettling to those using the trains for their intended transportation purpose.

This approach will work better, cost less and help more people in the long run.

That she didn’t endorse him is a thin hope that she will withhold her backing — and her voters and donors and supporters will do likewise. Or maybe she will soon enough fall in line as Mitch McConnell did, and pledge loyalty to Trump.

Haley’s departure is bad for her and it’s bad for the party and it’s bad for the country, as Trump cruises towards a third consecutive nomination. No one wants a repeat of the awful 2020 contest between Trump and Joe Biden, but that’s what we are getting.

Biden said a while back that he is running to stop Trump, the same reason he ran last time. However, if there was no Trump, with his not-secret threats to democracy and constitutional norms, then maybe Biden could retire.

But Trump pushes on, perhaps to erase his 2020 loss (which really happened, fair and square) and take revenge on those he perceived betrayed him, perhaps to try to raise money for his costly legal defense and staggeringly high civil court judgments, perhaps to try to win in order to self-pardon himself from his federal indictments or perhaps for all those reasons.

Also packing it in yesterday was Congressman Dean Phillips, who quit the Democratic race. He liked Biden’s policies and he liked Biden, but argued that Biden couldn’t beat Trump. Democrats didn’t take up the offer from Phillips. And we will see in November if Phillips’ dire prediction is correct.

What this also means is that the April 2 New York presidential primary has no value to anyone and is a $25 million waste of taxpayers’ money, including eight days of early voting starting on Saturday, March 23. It’s not the normal nine days of early voting because March 31 is Easter Sunday. But instead of keeping the polls closed just for one day, we should cancel the whole presidential primary.

The Republican ballot lists Trump, Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie. They have all quit except for Trump. The Democratic ballot has Biden, Phillips and Marianne Williamson. The New Age guru/kook Williamson quit and then unquit. She may very well quit again. And on the part of the Democratic ballots that actually matters, delegates, only Biden offered a slate of delegates so Williamson isn’t competing for anything. (Republican ballots don’t list delegates in this state)

The two chairs of the Legislature’s election committees, Assemblymember Latrice Walker and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, should quickly pass a bill that requires presidential primary candidates to recertify their intention of running. When the quitters don’t respond, the state Board of Elections can then cancel the primary, as New York never runs primaries with single candidates.

There are no other public offices or party positions on the April ballot. Any absentee ballots that were already mailed out can be thrown away.

With the top of the two tickets settled, it’s going to be very long eight months until November. New York taxpayers should at least save $25 million and avoid a useless exercise.

Middletown, N.J.: I would like to acknowledge a woman who, in my opinion, is a true New Yorker! Her name is Sandra Roth Ruskin, she is an administrator for a Facebook group called “New York City Images 1850-1980.” It is a large group of people who celebrate NYC (all five boroughs) by posting images with photos and paintings of our fair city!

Sandra is an expert in not only posting these images but also explaining in great detail who painted the portrait or who took the photo, and when and where it occurred! She loves the interaction of the members regarding all the images that are posted. She also keeps the members in line by not allowing any current politics to be involved. She is a consummate professional in all this. In my opinion, Sandra is a New Yorker at its best!

I would bet that many of you who use Facebook have joined this group. There are other administrators as well, but in my humble opinion, Sandra is the best of the best. She works for hours researching these images and posting them, and gets no compensation for the time she spends.

She is a true New Yorker who cares only that we members actually see New York City at its best and its worst (at times), and always at its most interesting moments. Please, if you have never been to that group, take a look at it, as I am sure you will be thrilled seeing all the images. Thank you, Sandra! Herbert Hanrahan

Holes in the system

Greenburgh, N.Y.: This is pothole season and many motorists are experiencing car damages due to potholes. New York State’s government treats itself differently than every town, village and city in the state. If you drive on a state-owned road or highway between Nov. 15 and May 1 and you go over a pothole, you are out of luck — even if someone reported the pothole to the state and it did nothing. They won’t give you a penny towards repairs that they caused. This is unfair. Every other government in the state is liable for pothole-related damages if they received written notice and did nothing about it. Why should the state be treated differently? Paul Feiner

Friendly territory

Las Vegas: Now that one of the only primaries (or caucuses) that GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley has won is Washington, D.C., maybe she should move to D.C. and run for mayor — as a Democrat. Arthur A. Ahr

Democrat dyslexia

Brooklyn: I have noticed that Republicans and their supporters in the right-wing media keep referring to the Democrats as the party of slavery and Jim Crow. While there is certainly some truth to this claim, I find it ironic that the Southern Democrats who embraced slavery and then Jim Crow laws are the revered and honored forbears of the current base of the GOP in the South, i.e. the whites who fly the Confederate flag, wear MAGA caps and go into conniptions when Confederate statues and monuments are torn down. Trump’s southern base worships those Democrats of yesteryear like Robert E. Lee, Nathan Bedford Forrest, Stonewall Jackson, Jeb Stuart et al. Also, the Union could not have won the Civil War and ended slavery were it not for the mass participation of Northern Democrats in the Union army and navy. Indeed, some members of Lincoln’s cabinet were Democrats! Dennis Middlebrooks

