Mother Jones

“It’s fun to be cranky about stupid things.” Coca Cola introduced New Coke in 1985 and then, after a populist backlash from Americans decrying that their freedom of choice had been trampled upon, reintroduced Classic Coke after two months. What the company didn’t see at first was that the backlash was led by a man who thought he could parlay all this silly outrage — over a soft drink — into some cash.

“Peoples Temple was a hugely influential part of black San Francisco at one time, embedded so deeply that middle schoolers like my mom took time to check it out.”

“It was one of the most special times in my life; it was just unreal.”

Ari Berman investigates how increasingly restrictive voting laws in states like Wisconsin had an impact on the 2016 presidential election — and most likely tipped it in favor of Donald Trump.

Think it’s hard for the white working class in rural America? Try being a person of color.

The first casualty of America’s opioid epidemic beyond the users themselves? The American family. As mom and dad are nodding out and overdosing in record numbers, the kids are going into an under-funded foster care system struggling to handle the sheer volume of children who need food, shelter, clothing, and above all, stability.

Becca Andrews travels with an abstinence only sex education team — and considers the impact that same education had on her life.

Julia Lurie reports on a rising trend: death by opioid withdrawal in jail. Read about how addict shame and silence, jail short-staffing, scant medical equipment, and a general apathy toward inmates can make a deadly combination.

It’s not easy to evict someone in California. Usually that’s a good thing. (And also, don’t mess with Judith Butler.)

An examination of the racist extremist movements capitalizing on Trump’s victory.