For nearly half of American families, their income doesn’t cover their basic needs. For families led by single, Black mothers, 91% can’t make ends meet, according to Brookings. While most financial assistance for low-income families comes with specifications, an organization in Mississippi is trying something different. Through its Magnolia Mother’s Trust program, Springboard to Opportunities is giving low-income Black mothers $1,000 a month for a year – no strings attached. Correspondent Laura Chavez travels to Jackson to see how the guaranteed income program works.
Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers are called the “conscience of the military.” They are lawyers who serve in the armed forces. Their role includes ensuring the military adheres to U.S. laws and values during overseas operations and making sure justice is served within the military’s judicial system. Recently, the Trump administration fired the top JAG officers. Retired Army Lt. Gen. James Dubik worked with JAG officers during his deployments overseas. He joins Soledad O’Brien to explain what’s at stake.
This week Matter of Fact analyzes the implications of firing the military’s top lawyers. Plus, a program helps single moms through a guaranteed income. And, a graphic novel shares the story of civil rights icon John Lewis with a new generation.
Social Security and Medicare are two of the government’s largest programs – serving tens of millions of people every day. President Donald Trump promised neither would be touched in his administration’s effort to shrink the federal government, but the Department of Government Efficiency plans to close several Social Security field offices. The president and Elon Musk have also made false claims of fraud at the agency. Nancy Altman is president of Social Security Works, a political advocacy group. She joins to Soledad O’Brien to explain how these programs work and how changes could impact Americans.
Identical twin sisters Jo and Joy Banner are Louisiana natives with deep family roots dating back to slavery. They grew up in an area along the Mississippi River known as “Cancer Alley.” It was once spotted with plantations, but now it’s home to nearly 200 petrochemical plants. Through their organization, the Descendants Project, the sisters are buying old plantations and turning them into museums and cultural sites. It’s part of a two-fold mission – to preserve their heritage and protect residents in a community with higher cancer rates. Correspondent Alexis Clark meets the sisters and learns more about their project.
This week Matter of Fact travels to Louisiana to see how twin sisters are working to protect their heritage and their community. Plus, a Social Security expert discusses the importance of maintaining funding for the program. And, the daughter of a man who refused to go to a Japanese internment camp, tells his story.
The racial wealth gap is wide in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median wealth of a Black household was $24,520 in 2021. That’s just a tenth of the median wealth of a white household at $250,400. A non-profit is working to change that. The Society for Financial Education and Professional Development launched financial literacy programs at churches, businesses and colleges across the country. Correspondent Diane Roberts traveled to Alabama State University to see how the program is helping students and their families.