Shell company shills

Edgewater, N.J.: It looks like a former president (not Jimmy Carter!) is trying to finesse his private media startup into a shell corporation to simplify his ability to take it public and collect more of his fans’ money. Haven’t we been listening to his friends in Congress for months sneer that the use of shell corporations is shifty and shady (because they think a member of the current president’s family may have used one)? Anybody hear similar sneering now on this latest shell game? With all the House oversight-committee talk disparaging shell corporations, I began to wonder who invented them anyway, and caused them to be viewed as devious: Financiers who’ve historically voted for the House’s current majority party, or advocates of working families who tended to vote otherwise? Jay K. Egelberg

Free to flee

Commack, L.I.: The gangs of Haiti have stormed a main prison in Port-au-Prince, releasing 4,000 prisoners. I would take a bet that they will be crossing our border within a week. John Flanagan

Around again

Hoosick Falls, N.Y.: As a Giants fan, I’m nervous that “wait until next year is almost here!” Jack Bakaitis

Solutions averted

Great Neck, L.I.: The excuse by MTA and NYC Transit that permanent improvements are on hold until congestion pricing is resolved (“MTA’s big overtime leak,” March 3) doesn’t hold water. The MTA has had three years to program funding that resolves this issue by allocating some of their $1.8 billion in annual Federal Transit Administration capital funding. Excessive overtime could have been avoided by assigning patrols to temporary, part-time or employees out on partial disability who were physically still able to walk around the bus depot. This is just one of many examples of MTA and NYC Transit waste, fraud and abuse. No wonder so many commuters, taxpayers, transit advocacy groups and elected officials have little faith in MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and NYC Transit President Richard Davey’s management abilities. Larry Penner

Not on their dime

Manhattan: The report that New York City paid out more than $500 million in NYPD settlements (“Not ready to settle,” editorial, March 4) is a worrisome sign that civil suits do not deter flawed policing. Against this backdrop, the NYPD should be required to tap into its asset forfeiture account to shoulder a significant portion of damage awards arising from wrongful convictions, settlements and trial verdicts, rather than NYC taxpayers. It does not appear that risk management is practiced by the police commissioner. Roger B. Adler

Push it through

Rye Brook, N.Y.: Ukraine is in desperate need of the military aid approved by the Senate, but Rep. Mike Johnson is preventing the bill from going to the House floor. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries needs to initiate a discharge petition to obtain the necessary signatures to force a vote on the bill. Demes Poulos

Missed your point

Whiting, N.J.: Voicer Glenn B. Jacobi paints a scenario where “the Squad” lives in a country under authoritarian rule for a month and then seeks to get out and return to the U.S.A. as quickly as possible. I am not clear on the point he is trying to make — that the Squad should have more centrist views, or is it justifying the wave of migrants trying to escape despotic regimes? Bill McConnell

Bread and circuses

Jackson Heights: America is divided politically and racially. Wars are raging across the globe, and what concerns Americans most? Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, along with dancing to Beyoncé’s country song. What should be of concern is: Where is Melania? Michael Lawrence

Underfunded UI

Albany: Re “Union: hike jobless aid” (March 3): New York’s unemployment insurance (UI) benefits should not increase without a significant infusion of state resources to its fund, which is still more than $7 billion in debt from state-mandated COVID shutdowns. This includes expanded benefits for striking workers, who are already afforded easier access to UI benefits than most workers, who must be actively engaged in a work search. State-level unemployment insurance benefits are funded exclusively by taxes on employers, so any benefit increase results in increased taxes on them. While many states incurred UI debt during the pandemic, New York remains the only state to take no significant action to address the UI debt and its impact on employers. Any consideration of increased UI benefits needs to be done as part of a comprehensive plan to restore the state’s fund to financial stability and lower UI tax burdens on business. Ken Pokalsky, Business Council of New York State

Soon-to-be centurion

Middle Village: On a different note, let’s raise a glass to Eva Marie Saint, one of the last surviving actresses of the Golden Age, who turns 100 this July 4. May God bless! Robert Chirieleison

General Daily Insight for March 07, 2024

Anything seems possible on a day like this, even if that’s not actually the case. We’re all in the mood to get along as the Moon moves through friendly Aquarius, encouraging us to link up with like-minded friends and acquaintances in order to find fulfillment. Things get a bit of a bump, however, when the Moon squares off excitable Jupiter in stability-loving Taurus at 4:08 pm EST, making it only too easy to overestimate our abilities. Retain a sense of reality.

“Mr. Lythgoe’s answer to Ms. Abdul’s complaint is classic victim shaming,”  Abdul’s lawyers wrote in a statement obtained by Entertainment Weekly.

Lythgoe filed legal documents on Tuesday in which he presented past emails from Abdul that he believed displayed their friendly relationship while working together on “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”

“Hi sweetheart — thank you for this lovely ‘gift.’ Please forgive me for not calling yesterday. Forever grateful to have you in my life! Love, love LOVE YOU! XO P,” read one message from Abdul.

But Abdul’s team says the past messages are “cherry-picked” and only showcase the power that Lythgoe held over his employee.

