City Journal Audio

Join Jesse Arm, Renu Mukherjee, and John Ketcham from the Manhattan Institute as they tackle the surge in crime in Washington D.C. They discuss the federal government's impact on local governance and public safety, debating the balance of authority and home rule. The conversation takes an intriguing turn to college admissions, with a focus on race and transparency in the wake of new policies from the Trump administration. The blend of urban issues and educational reform makes for a thought-provoking listen.

Nicole Gelinas, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and contributing editor at the New York Times, delves into New York City's escalating random acts of violence. She discusses the motivations behind attacks by lone actors, the rise of anti-capitalist sentiments, and the challenges this poses to public safety. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for better firearms legislation linked to mental health issues. Gelinas highlights the evolving landscape of urban security and the NYPD's recruitment struggles in addressing these threats.

Douglas Murray, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a notable journalist, discusses the recent shooting in Manhattan, calling attention to the broader issues of urban disorder and political violence throughout history. He critiques Trump’s immigration policies and contrasts them with those in Europe, diving into the complexities of migrant integration. Additionally, he shares insights from his recent defamation victory, shedding light on press freedom and the challenges journalists face in today's climate.

Join John Ketcham, who tackles urban issues at the Manhattan Institute, Jesse Arm in external affairs, and cultural commentator Rob Henderson as they delve into Chicago’s pension crisis and its implications for politics. They analyze the growing political divide between men and women, with women leaning liberal and men more conservative. The trio also tackles the cultural ripple effects of celebrity endorsements, spotlighting Sydney Sweeney's surprising GOP registration and her challenge to mainstream progressive narratives.

Carolyn Gorman, an expert in mental health policy, Ilya Shapiro, a constitutional advocate, and Renu Mukherjee, who focuses on education and ethnicity, discuss the aftermath of a recent shooting in Manhattan. They explore the implications for public safety and the upcoming mayoral election, analyzing societal reactions and cultural trends. The conversation touches on online sentiments about gun violence, the backlash against an ad campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney, and how advertising shapes consumer behavior in modern society.

Jesse Arm, Director of External Affairs at the Manhattan Institute, joins researchers Tal Fortgang and John Ketcham to dive into Trump's executive order on homelessness and mental health. They discuss the potential challenges of implementing this order at local levels and critique existing homelessness strategies like Housing First. The team also examines the political dynamics of redistricting and how these factors complicate the path toward effective solutions for homelessness and public disorder.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, Tal Fortgang, and Carolyn Gorman discuss Columbia University’s deal with the Trump administration, the White House’s AI action plan, and the technology's usefulness in tasks at work.

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, John Ketcham, and Daniel Di Martino unpack the explosive rise of democratic socialism, spotlighting the Minneapolis mayoral race and Omar Fateh’s July 2025 endorsement, in which a Somali-American progressive won 43.8% of delegates. They explore how local elections are now test beds for socialist agendas, what America’s urban realignment means for conservatives, and how video podcasting is reshaping discourse in a media landscape. Along the way, they dive into cultural flashpoints—from concerts to classrooms—and why the right can’t afford to sit out the fight for the cities.

Rafael Mangual, Tal Fortgang, Carolyn Gorman, and Renu Mukherjee discuss public safety in New York City, the Senate vote to strip funding from NPR, President Trump’s desire to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and other big news stories from the week.

John Hirschauer joins Brian Anderson to discuss the recently passed legislation in New York that—pending Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature—would legalize Medical Aid in Dying.