Queens went to the barricades in 2017, protesting threats to women’s rights, President Trump’s travel ban on Muslims and the borough’s breakaway Democrats who have allied themselves with the Republicans in Albany. Comments (1)

As the new year kicks in, New Yorkers look mindfully inward and recognize, with much soul-searching, the truth. Comments (1)

The defeat of Queens NYC Council member Elizabeth Crowley may also signal the end of the line for her proposed Long Island Rail Road Lower Montauk branch Light Rail Project. Comments (3)

The saying “Hope springs eternal in the human breast” was evident in the recent Alabama senatorial election. Comment

Christmas in Queens is a very special holiday celebrated by homegrown Americans and residents from many parts of the world who leave their imprint on the traditions. Comment

This year, the DREAMers – young people brought into this country as children and given a stay of deportation through an Obama-era program — have been a political football between the warring parties. Comments (1)

Christmas is a time for caring, sharing and giving. It is a time we travel to visit friends and relatives and exchanging presents. Comments (4)

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once famously said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice” to describe his belief that the only constant in life is change. Comment

An Open Letter to the Port Authority, Comments (1)

As we begin another holiday season, the pace of life changes from one of normalcy to that of abnormalcy, with shopping malls becoming jammed with frenzied shoppers looking for all those wonderful items for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Comment

The pipe bomb that exploded in a heavily traveled passenger tunnel under the Port Authority Bus Terminal was several miles away from Queens, but the fallout could be felt in the cancellation of subway service in lines that connect the borough to Manhattan. Comments (1)

Until the advent of photography, every time you witnessed something scary, it was in your neighborhood. Comment

The Auburndale Improvement Association wishes to publicly thank the 111th Police Precinct for its recent actions to remediate problems with many of the auto dealerships and some of the other auto-related businesses along Northern Boulevard in Bayside. The police have also made many other attempts to address problems with these businesses over the years. Comments (1)

The neighborhood I grew up in was marked by a sense of community. It was more than a set of city blocks; it was a place where families and friends helped and looked out for one another. Through good times and bad, neighbors did the best they could to put food on the table, save some money and help their kids get a leg up in the world. Comments (3)

I would like to speak about the adoption issue. Comments (6)

Back in 2004 Borough President Helen Marshall set aside $571,000 for Martins Field in Flushing, an African-American burial ground, which had already received a pledge of $2.7 million from Councilman John Liu for the creation of a memorial park. Comments (2)

Here we go again. Council members are hatching a plan to place a referendum on the ballot to extend term limits for themselves. We say, bring it on! Comments (1)

Food workers deserve economic and social justice. They deserve respect, good compensation and great benefits. They also deserve to have their story told fairly and accurately. Comments (1)

Everyone needs to take a stand against sexual harassment. Comments (1)

This photo of me, a longtime Long Island Rail Road rider, reveals that something is still missing one year later from installation of a new replacement pedestrian overpass bridge at the Little Neck LIRR Station in November 2016. Comments (2)

As a Schwinn Cruiser Deluxe biker, I have been biking along Queens Boulevard in the new green bike lanes, while serenading myself with some songs from “The Wizard of Oz.” Comments (1)

What does it take these days to protect and preserve a historic home in Bayside? The combined forces of a city councilman, a state assemblyman and a state senator could not save the former residence of federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis from the wrecking ball. Comment

We are all of us moved and angered when stories break about priests abusing children. Comment

Earlier this year, Nathaly Rodriguez found herself in a real-life nightmare. Comment

You won’t believe your eyes (or your ears or your fingers) when you head to the Musueum of Natural History. Comment

In June 2017, the Briarwood Community Association held its last meeting at Melrose Credit Union. Comments (1)

We’ve come a long way in the battle against lung cancer. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but fewer and fewer Americans are smoking and disease rates are declining. Comment

There are thousands of street trees here in Queens which need to have regular maintenance, such as pruning, to maintain existing health and vigor as well as pruning of dead and dying branches from many others. Dead and dying trees should be removed. Comments (1)

The tradition at Thanksgiving has always been to pause and recognize the good turns of fortune that have come our way. In these uncertain political times, it can be easy to forget that positive things are happening in Queens despite some strong head winds from Washington. Comment

President Trump is getting his pardon pen ready, as the Mueller investigation starts indicting his associates in the Russian election probe. This week, he planned to practice on two very innocent Minnesota turkeys. Comment

Our columnist can’t wait until 2020! Comments (1)

Of all major holidays, Thanksgiving Day has the least potential for being irksome, guilty of identity protectionism or driven by balkanized loyalties and passions. It’s the most inclusive of holidays. It’s not ideology-based and harbors no invidious implied comparisons with other nations, faiths or ways of life. Comments (2)

This year’s Affordable Care Act open enrollment period started Nov. 1. Millions of Americans will visit HealthCare.gov or the online insurance exchange run by their state to shop for 2018 health plans. Many will be confused by what they find. Comments (1)

Election Day brought a few surprises to Queens but also disappointment over turnout. Voting was inexcusably low in most parts of the borough with the re-election of Mayor Bill de Blasio considered a done deal and only one of the incumbents in the City Council facing a white-knuckle challenge. Comment

In the past election it was stated that only 23 percent of voters showed up to vote. That, in my opinion, is a sad state of affairs. Comments (2)

Now’s the time to step back and let your kid how to learn on his own. Comment

This is the time of year when high school seniors start deciding where they want to apply to college. I want to encourage them to keep community colleges on their lists—and not just as a backup school, but as a good starting point to a college degree. Comment

The decision by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to ban alcohol advertising (TimesLedger story/ Nov. 3) is misguided and unsupported by the scientific research. Comments (1)

Nearly two years ago, Borough President Melinda Katz visited our headquarters in Brooklyn to talk to the Community News Group owners and editors about what was happening in Queens. The role of immigrants was a recurring theme in her assessment of the borough’s achievements and she suggested in passing that we acknowledge these heroes. Comment

As I drive my car along the traffic-clogged streets, I often notice that there are only a few pedestrians on a whole block of sidewalk. Clearly, sidewalks are under utilized and should be eliminated. Many car-centric towns do not have any at all. Comments (1)

It is a grand understatement to say media in American has been undergoing a seismic shift these past few years. We all know print is suffering and could be threatened with extinction in the not-too-distant future (although I am still a firm believer that print will exist in some media outlets for many more decades). Radio has become a dinosaur. Even cable television is getting socked by all the cord-cutters who would rather stream than stick to prime-time viewing. Comment

I have been living with my family on 108th Street in Forest Hills, near 69th Road for about 20 years. Comment

MTA awarding a contract for $573 million to Cubic Transportation Systems may not be the best use of these dollars. Why will Cubic Transportation Systems open up a call center in Buffalo to support future customers using this new fare collection system with so many out of work Queens and NYC residents looking for employment? Comments (2)

