Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien

Soledad O’Brien checks in with freshman Congress members Rep. Jim Banks (R-IL) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) to discuss their priorities for the remainder of the year, concerns about North Korea, and what they think Congress will be able to accomplish. Then, we’re joined by Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-NV) a formerly undocumented immigrant who was brought into the U.S. at age 8 by his Mexican parents and is calling on Congress to pass the DREAM Act – a controversial piece of legislation that would allow a pathway to citizenship for young immigrants who were brought to America as children. And, after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Steve Ellis from the nonpartisan budget watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense, discusses the costs of the recent damage and possible solutions for future mitigation.

First, a report out of Wisconsin on an upcoming Supreme Court on partisan gerrymandering, when state lawmakers draw district lines to give their party – Republican or Democrat – an advantage in state elections. Then, journalist and author Sam Quinones, who spent five years studying the opioid crisis across America, joins Soledad O’Brien to explain his observance of a medical system out of whack and the need to address the immediate crisis. And are we living in a fantasy-land? Author Kurt Anderson says yes and that it’s the logical progression of America’s timeline.

Senate Republicans are giving Obamacare repeal another try with their latest piece of legislation by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Sabrina Corlette, Research Professor at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University, sits down with Soledad O’Brien to evaluate the plan. And, you might be one of the 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed in a data breach at Equifax. Chi Chi Wu, a staff attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, explains how consumer protection laws protect you and in what areas they are lacking. Then, the Supreme Court will hear its first case on partisan gerrymandering in over decade. Soledad asks for a brief of the oral arguments to be presented before the court from Attorney General Brad Schimel, representing the state of Wisconsin, and Campaign Legal Center’s Gerry Hebert for the plaintiffs.

On this episode of Matter of Fact, we focus on the scene on the ground in Puerto Rico in devastation left by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Soledad O’Brien checks in with Sean Williamson, who is part of disaster relief team Atlas Humanitarian Rescue, and Puerto Rican journalist Jay Fonseca for an assessment on the damage and the federal response. Then, Soledad visits the biggest manufacturing hub in the nation – Los Angeles. She meets with the founders of “Make in LA,” an incubator supporting manufacturing start-ups specializing in hardware or tech devices. And, co-founder of AOL Steve Case joins us in studio for a discussion on taking innovation out of Silicon Valley and bringing it to the rest of the country.

Soledad O’Brien sits down with Colin Goddard, a survivor of the 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech whose hip and knee still contain bullets shot by the murderer. He and Soledad discuss his views on why Congress fails to place restrictions on gun rights, even those supported by the majority of Americans. Then, we check in with Puerto Rican anchor Luz Velez on what she sees on the ground and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, the sole congressional representative of 3.5 million Puerto Ricans, joins Soledad to discuss what she is seeing on the island and her assessment of the federal government’s response to the disaster. Finally, Dr. Rahul Gupta, West Virginia’s State Health Officer, details the history of the opioid crisis that ravages his state and explains the difficulty of stopping illegal use while appropriately treating those with chronic pain.

Puerto Ricans continue to struggle with survival issues and Congress grapples with an aid package. This week, Soledad O’Brien meets with Luis Fotuño, former Governor of Puerto Rico, to discuss comeback strategies, and the long term plan that could turn Puerto Rico into an economic powerhouse. Plus, a special report on female veterans at risk for death by suicide. Correspondent Diane Roberts goes to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to speak with Nicole Langhorst, who has turned the loss of her sister into a quest to help other veterans. Then, retired Gen. Peter Chiarelli, former Vice Chief of Staff for the Army, joins Soledad for an important discussion on post-traumatic stress, the research on diagnosis and treatment, and the connection between traumatic brain injury and PTSD.

This week Soledad O’Brien speaks with Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons and Republican strategist Ford O’Connell to discuss the breakdown of parties and bipartisanship in Congress. Then, Julie Mix McPeak, president-elect of the the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, explains how the President’s cut of subsidy payments mandated by the ACA will affect access, premiums and coverage options, as well as why middle class families may end up footing the bill. And, as more sexual harassment victims step forward, we ask the question: have we reached a tipping point yet? Chai Feldblum, Commissioner of the EEOC, joins Soledad to talk about why victims don’t report their experiences to bosses, how silent bystanders promotes a culture of consent, and how non-disclosure agreements keep “super star” harassers on the job.

