Masako Morishita’s career path is unlike any other. Born in Japan, she came to the United States with a dream of becoming an NFL cheerleader. That came true when she joined the Washington Commanders’ cheer squad and even served as its first captain from overseas. But, an injury forced her to retire early. Now, she’s pursuing another passion – cooking. Morishita is the executive chef at a Washington D.C. restaurant and a recent James Beard award recipient. She explains how her Japanese roots influence her dishes.
Nearly a third of Americans are dealing with a difficult financial situation – struggling to make ends meet, but not qualifying for public assistance. This demographic is known as ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Stephanie Hoopes is the director of United for ALICE, an organization created to track and research these households. She joins Soledad O’Brien to explain why so many Americans say they aren’t feeling the financial benefit of the improving economy and how that can be addressed.
President-elect Donald Trump is outlining his energy and environmental policy. Some of his promises include deregulating to “unleash the power of American business” and increasing oil and gas production. His plan has some conservative environmentalists concerned. According to Pew Research Center, about 12% of people who identify as, or lean Republican say dealing with climate change should be a top priority for the president and Congress. Correspondent Dina Demetrius introduces us to some conservatives who are pushing for sustainable environmental policy.
This week Matter of Fact learns how conservatives are balancing their political values and their concerns about climate change. Plus, an organization focuses on the financial struggles of working families. And, a former NFL cheerleader turned chef receives a James Beard award.
In the late 1800s, Tampa, Florida earned the nickname “Cigar City.” It was considered the nation’s cigar-making capital with around 200 factories at its peak. But, the Great Depression and the trade embargo on Cuba led to a slump in production, and many factories shut their doors. Today, there is only one operational cigar factory in Florida and in the entire country. Producer Tara Cleary takes us inside the J.C. Newman Cigar Company factory.
The National League of Cities Summit brings together mayors from across the country to exchange ideas and make their communities better. This year, the organization hosted its centennial gathering in Tampa, Florida. Clarance Anthony is the CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities and former mayor of South Bay, Florida. Soledad O’Brien sits down with him to talk about the unique challenges our local leaders face.
Tampa, Florida is home to over 400,000 people and its mayor is Jane Castor. She was the city’s first female police chief before becoming its 59th mayor. In 2023, she was re-elected to her second term with the support of more than 80% of voters. Now, Mayor Castor is navigating through one of the biggest challenges facing her city – the impact of climate change. While in Tampa, Soledad O’Brien sat down with the mayor to find out how she’s helping the city remain resilient in the face of rising sea levels and stronger storms.
Nearly two months after Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, hundreds of people remain without power. Damaged infrastructure and inaccessible roads are making it tough to repair the downed lines, and leaders say it could take years to fully recover from the storm. A New Orleans-based nonprofit is stepping in to get some much-needed relief to people living in remote areas. Correspondent Jessica Gomez introduces us to the people behind the effort that’s using clean energy to help communities in crisis.
This week Matter of Fact travels to North Carolina to see how clean energy is bringing relief to remote communities after Hurricane Helene. Plus, we’re in Tampa talking to the mayor about navigating the impact of climate change in the coastal city. And, we visit the last operating cigar factory in the country.
Sunday 9:00 a.m.