New Yorkers across the state have a rare and important opportunity to vote for a state constitutional convention in November. It is one of the few chances we have as citizens directly to make positive and lasting change by our own hands and with our own votes. We have an opportunity to fix problems (like Albany) from the outside in. Clearly it will never happen from the insiders. Comments (1)

In Comptroller Scott Stringer’s words, voter turnout in the city has been “abysmal.” In the 2016 presidential election that propelled Queens native Donald Trump to an uneasy victory, just under 56 percent of the registered voters in the five boroughs went to the polls. Comment

Having organized and been present throughout the Douglaston Civic Association Candidates Night on Oct.17, I was taken aback by Mark Hallum’s story about the event, “Malliotakis Fumbles at Douglaston Forum.” Comments (1)

For more than four decades, Choices Women’s Medical Center has provided critical health care services to Queens residents. Choices is a woman-owned and operated medical facility that offers a wide range of services, including prenatal care, birth control, testing for sexually transmitted infections, behavioral health services and abortion. Comment

For decades, Creedmoor and its neighbors have lived side by side, in a generally non-contentious relationship. Sadly, over the past year, the relationship has become quite tenuous. Daily occurrences of aggressive panhandling by Creedmoor patients plague the surrounding communities, shopping centers and commercial strips of Union Turnpike. Aggressive panhandling is threatening and dangerous and nearby residents are demanding action. Comments (12)

There is more to “It Does Look Bare Without Seats, Maybe A Mural Would Help” (Editorial Cartoon -- Oct. 13). Removal of corner seats on A, E, F & R line subway cars to accommodate more riders is the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig. Comments (3)

I recently received a flier from my co-op notifying residents that we are getting an increase in carrying charges, mainly due to a 7 percent increase in real estate taxes. Comments (4)

Queens College, the crown jewel of the CUNY system, opened its doors back in 1937 when a new house cost $4,100 and the average wage was $1,780 a year. Comment

On Nov. 7, I plan on voting NO to Proposal 1 calling for a state Constitutional Convention for the following reasons. Comment

Tom Allon is a Met fan, but that doesn’t mean he can’t love these Baby Bombers. Comment

On Nov. 7, voters will have three ballot proposals to consider as well as selecting candidates for various offices. Proposal #1 deals with whether the state should convene a Constitutional Convention to propose and consider various changes to the New York State Constitution. Comment

The term “democracy” has various forms. It can be seen by the differences in the United States’ and British forms of government. Comment

I was disappointed that no one voiced outrage for the graffiti laden message mounted on the Columbus Statue in Astoria. Comments (2)

Queens schools earned some faint praise from the New York Post last month after students in District 26 aced the state math tests and got the highest scores in the city for third to eighth graders. Comment

For as many years as I can remember, I have resisted any celebration of Columbus Day. Comments (2)

Dear Readers, Comment

It’s time to let kids have fun — by themselves — on All Hallow’s Eve. Comments (1)

In June, 1944, the Allies invaded France. In October, a gang of Queens soldiers at a U. S. Army hospital had been overseas so long that, if they were dropped off at Queens Plaza, they probably would have gotten lost. Comment

I would like to applaud the NYPD for protecting and guarding the statues of Christopher Columbus statues from vandals, especially around Columbus Day. Comments (2)

The city’s effort to install bike lanes along Northern Boulevard has run into more flak in Queens, where the Dept. of Transportation has again ignored the community board and pushed through its own plan. Comments (1)

New Yorkers should vote “yes” for a state Constitutional Convention on Election Day because our government needs reform and the politicians in Albany have continuously demonstrated that their priority is maintaining the status quo. Comments (1)

For years many civic leaders have been concerned when homeless people are placed in local hotels. Not only are civic associations and co-ops disturbed by the very high rents paid to house the homeless, but also because some of them are emotionally ill or addicts and wander around the streets disrupting the community. Comment

It happened again, and it needs to stop. Comments (1)

The GOP senators who failed in their attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare should be ashamed. Due to the fact that they were unable to enact the Graham/Cassidy bill, millions of Americans will now be forced to ... LIVE!!! Comment

The time has come to examine the power of our federal government, particularly the Supreme Court of the United States. Comments (3)

Property Tax Reform for Class 2 properties (co-ops and condos) is desperately needed in New York City. Comment

We could have done better. Queens prides itself on being the world’s borough and seeing the names of our born-and-bred on lists of people making a difference in fields across the globe. Comment

A surprise meeting between senior congressional leaders and the president raised hopes that there could be a bipartisan compromise on immigration. At stake was the status of “Dreamers” – undocumented persons brought into the country as children who had previously been protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Comments (1)

Every October, our nation comes together to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made, and acknowledge difficult truths in order to move forward — particularly here in New York City. Comment

In China, they force kids to eat eggs. Here, we don’t learn our times tables. Who’s right and who’s wrong? Comment

The districts that we represent have the largest concentration of rent-regulated apartments in New York City. Between our two districts, we have more than 123,500 units of vital affordable housing stock. In theory, the families living in these apartments should be afforded more protection from rising rents and less fear of being displaced. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Comment

On Saturday Trump said: “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that &**@ off the field right now. Out! He’s fired!” Comments (3)

One cannot practice law, medicine or dentistry without passing a written test. One cannot procure a driver’s license without passing a written test. Unfortunately, our founding fathers failed to require one seeking the office of President of the United States to pass a written test that confirms knowledge of our Constitution. Comments (4)

As a member of Community Board 11, I supported the plan developed by board member and retired engineer Bernard Haber for a bike lane along Northern Boulevard between 223rd Street in Bayside and Douglaston Parkway, commonly known as the “Alley.” Comments (5)

As the governor of Puerto Rico warned that his island was in the grips of an “unprecedented disaster” from the wrath of Hurricane Maria, New York City welcomed families fleeing the widespread destruction. Comment

The problem is that some people do not understand why they we are respecting our flag and anthem. What does it stand for? Well, to start, it’s recognition that our country is the best in the world. Comments (3)

It’s up to the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause of Monday’s heart-breaking bus collision that left three people dead and injured 16 in the early morning hours in Flushing. Comments (1)

Last week, Christ the King High School, Middle Village Preparatory Charter School, and Christ the King Continuing Education received the welcome news that a judge from the Appellate Division had granted us a temporary restraining order so that we have the necessary time to appeal a decision by Justice Marguerite Grays of Queens Supreme Court. Comments (1)

This week, our columnist says players have a right to speak their minds — and they should. Comments (3)

Thank you very much for everything you did to help me win last on election day. But it wasn’t just a win for me — on Sept. 12, our neighborhood won. Comment

On behalf of the Douglaston Local Development Corporation, representing the Douglaston community, we are writing to express our strong support for the redesign of the Northern Boulevard corridor, as currently being performed by the New York City Dept. of Transportation. Comments (2)

