FOX 5 Politics Unusual with Morgan McKay

FOX 5 Politics Unusual with Morgan McKay

Think of Politics Unusual as your weekly debrief on the circus that is local and national politics. Host Morgan McKay skips the "politician-speak" to get the real story from the people making the rules. Whether you’re a policy nerd or just wondering why your taxes are doing that again, join us for a deep dive into the strange, the messy, and the definitely-not-usual world of politics.

Episodes

Mayor Mamdani on Rent Freeze & Budgets + NYC Primary Roundtable

June 23, 2026 • 21 mins
On this episode of Politics Unusual, FOX 5 NY’s political reporter Morgan McKay gets an exclusive sit-down with Mayor Zohran Mamdani. We cover the recent rent freeze vote, the city budget, and the impact of the mayor’s endorsements ahead of the primaries. Later in the show, political strategist J.C. Polanco and Democratic strategist Trip Yang join the roundtable to break down the hottest races in the NYC primaries, focu...
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New York Lt. Governor Candidate Adrienne Adams

May 25, 2026 • 21 mins
New York Lt. Governor Candidate Adrienne Adams sit down with Morgan McKay as the primary approaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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NY Budget Fallout & The First Responder Buffer Zone

May 11, 2026 • 21 mins
The state budget is late, and the ripples are being felt across all five boroughs. Are businesses quietly packing their bags, and what will it take to get them to stay? This week on Politics Unusual, Morgan McKay convenes a heavy-hitting Reporter Roundtable featuring New York Times City Hall Reporter Sally Goldenberg and New York Post City Hall Bureau Chief Craig McCarthy. They break down exactly how the budget delays are impactin...
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Self-Funding, State Budgets, and the Struggle for a Ceasefire

May 4, 2026 • 21 mins
Is New York losing its competitive edge? Congressman Dan Goldman joins the pod to defend his stance on wealth taxes and explain why he’s using his own fortune to fund his campaign against challenger Brad Lander. From the geopolitics of Iran and Israel to the local politics of the Mayoral primary, no stone is left unturned. Senator Steve Chan also stops by to discuss his transition from the NYPD to the State Senate and his mi...
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War in Iran, DHS Shutdown & New York’s 4 AM World Cup Plan

April 24, 2026 • 21 mins
On this episode of Politics Unusual, Robert Moses digs into a heavy week of national security and local celebration. First, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joins to discuss the escalating conflict with Iran and the fallout of the DHS partial shutdown. Plus, he breaks down the long-awaited rate cut coming to Connecticut electric bills. Then, we shift gears to the pitch. Justin Brannan, Governor Hochul’s Senior Director of ...
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Guns, Garages, and the $30 Minimum Wage

April 19, 2026 • 21 mins
Three years after a fatal parking garage collapse, New York City is racing to inspect thousands of structures—but many are falling behind. This week, DOB Commissioner Ahmed Tigani joins Morgan McKay to discuss the enforcement crisis, the push to remove sidewalk sheds, and a controversial proposal to allow building inspectors to carry firearms. Then, Councilmember Harvey Epstein stops by to advocate for the city’s workf...
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Tax Wars & Crisis Calls: Is NYC Pushing Business to the Brink?

April 6, 2026 • 21 mins
Are the "Big Apple’s" biggest employers looking for the exit? This week on Politics Unusual, Morgan McKay dives into the high-stakes battle over the New York State budget and a new vision for public safety under the Mamdani administration. Part 1: The Corporate Exodus?First, Morgan sits down with Steven Fulop, the new CEO of the Partnership for NYC. As state lawmakers negotiate a massive budget, Fulop reveals why the Partner...
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Fast Food Paybacks, Debt Collection Rules, & NYC's Massive Budget Gap

March 29, 2026 • 21 mins
Are your workplace rights protected, and is the city running out of money? This week on Politics Unusual, Morgan McKay dives deep into the financial realities facing both everyday New Yorkers and the city at large. First, Morgan sits down with Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Sam Levine. They break down a massive recent settlement with Dunkin' and Taco Bell franchisees that is finally putting hard-e...
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Showdown at City Hall: Property Tax Battles & The Mayor’s Power Play