This week, Soledad O’Brien takes a look at Steve Bannon’s war on the Republican establishment. Joshua Green, a journalist with direct access to Trump’s former White House Strategist, sits down with Soledad to discuss the fight for control of the Republican party and why Bannon’s views are resonating. Plus, correspondent Jessica Gomez meets a Democrat running in deep Red Georgia, who could make history as the first African American woman to become governor in the United States. And, Democrats looking to take back control of state legislatures after losing over 1,000 legislative seats during President Obama’s two terms. Jessica Post, the Executive Director of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, joins Soledad to talk about the Democrats’ ground game for 2018.

This week on Matter of Fact, open enrollment is underway for the state insurance exchanges, and some states are struggling to provide enough options for their citizens. In Iowa, 72,000 residents who are in the exchange have just one provider option, and premiums are up by over 50 percent. Doug Ommen, Iowa’s Insurance Commissioner, joins Soledad from Des Moines for a conversation about why their state wants to pull out of the Affordable Care Act, their plan for a statewide health care system, and what legislative fixes they want Congress to make in order to create access and bring costs down. Then, Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) joins Soledad in studio to talk about the bipartisan effort to improve the Affordable Care Act . He’s a vocal co-sponsor of the Alexander-Murray bill to stabilize insurance exchanges, Carper outlines the provisions of the legislation and the impact on states. And, former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, a member of the President’s Opioid Commission, sits down with Soledad to discuss what the Commission accomplished, where resources should be channeled, what’s missing in the report, and the funding challenges ahead.

This Veteran’s Day weekend, Soledad O’Brien explores the story of two Medal of Honor Recipients from the Vietnam War, Col. Harvey Barnum and Staff Sgt. Melvin Morris. One was bestowed the honor within two years after being recommended for consideration; the other waited decades to receive the Medal of Honor and its lifetime benefits. Hear both their stories of bravery and how the United States worked to right historical wrongs.

This week, Soledad O’Brien looks ahead to the 2018 midterm elections with former Maryland Governor and 2016 presidential contender Martin O’Malley, who has been stumping for democrats in 18 states, hoping to flip statehouses and local elections. He tells Soleadad what he has been hearing from candidates, his take on how most of America has shifted since the Presidential election, and why the national parties are still holding on. Then, Renee DiResta, a Silicon V Alley tech entrepreneur, helped prepare members of Congress for the Intelligence hearing with social media giants Facebook, Twitter and Google over Russian influence on their platforms during the election. She explains to Soledad how hijacked accounts are automating the distribution of fake news, and how bad actors all over the globe are creating real world events that bring protest movements together in volatile settings. And, a march for Puerto Rico in the nation’s capital as the U.S. territory continues to struggle. Evelyn Mejil, organizer of the Unity March for Puerto Rico, sits down with Soledad to talk about how she says the hurricane turned Puerto Rico into a third world country, and why those who’ve fled the island are creating a dangerous brain drain that could have a dramatic impact on the future.

This week, Soledad O’Brien takes a look at what works. First, a community college program in New York doubling graduation rates and keeping students out of debt. See why other colleges have implemented similar plans and what makes the biggest difference. Then, 13 American children don’t know when they’ll get their next meal, and the hunger they experience is seriously hampering their ability to learn. But many aren’t eating the free meals at school due to “food bullying” – shaming children whose families can’t afford to pay for lunch. Soledad looks at a simple solution by several school districts, to ensure every child is receiving the nutrition they need to learn. And, author Pat Hedley is challenging young professionals to meet 100 people, providing real world guidance on how to network and data on why you should be making your requests face-to-face.

