Sunday 6:30 a.m.
The vice president is the second-highest officer in the executive branch. It’s typically a role that doesn’t make headlines, but it’s getting attention now as the Republican ticket for the White House shores up and President Biden confronts calls to not seek reelection. Joel Goldstein is an expert on the vice presidency and says it’s a job that’s evolved and grown in importance in recent years. He joins Soledad O’Brien to explain how the VP pick could influence voters in November.
Businesses across the country are looking to hire, but there’s something standing in the way – the housing shortage. Employees can’t accept jobs in different cities because there aren’t enough homes for them to relocate to. The United States is about 4.5 million houses short, and in Wisconsin, they need at least 140,000 new housing units by 2030. In Sheboygan County, four family-owned companies are coming together to help new hires become homeowners. Correspondent Jessica Gomez travels there to meet the business owners behind the effort.
This week Matter of Fact travels to Sheboygan, Wisconsin where business owners are funding housing to help attract new hires. Plus, we look at the evolution of the vice presidency and the increased significance of the role. And, how the U.S. Postal Service is making changes to stabilize and modernize mail delivery.
From wildfires to tornadoes, climate change is triggering more intense and frequent natural disasters. Because of this, insurance companies are raising premiums and even dropping coverage for homes in “high risk” areas like Orange County, California. Correspondent Dan Lieberman traveled there to speak to impacted residents. He joins Soledad O’Brien in-studio with an update on how the issue is becoming a concern for the entire country.
This election year, it’s estimated that $16 billion could be spent on political advertising. That’s 30% more than the 2020 general election. But now, many people are taking notice of another aspect of political campaign ads – the use of AI. Scott Babwah Brennen is the head of Online Expression Policy at the University of North Carolina’s Center on Technology Policy. He joins Soledad O’Brien in-studio to discuss how political strategists are using artificial intelligence in advertisements and the challenges around regulating them.
This week Matter of Fact learns how homeowners are dealing with increased insurance rates and frequent natural disasters. Plus, a tech policy researcher talks about possible safeguards for detecting AI in political campaign ads. And, the debate over gender-affirming care for kids goes to the Supreme Court.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to take part in a presidential debate under unique circumstances. First, the event is happening before the Democratic and Republican parties can formally nominate the candidates at their respective conventions. Plus, the Commission on Presidential Debates – the body that oversees and sets rules – will not be involved. Kathryn Brownell teaches history at Purdue University. She joins Soledad O’Brien to discuss the evolution of presidential debates and why it’s still important for voters to tune in.
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade – revoking federal protections for abortions. Following the decision, at least 14 states completely banned abortions, and five others put bans in place after 6-12 weeks. Now, the impacts of the ruling are reaching the medical education system. Correspondent Dan Lieberman joins Soledad O’Brien in-studio to explain how state abortion bans are affecting where our nation’s future doctors choose to study.
This week Matter of Fact looks at how the overturning of Roe v. Wade is impacting medical students. Plus, a history professor talks about the evolution of presidential debates. And, university programs address a shortage of rural veterinarians.