This week Matter of Fact focuses on work in America. We travel to North Carolina where staffing agencies are dealing with a shortage of home care workers. Plus, Brehanna Daniels talks about her experience as NASCAR’s first Black female tire changer. And, an Ohio program closes a skills gap by training people to become big rig mechanics.
This week Matter of Fact is all about seeking solutions. A Virgina school district takes a direct approach to reducing student absences. Plus, New York City’s first chief medical officer works to eliminate racially biased tests in healthcare. And, Michigan residents debate changes to the cash bail system.
Major events like the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention give politicians an opportunity to speak directly to voters. Speechwriters often help our nation’s leaders craft their messages for the public. Terry Edmonds was the first Black chief speechwriter for a U.S. president, and Michael Franklin is the co-founder and executive director of Speechwriters of Color. They join Soledad O’Brien in-studio to discuss the importance of having diverse voices in speechwriting.
With heatwaves, wildfires and hurricanes, climate change is making life increasingly difficult, and it’s also causing grief and anxiety. The American Psychiatric Association reports more than half of Americans say climate change is impacting their mental health. Many people are turning to therapy and support groups to express their emotions and find solutions. Correspondent Dina Demetrius is in Southern California to see how climate activists and therapists are turning that anxiety into action.
This week Matter of Fact travels to Southern California where environmental activists are turning to therapy to work through climate anxiety and grief. Plus, a former presidential speechwriter discusses the need for diverse voices in the profession. And, a midwestern town grapples with an influx of patients following state abortion bans.
This week Matter of Fact travels to Michigan where there’s a growing debate over the need for oversight for homeschooling. Plus, the president of the National Association of Secretaries of State talks about how state officials are working to ensure trust in elections. And, the fear of losing disability benefits puts one couple’s wedding plans on hold.
This week Matter of Fact learns how a former football player who battled an addiction is helping others recover. Plus, a real estate professor explains why homeownership is out of reach for so many. And, a retired coal miner suffering from black lung, shares his experience after getting diagnosed with the condition at a young age.
This week Matter of Fact travels to Colorado where organizations are making an effort to keep former foster children off the streets. Plus, a civil rights attorney explains how a slate of lawsuits is taking aim at programs that help minorities. And, we meet a member of the EPA’s youth-led council focused on addressing environmental issues.
Sunday 9:30 a.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.