This week, Soledad O’Brien looks into the allegations of sexual misconduct piling up against the politically powerful, forcing leaders on Capitol Hill to grapple with their own rules of conduct, and how to hold members accountable. Melanie Sloan, a Washington ethics lawyer who went public with accusations against now-former Rep. John Conyers, sits down with Soledad O’Brien to talk about the reporting process on the Hill, the rules that insulate members of Congress, and the need for reforming standards and reporting practices. Then, Soledad interview the man who developed the theory of “net neutrality,” Columbia professor Tim Wu. As the FCC looks to take down net neutrality regulations, Wu explains the reason broadband companies support relaxing regulation and the impact to consumers, content providers, e-commerce, and democracy itself. Plus, a special report on undocumented children who are sent to immigration court without legal representation. Jess Gomez meets with a group of lawyers working pro-bono to help these children obtain legal status.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien checks in the University of Alabama law professor Ron Krotoszynski on recourse for Republicans should GOP candidate Roy Moore win the election. After Moore has been accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct when they were teenagers, Krotoszynski says Republicans as a party could face consequences should they seat him in the Senate unchallenged. Then, there are nearly a quarter of million Alabamians unable to vote. Why? They’re ex-felons, and haven’t been able to pay off the remainder of their court fees and fines despite serving their time. Correspondent Jess Gomez visits with a man suing to reclaim his right to vote. And, Anquan Boldin, former wide receiver in the NFL and a co-founder of the Players Coalition, sits down with Soledad O’Brien. Join us for engaging conversation on why some players have called the $90 million donated by the League “hush money,” and the ongoing challenge of confronting racial inequality in America.

This week, Soledad O’Brien takes a look at the nearly nine million children in the U.S. are at risk of losing health care coverage because Congress missed a re-authorization deadline. CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, covers children whose parents earn too much for Medicaid but struggle to afford private insurance. New Hampshire’s Republican Governor, Chris Sununu, joins Soledad from his office in Concord, to talk about why he thinks Congress needs to act now, what he’s heard in conversations with the White House, and why he thinks the program should be turned over to the states. Then, Capitol Hill has a long to-do list before they head home for the holidays. Soledad looks at what’s been accomplished with freshmen Reps. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). Plus, Nikole Hannah-Jones, an investigative reporter for the New York Times Magazine and winner of the MacArthur “Genius” award, sits down with Soledad for a surprising discussion of persistent racial segregation in America’s schools. Find out why she says the increasing segregation is intentional, and harming America’s future.

Does American politics have you praying for some divine intervention? U. S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black joins Soledad in studio to talk about the divisive issues facing the nation, the role of faith in confronting them, the guidance he gives to the Senators in his flock, and the use of his Senate pulpit to push and prod some of the nation’s most powerful figures to seek a higher good. Then, a look at a controversial classroom lesson inspired by the assassination of Martin Luther King 50 years ago. Jessica Gomez travels to Iowa to meet with Jane Elliott, the teacher who created the blue eyes-brown eyes experiment, to learn why she says racism is worse today than five decades ago. And, meet Cesar Vargas, an immigration lawyer helping immigrant children to obtain legal status. He’s also a Dreamer and at risk of being deported if Congress can’t find a solution. He sits down with Soledad to explain why he thinks Democratic leadership failed the Dreamers and to identify the opportunities he sees for a bi-partisan immigration solution.

This week on Matter of Fact, a frank conversation with the chair of the Democratic National Party, Tom Perez. He says the Democrats took constituents for granted in 2016 and ignored parts of the country that are key to success on the national political stage. He tells Soledad his party is looking to change that ahead of the 2018 midterms. Will it work? And, Homeland Security is terminating protections for 200,000 Salvadoran refugees who have been legally living the U.S., meaning they’ll need to return home by September 2019. But a bipartisan group of lawmakers are opposed, saying it is not safe for them to return. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) tells Soledad El Salvador is not prepared to take these immigrants back and that the ripple effect could have a negative impact on some of the most vulnerable sections of the American economy. Then, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joins Soledad in studio to explain why she’s asking for $25 billion dollars in federal funding as part of a government spending deal to combat the opioid crisis.