March 22, 2026 • 21 mins
Is City Hall heading for a massive budget collision? Welcome back to the Politics Unusual Podcast with Morgan McKay! This week, we are diving deep into the rising tensions between the City Council and the Mayor's office over how your tax dollars are spent and how the city handles public safety. First, Morgan sits down with City Council Finance Committee Chair Linda Lee to unpack the brewing financial battle. Chair Lee explains why...
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Taxing the Rich & The Two-Person Train Fight

March 14, 2026 • 21 mins
Are higher taxes going to push businesses out of New York? And is the MTA sacrificing safety to save a buck? We are asking the hard questions on this week's episode of Politics Unusual. The Budget & The Wealthy: NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins breaks down the legislative push to tax millionaires and corporations. We discuss the fears of a wealthy exodus, how the state plans to help NYC fill its budget gap...
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The 2-K Rollout: Will NYC's Universal Childcare Plan Work?

March 9, 2026 • 21 mins
Can NYC actually become affordable for parents AND tenants? This week on Politics Unusual, we’re diving into two of the biggest line items in your monthly budget: Childcare and Rent. First, we sit down with Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Child Care. The city is officially launching its "2-K" rollout this fall, starting with 2,000 free seats for 2-year-olds. But with a goal of 12,000 seats by next...
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Trailer

March 5, 2026 • 40 secs
Think of Politics Unusual as your weekly debrief on the circus that is local and national politics. Host Morgan McKay skips the "politician-speak" to get the real story from the people making the rules. Whether you’re a policy nerd or just wondering why your taxes are doing that again, join us for a deep dive into the strange, the messy, and the definitely-not-usual world of politics. Learn more ...
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NYS Assembly Minority Leader Ra, "Stop Super Speeders Act"

February 28, 2026 • 21 mins
In this week's episode of Politics Unusual, FOX 5 NY's political reporter Morgan McKay speaks with State Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra about potentially raising taxes on millionaires. Also, a conversation with Chrissy Oakes, a street safety advocate, about the "Stop Super Speeders" legislation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Unmasking ICE & The Tax Standoff

February 21, 2026 • 21 mins
This week on Politics Unusual, State Assemblyman Tony Simone and Council Speaker Julie Menin join us to tackle New York’s most contentious legislative and fiscal battles. Assemblyman Simone breaks down his two major transparency bills: the RADAR Act, which tracks ICE activity via a state database, and the MELT Act, requiring federal agents to unmask during operations. We explore the legal viability of these mandates and the ...
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The Gianaris Exit & The B-Heard Report

February 14, 2026 • 21 mins
In a week that has sent shockwaves through New York politics, Deputy Senate Majority Leader Mike Gianaris joins the show following the bombshell announcement that he will not seek re-election. We sit down with the Senator to discuss: The Next Chapter: Is he heading to City Hall? Gianaris addresses the rumors of a role in the Mamdani administration and offers his take on the Mayor’s performance so far. The Battle fo...
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New York Unfiltered: Bruce Blakeman + Cutting the Red Tape

February 6, 2026 • 21 mins
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joins the show to discuss the state of the GOP in New York. Plus, a deep dive into "The Housing Bottleneck." Open New York and the RPA join the conversation to discuss why streamlining environmental reviews for projects up to 500 units is a game-changer for the five boroughs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Can NYC Afford "Fast and Free" Buses?

January 30, 2026 • 21 mins
The new administration is officially one month in, and the vision for New York City’s transit and budget is coming into sharp focus—but can the city actually foot the bill? This week on Politics Unusual, Morgan McKay sits down with the new DOT Commissioner to discuss the future of your commute and talks to the Citizens Budget Commission about a looming multibillion-dollar deficit. Learn more about your ad ch...
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Politics Unusual: Stadiums, Subpoenas, and the Fight for Queens

January 23, 2026 • 21 mins
From a new Major League Soccer stadium to the battle over ICE, we’re covering the power moves shaping the city. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards on decriminalizing prostitution, building casinos, and why he wants to "abolish ICE" in its current form. Council Member Shekar Krishnan on his crusade to protect Uber/Lyft drivers and his plan to investigate no-bid contracts as the new Oversight Chair. Jers...
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