The opioid epidemic has killed roughly 900,000 Americans since the year 1999. The crisis, though, looks much different today. Initially fueled by prescription painkillers, the epidemic was later shaped by heroin and, more recently, illicit fentanyl. Meanwhile, the epicenter of the crisis has moved from largely white, rural communities of the United States to communities of color. USC Price School Professor Rosalie Pacula joins the show to discuss this evolution of the opioid epidemic and her new research on the role that geography plays in shaping the crisis.

As Democrats and Republicans battle over redrawing congressional maps, California’s system of direct democracy is once again in the spotlight. For over a century, California has allowed citizens to directly pass or reject laws on high profile issues, from marijuana and gay marriage to homelessness and sports betting. But the state’s direct democracy system has come under scrutiny in recent years, with critics saying special interests have gained too much influence. To discuss the pros, cons and history of California’s direct democracy, we are joined by Mark Baldassare, senior fellow at the USC Price School’s Bedrosian Center on Governance.

The United States is one of history's most notable democracies, yet the U.S. democratic system has been in decline for years, with reduced public trust, increasing polarization and low levels of voter turnout. Our guest today, Mindy Romero, is among those spearheading “By the People, For the People,” a nationwide campaign that seeks to rebuild trust in U.S. democracy. She discusses the campaign and the challenges facing U.S. democracy.