Soledad O’Brien takes Matter of Fact to Miami, FL this week. It is one of the nation’s most global cities and over half of the residents are foreign born, something Mayor Francis Saurez says is a “badge of honor.” He sits down with Soledad O’Brien for conversation about diversity and tackling his city’s most pressing issue: bridging the gap between the wealthy and those might be financially struggling. Then, Matter of Fact correspondent Jessica Gomez visits the Old Dixie Highway, which in some parts has been renamed the Barack Obama Highway. It runs through several communities each with different perspectives on President Trump’s first year in office. And, Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), joins Soledad for a conversation on the need to be responsive to Puerto Ricans seeking refuge from Hurricane Maria, why he disagrees with Trump on DACA, and why he’ll continue to seek membership in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, even after they told him no.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien goes to Capitol to talk with Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, President Trump’s toughest Republican critic, about what he hopes to hear in Trump’s first State of the Union Address. Flake says that while Trump’s rhetoric may inspire his base to win national elections, ultimately the President could make it harder for Republicans to win important local races. Then, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joins Soledad in studio to talk about recovery efforts in his city following Hurricane Harvey in the fall. His message to Washington? Don’t leave us behind. Plus, is social media helpful or harmful to democracy? Soledad O’Brien sits down with Harvard professor Cass Sunstein to discuss how personalizing your news feed can make you more susceptible to fake news and drive extremism.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien sits down with Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) to discuss America’s crumbling infrastructure. In the State of the Union address, President Trump said his infrastructure plan will raise $1.5 trillion dollars, but that’s still far short of the $4.6 trillion the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates it will really take. While politicians may not like talking about raising taxes, both of our guests believe Americans understand how important this issue is and will support the move. And everyone knows Jack. Jack Daniel’s whiskey that is. But outside Lynchburg, Tennessee no one really knew the origins of the best selling American whiskey in the world. It turns out Jack Daniel learned everything he knew about distilling whiskey from a former slave named Nathan “Nearest” Green. Now, the company is fully embracing its history. Then joining us from Austin, Texas, Olympic historian John Hoberman explains why some of the most competitive gameplaying at the upcoming winter Olympics may be taking place behind the scenes. Although expressly prohibited in the Olympic charter, politics and sports have always been intertwined. Soledad examines the impact of political engagement and activism on the games themselves.

This week on Matter of Fact, how do you keep gerrymandering from happening across the states? Both Republicans and Democrats do it, using it to provide job security for elected officials. One state that seems to have it right is Iowa, which has avoided gerrymandering since the 1960’s. David Yepsen is a veteran political reporter in Iowa and joins Soledad from Des Moines to explain why nonpartisan redistricting works in Iowa and how gerrymandering is suppressing moderate voters. And, local election officials are preparing for the midterm primaries, working to protect their electoral systems from malicious cyber attacks. It’s a big concern for Noah Praetz, the election director in Cook County, Illinois. In 2016, Illinois’ system was hacked, compromises thousands of voter records. He joins us from Chicago and tells Soledad that one of the biggest challenges election officials face is that the cyber threat is constantly changing, but America’s election infrastructure hasn’t. Plus, Soledad takes a look at the deadly flu still infecting thousands of Americans. Dr. Anthony Fauci, America’s top flu expert at the National Institutes of Health, joins Soledad in studio to talk about the search for a universal flu vaccine that would keep you healthy for years.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien takes a look at young teens looking to make a difference by running for office. Last year, then 16-year-old Jack Bergeson found a loophole in the law showing that there are no age requirements to hold a statewide office in Kansas. He decided to run for governor as a Democrat. Then, he invited 17-year-old Tyler Ruzich to run as a Republican. Soledad O’Brien sits down with both teens for a conversation about why they say their national parties are out of touch with young voters and their hopes for the future of gun legislation following the school shooting in Parkdale, Florida. Then, Nelson Mandela was a fierce advocate for equality and a champion for the power of young people. Yet, his grandson Kweku says today’s youth may recognize the name, but many don’t understand what he represented. He is hoping to change that through his new initiative 100 Conversations. Soledad O’Brien moderated the very first conversation between Kweku Mandela and Academy Award winning actor Charlize Theron as they discussed issues related to the icon’s legacy. And, it’s being called the labor case of the century as the Supreme Court hearing arguments on whether force public employees to pay non-member union fees is a violation of their freedom of speech. UCLA Law Professor Eugene Volokh joins Soledad from L.A. for a conversation on the historical nuances of the case and why he says this case has nothing to do with the First Amendment.

