Ralph R. Ortega
@ralphortega.bsky.social
Editor-in-Chief at City & State NY, former Daily News reporter, father, Trekkie, Whovian and overall nerd. Glad to be here 🖖🏼
Are you ready for the battle royale? We at @City& State can't wait! @cityandstateny.bsky.social
Get in, nerds. We’re watching the NYC mayoral debate
See it Thursday at 7 p.m., and witness how the tables have turned for Mamdani and Cuomo.
www.cityandstateny.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Are you ready for the battle royale? We at @City& State can't wait! @cityandstateny.bsky.social
If Mamdani is the artist, Bisgaard-Church is the producer. She’s strategic, hungry for information and described by nearly everyone interviewed for this story as some variation of “calm” and “chic.” By all accounts, he trusts her completely. @hollypret.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social
How Elle Bisgaard-Church became Zohran Mamdani’s most trusted adviser
The first-time campaign manager steered him to victory in June. Now she’s focused on the likely next administration.
www.cityandstateny.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:07 PM
If Mamdani is the artist, Bisgaard-Church is the producer. She’s strategic, hungry for information and described by nearly everyone interviewed for this story as some variation of “calm” and “chic.” By all accounts, he trusts her completely. @hollypret.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social
A big thank you to Mark Cuban for joining City &State’s Changing the Playbook on Hospital Prices event! A very important and timely topic! @cityandstateny.bsky.social
October 9, 2025 at 1:23 PM
A big thank you to Mark Cuban for joining City &State’s Changing the Playbook on Hospital Prices event! A very important and timely topic! @cityandstateny.bsky.social
The classics... Eric on Eric... Eric on love... Eric on faith...
56 best Eric Adams quotes of all time
There may never be another mayor like the bard of the Big Apple.
www.cityandstateny.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:16 PM
The classics... Eric on Eric... Eric on love... Eric on faith...
“I could not be more excited about the potential this project represents,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said in casting his vote Tuesday. “Queens hit the jackpot with the Metropolitan Park project.” @sophiekrichevsky.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social
Cohen’s casino project approved by community advisory committee
The Metropolitan Park project is one of four remaining projects competing for three downstate casino licenses.
www.cityandstateny.com
September 30, 2025 at 4:29 PM
“I could not be more excited about the potential this project represents,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said in casting his vote Tuesday. “Queens hit the jackpot with the Metropolitan Park project.” @sophiekrichevsky.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social
Things are changing! Simone is also eyeing a move to the state Senate, as Brad Hoylman-Sigal – whose district overlaps with Simone’s – is poised to become Manhattan’s next borough president. @sophiekrichevsky.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social
Layla Law-Gisiko eyes second Assembly run
What does this mean for Tony Simone?
www.cityandstateny.com
September 24, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Things are changing! Simone is also eyeing a move to the state Senate, as Brad Hoylman-Sigal – whose district overlaps with Simone’s – is poised to become Manhattan’s next borough president. @sophiekrichevsky.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social
Reposted by Ralph R. Ortega
"With Carr, networks now have not an objective regulator, or even someone with a partisan agenda, but something unprecedented in recent history: a mercenary who seems intent on using the regulatory state to serve the personal whims of the president." -- www.vulture.com/article/jimm...
What Is Disney Thinking?
By pulling Jimmy Kimmel off the air, Bob Iger risks tarnishing his legacy in Hollywood.
www.vulture.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:44 PM
"With Carr, networks now have not an objective regulator, or even someone with a partisan agenda, but something unprecedented in recent history: a mercenary who seems intent on using the regulatory state to serve the personal whims of the president." -- www.vulture.com/article/jimm...
These folks were arrested by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents after attempting to gain access to the 10th floor of the building, which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has turned into a makeshift detention facility.
State and city lawmakers arrested at 26 Federal Plaza
City Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams were arrested alongside state senators, Assembly members and City Council members at an immigration protest.
www.cityandstateny.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:09 PM
These folks were arrested by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents after attempting to gain access to the 10th floor of the building, which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has turned into a makeshift detention facility.