We are writing on behalf of the Douglaston Village Chamber of Commerce, the community organization representing Douglaston area businesses. We wish to express the support of the Douglaston business community for the DOT’s proposed improvements to the Northern Boulevard traffic corridor, including bicycle lanes and other positive improvements. Comment

When Emma Johnson was growing up, she was certain of one thing: She would never be a single mom. Comments (1)

Born and raised in Astoria, I grew up going to the Astoria Pool since the early 1970s, creating fond memories. I still go to the pool today, but these new memories are not so fond. Comment

It was Sept. 5, 1962, when five volunteers emerged from a giant space chamber at Republic Aviation in Farmingdale. Among them was 23-year-old Michael Bloom, of Fresh Meadows. These human guinea pigs had spent 14 days breathing nothing but oxygen. Michael and the others put in 10-hour days, while running through a total of 683 physical and psychological tests. The tests were done on behalf of NASA, which hoped to find a single gas to be used in Project Gemini and future manned space projects. Comment

State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) just held a press conference in Fresh Meadows concerning bioswales or rain gardens, as the city calls them. He repeated his view that homeowners should have the right to opt out of city installed bioswales at the curb in front of their homes. Comments (1)

President Trump’s unexpected move to do business with the Democratic leadership in Washington on saving protections for the undocumented young people known as Dreamers reverberated throughout Queens. Comment

After months of ambiguity, the Trump administration bowed to its “nationalist” wing and declined to reauthorize the DACA program. The program, instituted in 2012 by the executive order of the Obama administration, protects approximately 800,000 young people from deportation. Comments (2)

This week, our columnist says it is time we make sure the city becomes storm-proof. Comment

We write this letter united with unequivocal support for City Councilman Paul Vallone. Comments (2)

On Sept. 5th, 2017, a letter was released to the press and “signed” by 34 supporters of City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) describing his opponent’s “hate-ridden mail that contained hostile words, repugnant lies and shameful attacks” against him. It also conveyed their opposition to “negative politicking that has poisoned us nationally and now tries to permeate the fabric of our local communities…we stand united against those who want to divide us with outlandish smears, heinous hate and ludicrous lies.” Comment

Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in November stunned Democratic circles across the country and put Queens on high alert. Regardless of which side of the political spectrum voters occupied on Nov. 9, 2016, few expected the GOP presidential candidate raised in Jamaica Estates to pull off the biggest upset in modern times. Comments (1)

A wakeup call to all New York City drivers asleep at the wheel: Hold on to your wallets, the Robber “toll” Barons are coming for you. Comments (20)

This week, our columnist wonders why we fear genetically modified food. Comments (1)

Monuments and plaques of Confederate military leaders like Robert E. Lee have been taken down in Brooklyn. Also, inquiries are being made to remove street names. Comments (13)

With the new school year upon us, parents turn their attention to school clothes, school supplies and school food. Yes, school food! Comments (2)

Spring mornings light up my mind with the thought of taking a walk along Little Neck Bay to Fort Totten Park. The key word is “park,” because the fort — housing the U.S. Army Reserve, FDNY, EMS, police, and Coast Guard — is an inspirational, natural environment in Bayside. Comments (1)

Reintroduction of a non-NYC resident commuter tax makes no sense. This recycled idea is periodically proposed, missing the potential economic consequences. In today’s global economy, boundaries ending at the city line mean little. Comments (1)

In the final spurt before the Democratic primaries Sept. 12, the tone in several Queens City Council races has become down and dirty. Comments (3)

In cowboy movies, the guys in the white hats always win. But life is not a cowboy movie. Comment

I’ve always admired people who can take the pain and suffering from their lives and turn it into a compelling memoir or novel. The most famous of these was the best-seller by Frank McCourt, “Angela’s Ashes,” which told the harrowing tale of growing up dirt poor in Ireland and being raised by a beleaguered mother of four and an alcoholic father who would drink most of his paycheck away each week. Comment

The June 2017 issue of the Utopia News contained a message from the association president about bioswales or rain gardens. Due to a New York State requirement that more rainwater be absorbed into the ground, New York City is digging areas on the sidewalks which would absorb rainwater. Green lines indicate the proposed size of the bioswale. Comment

Long before neo-Nazis and white supremacists converged on Charlottesville, Va., to demand that a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee not be removed, Queens had its own struggle with a controversial monument. Comment

Comedian-actor Jerry Lewis had a long career that spanned 70 years, and during that time, he made millions of people laugh with his stage, screen and television antics. Comment

Manhattanite Judith Newman was at the deli counter ordering cold cuts with her sons Gus and Henry, twins in their early teens. One of them was hopping up and down, announcing to anyone and everyone that his father would soon be coming home from a trip and would land at JFK, then take “the A train from Howard Beach to West Fourth and then change to the B or D to Broadway-Lafayette. He’ll arrive at 77 Bleecker…” At which point, the boy continued, Daddy and Mommy “will do sex…” And then he went back to explaining more about the train transfers. Comment

The “Summer of Hell” has not been as devilish for most straphangers as feared even though riders still face widespread delays and interrupted service. Comments (1)

We are getting an early dose of fall breezes in August even though we are entering the dog days of summer now. Comment

Last Thursday, district attorneys from four of the city’s boroughs, including Queens, moved to dismiss 645,000 summons warrants issued more than 10 years ago for low-level offenses, such as riding a bicycle on the sidewalk or violating park rules. Only individuals who have stayed out of trouble for the past decade were eligible to have a warrant cleared. Comment

The Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) is a five-member city agency, appointed by the mayor, whose purpose is to pass or reject variances to the zoning laws in a location when an owner wants to weaken the zoning and build more than the zoning permits. Comment

“The Art of the Deal” has taken a precarious turn in Jamaica Estates, where our president’s childhood house has been hijacked by a new kind of competitor. In short, President Trump has been trumped by none other than Airbnb, which relies on unique rentals rather than splashy brick-and-mortar hotels to build its fortune. Comment

“Marco!” Halle Berry calls to her insanely adorable son in the new movie, “Kidnap.” Comment

I am writing to you about the article titled “Astoria civic leader slams City Council bill on construction safety,” published on Aug. 7. Comment

In August, 1955, New Yorkers bid a bittersweet farewell to a city icon — a screeching, wheezing, brash, grease-slicked embodiment of the city’s hustle and bustle, and industriousness. Comment

There is more to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent $5.6 billion Long Island Rail Road transformation announcement (“LIRR Improvements Will Increace Capacity,” by Mark Hallum, July 28). Comments (4)

As the city and state attempt to reform the criminal justice system, the Queens district attorney announced he will dismiss nearly 100,000 open warrants for low-level offenses that are at least 10 years old. Comment

I am writing to you as president of the Douglaston Civic Association on behalf of our 3,000 families. The current proposal presented by DOT at the May 17 Community Board 11 meeting has serious public safety and traffic issues, as well as public comment violations. Comments (2)

