On July 16, 1945, America’s first nuclear weapons test took place at the Alamogordo Bombing Range in New Mexico. About 35 miles away from the site, residents in the town of Tularosa not only felt the reverberations of the blast but would deal with the health impacts of living downwind of a nuclear explosion for decades to come. Many community members suffered varying levels of radiation exposure, now linked to certain kinds of cancer. Nearly 80 years later, they are still fighting for health care assistance and seeking accountability from the government. Special correspondent Joie Chen traveled to southern New Mexico to hear their story.
JANUARY 11, 2025
January 12, 2025JANUARY 11, 2025
January 12, 2025This week Matter of Fact travels to Southern New Mexico to hear from residents living with...
MAY 18, 2024
May 19, 2024MAY 18, 2024
May 19, 2024This week Matter of Fact travels to South Arkansas where residents hope lithium mining cou...
14-year-old Scientist Creates Soap to Treat Skin Cancer
November 26, 202314-year-old Scientist Creates Soap to Treat Skin Cancer
November 26, 2023At just 14 years old, Heman Bekele holds a very prestigious title – America’s Top Young Sc...
Asbestos-Cancer Survivor: EPA Changes are “Unconscionable”
September 1, 2018Asbestos-Cancer Survivor: EPA Changes are “Unconscionable”
September 1, 2018Heather Von St. James was 36 years old and had just given birth to her only daughter when ...
Examining Medicaid Cuts
July 13, 2025Examining Medicaid Cuts
July 13, 2025Medicaid can be confusing. Benefits vary by state, and plans can go by different names – m...
JULY 12, 2025
July 13, 2025JULY 12, 2025
July 13, 2025This week Matter of Fact travels to Postville, Iowa to look at the long-term impacts of a ...
How Medical Grant Cuts Could Impact Women’s Health Research
June 22, 2025How Medical Grant Cuts Could Impact Women’s Health Research
June 22, 2025About 30 years ago, Congress mandated the inclusion of women and minorities in federally f...
JUNE 21, 2025
June 22, 2025JUNE 21, 2025
June 22, 2025This week Matter of Fact meets two female scientists whose work in women’s health research...