“His bold vision and determination to build a city that works for everyone are exactly the leadership we need at City Hall, and I am confident he will deliver a more affordable, just, and hopeful future for all New Yorkers.”
Albany’s ‘3 people in a room’ are all with Zohran Mamdani
They want him to be mayor. Will they support his agenda?
www.cityandstateny.com
September 18, 2025 at 9:59 PM
“His bold vision and determination to build a city that works for everyone are exactly the leadership we need at City Hall, and I am confident he will deliver a more affordable, just, and hopeful future for all New Yorkers.”
Reposted by Ralph R. Ortega
Just now, 11 state and city lawmakers were arrested by DHS police on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza after a hour of demanding access to the ICE lock up on the same floor. @thecity.nyc
September 18, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Just now, 11 state and city lawmakers were arrested by DHS police on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza after a hour of demanding access to the ICE lock up on the same floor. @thecity.nyc
I was privileged to meet so many volunteers and Lt. Dowdell at this amazing event. So inspiring on such an important day of remembrance.
Editor’s note: An annual day of service evokes the spirit of unity that came after 9/11
Thousands again volunteered to feed the hungry in remembrance of those lost during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
www.cityandstateny.com
September 11, 2025 at 2:47 PM
I was privileged to meet so many volunteers and Lt. Dowdell at this amazing event. So inspiring on such an important day of remembrance.
Reposted by Ralph R. Ortega
Reporter: Mayor Adams is staying in the race
Trump: He's free to do what he wants
Reporter: You didn’t offer him an ambassadorship?
Trump: No, I wouldn’t do that. There’s nothing wrong with doing that.
Trump: He's free to do what he wants
Reporter: You didn’t offer him an ambassadorship?
Trump: No, I wouldn’t do that. There’s nothing wrong with doing that.
September 5, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Reporter: Mayor Adams is staying in the race
Trump: He's free to do what he wants
Reporter: You didn’t offer him an ambassadorship?
Trump: No, I wouldn’t do that. There’s nothing wrong with doing that.
Trump: He's free to do what he wants
Reporter: You didn’t offer him an ambassadorship?
Trump: No, I wouldn’t do that. There’s nothing wrong with doing that.
Good one!
Suggested #tabloidheds: THE MOUSE THAT SOARED
PIO Quote of the Week, from the airport’s director of communications: “We are aware we have a mice problem, which is why we are actively working on it.” www.timesunion.com/news/article...
August 27, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Good one!
Also, got a chance to throw a question out about the status of congestion pricing with the secretary of transportation. He basically is like," I can't talk about it, it's in the courts. But let me tell you how I really feel..." @cityandstateny.bsky.social
Penn Station gets ‘magic key’ and $43 million to push redevelopment forward
Andy “Train Daddy” Byford, special advisor to Amtrak, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced that construction of the new Penn Station will start in 2027.
www.cityandstateny.com
August 27, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Also, got a chance to throw a question out about the status of congestion pricing with the secretary of transportation. He basically is like," I can't talk about it, it's in the courts. But let me tell you how I really feel..." @cityandstateny.bsky.social
"It’s an exciting transition, and I’ll just tell you this … I feel pretty thrilled and lucky to come to this extraordinary school, and this extraordinary university." Read the rest at the link below or in this week's issue of City & State! @cityandstateny.bsky.social
New NYU Wagner Dean Polly Trottenberg makes the pitch for public service
The transportation expert wants to inspire young people to take on challenging, ambitious work in government.
www.cityandstateny.com
August 20, 2025 at 12:17 PM
"It’s an exciting transition, and I’ll just tell you this … I feel pretty thrilled and lucky to come to this extraordinary school, and this extraordinary university." Read the rest at the link below or in this week's issue of City & State! @cityandstateny.bsky.social
Reposted by Ralph R. Ortega
Ho ho ho, WFP endorsements are here!
But there are only 4? You could always rank Glen Coco 5th. www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
But there are only 4? You could always rank Glen Coco 5th. www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
March 31, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Ho ho ho, WFP endorsements are here!