He soars through the skies of the Antarctic checking up on the melting of the glaciers near the pole. Comments (2)

Aug. 5 is the ninth anniversary of the main church building at Our Lady of the Snows in Floral Park. Comments (6)

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a law last Friday that will raise the statewide minimum age to purchase tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, from 19 to 21, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Comments (1)

On his hit show, “Parts Unknown,” famed chef and New York City native Anthony Bourdain has taken millions of viewers around the world in search of the most eclectic, inventive cuisine. Comment

As subway riders brave the rails despite recent derailments, track fires and frequent delays, the three hot-headed men shaping the future of the MTA are at war. In fact, the blame game playing out among Gov. Andrew Cuomo, MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota and Mayor Bill de Blasio is an all-too-familiar reminder that politics can trump real concern for the public. Comments (1)

Last month at the Queens County Farm Museum, the Queens Civic Congress hosted a debate on the issue of closing Rikers Island. Supporters spoke for closing it, while opponents were for keeping it open. Comment

Here we go again with another bill of so-called “criminal justice reform” from City Councilman Rory Lancman (“Fare evasion data needs close scrutiny,” TimesLedger, July 21). Comments (4)

Friday was a normal day for my friend Barbie Levin, an occupational therapist. She went to the modest home of a brand new patient, a baby who’d had a stroke in utero. She was now a 1-year-old and still not crawling because one leg was too weak. Comment

According to recent reports, efforts are underway by the Democratic Party leadership to bring to heel members of the Independent Democratic Caucus, a group of eight elected state senators who vote as a bloc and are currently aligned with Republicans. Comment

When it comes to Long Island Rail Road problems, the buck stops on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk. Comments (1)

By any yardstick one chooses, Vladimir Putin is a depot, the antithesis of democracy and a free press. Comments (2)

Mayor Bill de Blasio claims some panhandlers are doing it for fun. In the past, he’s said he wished he could eliminate panhandling. In my opinion, many are doing so because they are homeless and have little-to-no income. Comments (9)

Amid the grim statistics on the city’s ballooning homeless population, there are moments that speak to the arc of the human spirit and the resilience of young people left on the margins. Comment

Born on July 9, 1978, Kara Goucher is one of the most competitive female long-distance runners in recent United States history. Beginning in her collegiate days at the University of Colorado, where the Queens native was an NCAA champion in track and cross country events, Goucher has been an elite runner in events nationwide and across the globe from the 1,500-meter race to numerous marathons. Comment

I read the Queens Weekly dated July 9, 2017, and I was taken aback by the article with the headline “CB7 says city, Katz bailed on Willets Pt meeting.” Comment

You remember that kid who sat in the back row, kind of slumped over, who never seemed to be paying attention in class but still got A’s on most of the tests? Comments (3)

In the first six months of 2017, the NYPD stopped New Yorkers more than 30,000 times for jumping a turnstile. Of those who were stopped, nearly three-quarters were issued a civil summons for violating the MTA rules against fare evasion. Comments (1)

Problems with both NYCT system-wide subway and LIRR signals at Penn Station require decisive action today, not tommorow. Comments (2)

As we look at the American presidency as it has developed over the years, we see a large number of our presidents and presidential candidates come from large states, especially New York and California. Comments (1)

Parkland is one of the amenities which make our Queens quality of life so special. Queens civic leaders applauded the recent ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals that said private developers can not take 30 acres of parking lot next to Citi Field to build a mega-mall and recreation center. Comment

Fresh from a hard-won political victory in Albany, which gave him control of the city’s schools after prolonged negotiations, Mayor Bill de Blasio decided he could spread his wings. Comments (2)

New York City is on the wrong track and voters should be concerned. Comments (31)

NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia was murdered in the line of duty by Alexander Bonds in the Bronx. She was killed because she was a police officer. I find this a most appalling crime that should not have happened. Comments (1)

As a warning, it may be important to note that reading this column may have the same effect it had on the woman writing it. (I must have a Popsicle or Good Humor right now!) Comment

The Wilpons and their Related Companies never had any intention of completing the Willets Point Redevelopment Plan adopted in 2008. Comment

At the Women’s City Club of New York, we believe that all children and young adults deserve a quality education, one that sets them on a clear path to success. But for too long, our schools have ignored a New York State mandate that all students have access to physical education — a vital piece of any student’s health and achievement. Comment

Two planes carefully made several passes in the skies over North Beach on June 5, 1931. One aircraft, a Lockheed Sirius flown by Charles Lindbergh, broke away to make a landing at Flushing Airport. Comment

There is nothing as simple as a straight line in Albany. The state Legislature finally managed to approve a renewal of mayoral control to keep Bill de Blasio running the city’s schools after wandering way off course for more than a day. Comment

Republican Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis is running to unseat Bill de Blasio as mayor. She represents parts of Brooklyn and Staten Island, and is of Greek and Cuban parents. Comments (4)

Though declining to alter the rights and status of undocumented young persons under the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Trump administration opted to end efforts to establish a similar benefit for their parents, the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents status. Comments (3)

July marks the 53rd anniversary of federal government support for public transportation. Comments (1)

Here are the 10 Best Reasons for barbecuing veggie burgers and veggie hot dogs at this year’s Independence Day gatherings, rather than ground-up animal body parts. Comments (2)

Fireworks displays, like the ones sponsored by the Philharmonic and NYC Parks Department at the end of concerts in parks citywide, are a cliché. Comment

Despite the arrival of summer, a slight chill settled on Queens after the Supreme Court ruled this week that a limited version of President Donald Trump’s travel ban could be implemented. Comments (2)

Hillcrest High School held its first Science Fair under the supervision of Pre-Med Small Learning Community Director Nelcia Skobelsky, featuring submissions by the Health Science Nursing Small Learning Community, Software Engineering students, and Pre-Med students who had performed NASA, STEM, and hydroponics research. Comment

In November, 2016, the New York City Economic Development Corporation released a 25-page paper concerning construction of a waterfront street car to connect various neighborhoods between Astoria and Sunset Park at a cost of $2.5 billion. The project still leaves many questions needing answers. Comments (1)

What if you could rent a place to store a giant pile of your stuff in New York City for free? Comments (1)

On June 21, Gov. Andrew Cuomo appointed former MTA chairman Joe Lhota to come back as MTA chairman. Comments (2)

Born Jason Patric Miller, Jr., in Queens on June 17, 1966, Jason Patric is a film, stage and television actor who has over 20 movies to his credit in a career spanning more than 30 years. He has also appeared in TV shows including “Saturday Night Live,” “Entourage, “and the mystery series “Wayward Pines.” Comment

If President Donald Trump knows he did nothing wrong, he would welcome an investigation by Robert S. Mueller lll, a person of unquestionable ability and integrity who hired a staff of an equal sterling reputation. Comments (6)

Time is passing Comments (8)

