FOX 5 Politics Unusual with Morgan McKay

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, and if these debates are going to delay the April 1st budget deadline. The Transit Union Strikes Back: TWU International President John Samuelsen joins us to discuss his upcoming clash with Governor Hochul and the MTA. After the Governor vetoed a crucial bill requiring two-person train crews citing high costs, Samuelsen is firing back. He lays out his safety concerns and why this veto will fuel the fire in their upcoming contract fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 year, we ask the tough questions: How are locations being picked? Who gets priority? And how is the city fixing the childcare worker shortage by finally addressing the pay gap? Then, the housing heat turns up. Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association (NYAA), joins us to push back on the city’s "Rental Ripoff" hearings. From the rising costs of building repairs to the Mayor’s proposed rent freeze, Burgos explains why he thinks the current path is a "property tax trap" for New Yorkers. Plus, we break down the wild $21 billion pitch to Donald Trump to build 12,000 homes over Sunnyside Yard in Queens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 push for federal accountability. Plus, we talk money. Simone explains his refusal to support a property tax hike while doubling down on his fight to tax millionaires and corporationschallenging the Mayor’s current budget strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 for District 12: With activist Aber Kawas vying for his seat, we discuss their recent meeting and the Senator’s reaction to her controversial unearthed comments regarding 9/11. Albany’s Budget Wars: From the fight to tax millionaires to the ambitious plan for free bus transit during the World Cup, Gianaris reflects on his legacy and the rising influence of democratic socialism within the party. In the second half, we pivot to a critical look at public safety with Cassandra Stuart, Lead Budget and Policy Analyst at the Independent Budget Office. As Mayor Mamdani proposes a new Department of Community Safety, Stuart breaks down her latest report on B-Heard—the city’s pilot program for non-police mental health response. We examine why the program only reaches 40% of precincts, why response times remain sluggish, and whether 911 is even the right place for these calls to begin with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Jersey’s New Era: Highlights from Governor Mikie Sherrill’s historic inauguration. Big stakes. Bold takes. This is Politics Unusual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices