Morgan McKay
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NY Political Reporter @FOX5NY -
Host of Politics Unusual -
past: @CapitalTonight, @nexstar capitol correspondent, @kbzk -
Contact: morgan.mckay@fox.com
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Articles by Morgan McKay
Mamdani will campaign with Hochul throughout NYC: Will his endorsement help her win the race?
Mamdani confirms he will campaign with Hochul Mayor Zohran Mamdani will campaign for Governor Kathy Hochul in her bid for reelection. FOX 5 NY's political reporter Morgan McKay has the story. The Brief Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed that he will campaign for Gov. Kathy Hochul in her bid for reelection. He will also film social media videos to bolster Hochul's campaign efforts.
Mamdani will campaign with Hochul throughout NYC: Will his endorsement help her win the race?
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed that he will campaign for Gov. Kathy Hochul in her bid for reelection. • He will also film social media videos to bolster Hochul's campaign efforts. • In a recent Siena poll, 50% of likely voters revealed that they believe Mamdani's endorsement of Hochul is helping her chances of winning the governor's race. NEW YORK - Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed that he will campaign for Gov. Kathy Hochul in her bid for reelection.
NYC releases thousands of 9/11 documents on Ground Zero air quality
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is ordering the release of more than 170,000 pages of new documents detailing air quality conditions at Ground Zero in the months following the September 11 terror attacks. What we know: Mamdani said the documents are being made public after the city settled two 9/11-related lawsuits. He made the announcement during a news conference Tuesday morning at the City Hall Rotunda.
NYC releases thousands of 9/11 documents on Ground Zero air quality
Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered the release of more than 170,000 pages of documents on the air quality at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks. • The records suggest city officials knew of possibly dangerous toxins in the air during the early aftermath of 9/11, despite publicly telling New Yorkers it was safe. • The documents are being made public through an online portal.
Judge temporarily blocks Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax
Staten Islanders rally against pied-à-terre tax rollout Staten Island homeowners are protesting NYC's new tax on high-end second homes, saying they're being forced to prove they actually live in the city. FOX 5 NY's Arthur Chi'en reports. The Brief A judge has temporarily blocked Mayor Zohran Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax, according to FOX 5 NY's political reporter Morgan McKay. McKay confirms that a New York City judge has momentarily halted the new tax, implementing a temporary restraining order.
Mamdani pressed on NYC pied-à-terre tax confusion, exemption deadline
NYC property owners start getting pied-à-terre tax letters NYC property owners have started getting letters stating they may need to pay the city's new pied-à-terre tax, but some argue it shouldn't apply to them. FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay reports. The Brief Mayor Zohran Mamdani was questioned about confusion surrounding New York City's new pied-à-terre tax. Over the weekend, after an outpouring of frustration, Mamdani announced the deadline to apply for an exemption was extended to September 18.
Former NYC sheriff being investigated by federal authorities, Mamdani's office confirms
Published July 16, 2026 2:45 PM EDT New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda testifying during a New York City Council hearing on Sept. 17, 2024. (Luiz C. Ribeiro/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) NEW YORK - Former New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda is now the source of a federal investigation, Mayor Mamdani's office has confirmed.
NYC primary election: LIVE updates
LIVE Last updated: Jun 23, 2026 - 6:25 PM EDT NYC primary election: LIVE updates The primary election features a crowded field of candidates vying for their party's nomination in several races. The state operates a closed primary system. Only voters who are registered with a political party may vote in that party's primary. Live coverage contributors
Special election for Mamdani's old assembly seat today: Who is running?
QUEENS - The race to fill New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's old assembly seat will come to a head tonight. Special election to fill Mamdani's seat The district encompasses a large portion of Astoria and Long Island City. Candidates There are three candidates in the race, and all of them are members of the Democratic Socialists of America: Diana Moreno (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Moreno is the candidate touting Mamdani's endorsement.
Will Mamdani, Hochul bring free childcare to NYC by 2027? Mayor-elect on Politics Unusual
During his 2025 campaign, Zohran Mamdani made three bold promises to New Yorkers: free buses, a rent freeze and childcare for all. Now, the mayor-elect told FOX 5 NY’s Morgan McKay that he and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul are closing in on a plan to make one of these pledges a reality. What they're saying: "The governor has said that 2026 is the year of childcare … We're going into fiscal year 2027, and we want to continue to deliver on the agenda that we ran on.
Video: Conditions inside migrant holding cell in NYC high-rise; DHS denies overcrowding
Videos released Tuesday by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) reveal conditions inside a Manhattan government building where they say detained migrants are held without adequate food, medical care or access to showers for days and even weeks at a time. The videos, taken inside the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza, show numerous people standing, sitting or sprawled on the floor with foil blankets and two toilets in the open space, separated by chest-height blocks.
Interview: Zohran Mamdani on taxing the rich, Democratic Party, willingness to negotiate
From the lack of endorsements from Democratic leadership to being labeled a "snake oil salesman" by the incumbent mayor, Zohran Mamdani's Democratic primary domination in the NYC mayoral race is anything but politics as usual. Yet the candidate, a 33-year-old self-described democratic socialist, insists that his progressive agenda shows that policies labeled as "non-starters"—like raising taxes on millionaires—are, in fact, what New Yorkers really want.
NYC budget deal includes 2-K, e-bike enforcement, expanded library hours: source
A potential New York City budget agreement is expected to be announced later Friday, with Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams set to reveal a handshake agreement, sources tell FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay. The city budget, due by July 1, includes significant allocations for child care, e-bike safety enforcement, legal assistance to immigrants and more, according to the source.
NY Dems denied access to NYC immigration building reportedly detaining migrants
Democratic congressional Reps. Dan Goldman, NY-10, and Jerry Nadler, NY-12, were denied access to the 10th floor of a federal immigration building in Manhattan, where ICE is reportedly detaining migrants.
NYC mayor race: Why Jessica Ramos says she endorsed Andrew Cuomo
In a surprising political twist, mayoral candidate and state Senator Jessica Ramos endorsed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, despite her previous criticisms of him, including his handling of the COVID pandemic and sexual harassment allegations. Cuomo, however, declined to endorse Ramos in return.
What happened when Mayor Adams met President Trump today?
Mayor Eric Adams traveled to Washington, D.C., on the same day that federal prosecutors released more than 1,700 pages of documents tied to his now-dismissed corruption case. The meeting with President Trump focused on infrastructure and New York City priorities, even as legal questions surrounding Adams’ past investigation continue to draw attention.
Rep. Mike Lawler eyes New York Governor bid as GOP hopes build
Representative Mike Lawler, fresh off his re-election to represent the Lower Hudson Valley, fs weighing a possible run for New York governor in 2026, joining a growing list of Republicans eyeing the race. What we know: Speaking with FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay, Lawler says that he plans to make a decision by June on whether he will launch a campaign for governor. While the race may seem far off, Republican candidates are already positioning themselves to challenge Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
Rep. Mike Lawler considering 2026 run for NY Governor
The Brief Rep. Mike Lawler says he will decide by June whether to run for New York governor in 2026. Lawler joins a growing list of potential GOP candidates, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Republican leaders plan to avoid a primary, aiming to select a gubernatorial nominee at next year’s state convention.
NYC Council passes bill regulating noisy non-essential helicopter flights from city heliports
A new bill passed by the New York City Council will ban non-essential helicopter flights from city-owned heliports unless they meet strict FAA noise standards. The regulation aims to reduce noise complaints and improve public safety following the recent Hudson River helicopter crash that killed six people.
Trump administration pushes DOJ to investigate NY AG Letitia James
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has referred New York Attorney General Letitia James to the Justice Department for potential federal prosecution, alleging mortgage fraud. The claims include misrepresentation of primary residence and property details. James' office denies any wrongdoing, framing the move as politically motivated.
ICE returns to Rikers Island after Deputy Mayor's executive order
New York City’s First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro has issued an executive order allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reopen an office on Rikers Island for the first time since 2014. What we know: First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro signed an executive order late Tuesday night permitting ICE to immediately return to Rikers Island.
ICE returns to Rikers Island for the first time in a decade
The Brief ICE is returning to Rikers Island for the first time since 2014 under a new executive order signed by NYC First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. The executive order limits ICE's role to criminal cases only, with officials insisting it does not involve civil immigration enforcement or early removal of detainees.
Trump administration pulls $188M in migrant aid from NYC
Hundreds of migrants sleep in line early on August 1, 2023, for placement at the Roosevelt Hotel intake center in New York. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) The Trump administration canceled $188 million in federal grants that were meant to reimburse New York City for sheltering migrants. Officials said the money was being spent on supporting illegal immigration, but the city's mayor vows to fight the clawback.
Former NY Gov. Cuomo names 3 mistakes made during his political career
When launching his campaign bid for NYC mayor, Andrew Cuomo admitted that he'd made mistakes, but omitted details. On Thursday, FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay got the former New York governor to list three of his political blunders. For the first time in years, Cuomo took questions from the New York City Press Corps in Greenwich Village.
Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo holds rally after entering NYC mayoral race
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo officially jumped into the race for New York City mayor. On Sunday afternoon, Cuomo made his first campaign stop in Manhattan. What he's saying: In a 17-minute video posted to the social media platform X, Cuomo sought to reintroduce himself to a city he led as governor for 10 years before resigning amid numerous sexual harassment allegations and scrutiny over his handling of COVID-related nursing home deaths.
NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams takes first steps towards mayoral bid
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has taken the first formal step toward joining the already crowded race for mayor. While she has yet to make an official announcement, Adams has filed paperwork to form a campaign committee and says she is seriously considering entering the Democratic primary. What we know: During a news conference on Thursday, Speaker Adams addressed speculation about her candidacy, stating that the city is in dire need of leadership.
Andrew Cuomo leads NYC mayoral poll as speculation grows over 2025 run
A new poll shows former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo with a double-digit lead in the NYC mayoral race, significantly ahead of his competitors. While Cuomo has not officially entered the race, sources suggest his campaign may launch soon. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams has dropped to third place, and progressive candidates like Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani are gaining momentum.
Adams speaks out for the first time since Hochul's sanctions
Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams is speaking out for the first time since being sanctioned by Governor Kathy Hochul. In an exclusive interview with FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay, Adams addressed the latest on his criminal case fallout from Gracie Mansion. "I did nothing wrong. I didn't commit a crime. I'm not going to commit a crime so I don't have to look over my shoulders. I made it clear this was an overreach, overzealous prosecution," Adams said.
NYC Mayor Adams talks Biden, migrants in Tucker Carlson interview: 'The party left me'
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing backlash following an hour-long interview with Tucker Carlson, where he criticized the Democratic Party for abandoning New Yorkers – also claiming the Biden administration urged him to stay silent about the city’s migrant crisis. What we know: In Tuesday's interview, Adams claimed the Democratic Party abandoned the working class. He also claimed the Biden administration told him to be silent about the migrant crisis.
How much will Hochul's plan to put officers on overnight subways cost?
Hundreds of police officers will be deployed to New York City’s subway trains overnight for the next six months as part of an effort to make them, as well as riders, feel safer. When will the plan begin? What we know: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday she wanted this effort to start on Monday.
NY plan to add more cops to NYC subway has $154M price tag
The Brief Hundreds of police officers will be deployed to NYC subway trains overnight for the next six months. The goal is to have two officers on every overnight train from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The city and state will be splitting the cost. NEW YORK CITY - Hundreds of police officers will be deployed to New York City’s subway trains overnight for the next six months as part of an effort to make them, as well as riders, feel safer. When will the plan begin? What we know New York Gov.
NYC Congestion pricing plan gets federal approval, set to begin Janaury 5
New York City’s long-debated congestion pricing plan has cleared its final federal hurdle and is set to go into effect on January 5, barring any successful legal challenges. The Federal Highway Administration gave the green light, making NYC the first U.S. city to implement such a program. The plan will require drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street to pay a $9 toll, which will increase to $12 in 2028 and $15 by 2031.
NYC Congestion pricing plan gets federal approval, set to begin Janaury 5
NEW YORK - New York City’s long-debated congestion pricing plan has cleared its final federal hurdle and is set to go into effect on January 5, barring any successful legal challenges. The Federal Highway Administration gave the green light, making NYC the first U.S. city to implement such a program. The plan will require drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street to pay a $9 toll, which will increase to $12 in 2028 and $15 by 2031.
Democrats urged to refocus after Trump makes major gains in NY
Vice President Kamala Harris won New York – but the margin that she won by has some Democrats urging those in their party to stop and readjust their priorities. "The national and state Democratic Party brand is in a dumpster right now," Democratic State Senator James Skoufis said. Senator Skoufis represents a Hudson Valley district that has trended purple, but although he won his re-election bid by a 15 point margin – Vice President Kamala Harris lost that district by about 10 percentage points.
Democrats urged to refocus after Trump makes major gains in NY
NEW YORK - Vice President Kamala Harris won New York – but the margin that she won by has some Democrats urging those in their party to stop and readjust their priorities. "The national and state Democratic Party brand is in a dumpster right now," Democratic State Senator James Skoufis said.
What's the future of NYC congestion pricing after Trump's win?
New York City’s congestion pricing plan faces mounting uncertainty as President-elect Donald Trump has previously pledged to end the tolling system if implemented. Now, the plan's supporters are saying it needs to be reinstated immediately before Trump takes office in January. NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, who paused the program earlier this year – citing affordability concerns – has yet to indicate when or if she will resume the initiative.
NY leaders react to Trump's election victory, brace for policy challenges
In the aftermath of Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 Presidential Election, local leaders are looking ahead to what that will mean for New York City in the future. Following Trump’s victory, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Mayor Eric Adams all extended formal congratulations to the President-elect.
Exclusive: State lawmakers propose new bill that would limit Adams' powers
The power struggle between embattled NYC Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council is a fight now making its way up to the state level. Over the summer, the city council passed a bill that would allow them to block certain appointments made by the mayor – giving them the ability to have oversight hearings on more than 20 commissioner appointments at agencies like sanitation, children services and homeless services. Commissioners of Police, Fire and City Schools would be exempt.
Exclusive: State lawmakers propose new bill that would limit Adams' powers
NEW YORK - The power struggle between embattled NYC Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council is a fight now making its way up to the state level. Over the summer, the city council passed a bill that would allow them to block certain appointments made by the mayor – giving them the ability to have oversight hearings on more than 20 commissioner appointments at agencies like sanitation, children services and homeless services. Commissioners of Police, Fire and City Schools would be exempt.
NYC campaign finance program under scrutiny after Adams' indictment
The recent indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams has increased scrutiny of the city's public campaign finance system, with prosecutors alleging that Adams exploited the program by accepting illegal donations and using them to receive additional taxpayer funds. Allegations Against Mayor Adams In 2021, Mayor Adams’ campaign raised $19 million, $10 million of which came from public matching funds.
Interim NYPD commissioner Tom Donlon could be stepping down: sources
Sources tell FOX 5 NY that interim NYPD police commissioner Tom Donlon could be stepping down soon. New York City Mayor Eric Adams named Thomas Donlon as interim police commissioner on Sept. 13 following Edward Caban's resignation. It came days after federal agents seized the cellphones of the head of the police department and at least three other high-ranking mayoral deputies. Who is Thomas Donlon?
Interim NYPD commissioner Tom Donlon could be stepping down: sources
NEW YORK CITY - Sources tell FOX 5 NY that interim NYPD police commissioner Tom Donlon could be stepping down soon. New York City Mayor Eric Adams named Thomas Donlon as interim police commissioner on Sept. 13 following Edward Caban's resignation. It came days after federal agents seized the cellphones of the head of the police department and at least three other high-ranking mayoral deputies. Who is Thomas Donlon?
Gov. Hochul refrains from calling for Adams to resign
Governor Hochul has refrained from directly calling for Mayor Adams' resignation, despite pressure from New Yorkers and growing concerns about his administration. Adams is currently facing five federal charges, including bribery and soliciting illegal campaign donations, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Federal prosecutors have indicated that additional charges against Adams could be forthcoming. "I have asked him to make some changes. I think you'll see a steady flow of changes," Hochul said.
Mayor Eric Adams faces growing calls to resign amid federal probes
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is now facing more calls to step down. "The Mayor has to resign," City Councilwoman Tiffany Caban said. Councilwoman Caban is now the first city council member to call on Adams to resign following the numerous federal investigations swirling around Adams and his team. The Mayor has not been charged in connection with any of these federal inquiries, but Caban says that there are patterns to what she called his mismanagement of city government.
Mayor Eric Adams faces growing calls to resign amid federal probes
Fox local September 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Eric Adams is now facing more calls to step down. "The Mayor has to resign," City Councilwoman Tiffany Caban said. Councilwoman Caban is now the first city council member to call on Adams to resign following the numerous federal investigations swirling around Adams and his team.
Mayor Eric Adams faces growing calls to resign amid federal probes
NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Eric Adams is now facing more calls to step down. "The Mayor has to resign," City Councilwoman Tiffany Caban said. Councilwoman Caban is now the first city council member to call on Adams to resign following the numerous federal investigations swirling around Adams and his team. The Mayor has not been charged in connection with any of these federal inquiries, but Caban says that there are patterns to what she called his mismanagement of city government.
Randy Mastro withdraws nomination to be NYC's next corporation counsel
Randy Mastro is withdrawing his nomination to be the city's next corporation counsel, a familiar source told FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay. The City Council was set to vote on his nomination on Thursday. Mastro faced a rough confirmation hearing last month over his record working for former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. In a letter to Mayor Adams, Mastro said his confirmation hearing a few weeks ago was "anything but fair".
FBI raids homes of at least 3 top NYC officials closely connected to Mayor Adams
The homes of two top officials close to NYC Mayor Eric Adams were raided by the FBI Wednesday, sources have confirmed to FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay. First reported by THE CITY, FBI agents raided the homes of two top NYC officials – First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. Benjamin Brafman, an attorney for Phillip Banks, confirmed to FOX 5 NY's Linda Schmidt that a search was conducted at his client's home on Wednesday.
FBI raids homes of 2 top NYC officials closely connected to Mayor Adams
The homes of two top officials close to NYC Mayor Eric Adams were raided by the FBI Wednesday, sources have confirmed to FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay. First reported by THE CITY, FBI agents raided the homes of two top NYC officials – First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. Agents arrived at Wright's Hamilton Heights townhouse around 5 a.m., while simultaneously raiding Banks' single-family home in Hollis, reports show.
NYC Mayor Adams helps destroy 4 tons of illegal weed: WATCH
NYC Mayor Eric Adams manned the controls as the NYPD disposed of four tons of illegal weed. The four tons, which equals around 576 bags of cannabis products, were loaded into the trash incinerator on Long Island. Adams operated what looked like a giant claw machine to scoop up giant piles of trash – including the illegal marijuana – and then moved it over to the incinerator shoot.
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