“Mr. Lythgoe fails to appreciate that he held a position of power over Ms. Abdul. He was a producer on ‘American Idol’ and ‘SYTYCD’ and she was the talent,” her attorneys stated.

“He held the cards to her career in his hand and he knew it. It thus is no surprise that Ms. Abdul placated to his ego with positive messaging and seeming adoration. These are the defenses that many women like Ms. Abdul had to adopt to deal with men who abuse their power.”

Representatives for Lythgoe did not immediately respond to a Daily News request for comment.

Abdul’s team also produced quotes from past messages that Lythgoe allegedly sent to Abdul, saying they evidenced varying levels of harassment.

“When you get back to LA will you please make love to me! Slowly and lovingly!” the producer allegedly wrote her in 2014.

“Is a small grope of the ass asking too much?” he allegedly asked in another text.

In a lawsuit filed last December, Abdul accused Lythgoe of groping and kissing her in a hotel elevator during an early season of “Idol,” saying he assaulted her again during a dinner at his home while they were working on “SYTYCD.”

Although Lythgoe’s team has called the accusations “pure fiction,” at least four other women have now come forward and filed lawsuits against him, claiming sexual assault and/or battery.

What are the best books to read in celebration of Women’s History Month?

While March officially became known as Women’s History Month in 1987, courageous women have been fighting for rights and opportunities since the beginning of time. One of the best ways to gain insight is through reading, from history books that recount the stories of inspirational women, such as Abigail Adams and Rosa Parks, to fictional characters written by talented female authors.

Even though you don’t need to wait until March to celebrate the achievements of phenomenal women, it’s a great reason to cancel plans and cuddle up with an exciting book. So, whether you’re looking to learn about real-life heroines or get lost in a motivating fictional novel, we asked BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel, to recommend the top books for children, teens and adults to read during Women’s History Month.

Women’s History Month and the importance of telling women’s stories

“Women’s stories deserve to be heard and read,” said Pasturel. “From real-life heroes like Michelle Obama to fictional characters like Katniss Everdeen, books about and by powerful women are essential tales to inspire future generations of female leaders.”

The first unofficial celebration of women was a weeklong event full of contests and parades in Sonoma, California in 1978. After years of building on the hard work of many individuals and groups, congress proclaimed March 7, 1982 as Women’s History Week and eventually declared the entire month of March as Women’s History Month in 1987.

Not only have women played a significant role in building the country, they also continue to create opportunities and inspire women, both young and old. But for years, girls have read womanless history books that have precluded female contribution to society. However, thanks to countless women who have gone before us, women are now being recognized as influential leaders or educated scientists, and that’s why it’s important to tell women’s stories.

Whether you’re staying up late to devour these inspirational stories or are reading them to your children or classroom, you’ll find a book for every circumstance. “The number of books celebrating Women’s History Month is endless,” said Pasturel. “It is vital to continue to lift up and honor women who have changed history through the art of storytelling.”

Best books for children to read during Women’s History Month

“Play Like A Girl,” by Misty Wilson

When boys tell a girl they can’t do something, the only thing to do is prove them wrong. This book chronicles a young girl’s experience as the only girl on the town’s football team while learning about passion, teamwork and friendship.

“Mae Among the Stars,” by Roda Ahmed

As the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison is the inspiration for this book written for young readers with big dreams. It contains gorgeous illustrations and inspiring words that are perfect for the classroom or as a bedtime story.

“Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice,” by Nikki Grimes

With inspirational verses and stunning illustrations, this book recounts the phenomenal story of Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrants and the first woman, Black person and South Asian American elected Vice President of the United States. It encourages young people to fight for each other and the American dream.

Books for teens to read during Women’s History Month

“Squire,” by Sara Alfageeh and Nadia Shammas

Teens will love this fantasy graphic novel about a girl who dreams of becoming a knight and gaining full citizenship. But while undergoing rigorous training and navigating friendships, she has to choose between her heritage or loyalty to the empire.

“Last Night at the Telegraph Club,” by Malinda Lo

In this story based in America in 1954, two teenage girls must navigate love during a dangerous time, especially for Chinese Americans. They battle for their place in the world in the face of deportation, citizenship and prejudice.

“We Deserve Monuments,” by Jas Hammonds

Three girls learn about friendship, love and whether it’s more important to know the truth or keep the peace in this contemporary romance novel. It’s a slow-burn mystery exploring the effect of racial violence on generations of families.

Books for adults to read during Women’s History Month

“Maame: A Novel,” by Jessica George

Follow along in this novel as it explores contemporary themes in modern life with humor, including racism, the complexities of love, friendship and familial duty. It also details the hardships of being torn between home and culture and celebrates finding where you belong.

“Lessons In Chemistry,” by Bonnie Garmus

The main character of this historical fiction romance book is a gifted research chemist in the early 1960s. With the unpredictability of life, she finds herself a single mother and the star of a beloved cooking show who’s not just teaching women to cook, but challenging them to fight.

“Know My Name,” by Chanel Miller

When she stunned the world with her letter giving her statement as a survivor, she was known as Emily Doe. Now she wants everyone to know her name and story while challenging beliefs about assault and encouraging fellow survivors.

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