The U.S. Constitution’s 13th Amendment officially ended slavery in America, yet modern day slavery is not only still alive, it’s thriving in the form of human trafficking. Experts say approximately 20 to 40 million victims worldwide are enslaved and exploited. Kenneth Morris, Jr., great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass, says were the abolitionist alive today, he’d be fighting human trafficking. Morris joins Soledad O’Brien in studio to discuss how he is using his family’s foundation to combat modern slavery and why he believes the answer to ending slavery lies in his ancestor’s own story of freedom. Then, when it comes to teaching students about slavery, it turns out schools aren’t doing a very good job, so museums are taking up the challenge to fix that. Correspondent Diane Roberts visits the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore as they commemorate Frederick Douglass’ bicentennial by having local students combine art and history. And, over 12 million people have submitted DNA samples through genetic ancestry companies since 2012 in order to learn more about their heritage. But what if your genealogical search revealed an entirely new family?

Soledad O’Brien speaks with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper on gun reform. His purple state passed new laws following the mass shooting at the Aurora theater, in spite of its long history of gun-ownership. Could the federal government do the same? Plus, Jorge Ramos joins Soledad to discuss the challenges of being a Latino immigrant in America today. He explains why he feels like a stranger in the country he has lived in for 35 years and his optimism for the future of Dreamers. And, do you know who can access your email data? In the age of cloud computing, federal privacy laws haven’t kept up. Soledad takes a look at a Supreme Court case that could decide the future of your data privacy.

This week on Matter of Fact, investors, both corporations and individuals, are looking at divesting from gun companies. Elizabeth Levy, from the oldest social responsible investment firm in America, joins Soledad O’Brien to discuss how the Parkland shooting has become a call to action for many of their clients. Plus, a killer drug is making a comeback. Matter of Fact Correspondent Jennifer Davis travels to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where health officials say they’ve seen a 300 percent increase in meth overdoses. And, Reddit is under fire as a platform by facilitating the spread of extremist views and fake news. Journalist Andrew Marantz joins Soledad for a conversation on how these internet pioneers are looking to protect their legacy as champions of free speech while also protecting democracy.

Many universities say they are seeing an increase in Title IX complaints in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Soledad O’Brien sits down with Debora Osgood, a civil rights attorney with a focus on education, to discuss. Then, Matter of Fact correspondent Diane Roberts explores the pay gap disparity among women coaches with University of Maryland head coach Brenda Frese. Even, when women win championships, they still make far less than the men. And, how does exercise impact your brain? Research from NYU neurologist Dr. Wendy Suzuki shows that not only does exercise improve your mood through dopamine, it might even delay’s the effects of Alzheimer’s.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien sits down with two students who walked out of their high schools recently to protest gun violence in the United States. Daniel Meakem, from McLean, VA, says he worries about the next mass shooting while Imani Holt, a junior in Baltimore, says gun violence is a part of her daily life. Then, some states are looking to cash in a $150 billion industry if they receive a favorable Supreme Court ruling. New Jersey argues that the federal law banning sports gambling is unconstitutional, while the NCAA and sports leagues say state-sponsored betting could ruin the integrity of the game. High profile attorney and former Solicitor General Ted Olson, argued for plaintiff New Jersey in December; he joins Soledad O’Brien to discuss the case. And, you may not recognize the name Nell Scovell, but you probably know her work; she’s one of Hollywood’s most successful comedy writers. Her credits include the Simpsons, the Late Show with David Letterman, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and even Pres. Obama. Scovell sits down with Soledad O’Brien to discuss her new memoir, Just the Funny Parts, on how she broke into the business of being funny and why she is helping the next generation succeed.

This week on Matter of Fact, award-winning hip hop artist turned advocate Common joins Soledad O’Brien for a discussion on social activism, artistic power and potential political aspirations. Why he is using his platform and musical influence to call out gun violence and mass incarceration. Then, April marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. While the country broke out into riots following his death, a teacher in rural Iowa was inspired to teach her students a lesson in discrimination, sparking national controversy. Why she says there is more racism today than in 1968. And, Pastor Samuel Rodriguez is a Latino evangelical minister, who preaches to thousands each week in Sacramento and around the country. He is also an unofficial adviser to President Trump. He joins Soledad O’Brien to discuss separating the political agenda from a candidate’s personal moral turpitude and why he believes he is on a mission from God.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify before Congress this week, answering questions about user data privacy. What is Congress looking to hear? Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is on both Senate committees that will hear Facebook’s testimony and says regulation could be in Facebook’s future. Then, rising tension between the U.S. and China over tariffs has America’s heartland worried about the potential fallout. Craig Hill, head of the Iowa Farm Bureau, says Iowans could begin to lose their farms. He joins Soledad O’Brien for conversation on how the rhetoric has already cost some farmers this year’s profit and the dangers of American agriculture losing its reliability. And, black students continue to be disciplined more frequently and more harshly than white students. Grade school suspensions and expulsions can negatively shape students for the rest of their lives, affecting their academic performance as well as social and emotional development. Soledad O’Brien sits down with Cami Anderson, founder of the Discipline Revolution Project, to discuss a better way to discipline.

This week on Matter of Fact, we take a look at women running for office in unprecedented numbers. First, correspondent Jessica Gomez take us to one of Emerge America’s boot camp for Democratic female candidates. Last year, the organization got 152 women elected; can they beat that this year? Then, Soledad O’Brien speaks with Missy Shorey who is the executive director of Maggie’s List, an organization whose mission is to advise and support conservative women candidates for office. And, Soledad talks with Flint, MI Mayor Karen Weaver following the governor’s decision to no longer provide bottled water to residents. Weaver says the city still has two more years of construction to replace the corroded pipes, during which lead levels in the water could still spike. How does she plan to keep her residents safe?

This weekend on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien sits down with former prosecutor Peter Zeidenberg to talk about the ongoing Russia probe, if attorney-client privilege applies in this case and why he says Republicans need to voice their support for Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Then, former GOP Rep. Bob Inglis went from climate skeptic to a believer after a visit to the South Pole. He joins Soledad O’Brien to discuss green energy policies with conservative values. And, can’t get your kid to stop playing video games? Psychologist Ed Spector explains how parents can manage their child’s relationship with technology.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien goes to St. Louis to hear the story of Fred Watson, who is suing the city of Ferguson for violating his civil rights. A list of minor traffic violations, which he calls unwarranted, lost him his job, his house and his security clearance. Then, Soledad O’Brien sits down with former Missouri GOP chairman John Hancock and former Missouri Democratic chairman Michael Kelly to talk about Missouri’s embattled governor and the potential impact on national politics. Plus, correspondent Diane Roberts visits Lawrence, Massachusetts, New England’s first minority-majority city. And, the early bird gets the worm, as Matter of Fact takes a look at the headquarters of “Wake Up To Politics,” a political newsletter with thousands of readers written by 16-year-old Gabe Fliesher.

This weekend on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien sits down with maternal health advocate Christy Turlington Burns and OBGYN Dr. Lisa Gittens-Williams to discuss the crisis of maternal mortality in America. More women die in the United States from childbirth than any other industrialized country. What solutions do they see? Then, correspondent Jessica Gomez visits a school near Dallas, Texas that could be the blueprint for future schools. Their infrastructure was specifically designed to protect students from potential school shooters. And, “Enemies in Love” author Alexis Clark joins Soledad to how she uncovered the story of an African-American nurse, a German prisoner of war and an unlikely romance in an Arizona POW camp during WWII. Plus, Soledad gives a history lesson on Kanye West’s recent controversial comments.

This week on Matter of Fact, lawmakers in Congress are making a renewed push to implement term limits on Senators and House members. But they’ll need to change the Constitution to do it. Soledad O’Brien speaks with freshmen Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) who say their bipartisan bill is needed to improve democracy. Then, Soledad sits down with former Ambassador to Israel Edward Walker to discuss the embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and the U.S. pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal. What’s the impact to America’s international leadership role? And, skin lightening is a booming global business, raking in over $10 billion a year. Millions of women around the world bleach their skin despite the health risks. Soledad O’Brien recently spoke with Amira Adawe, a Somali-American and public health advocate, who’s trying to change that narrative.

This weekend, Soledad O’Brien sits down with Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) who is part of a group of House Republicans who are rebelling against their leadership, attempting to force a series of votes on protections for Dreamers. Can Congress reach a permanent solution? Then, over 44 million Americans hold $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) joins Soledad O’Brien to talk about his bipartisan bill to ease student loan repayment. And, African-American women face some of the greatest health risks in the U.S., especially when it comes to heart disease. But GirlTrek, a public health nonprofit for African-American women, is looking to change those statistics one step at a time.

