The bird flu outbreak sparked headlines earlier this year when a few people tested positive for the illness. Veterinarians warn that the virus has not only had a severe impact on birds, but it’s also spreading among other animals, like cows and cats. Dr. Deborah McCauley is the co-founder of the Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife. She joins Soledad O’Brien in-studio to explain how bird flu adapted over time and how lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can help to combat the illness.
The U.S. Surgeon General described the youth mental health crisis as the “defining public health issue of our time.” In a 2021 government survey, more than 40 percent of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless. With schools often on the frontline of the crisis, AmeriCorps is launching a first-of-its-kind initiative to give students the support they need. Correspondent Dina Demetrius has been reporting on youth mental health. She joins Soledad O’Brien in-studio to explain how the new program works and to give an update on a California school that’s providing mental health support to its rural community.
Latino voters could play an important role in the presidential election. The demographic makes up a substantial voting bloc in key states like Florida, Nevada and Arizona. Many political campaigns are reaching out to voters through social media, which is the primary source for news for 21% of Hispanic adults in the country. Randy Abreu of the National Hispanic Media Coalition says that Latino voters could be targets of disinformation campaigns online. He joins Soledad O’Brien in-studio to talk about what social media companies need to do to protect Spanish speakers from false information.
This week Matter of Fact explores solutions to protect Hispanic voters from disinformation on social media. Plus, a multi-state initiative addresses the youth mental health crisis with peer support. And, a wildlife veterinarian explains how the bird flu adapted over time.
James Madison was one of our nation’s founding fathers, the fourth president of the United States and the owner of Montpelier estate. The 2,650-acre plantation was home to Madison, his family and hundreds of enslaved people, who are all buried on the grounds. Now, archeologists are excavating a more than two-acre, unmarked graveyard to uncover the history of the people who lived and worked there. Soledad O’Brien travels to Virginia to learn how the descendants of the enslaved are making sure the full story is told.
Brehanna Daniels was the first Black woman to become a tire changer in NASCAR. Nearly a decade ago, she joined NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program without knowing anything about professional racing. Now, she can change a tire in just one second. She joins Soledad O’Brien in-studio talk about inspiring other women of color and how she’s handling the challenges of navigating the male-dominated sport.
This week Matter of Fact travels to James Madison’s Montpelier estate to learn how archaeologists are digging to uncover the history of the people buried there. Plus, an FDA advisory panel presents a major setback to veterans advocating for psychedelic therapy. And, Brehanna Daniels talks about her experience as NASCAR’s first Black female tire changer.
One year ago, the Writers Guild of America went on strike. After nearly five months of demonstrations, the union reached a deal that was considered a major victory for writers. The new contract included increased pay, residuals and health-care contributions from studios. Now, months after the resolution, the entertainment industry isn’t back to normal. Correspondent Dina Demetrius spoke to writers during the strike. She joins Soledad O’Brien in-studio to give an update on their current situation.
The 2024 presidential election is set to be a re-match of 2020, and many Americans aren’t happy about it. In fact, nearly half of voters say would replace both President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump on the ballot if given the chance, but the country’s two-party system makes it tough for other candidates to break through. Bernard Tamas is author of “The Demise and Rebirth of American Third Parties.” He joins Soledad O’Brien to explain how third parties play a crucial in the American democracy.
This week Matter of Fact explores why third parties are an essential part of American democracy. Plus, a growing number of young adults are choosing not to attend four-year universities. And, an update on conditions in the film and television industry a year after the WGA strike.