Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien

Food waste and test scores. This week Matter of Fact looks at a group of Brooklyn bikers who are trying to reduce and change the way New Yorkers think about food waste. Plus, what to do about low test scores among 3rd graders and a look at the science behind why so many online daters are tired of swiping.

Bills, bills, bills. This week Matter of Fact looks at the large number of Americans falling behind on utility bills and struggling to keep food on their tables. Plus, how one man is quite literally following in the footsteps of abolitionist Harriet Tubman and what’s next for Golden Globe winner Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.

This week Matter of Fact travels to a West Virginian community recruiting high school students for an innovative teacher education program, in hopes of tackling the nationwide teacher shortage. Plus, the future of space travel, how a drought in the West is affecting livelihoods and why a rock-n-roll band made it to the Supreme Court.

Infrastructure in America. This week Matter of Fact looks at the roles that reliable, affordable broadband and clean drinking water play in accessing quality education and healthier lives. Plus, how the lack of available child care is putting a strain on families and why you may be getting worse sleep than in the past.

Priced out. This week Matter of Fact looks at the competitive housing market keeping wannabe-buyers as renters and the innovative role that one Milwaukee non-profit is playing to get more families affordable mortgages. Plus, how the 2022 voting process has changed in Georgia and the growing movement to restore stolen land to Native Americans.

Dangerous deliveries. This week Matter of Fact looks at some of the reasons behind the soaring costs and deaths associated with pregnancy in the U.S. by speaking with women in rural Texas who are traveling hours to reach a maternity ward. Plus a look at the future of affirmative action now before the Supreme Court and how justice was denied to a young Emmett Till in 1955.

Meek. Tired. This week Matter of Fact looks at how history has simplified Rosa Parks’ legacy, dismissing her decades-long activism before — and after — her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white man in 1955. Plus, how climate change impacted America’s first Asian American settlement and the struggles that many COVID long-haulers have when it comes to memory and physical stamina.

Guns. Inflation. Abortion. This week Matter of Fact drives across the country to meet with Americans stressed about how they’re going to pay their bills, protect their kids and ensure that tomorrow is better than today. Plus, how a non-profit is paying off Americans’ medical debt and the difficulties of tracking voter migration across state lines.

This week Matter of Fact continues our journey across the U.S., talking with Americans about the impact of rising costs, the debate over abortion and concerns about the future. Plus, how Hurricane Ian is impacting Florida’s elections and community residents rallying to lift the Bronx neighborhoods out of poverty.

Education. This week Matter of Fact explores the debate over what should be taught in the classroom — and catches up with a four young women who fled Afghanistan with their family, now getting the education their peers cannot. Plus, a look at the growing tech manufacturing industry in Los Angeles and crash dummies that finally reflect reality.

Creating new spaces. This week Matter of Fact looks at one Louisiana woman’s mission to help formerly incarcerated individuals get a college education. Plus, an artist resisting gentrification and a filmmaker designing a new company to spotlight Latino and Hispanic stories.

From Colorado to Maryland, correspondent Jessica Gomez takes Matter of Fact viewers across the U.S. to talk with Americans about what keeps them up at night – and what keeps them going.

Digital connection. This week Matter of Fact looks at how TikTok is helping teach people on limited budgets make healthy food choices and advocate for their own well-being. Plus, a Match.com biological anthropologist shares the science behind what so many Americans already know — dating is exhausting.

This week Matter of Fact looks at how state bans on abortion have left gynecology students scrambling to find residency programs that provide the training they need to be certified in obstetrics. Plus, research that could move companies toward a four-day work week and a long-promised seat in Congress might be in sight for one Native American nation.

Shortages. This week Matter of Fact looks at the shortage of labor and delivery nurses across America, especially in remote areas. Plus, how a shortage of mental health resources and affordable housing inspired a new California law aimed at helping unhoused people suffering with mental illness.. The show also takes a closer look at two high-profile SCOTUS cases— one that could shift the federal courts’ ability to oversee elections, and the other re-examines the line between free speech and discrimination.

New strategies. With the growing number of homeless around the country, Matter of Fact looks at housing affordability issues and the best ways to address the “state of emergency.” Plus, a closer look at how medical schools are scrambling to accommodate new abortion bans, and we hear from suicide prevention advocates who are hoping a new number will save more lives.

This week, Matter of Fact of heads to Chicago to talk to a community group training high school students and residents to treat victims on gun violence on the scene. They say this training could save lives in neighborhoods with slow emergency response times. Plus, Soledad chats with Mariko Bennett, the author of “The Blueprint to Manifest Your Dreams,” about following through on the goals you set for yourself. Also, the U.S. Census redefines what rural and urban living mean and find out how a slower grocery checkout lane encourages connections.

This week Matter of Fact shares the story of some the nation’s first victims of climate change as we explore the history of an Asian American settlement in St. Malo, Louisiana, nearly wiped away by extreme weather. Plus, Soledad O’Brien speaks with the hosts of HGTV’s show, “Bargain Block”, on what they’ve learned since launching the series three years ago – and how their mission to get families into affordable, beautiful homes has evolved.

Correspondent Jessica Gomez visits cousins who continue to document the Iranian regime's crimes at risk to their own safety; artificial intelligence in schools; long COVID; ancient Romans' cement; a scientist protected trees in American cities.

The U.S. skilled trades sector faces a dire worker shortage; the 1980 Super Bowl and the Iranian hostage crisis; efforts to save a local newspaper; a shape-shifting robot; a game teaches children about the devastating effects of climate change.

Depression and suicide in teens who are constantly online; banned books; a Black-owned distillery; dying trees; an unusual museum in Alaska.