This weekend, Soledad O’Brien takes a look at what it means to assimilate in America, following the viral video of a Border Patrol Agent stopped two American women for speaking Spanish. Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), who migrated from Guatemala, calls the incident “racial profiling” and “insulting.” Then, is the soul of the nation at risk? Some Christian leaders say yes, including Bishop Michael Curry, the head of the Episcopal Church who stole the show at the Royal Wedding with his passionate sermon on love. Soledad O’Brien sits down with him to talk about why he says our deepening divisions are destroying democracy. And, could Stacey Abrams become the first African-American woman elected governor? Correspondent Jessica Gomez caught up with her on the campaign trail last fall.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien takes a look at the new estimates that nearly 5,000 people died in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. Dr. Irwin Redlener, a national leader in disaster preparedness, joins Soledad to discuss why the hurricane’s aftermath was so deadly. Then, correspondent Diane Roberts travels to Alabama to meet with Tim Lanier, one of ten felons who are suing they state. They say the state’s law against felons voting is unconstitutional and a modern day poll tax. And, where does the modern white power movement come from? Soledad speaks with historian Kathleen Belew about the historical rise of the far-right and the connection to the Vietnam War.

This weekend, is the so-called blue wave now the blue ripple? Soledad O’Brien sits down with bipartisan strategists John Feehery and Nayyera Haq to discuss midterm messaging and why an anti-Trump message will fail. Then, rural Illinois counties say the state legislature is out of touch. In response, they’re creating “gun sanctuaries.” Soledad O’Brien speaks with David Campbell, member of Effingham County Board, about why he introduced the first resolution and the deepening urban-rural divide. Also, Brooke Feldman says she recovered from her addiction through many second chances. She explains in her own words how her white privilege played a role. And, special guest contributor David Litt explains what rescission is and how could impact healthcare for millions of children.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien sits down with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), who visited a group of asylum-seeking mothers whose children were taken from them at the Mexican border. She tells Soledad O’Brien what she heard from those women and why she says neither House immigration bill is a viable solution. Then, meet Christy Coleman, the African-American woman in charge of preserving the confederacy. Correspondent Jessica Gomez traveled to Richmond, VA to hear her story. And, a multi-state court battle could repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY), who supports repealing and replacing the law, calls this a mistake and says it would impact his own family.

This week on Matter of Fact, the Trump administration announced that it will stop criminally prosecuting migrant families illegally crossing the border, although officials say the “zero tolerance” policy is still in effect. However, families still be detained if a federal court amends the Flores agreement, as the Trump administration has asked it to do. Soledad O’Brien sits down with retired immigration judge Paul Wickham Schmidt to discuss what the law says about family separations and applying for asylum. Plus, the administration has yet to lay out an official plan to reunite families previously separated. Could the U.S. make a return to orphanages? Charles Nelson, a professor of pediatrics at Harvard University, joins Soledad O’Brien to discuss the history of orphanages in the United States and the psychological impact of impersonal care. And, a bipartisan group of lawmakers from partisan extremes says they can fix America’s crumbling infrastructure, pay down its overwhelming deficit, and do it all without raising taxes. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the conservative Republican Study Committee, and Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO), a member of the liberal Congressional Black Caucus, discuss why they decided to work together and how infrastructure projects can revitalize some of America’s poorest cities.

This week on Matter of Fact, the administration’s immigration policy is not only cracking down on illegal immigration but restricting legal immigration as well. Georgetown professor Katherine Benton-Cohen joins Soledad O’Brien to discuss the history of immigration in America and explain how these kinds of restrictions are nothing new. Plus, this Trump supporter could lose her multi-million dollar company due to tariffs implemented by the president. Soledad O’Brien speaks with Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of auto supply company Lucerne International, about the impact of these tariffs on her business and why she still supports the president. And, Harvard University is under fire for allegedly holding Asian applicants to higher standards than students of other races, according to a discrimination lawsuit filed by the Students for Fair Admissions. Harvard Law alumna and professor Jeannie Suk Gersen breaks down the case and explains why she hopes the lawsuit will begin a conversation about the consequences of affirmative action.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien sits down with Georgetown Law professor David Super to discuss how House Republicans’ proposed Farm Bill could make it harder for low-income families to put food on the table. Then, a look at a group of lawyers working pro-bono to help migrant children navigate the legal system and obtain legal status in the U.S. And, are federal regulations keeping scientists from researching the benefits and harms of marijuana? Soledad O’Brien speaks with Dr. Chinazo Cunningham about her work looking at cannabis as an alternative to opioids in pain management.