As the “Summer of Hell” approaches for Long Island Rail Road riders, northeast Queens commuters are destined to end up in purgatory. Comments (3)

For Seymour Schwartz, a retired pharmaceutical executive who devoted his entire life to the betterment of society, it was like an episode of “This is your life,” the old TV reality-documentary show from 1952 to 1961 where the host would take the guest through a retrospective of their lives with surprise appearances by colleagues. Comment

There’s a simple way to help raise up the middle class: Take care of their kids. Comments (1)

For decades, New York City has imposed overly harsh penalties on individuals who commit low-level, nonviolent offenses. Guided by the ill-conceived broken windows policing strategy, countless men and women have been run through the criminal justice system solely for committing a petty, victimless offense. Comment

In May 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed creating the New York State Design and Construction Corporation to provide oversight for all Metropolitan Transportation Authority capital projects worth $50 million or more. This idea was clearly redundant. Comments (1)

In its April newsletter, the West Cunningham Park Civic Association has complained that tractor trailers coming off the Clearview Expressway are creating traffic jams at 73rd Avenue along Cunningham Park. Comment

Undaunted by President Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate change, Queens is moving ahead to make the borough greener and cleaner — regardless. Comment

I am writing in regard to the deceptive wheelchair-accessible icon on the facade of the newly installed elevator at the Briarwood station. Comments (2)

This is for all the parents worried that their kids are cutting class, falling through the cracks, overeating, under-achieving, or spending all day playing video games — and for all the kids doing just that. Comment

I was at the northwest corner of Northern Boulevard crosswalk heading south at 209th Street, half a block west from Staples Office supplies waiting for the light to cross the street. Comments (3)

The standoff between so-called “sanctuary cities” and the federal government crystalized for Queens residents recently, when rumors spread that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement visited PS 58 in Maspeth, allegedly to check on the immigration status of a fourth- grader there before being turned away by school security. Comments (8)

Are you, too, fighting mad about Donald Trump pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord? Then let’s fight back three times a day by adopting an eco-friendly, plant-based diet. Comments (2)

The Metropolitan Transit Authority must be reminded about its public commitment, promise and obligation to complete the wheelchair-accessible elevator at the busy Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue subway stop, in the heart of the Richmond Hill/Ozone Park community. This $29 million project, ongoing since 2014, was scheduled to be finished by the end of 2016, but unpalatable excuses abound each time we enquire about the constantly deferred completion date. Comments (1)

The United States, with its love of big cars and blasting air conditioners, has contributed more than most other countries to atmospheric carbon dioxide that is scorching the planet. Despite that, and the overwhelming majority of the scientific community that believes in humanity’s connection with climate change, along with the many CEOs of large corporations who supported the Paris agreement, Donald Trump — presumably on the basis of the advice of his loyal aides who share his ignorance — has chosen to withdraw the United States from the Paris agreement. Comments (3)

It is one of the best-read parts of The New York Times each day, but few admit they read it. Comments (1)

As grand knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus council #5911, I had the proud experience to attend a Memorial Day flag raising at the Divine Wisdom School yard in Douglaston. There were many there from various military services like the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and the Army. Comments (2)

I was feeling anxious that morning in 1967 as I boarded the JJ train at the 102nd Street station in Richmond Hill, en route to the Myrtle Avenue stop of the old St. John’s Prep on Lewis Avenue. Comments (3)

The gloves have come off in the verbal jousting over the city’s transit meltdown. Comments (2)

The drive to reclaim PS 130 back for the use by local children continues. Comment

About 15 years ago, some friends whose kids went to the same pre-K as ours invited us to visit the bungalow colony an hour upstate where they spend their summers. Comment

President Donald Trump’s Draconian budget proposal jolted Queens lawmakers, who were braced for steep cutbacks but not the evisceration of programs for children, the elderly, the hungry and students struggling with loans. Comments (3)

Playing politics with New Yorkers’ water rates is nothing new for the city. Mayors have often raised water rates after pledging not to. Comments (1)

Memorial Day is fast approaching and I hope the masses will not forget the importance of this day. Memorial Day, in my book, is not just another day off to shop for sales or backyard barbecuing. Comments (3)

Government by tweet has come to City Hall. Comment

Do you know what a Finsta is? Neither did I, because I am not between the ages of 13 and 34. Anyone aged 13 to 18 is being labeled “Gen Z,” while those 18 to 34 are the much-discussed Millennials. Dan Coates studies them both. His company, yPulse, is a marketing research firm based in Manhattan, and lately some of its research has been on Finstas. Comment

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey will spend up to $70 million on advancing an environmental study, as well as design and engineering for the Cross Harbor Freight Tunnel, still leaves a $9.930 billion shortfall to complete this project. Comments (4)

America is replete with consumers using a myriad of self-prescribed, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, inappropriate prescription dosages, and other treatments — such as chiropractic, homeopathic, acupuncture, acupressure, and psychologic — not prescribed by a licensed physician with an M.D. degree. Comments (5)

It is rare that those elected New York City mayor or governor have not had the ambition to run for higher office. In the case of mayor, none have advanced further since the 1850s. Comment

I live in a small complex of townhouses in Kew Gardens, Queens. A year ago, the complex was acquired by Benedict Realty Group, and on Monday, May 1, notices were placed on all the apartment doors notifying the residents that renovations of the “garden area and interior walkway” would be occurring soon. Comment

When the House passed its bill to repeal Obamacare last week, photos of President Trump celebrating his victory in the Rose Garden were unsettling. There was the jubilant leader of the free world surrounded by a gaggle of middle-aged white men in white shirts and conservative ties glorifying a vote that could strip 24 million Americans of their health insurance. Comments (4)

Listen up, guys: Your sister or teen daughter aren’t the only ones at risk for skin cancer. An estimated 87,110 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma this year, with 4,900 cases expected in New York state, alone. But did you know that more than half of those cases will be men? Males age 50 and older are at increased risk of skin cancer, and by age 65, skin cancer rates in men are double that of women. Comment

Raised in Jackson Heights, Donald Jay Rickles is perhaps best remembered as an insult comedian who skewered audiences from all walks of life and roasted celebrity A-listers in a comic reign of terror spanning seven decades. Comment

While I love living in Forest Hills, the No. 1 thing I would change about the neighborhood is Queens Boulevard. Comment

With a new administration in Washington, D.C, New York City is confronting a new era of uncertainty in budgeting. Faced with impending cuts from Housing and Urban Development, as well as potentially losing millions in counterterror funding stemming from the city’s sanctuary status, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposed $84.86 billion budget had to account for this uncertainty. Comments (3)

In September, a Queens customer was shocked to find an overdraft charge on his bank account. The consumer, a military service member, had set up a linked account to absorb any potential overdraft fees, but the bank had cancelled the protection without ever informing the individual. Comments (1)

