Author Archive

Ralph R. Ortega

New York City

Policy

What does the future hold for Hart Island?

Journalists were given a tour of the potter’s field, and upcoming plans will outline potential improvements to the island.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s note: Hochul should sign the Keep Police Radio Public Act

The bill ensuring media access to encrypted law enforcement communications awaits the governor’s signature.

New York City

Opinion

Editor’s note: AOC’s ranked endorsements boost hopes for NYC Democratic mayoral candidates

Although Zohran Mamdani and Adrienne Adams ranked Nos. 1 and 2, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer and Zellnor Myrie were just as “thrilled” to have her support.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s note: Train Daddy’s return ‘beyond’ exciting

Penn Station advocate Sam Turvey sees hope for the transit hub’s redevelopment with Andy Byfod leading the project.

Interviews & Profiles

Personality

Charles Rangel, in his own words

The longtime member of Congress, Harlem power broker and part of the “Gang of Four” spoke to City & State last year.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s note: Adams and Hochul both take credit for bringing back wind farm project

The mayor claimed to have convinced President Donald Trump on the reversal, while the governor actually horse-traded to make the deal happen.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s note: Will Hochul’s ‘Show me the money’ moment pay off?

The governor will be sending the state’s first distribution of “inflation refund” checks to 8.2 million households.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s note: Ensuring Penny the Chihuahua ‘gets the justice she deserves’

Lawmakers answer the call with legislation to enhance pet protections and hold owners criminally accountable for their animals.

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Interviews & Profiles

Personality

New York Historical prepares to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday

Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of New York City’s oldest museum, discusses new exhibits in a recent interview.

Opinion

Opinion

Editor’s note: An original Penn Station eagle hides in plain sight

The 7,500 pound statue has quietly shown up in an open-air plaza between 33rd and 34th Streets, within developer Vornado’s Penn District.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s note: City & State to co-host mayoral forum

Senior City Hall Reporter Annie McDonough and New York Times Metro Politics Reporter Jeffery C. Mays are moderating the event, co-hosted by Community Service Society of New York, City & State, FPWA, BronxNet at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s Note: Saving the Upper West Side’s Metro Theater is nothing short of a miracle

An effort to bring the landmarked venue back as a nonprofit is welcome news for New York’s struggling brick-and-mortar cinemas.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s note: City & State wins 5 awards from the New York Press Association

Our 2025 Better Newspaper Contest honors included a first place win for education coverage for our stories about the Israel-Hamas war college protests.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s note: Randy Mastro is back ‘to answer the call’

After being skewered by the New York City Council in his bid to serve as corporation counsel, the attorney has been appointed first deputy mayor.

News & Politics

Politics

Penn Station advocates to submit their own redevelopment plan

The proposal from Alexandros Washburn calls for replacing Madison Square Garden with a reimagined Penn Station.