But there are only 4? You could always rank Glen Coco 5th. www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
But there are only 4? You could always rank Glen Coco 5th. www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
The pro-Adams independent expenditure committee Empower NYC has now raised just over $1 million, thanks to a $750,000 haul reported this week. For more, check out Annie McDonough's story in City & State. @cityandstateny.bsky.social @anniemcdonough.bsky.social
Pro-Eric Adams PAC gets $750k boost
Empower NYC has now raised more than $1 million to support the mayor’s reelection bid, including from the crypto industry.
www.cityandstateny.com
August 6, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The pro-Adams independent expenditure committee Empower NYC has now raised just over $1 million, thanks to a $750,000 haul reported this week. For more, check out Annie McDonough's story in City & State. @cityandstateny.bsky.social @anniemcdonough.bsky.social
“A pet such as a dog is not just a thing...” From @hollypret.bsky.social in this week's @cityandstateny.bsky.social magazine and online.
How NYC governs for the dogs
Elected officials are dealing with hundreds of thousands of barking, pooping, drama-prone constituents.
www.cityandstateny.com
August 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
“A pet such as a dog is not just a thing...” From @hollypret.bsky.social in this week's @cityandstateny.bsky.social magazine and online.
After a construction slump that began in late 2022, there are signs the city may be turning a corner. Check out Steven Kastenbaum's report in City & State. @cityandstateny.bsky.social @skastenbaum.bsky.social
Is NYC’s housing engine finally restarting? New residential permit filings jump in second quarter
Residential permits are up 43% year-over-year as the new 485-x tax break takes effect. Most projects are capped at 99 units – just below the wage trigger in the new program.
www.cityandstateny.com
July 16, 2025 at 7:15 PM
After a construction slump that began in late 2022, there are signs the city may be turning a corner. Check out Steven Kastenbaum's report in City & State. @cityandstateny.bsky.social @skastenbaum.bsky.social
Mamdani didn’t just dominate in first-choice votes on election night. He got the better of Cuomo in ranked choice voting, too, and it wasn’t even close. @sahalied.bsky.social @anniemcdonough.bsky.social @hollypret.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social
4 takeaways from New York City’s ranked choice voting results
Andrew who? Also if you’re in the lead on election night, STAY IN THE LEAD!
www.cityandstateny.com
July 1, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Mamdani didn’t just dominate in first-choice votes on election night. He got the better of Cuomo in ranked choice voting, too, and it wasn’t even close. @sahalied.bsky.social @anniemcdonough.bsky.social @hollypret.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social
We have entered the full authoritarian phase… no one is safe now.
Are you paying attention?
Trump calls for deporting US citizens: "We also have a lot of bad people that have been here for a long time ... many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell out of here too, if you want to know the truth. So maybe that'll be the next job."
July 1, 2025 at 5:36 PM
We have entered the full authoritarian phase… no one is safe now.
I guess that’s an endorsement!
Trump: "You have a good independent running -- Mayor Adams, who's a very good person. I helped him out a little bit. He had a problem."
July 1, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I guess that’s an endorsement!
This heckler was removed immediately after interrupting the mayor as he started his speech at the campaign launch.
June 26, 2025 at 8:15 PM
This heckler was removed immediately after interrupting the mayor as he started his speech at the campaign launch.
Adams launched his reelection campaign on the steps of City Hall with crowds of supporters and a few hecklers.
June 26, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Adams launched his reelection campaign on the steps of City Hall with crowds of supporters and a few hecklers.
“I'm a Democrat, and I'm a common-sense Democrat that gets results. I'm a Democrat. I've been a Democrat since I've been 18 years old and everyone in my family has been a Democrat. So I'm a Democrat. That's what I am.” @cityandstateny.bsky.social
WFP’s absence felt in Rochester mayoral race
Why is the progressive third party staying out of a competitive upstate mayoral primary?
www.cityandstateny.com
June 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
“I'm a Democrat, and I'm a common-sense Democrat that gets results. I'm a Democrat. I've been a Democrat since I've been 18 years old and everyone in my family has been a Democrat. So I'm a Democrat. That's what I am.” @cityandstateny.bsky.social