Joseph Ponte arrived in New York with a national reputation as a prison reformer in April 2014 when he was recruited by Mayor Bill de Blasio to head the Department of Correction. His resume included successful overhauls of prisons in seven states, including his last posting as head of the Maine correctional system. Comment

After rumors circulated recently that Mayor Bill de Blasio was again thinking of legalizing basement apartments, legislators and civic leaders have spoken out against any such proposal. Comments (3)

New York City is in the midst of a construction worker safety crisis. Comment

When you think about Native Americans and fashion, your first thought might be “Beads.” (Well, at least mine was). Wait, no. Feathers! No — buckskin with fringe. Comments (1)

With so much stress and turmoil in today’s world, I want to share something which might evoke joy and bring back some happy childhood memories. Comments (1)

I would like, at this time, to praise our men and women in the U.S.Postal Service whose tireless efforts bring us our mail everyday. Comments (6)

The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning was packed Saturday as people from all different backgrounds came out to celebrate the third installation of the Delightful Festival series, Bangladeshi Delights. Comment

There are miracles after all, and one just happened in Queens. Comment

The late-19th-century coming-of-age classic “Little Women” was a landmark in highlighting the increasingly independent identity of the American woman. A new production by Royal Star Theatre aims to do much the same in spotlighting the talents of women in community theater. Comment

Over the past 12 months, there appears to have been an increase in service disruptions on the Long Island Rail Road. This was noted in the April 21 editorial “Rail Quite A Gamble.” A majority of these disruptions have been directly related to more frequent signal, switch, power and track problems at both the East River Tunnels and Penn Station. Comments (1)

My freshman roommate at Cornell in 1981 pasted a picture of a blonde coed on his wall one day. Comment

Charming, handsome, and homeless, the 25-year-old we’ll call Bruce decided to join me for dinner at the small Manhattan shelter where I volunteer once a month. We were both enjoying the pasta provided by another volunteer, but only one of us was drinking a $3 bottle of water. Comment

The present administration in Washington D.C. is proposing a budget where significant funding cuts will take place for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Comment

Born on April 14, 1866, in Feeding Hills, Mass., Anne Sullivan is best known as the teacher and lifelong companion of Helen Keller. Stricken with an eye disease that left her nearly blind, Sullivan began teaching Keller at age 20 following her graduation from the renowned Perkins School for the Blind in her home state. By signing words into her hand for various objects such as water and a drinking mug, Sullivan taught Keller braille and entered the world of her strong-willed charge to free her soul from darkness. Sullivan was with Helen Keller until 1936, when Sullivan died in Forest Hills, Queens. Comment

A coming-of-age tale about Bayside is now in paperback from author and former resident Lou Duro. Comments (3)

Assemblyman David Weprin, Co-President of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, issued the following statement in response to comments made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. Comment

Spin the roulette wheel before you take a Long Island Rail Road train into Penn Station. Comments (1)

The Rockaway Beach Branch’s preservation as a potential rail corridor — and not as a park — is essential for the further development in Queens. The Friends of the Queensway published an editorial April 12 outlining their concerns with reactivation, which laid out a series of points that I think need to be addressed. Comments (4)

If you’re thinking of writing a bestseller, I’ve got a word of advice for you. Comments (1)

An open letter to state Sen. Gianaris. Comments (1)

The following information was printed in a previous Community Board 8 newsletter. It is designed to give you information to help you prevent thieves and burglars from stealing from you. I have added a few of my ideas. Comment

No one at the MTA, LIRR or any elected official ever wants to talk about the real full cost for Long Island Rail Road East Side Access to Grand Central Terminal, which may be closer to $15 billion. Comments (1)

The approval of the state budget In Albany ushered in a major milestone: free tuition for students at CUNY and the state university system. The ripple effect will be felt in the years to come as graduates enter the work force unburdened by heavy debt. Comment

My first boss once told me a story that illustrated the evanescence of power. Comments (1)

Every day after school, and all day on weekends, kids run outside … to get to their soccer league, or ballet lesson, or origami boot camp. It’s all good, but here’s what it isn’t: Play. Comment

Welcome to May 1886. Comment

MTA officials have approved projects to upgrade a number of Queens subway stations, shorten the Canarsie Tunnel under the East River and begin the next phase of the 2nd Avenue subway. Comment

Rikers Island is a place of Dickensian squalor reached by a bridge from Queens but under the jurisdiction of the Bronx, where the human condition is deplorable by all measures. Comment

A new airport is about to open on 44th Street, just west of Times Square. It has 17 gates, plenty of parking, 34 gift stores and, of course, planes taking off and landing day and night. Best of all, a ticket only costs $25. Comment

At a recent Metropolitan Transportation Authority board meeting, it was announced that construction of the Long Island Rail Road Eastside Access to Grand Central Terminal project had fallen behind another year. This means that the completion date may slip once again by one year from December 2022 to December 2023, and the costs might also increase. We have heard this story over and over since 2001. Comments (2)

A ritual marathon feast known as a Seder is celebrated on Passover to mark the Jews’ liberation from slavery in Ancient Egypt. This year it takes place April 10. Comment

I would like to tell your readers of your newspaper about an organization that I am proud to support. It is called “Paralyzed Veterans of America.” As a veteran of the United States Navy who had served in the Vietnam era, I applaud such a important organization that helps our disabled veterans. Comment

Many of you have read about the “Fearless Girl” vs. “Charging Bull” statute controversy in lower Manhattan. Back on March 7, in honor of International Women’s Day, investment managing company State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) erected a statue a few feet from the iconic “Charging Bull” near the New York Stock Exchange. Comments (6)

April Fools’ Day can remind us that the meat, egg, and dairy industries have been playing us for fools year-round. Comments (1)

There are three articles in the American Constitution referring to the three branches of government, which are the legislative, executive and the judiciary branches. Comments (1)

There are a few elected officials mentioned in the March 24 editorial “DOE Tunes Out” for their efforts to call out the lack of transparency in the Townsend Harris High School principal search. I wanted to flag that Assemblywoman Nily Rozic is missing from this list. Additionally, so is Congresswoman Grace Meng. The congresswoman joined our office, state Sen. Stavisky, and Council Member Lancman in one of the first letters that went out on Feb.16. Comment

California Republican Representative David Nunes, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and a member of Trump’s transition team, was supposed to on a bipartisan basis look into whether there was Russian interference in our recent election. Comment

Each week since Queens native Donald Trump was elected president, the scorecard has shown his approval ratings stuck at 40 percent but consumer confidence rising to a now 17-year-high. Comments (4)

This week, our columnist honors an old hero. Comment

Frederique Rowe lost her 1-year-old daughter, Skylar Perkins, who was killed in her pink stroller by a truck on 23rd Avenue in Elmhurst. Comments (10)

