In 1945, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion did what others couldn’t. The unit of over 800 Black women sorted through a backlog of nearly 17 million letters and packages to deliver them to American soldiers serving in Europe. Correspondent Alexis Clark meets with the people who are making sure the work of the 6888th isn’t forgotten.
This week Matter of Fact remembers the 6888th – an army unit of over 800 Black women that cleared a backlog of mail for American soldiers during World War II. Plus, Soledad O’Brien speaks to a leading psychologist about the impact of social media on teen mental health. And, West Viriginia schools are tapping into students to find the next generation of teachers.
Between 600,000 and 700,000 poll workers are needed to manage U.S. elections in secure and accessible ways. But, many election officials are resigning in the wake of misinformation about, and backlash to the 2020 presidential election. Now, an unprecedented number of new county clerks are stepping into these jobs. Matter of Fact traveled to Colorado to see how a mentorship program is training many of America’s newly elected officials as they prepare for the 2023 and 2024 elections.
A novel, but controversial, way to combat the opioid epidemic is being debated in one of the nation’s hardest hit states: Kentucky. As officials across the U.S. look to counter addiction, many are desperate for a solution as thousands of Americans die every year from overdoses. In the third part of Matter of Fact’s series on psychedelic therapies, correspondent Jessica Gomez talks with concerned Kentuckians about the risks and benefits of treating the problem with the illegal drug, ibogaine.
This week Matter of Fact travels to Kentucky. The state was hit hard by the opioid epidemic. Now some residents are advocating for the study of an illegal, psychedelic drug to treat addiction. Plus, a community of Maine lobstermen is concerned the federal government’s interest in offshore wind power could harm their livelihood. And, how a program in Colorado is preparing new election officials after a record number of people resigned following the 2020 elections.
The Caywood family farm in Casa Grande, Arizona dates back four generations, but the family lost hope for the future when a megadrought halted production of their primary crop in 2021. Years later, the farm is still in operation. Owner Nancy Caywood explains how an adaptive approach is keeping them in business.
In February, a 50-car train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio renewed concerns over rail safety. Eight months later, local advocates around the nation are still calling for more regulations on train inspections. Correspondent Dan Lieberman sits down with Soledad O’Brien to explain how one New York mayor is putting the pressure on privately-owned railway companies.
This week Matter of Fact explores a concerted effort to increase the safety of the American rail system. Plus, a family of farmers saves their land with water conservation. And, a company helps employees find a way out of substance abuse.
“The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.” That is the one sentence in the Constitution that defines the role of the speaker of the House, but a lot has changed since 1789. Soledad O’Brien talks to political science professor Charles Stewart about the evolution of the speakership.
This week Matter of Fact explores how one shelter in San Antonio is taking a different approach to handling homelessness. Plus, a look at how the Founding Fathers envisioned the role of Speaker of the House versus how it looks now. And, what’s motivating MLB player Dee Strange-Gordon to turn to farming as a way to help his community.