Manhattan Institute

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched lotteries for high-demand events like World Cup tickets and city celebrations, drawing over 350,000 entries each. While some residents celebrated the accessibility, critics labeled the initiatives as political theater. A social worker, Yolanda Vega, highlighted winning World Cup tickets as a summer highlight, contrasting with Manhattan Institute analyst Santiago Vidal Calvo's 'bread and circuses' critique.

A coalition of over 1,400 University of California professors is urging the reinstatement of SAT/ACT math requirements for STEM majors, citing declining academic readiness and the need for objective benchmarks. Data from campuses like UC Berkeley and UC San Diego show significant foundational deficits in math among incoming students, with instructors forced to provide remedial instruction.

The Manhattan Institute, a right-wing think tank, is promoting 'civil terrorism' by advocating for harsher penalties for minor crimes committed during constitutionally protected protests. The organization previously played a role in opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for city-owned grocery stores faces criticism from economists and business owners, who argue it could harm small grocers and burden taxpayers. The initiative, part of a larger redevelopment project in the Bronx, aims to lower food costs but is seen as a 'wasteful distraction' by critics like Adam Lehodey of the Manhattan Institute. A second store is planned for East Harlem, despite existing grocery options in the area.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for city-owned grocery stores faces criticism from economists and local businesses, who argue it will harm small grocers and burden taxpayers. The first store, set to open in 2027 in Hunts Point, Bronx, is part of a larger redevelopment project, while a second is planned for East Harlem. Critics question the need for additional grocery options in well-served areas.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is meeting with Wall Street leaders including Jamie Dimon and David Solomon after months of criticizing wealthy individuals and pushing higher taxes on corporations. Critics argue this represents a contradiction in his anti-billionaire agenda, with experts warning that aggressive tax policies could discourage investment and harm the city's economy.

A socialist mayoral candidate in Washington, D.C., Janeese Lewis George, faces criticism for her response to violent teen mobs, suggesting that instead of curfews, the city should expand youth programming and apprenticeships. Charles Fain Lehman, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, says Lewis George has it 'exactly backwards'. The debate comes as the city struggles with 'unchecked chaos' and violence among teens.

A socialist mayoral candidate in Washington, D.C., Janeese Lewis George, faces criticism for her response to violent teen mobs, suggesting that instead of curfews, the city should expand youth programming and apprenticeships. Charles Fain Lehman, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, says Lewis George has it 'exactly backwards'. The candidate's approach prioritizes alternative opportunities over rule enforcement.

The government must protect neighborhoods from violent protests, according to David Marcus, who argues that residential areas should be safeguarded against mayhem. The Constitution protects protest, but measures can be taken to prevent violence and intimidation. Local, state, and federal governments can provide stiffer penalties for protest-related crimes in residential areas.

Democrats are pushing to increase the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour, which has sparked debate over its potential effects on the economy, including inflation and job losses. The proposal is backed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and supported by over 100 organizations. Critics argue that the increase could harm small businesses and lead to unintended consequences.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's racial equity plan faces criticism for redefining poverty thresholds to justify expanded government intervention. Analyst Santiago Vidal Calvo argues the plan 'moves the goalposts' by using a $160,000 annual income benchmark for families, claiming it misrepresents affordability issues and shifts focus from addressing systemic factors like housing costs.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's 'Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan' faces criticism from expert Santiago Vidal Calvo, who claims it redefines poverty thresholds to justify expanded government intervention. Calvo argues the plan's 'true cost of living' metric ($160,000 for families) artificially inflates crisis narratives, diverting attention from systemic issues like housing affordability and wage growth.

A watchdog alleges that illegal immigrants in California's homeless shelters are receiving taxpayer-funded transgender medical procedures via Medi-Cal. California's Medicaid program, expanded by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2024, covers gender-affirming care for approximately 1.7 million illegal immigrants, sparking political backlash and claims of 'medically necessary' treatment criteria. The state's health department disputes the allegations, stating strict eligibility requirements apply.

A watchdog alleges illegal immigrants in California homeless shelters accessed taxpayer-funded gender-affirming care, including sex change procedures and breast implants, through the Medi-Cal program. California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) disputes these claims, stating coverage is only provided if deemed medically necessary under strict eligibility criteria. Governor Gavin Newsom expanded Medi-Cal to all immigrants in 2024, sparking political backlash.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to open five government-run grocery stores by 2030, facing criticism from economist Daniel Di Martino who warns the initiative will fail like other socialist experiments. Di Martino argues the city will spend millions without profit incentives, risking competition with existing private stores like Aldi and Costco.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to open five government-run grocery stores by 2030, a move criticized by economist Daniel Di Martino as a doomed socialist experiment that will cost taxpayers millions and harm private businesses. Di Martino argues government stores lack profit incentives and will undercut existing retailers like Aldi and Costco in East Harlem.