During his campaign, President Donald Trump promised a crackdown on immigration. In his first three months back in office, his administration announced over 175 immigration-specific executive actions, according to analysis from the Migration Policy Institute. Julie Sugarman is the institute’s associate director for K-12 education research. She joins Soledad O’Brien to explain how these actions are impacting schools and children from immigrant families.
Wildfire season in the U.S. typically runs from May to November, but it’s lasting longer – bringing more intense and destructive fires. According to a study from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Montana, there was a 246% increase in the number of homes and structures destroyed in western wildfires between 1999-2009 and 2010–2020. Correspondent Dan Lieberman travels to Bend, Oregon to see how fire officials are going door-to-door to help residents better protect their homes against wildfires.
This week Matter of Fact travels to Oregon where fire officials are working to prepare residents for wildfire season. Plus, how K-12 schools are handling the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. And, a Pennsylvania couple encourages people to rent chickens.
Many families are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to cover their basic needs. According to a Bankrate survey, 69% of people are somewhat are somewhat or very worried they won’t be able to cover living expenses over the next month if they were to lose their main income tomorrow. Correspondent Dina Demetrius introduces us to a California family who were pushed into homelessness after a sudden job loss. They share the tough lessons along the way.
The national debt currently stands at $36 trillion, and it’s growing. The Trump administration has made sweeping cuts to government agencies in an effort to reduce federal spending, but many of those cuts are facing legal challenges and causing confusion. Carolyn Bordeaux is the executive director of Concord Coalition and Concord Action, advocating for greater fiscal responsibility. She says there is a better way to cut the mounting debt. She joins Soledad O’Brien in studio to discuss possible solutions.
Small businesses, independent firms with fewer than 500 employees, are an essential part of the economy. Between 1995-2021, nearly two-thirds of new jobs were created by small businesses. Entrepreneur and social media influencer Codie Sanchez wants to see that number grow. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling book “Main Street Millionaire“ — encouraging everyday people to buy and start their own small businesses. Correspondent Jessica Gomez travels to Austin, Texas to see how Sanchez is helping others grow their personal wealth.
This week Matter of Fact learns why an entrepreneur and social media influencer is encouraging more people to buy and start small businesses. Plus, we hear from a former congresswoman who wants to take a bipartisan approach to reducing the national debt. And, a California family describes the reality of homelessness.
This week Matter of Fact looks at what’s being done to preserve the Cherokee Nation’s language. Plus, how the founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is diversifying the spirits industry. And, we travel to Chicago to learn why a scholarship program is sending students and parents to college for free.
This week Matter of Fact focuses on issues facing youth. We travel to a rural California high school where teachers are coming together to address teen mental health. Plus, the Luddite Club founders explain why they gave up smartphones and social media. And, the high cost of college is prompting young adults to consider other options.
Several agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services are facing job cuts by the Trump administration. These cuts could result in thousands of layoffs at agencies responsible for health and food safety in America. Dr. Ashish Jha is the dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health and the former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator. He joins Soledad O’Brien to explain how this move could have a negative impact on the overall health of Americans and slow research on diseases and treatments.