Along with helping students prepare for the state exams with Test Sophistication classes, Dr. Melissa Haidary, principal of The Castlewood School in Bellerose, sought to put an extra positive spin on test days. As students were dropped off for the first day of state testing, they were greeted by staff and students alike cheering them on to do their very best. Comment

If you’ve been wondering what to do with all that extra cash you’re so sick of, I hope you hightailed it over to the Luxury Technology Show last week in Chelsea.Otherwise, you might not be aware of some of the must-haves coming soon — or already upon us — like the smart pillow. Comment

California Congressman John Garamendi’s introduction of House Bill 1251 makes sense. Comments (1)

Is anyone at the Department of Education listening to the parents, teachers, students at Townsend Harris High School in Flushing and their elected officials? Comment

On March 6, the Trump administration unveiled its newest iteration of its ban on travelers from predominantly Muslim nations. Among the changes in what opponents of the action call the “Muslim Ban” are the exclusion of Iraq from the list of banned countries and exemptions for travelers with green cards and visas. Comments (6)

I had the great privilege this past weekend to serve as the commencement speaker at the Strong Fathers program graduation ceremony at Forestdale Inc. The Strong Fathers program consists of dozens of men, young and old, who are working to improve their relationships with their partners and their children. Comments (1)

You don’t often hear about a former high school teacher from Flushing having his poem immortalized in marble by the patriarch of a prominent family living in Southern Italy. Comments (3)

Congratulations, you’re going to have a baby! Would you like to know if, 50 years or so down the line, he or she might develop colon cancer? And by the way, the baby may also have a slightly increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Would you like to know about that, too? Oh, and how about the odds of acne? Comment

There is more to “Transit Quagmire” (TimesLedger editorial, March 10-16) concerning Gov. Andrew Cuomo cutting $65 million from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority budget and ongoing problems with both the LIRR and No. 7 subway. Comments (2)

The abrupt firing of Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bahara sent a shudder through Queens, where his prosecutions of corrupt politicians seems to have halted the long parade of lawmakers found guilty of illegal dealings. Comments (3)

Playboy Magazine used to be the illicit thrill that men of all ages hid in their sock drawers. Comment

Can this insanity please stop? Comment

As a doctor I learned to be relentless when treating my patients. So, I am proud of the relentless effort the de Blasio administration has put into taking on the homelessness crisis. Comments (1)

The public transit system often seems close to buckling in Queens under the weight of near record ridership even though the number of straphangers declined last year for the first time since 2009. Comments (2)

It’s no secret that America loves to send people to prison. We have 5 percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of its prisoners – which is odd for a “Land of Liberty.” Comments (1)

Once again communities are protesting the city’s plan on dumping the homeless population into hotels in their neighborhoods. Comments (1)

Steven McDonald, a native of Queens Village, was a New York City police detective who became a messenger of peace and forgiveness after being shot and paralyzed in the line of duty in 1986. Before his death Jan. 10, 2017, Detective McDonald traveled the world, from high school gyms on Long Island to Northern Ireland, Bosnia and the Middle East sharing his story of rebirth through forgiving the young man who nearly took his life. When his son, Conor, joined the police force in 2010, he proudly became the fourth generation McDonald to don the NYPD badge. His wife Patti has been the mayor of Malverne on Long Island since 2007. Comment

After leaving Ash Wednesday Mass this past week, all of the wonderful and powerful memories of my most recent trip to Israel came flooding back to me. Comments (2)

Nicole (Lucivero) Martini never met her grandfather Nick for whom she is named. Her brother Nicholas never met him either. Comments (15)

Last year the city Department of Environmental Protection painted green letters on the sidewalks of houses in Queens. Comments (4)

When we look at the contemporary street demonstrations across the country and look at the ones from the past, we find some similarities. Comments (2)

As homelessness worsens in the city and the state increases rent subsidies for poor families to keep them off the streets, a Christian nonprofit in western Queens is evicting its longtime tenants to open a shelter. Comment

Who holds the city’s levers of power changes every year, and that’s why we rank ’em. Comment

Phil Orenstein, president of the Queens Village Republican Club, is misguided in claiming Trump’s immigration policy is limited to the deportation of the undocumented with serious criminal records, and accuses Democratic politicians of undermining Trump’s every move. (Letters to the Editor - Feb. 24-March 2). Comments (1)

If anyone could lay claim to the excuse, “I’m not fat — I’m big-boned,” it’s the Titanosaur on view at the Museum of Natural History. Comment

One single block. Comments (5)

Queens’ riches are in its diversity, which was confirmed yet again by a new study that found the borough has more languages than anywhere else on the planet. Comments (3)

Feb. 19th marks the 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, a 1942 decree from President Franklin D. Roosevelt that ordered the internment of Japanese Americansas well as some German and Italian nationals in American concentration camps during World War II. Comments (3)

We hear that the ICE raids on criminal illegal aliens throughout our nation and in New York City have brought needless panic to the immigrant communities in Queens. Comments (5)

When you go to the periodontist for oral surgery and all you’re worried about is the potential pain, you may forget to ask whether you will spend the next couple of weeks looking like a chipmunk beaten up by a gang of biker squirrels. Comment

What’s the value of a high school diploma when the recipient isn’t ready for college or a particular career? Comments (3)

When it comes to public transportation, “Katz delivers ‘State of Borough’ address” (TimesLedger/Feb. 3) made for some great sound bites but provided little substance. Comments (4)

It’s tough to be poor in Queens and the city seems to be taking note. Comments (2)

This Council has done much to protect New York City’s water and air quality, public health, and our civil rights.We need that commitment more than ever as we face the pending confirmation of an EPA administrator openly hostile to environmental regulations and a Congress that has already introduced legislation that would nullify climate change mitigation policies, would prevent the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases, and would prohibit the collection of data on race and demographics—key tools for civil rights advocates.In this atmosphere, we need city government to safeguard all New Yorkers’ rights to breathe clean air irrespective of where they live, what their income is, and what color their skin is. Comments (2)

If you see something, say something. Comments (2)

Since a permit was given to build a hotel at 186th Street and 64th Avenue in Fresh Meadows about three years ago, there has been no contact with the owners of the hotel. Comments (1)

The hastily written and implemented ban on entry for people from seven predominantly Muslim countries was met with swift condemnation and protests by Queens activists and other opponents at Kennedy Airport. Comments (6)

Do the people remember when President Richard Nixon made one very big mistake and was impeached? Comments (10)

Following in the footsteps of previous MTA President Tom Prendergast, Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim is an excellent choice as interim executive director. She is an even better one to serve as the next permanent MTA president. Comments (1)

A Better Jamaica, a non-profit organization created to strengthen the southeast Queens region, celebrated its 10th year anniversary on Jan. 31. Greg Mays, 55, founded the organization to improve the bond between residents in the area. Comment

