Jack Kevorkian attending an HBO premiere

The History of the Euthanasia Movement

The idea that death should be merciful is not new. Around 1800, pioneers of euthanasia pulled on the legs of those who'd been hanged to hasten their deaths.
Men and women drinking beer at a pre-prohibition bar in Raceland, Louisiana, September 1938.

The Darker Side of Prohibition

During Prohibition, industrial-grade alcohol cost hundreds of American lives. The Coolidge administration encouraged its circulation.
Pink out for Planned Parenthood

Do Laws Protect Abortion Clinics From Violence?

The research surveys whether state laws protecting abortion clinics have deterred pro-life activists from committing acts of violence.
Farm workers harvesting vegetable crop.

Deportation: A History

Operation Wetback was another example of deportation being used as a social and political method of control.
Hitler speaks, 1. February 1933

What Does the Word “Propaganda” Mean?

It has been put to many uses.
Prison Cell

The Return of Debtors’ Prisons

New lawsuits allege that court officials are jailing people who fall behind on payment of court fees and fines, leading to a resurgence of debtors' prisons.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Pulpit

Judging from his public speeches, Franklin D. Roosevelt--aka FDR--may have been our most religious 20th century President.
Campaign Donors

The Five Percent: Looking at Where the Largest Campaign Donors Come From

The majority of campaign donors live in just five percent of the country's zip codes. Here is where they ideologically stand on issues.
Danish flags in Jens Bangs Stenhus, Aalborg

Does Socialism Make People Happy?

Bernie Sanders cites Denmark's social welfare programs as a model. We turn to socialism and see whether he's right.
Politicians Having a Beer

The Upside of Partisanship

How partisanship shapes voter decision-making and turnout.