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien sits down with latinoTech CEO Elizabeth Vilchis about her work on an app designed to help reunite families separated at the Southern border. And it’s personal; at 7 years old, Vilchis was separated from her own parents when crossing into the United States. Then, Kimberly Reed is out with a new documentary, “Dark Money,” on the aftermath of the 2010 Citizens United Decision. She joins Soledad O’Brien for a discussion on the film and why disclosure is more important than spending limits. And, did you know there are undocumented Americans living in Tijuana, Mexico while working in San Diego?

This weekend, Soledad O’Brien speaks with former CDC researcher Dr. Mark Rosenberg about the lack of federal gun research. He explains how research can be done without restricting weapons. Then, the federal government is reopening the investigation into the 1955 murder of Emmett Till after finding “new information.” Matter of Fact takes an inside look at what happened and speaks with a witness who says he was never interviewed by authorities. And, Michelle Saahene and Melissa DePino were in the Philadelphia Starbucks the day when two black men were arrested while waiting for their friend. Soledad O’Brien sits down with both of them to discuss their initiative, From Privilege to Progress, encouraging people – especially white people – need to speak up.

This weekend, Soledad O’Brien speaks with investigative journalist Nikole Hannah Jones about the increasing segregation of public schools. Then, Dr. Wendy Suzuki explains how exercise can repair your brain and even delay Alzheimer’s disease. And, who really taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey?

This week on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien speaks with Vermont’s Secretary of State about how they are defending their election systems from more than 800,000 cyber attacks a day. Then, hear from the average mom fighting to save her daughter’s life as struggles to pay for her medication. And, a year after the deadly rally in Charlottesville, the mayor says time has not healed all the city’s wounds.

This weekend, Soledad O’Brien sits down with economist Nell Abernathy to discuss why voters aren’t feeling the “booming” economy. Then, Akeem Browder lost his brother to suicide, after his brother spend three years at the infamous Rikers Island jail. Now Akeem has made it his mission to make sure other teens do not face the same fate. And, immigration attorney and former DACA recipient Cesar Vargas explains why he says Congress isn’t listening to the people.

This weekend on Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien sits down with Sen. Cardin (D-MD) to discuss the Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination and the Democratic strategy. Then, residents of small cities up and down the Gulf Coast are still recovering from Hurricane Harvey. Soledad O’Brien checks in with Port Arthur, TX Mayor Derrick Freeman about why recovery efforts have been so slow. And, Richmond, Virginia, once the capital of the Confederate South, is still struggling to decide what to do with its confederate monuments. Christy Coleman, CEO of the American Civil War museum, and says although she is African-American, she understands why the statues should remain.

This weekend on Matter of Fact, Dr. Peter Hotez, a professor of pediatrics and vaccine scientist, says he knows that vaccines were not the cause of his daughter’s autism. He joins Soledad O’Brien to discuss the research behind autism and the growing distrust in science. Then, housing advocates say a rule change will make it easier for housing discrimination to go unnoticed. Lisa Rice, President of the National Fair Housing Alliance, sits down with Soledad O’Brien to explain her concerns for the future of fair housing. And, Michael Bornstein was liberated from Auschwitz at four years old. He kept silent about his experiences for over 70 years, even from his family. That was until he saw Holocaust deniers using his photo as an example that stories of Holocaust were exaggerated.

This week on Matter of Fact, is asbestos making a comeback in America? Soledad O’Brien speaks with cancer survivor Heather Von St. James and Mary Hesdorffer, from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, about the costs of the EPA’s looser regulations. Then, what happens when you give free lunch to all students? New York City found there are benefits beyond the cafeteria. And meet the GirlTrekkers, fighting to save African-American women’s health, one step at a time.