Unless Gov. Andrew Cuomo decides not to sign the plastic bag bill, New Yorkers will again feel the hands of city government reaching into their pockets and taking more of your hard-earned money. The disciples of social engineering and behavior modification in the City Council last year passed a 5-cent fee on each plastic bag used and twice that if you double bag your groceries. Comments (14)

As he was signing edicts hurting one group after another over the past two weeks, it was only a matter of time before Donald Trump got around to hurting animals - already the most oppressed sentient beings onearth. Comments (2)

The New York Police Department is cracking down on sex trafficking in the five boroughs and setting up a hotline to help women forced into slavery. Flushing and Jackson Heights are the epicenter of the growing industry in New York City, which victimizes undocumented immigrants as well as many Americans. Comments (1)

It seems like arguing — screaming, shouting or at the very least, extreme eye-rolling — is right up there with eating breakfast these days. Wake up, brush your teeth, glance at the latest news and explode! Comments (1)

Prior to 2008 there were many small businesses in Willets Point Queens, primarily rendering automotive services for the public at a cost far less expensive than at automotive dealers. They were truly rendering an important service to the people of Queens. Comments (4)

Born Andrea Donna de Matteo on Jan. 19, 1972, actress and Queens native Drea de Matteo is best known for her portrayal of Mafia moll Adriana La Cerva in the HBO series “The Sopranos.” Comment

It seems likely that Donald Trump will continue to send out twitter messages during his presidency to dominate the news cycle and to influence or deflect news stories he does not like. Comments (3)

The 2016 presidential race demonstrated the activities of a candidate whose entire career in the free enterprise system was conducted mainly from New York City and surrounding areas. Comment

Newly minted President Trump has gone too far in banning certain Muslims from the United States and ignoring the fact that most Americans take pride in their immigrant heritage. Comments (2)

It’s up to us to make sure — you and me — to resist the new President’s plan to trample our rights. Comments (1)

As a parent of multiple children, you always want to make sure that you provide each of them with the same access and opportunity to be the best they can be. Comments (2)

Ever wonder where our obsession with child predators began? Comment

If you want to strip sanctuary cities of funding to force us into complying with your vindictive anti-immigrant executive actions, go ahead; that won’t make us budge. Our principles cannot be bought and besides you could use the money seeing as Mexico won’t be paying for this wall you want to build. The American taxpayers will. Comments (3)

I read the article regarding the Indian cultural unit being implemented at Parker Jewish Institute (Parker Institute opens Indian Cultural Unit, Jan. 18). I find it interesting that in none of the articles I have read is there mention of how this is going to be accomplished. Comment

Shortly after the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States last Friday, the White House’s online presence, including whitehouse.gov, transitioned to the new administration, with some notable exceptions. Webpages on Civil Rights, LGBT rights, Climate Change were moved to the archives of the Obama White House. Comments (11)

Despite our newly minted president’s concerns over the relative size of the crowds at his inauguration, City Hall’s estimate that 400,000 people marched for women’s rights in Manhattan Saturday drew few if any challenges. Comments (11)

The shower is where America does it — in private, with no one judging, just because it feels good. Comment

It was 1955. Comment

It is with great concern that my civic association learned at the January monthly meeting of Queens Community Board 11 that the New York State Dept. of Transportation is planning to close down and remove two pedestrian ramps that go under the Long Island Railroad trestle along the Clearview Expressway here in Bayside, Queens. Comment

Did you know that snow or ice must be removed from the sidewalk within four hours after the snow has stopped falling or by 11 a.m. if the snow stopped falling after 9 p.m. the previous evening? Comments (1)

It was four years ago, on Monday morning, Jan. 7, 2013, I was able to board the first bus departing from the Little Neck Long Island Rail Road station. Comment

Ever since that plane went down in the Hudson eight years ago, the wanton and senseless slaughter of thousands of birds of various species has continued unabated. Comments (2)

As the Trump inauguration approached, there was a palpable nervousness coursing throughout Queens. Comments (2)

American politics has always been a contact sport. But it has crossed a line in recent years. It is now less like sport and more like war. Comments (3)

Remember the bad old days when a rape victim would show up in court and the defense attorney would say, “Why was her skirt so short?” As if the woman caused her own rape. Comment

Divisive and downright ugly from the first primary to the final tally, last year’s presidential election had supersized portions of the key ingredients one would expect to find in a meaty theatrical drama: conflict, contrast, and the quest for power. With these elements still very much in play after Nov. 8, the flabbergasted duo behind feminist theater company The Dirty Blondes had no question as to how they would answer the president-elect: Cancel the production booked for January and heed the call of an ominous new muse. Comments (3)

Every year landlords seeking evictions force nearly 300,000 New Yorkers into Housing Court. Some 90 percent of landlords have a lawyer present, while only 30 percent of tenants have legal representation. Not surprisingly, most tenants lose their case. Those tenants could wind up in homeless shelters—eviction being the No. 1 cause of homelessness—with enormous costs to city taxpayers. Providing tenants with legal representation could prevent about half of evictions and as a result save taxpayers an estimated $320 million per year, according to the Right to Counsel Coalition. Comments (1)

Elitism in education has been a growing problem in the country as the cost of a college degree hit $60,000 a year at many top-rated institutions. The trickle-down effect was felt at the other end of the spectrum where tuitions rose at two-year community colleges and small four-year schools. Comment

State Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi has been visiting civic associations and community boards to explain his Home Stability Support Program, which he thinks would help solve the homeless problem in New York State. Currently there are 60,000 people in homeless shelters every night. To solve this problem New York City is putting homeless families in regular neighborhood hotels, which are not the answer, so neighborhood people are demonstrating against this policy. Comment

To celebrate the opening of the Second Avenue Subway, we have commissioned the first New York Guide to Subway Jargon. Here it is — after 98 years in the making! Comments (2)

The New York State Conservative Party, at its state committee meeting earlier this year, endorsed Donald Trump for president. Comment

Yes, the Upper East Side of Manhattan has hijacked the Q train from Astoria for the stunning new Second Avenue subway, but Queens got the W line back in return. Comments (1)

In high school I excelled in humanities subjects like English and history, but found math and science much more difficult. Comments (8)

New Year’s Day started off with a great celebration for the residents of North Shore Towers, the 1,844 apartment co-op in Floral Park, Queens, as it became the largest smoke-free private residential building in New York (another No. 1 ranking for Queens County) as well as the United States. Comments (1)

Oh to be a scientist 50 or 60 years ago, warning people about the stuff they really needed to know: Stop smoking! Don’t take thalidomide if you’re pregnant! For God’s sake, ditch the Corvair unless you want to get impaled on your gear shift! Comment

January is the month that you may apply to serve on your local community board. Community Boards make advisory decisions on many aspects of neighborhood life, including on land use cases where variances and special permits have been requested, capital and expense budget matters as well as issues concerning transportation, education, environmental concerns, parks, health and community facilities, to name some of the areas. Serving on a community board is a non-paid, volunteer position. Comments (1)