Winners & Losers
This week’s biggest Winners & Losers
Who’s up and who’s down this week?
New York’s airports were at one time compared to a “Third World country,” but now those people (looking at you Joe Biden) are eating their words – literally. JFK Airport recently ranked as the seventh-best airport in the world for its food and drink selections. They spotlighted The Palm Bar & Grille, a New York City icon, in addition to Soy and Sake and Mi Casa Cantina. Coming on the heels of LaGuardia Airport going from worst to best airport in a passenger survey, it’s hard to know how to feel about our airports these days. Proud?
Elise Stefanik -
Since her December grilling of college presidents over antisemitism at a House Education Committee hearing, Rep. Elise Stefanik has gone viral, toppled two Ivy League presidents, spurred the creation of a cottage crisis communications industry for college presidents and now has an eye-popping fundraising haul. The North Country Republican raised $7 million in the first quarter for her network of political committees. She remains in the mix to be Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick.
Olayemi Olurin -
Not many people get the chance to go toe-to-toe with New York City Mayor Eric Adams for almost an hour on live radio. Public defender and progressive influencer Olayemi Olurin did not waste that chance. Clips from Olurin’s questions about how Adams characterizes crime in New York City went viral after they appeared on “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne tha God and DJ Envy. “I think it’s your own rhetoric about the subways that has a lot to do with why people feel scared,” she told the mayor. After the conversation, she told Gothamist she was stunned Adams agreed to appear with her: “I was like, ‘Oh, there’s no way. They’re punking me.’”
Jessica DeCerce -
Jessica DeCerce is enjoying her time in the light – or lack of light as would be more accurate. As New York’s “eclipse czar” – a term that apparently makes her cringe – she’s been preparing for April 8 since 2022. It’s a big deal. Preparations have been sweeping. And assuming all hell doesn’t break loose Monday, she’ll be in line to take credit as the total solar eclipse curves across the state.
Catherine Sheridan -
We get it, the MTA needs money, but now it seems like nickel and diming. The MTA Bridges and Tunnels president wanted to charge New York City Marathon organizers $750,000 for use of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge for the marathon’s iconic start, saying the MTA needs to make up for the closure of the toll bridge. Last year, the MTA raked in $1.1 million from record subway ridership during the marathon. But in the end, Gov. Kathy Hochul stepped in and shut down the MTA’s aggressive negotiations.
Jamaal Bowman -
Rep. Jamaal Bowman is in for a tough primary in the 16th Congressional District. Westchester County Executive George Latimer, according to a new poll, is 17 points ahead, with 55% of respondents saying they had a negative view of Bowman’s work in Congress. The news came ahead of first-quarter fundraising reports expected later this month, and Bowman has lagged behind in that department. Bowman is barreling toward a June primary with several problems, and one that doesn’t appear to go away is his public perception.
Rebecca Lobo -
ESPN announcer Rebecca Lobo brought the full force of Albany down on herself, including its mayor, a Pulitzer-winning novelist and a well-known tavern owner, after infamously saying, “Good luck finding something to do in Albany.” Her comments during the NCAA Women’s Tournament Elite Eight had lawmakers releasing statements and triggered existential crises among Albany residents. She later apologized, but the damage was done. Her offhand remark turned into a three-day news cycle that made many wonder, “What is there to do in Albany?” According to Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, plenty.