Author Archive
Ralph R. Ortega
New York City
Opinion
Editor’s note: Why Adams should defend sanctuary city laws
The mayor accepted them, but has argued to change them to allow cooperation with federal authorities seeking individuals wanted for crimes.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: Halted 34th Street busway proposal deserves reconsideration
Like 14th Street proved, these redesigned thoroughfares increase ridership speed and improve safety.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
Andy Byford on Penn Station’s ‘transformation’
The first interview with New York City’s “Train Daddy” since he took on the job of redeveloping the much-maligned transit hub.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: Remembering a New York City tabloid, shut down before its prime
As one former New York Newsday staffer put it, politicians today are fortunate the paper isn’t around “to torture them.”
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
After a major win, Albany Forward looks to the future
An interview with Evan Rantzaklis, a senior advisor at Brown & Weinraub who led an independent expenditure that helped Dorcey Applyrs win the Democratic mayoral primary in Albany.
- By 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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Heard Around Town
Politics
A city bids farewell to Charles Rangel
The former Congress member lay in state at City Hall on Thursday.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
The leading contenders for Manhattan BP discuss their solutions for the borough
An excerpt from the Broadway Association’s online forum in May
- By Steve Kastenbaum and Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: Advocates want Andy Byford to lead Penn Station’s redevelopment
But no one’s saying whether that’s a remote possibility.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
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.
- By Ralph R. Ortega