Latest / The Atlantic Out Loud

The Cities That Said Yes to Drugs
Policies that gave addicts clean needles and places to use drugs were intended to reduce harm. They created a “zombie apocalypse.”
By Michael Powell
From the September 2026 issue.
Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news: http://theatlantic.com/listen
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.