The Chuck ToddCast

Pt.2 - How Trump Can ACTUALLY Solve Crime & Policing + Why Murders In America Go UNSOLVED

13 Aug 2025

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Description

In part two of this two-part special of the Chuck Toddcast, Chuck sits down with New York Times reporter German Lopez to explore one of America's most pressing criminal justice challenges: why police solve far fewer murder cases than their international counterparts. Lopez, breaks down the complex factors behind America's low homicide clearance rates, from resource allocation and detective shortages to the critical role of community trust. The conversation reveals how departments struggle with everything from evidence analysis—which isn't nearly as straightforward as television suggests —to the stark disparities in solve rates for cases involving Black victims.The discussion moves beyond statistics to examine real-world solutions and the political realities of police reform. Lopez explains how high-crime communities often want more effective policing rather than less, while politicians frequently weaponize public sentiment instead of funding proven solutions. From exploring whether the FBI should play a larger role in murder investigations to discussing how journalism can better cover criminal justice issues outside major metropolitan areas, this wide-ranging conversation offers both sobering insights into America's murder problem and hope for evidence-based reforms that could save lives.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.Timeline:00:00 Introduction01:00 DC is much safer today than it was in the 90s03:30 German Lopez joins the Chuck Toddcast! 05:15 Lack of law enforcement resources towards solving homicides 06:15 Other countries have much higher rates of solving murder cases 08:15 It's possible police are more focused on preventive policing 09:45 The chance of leaving evidence is higher than ever 11:00 We have better tools than ever for solving cases 12:45 Analyzing evidence isn't as easy as TV makes it look 15:00 How many murders are gang related? 16:30 Lack of trust in minority communicates leads to lower solve rates 18:00 It feels much worse in high crime communities than the statistics 21:00 We haven't best targeted police resources 24:00 There are plenty of solutions available, politicians have to fund them 25:45 The clearance rate for cases with black victims are much lower 27:30 What would it take to make Louisville's PD better? 29:00 Departments struggle to find officers in communities with low trust 31:00 Politicians weaponize public anger against police departments 32:15 High crime neighborhoods want more policing, not less 33:15 Is recruiting detectives as difficult as recruiting officers? 36:00 Is there a better role for the FBI in solving murders? 38:45 What to make of the current crime rates? 39:45 Murder rates have collapsed, but higher than peer nations 41:45 The civil rates movement created crime and upheaval 42:45 Trust is down, but crime is down… why? 44:30 German's journey to becoming a criminal justice reporter 47:30 Journalism has too many reporters on the coasts 51:00 Bengals or Reds? 53:00 Moving to the opinion section of the NYT 53:30 What does an editorial board do?58:00 Chuck's thoughts on interview with German Lopez 58:45 Ask Chuck 59:00 Why haven't Democrats pushed for DC & Puerto Rico statehood? 1:03:30 Is Bobby Kennedy the model for Democrats to emulate? 1:09:30 AOC, Gavin or Beto for Dems in 2028? 1:12:30 Would Dr. Oz be allowed to override RFK on any policies?

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Pt.2 - How Trump Can ACTUALLY Solve Crime & Policing + Why Murders In America Go UNSOLVED

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other episodes from The Chuck ToddCast

Chuck’s Commentary - Trump Is Risking A WAR With His Tariff Threats + Trump Dumps Senator Bill Cassidy

Interview Only w/ Mechele Dickerson - Does America Need A Middle Class New Deal?

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