Closer Look with Rose Scott

Ben Ansell, a professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College at the University of Oxford, is the British Broadcasting Company’s Reith lecturer. He talks with show host Rose Scott about his four lectures titled “Our Democratic Future.” WABE will air Ansell’s lecture this Saturday at 2pm. Plus, Christmas is just three days away. We revisit Rose’s conversations with Santa Rick, the founder of the Atlanta-based Northern Lights Santa Academy and Santa Dee. We will then air WABE’s H. Johnson’s narration of “A Christmas Carol.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terrica Redfield Ganzy, the president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, and Aklima Khondoker, the PAC Chair for the association, discuss the history and mission of GABWA, what it means to be a Black woman jurist and their efforts to help other up-and-coming jurists navigate their careers. They also give their outlook on democracy in 2024. Plus, Randal “Quran” Reid, 29, of Atlanta blames flawed facial recognition technology for linking him to a crime in Louisiana – a state he’s never visited. Reid and his attorney, Gary Andrews of The Cochran Firm Atlanta, talk with show host Rose Scott about the federal lawsuit they’ve filed against the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, the interim chief resource officer for the DeKalb County School District, discusses the new IGNITE Teacher Residency Program and ongoing retention efforts to address teacher shortages. Plus, Rose talks with Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE) founder Nathaniel Smith, lead researcher William Smith and Sterling Johnson, who serves as the director of PSE’s Just Opportunity portfolio, about the organization’s new report “Broken From The Start: An Analysis of Atlanta’s Tax Allocation Districts and Their Impacts on Communities of Color.”Lastly, music historian and journalist Quentin Harrison returns to “Closer Look” to discuss his top five albums of 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” for day two of the “Overflow: Examining Georgia’s $11 Billion Surplus” series, show host Rose Scott talked with several guests about Georgia’s multibillion-dollar surplus and how they think Governor Brian Kemp should allocate surplus dollars to help Georgians. Guests include: Ky Lindberg, the CEO of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia Mindy Binderman, the executive director of the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) Elizabeth Banks, the chief program officer for HOPE AtlantaMary Grace King, the founder and executive director of Frontline HousingDr. Joel English, the executive vice president of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance at Centura CollegeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” for the launch of a two-day series called “Overflow: Examining Georgia’s $11 Billion Surplus, show host Rose Scott talked with several guests about Georgia’s multibillion surplus and how they think Governor Brian Kemp should spend surplus dollars to help Georgians. Guests include: Staci Fox, the president and CEO of the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute (GBPI) Georgia House Minority Leader James BeverlyLiz Coyle, the executive director of Georgia Watch Thomas A. Schatz, the president of Citizens Against Government Waste See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE, The Associated Press, Georgia Public Broadcasting and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution together reviewed 100,000-plus signatures collected by organizers regarding a referendum on the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. WABE reporter Emily Wu Pearson discusses the news outlets’ findings regarding the signatures.Plus, Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, who is Jewish and serves as the chairperson for Gwinnett County Board of Education, has concerns about the school district’s current employee holiday religious leave policy. She talks with show host Rose Scott about the need to create a more inclusive school calendar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CNN's Victor Blackwell has a new weekly show called “First of All with Victor Blackwell.” Blackwell talks with Rose about the show and his aim to tell stories about what’s effecting communities of color and how those issues impact all people.Plus, Santa Dee, also known as “The Real Black Santa,” returns to the program to talk more about his work this holiday season and how what he does is centered in diversity, equity and inclusion through the Santas of Color Coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman, returns to “Closer Look” to recap legislation and initiatives that were championed and challenged by council members and the public in 2023. He also discusses some top priorities for 2024. Plus, The Fifth National Climate Assessment is now out. WABE environmental reporter Marisa Mecke and WABE climate reporter Emily Jones discuss some of the key takeaways from the report and how it relates to Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black travelers generate billions of dollars in domestic and international economies. However, many business owners of color in the tourism industry say it’s a challenge accessing those dollars and getting the opportunity to host tourists and events. Jason Dunn, the executive director of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, discusses a nationwide effort to diversify the tourism industry for travelers and business owners.Plus, Christmas is two weeks away. Santa Rick, the founder of the Atlanta-based Northern Lights Santa Academy and the National Santa Agency, returns to “Closer Look.” He discusses how he’s sharing hope, joy and inspiration this holiday season and teaching other members of the Claus family to do the same. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FBI is warning parents about the rise in terrorist groups attempting to influence kids and teens online to carry out violence. Ana Marcus, an FBI special agent on the Northeast Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Jim Berry, a supervisory officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, discuss the activity they’re seeing online and the tips for keeping kids safe from radicalization.Plus, Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Patrick “Sleepy” Brown are the Atlanta-based production trio who make up the group, Organized Noize. They return to the program for Closer Look’s Hip-Hop @ 50 Series to discuss their music, their bond, and the state of Hip-Hop today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eugene Jones Jr., the president and CEO of Atlanta Housing, is stepping down. He joins “Closer Look,” to discuss the current challenges of affordable housing in Atlanta and offers reflection about the progress his agency has made to combating it. Plus, Wendell Griffen, a recently retired judge, pastor and social justice advocate, discusses how the elimination of affirmative action in higher education is negatively impacting Asian Americans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans joins “Closer Look” to reflect on the life and legacy of Norman Lear. The famed-trailblazing writer, director and producer, who is credited with changing the face of American TV sitcoms, died on Tuesday at the age of 101. Plus, Juma Sei, WABE’s education reporter, returns to the program to discuss the runoff election results for the APS Board of Education. Also, Mahlon Davidson, the interim CEO of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, and Jonathan G. Marquess, the vice president of AIP, discuss how their organization is responding to the current state of the pharmacy industry, including a rise in pharmacy deserts, worker strikes, and the closures of several big-box pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid). Lastly, throughout Georgia and across the country, Santa Cares has established sensory-friendly visits with Santa Claus. Chris Landtroop, the vice president of marketing and communications for Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks advocate Katie Carr and her son, Matthew, discuss the importance of having inclusive holiday experiences and their recent visit with a sensory-friendly Santa at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 2022 study by Mercer University and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture found 60% of Georgia farmers don’t have access to healthcare and 42% experienced suicidal ideation within 12 months prior to the study. Tara Haskins, the total health director for the AgriSafe Network, and Linda Emanuel, the community health director at the AgriSafe Network, discuss how their organization is helping farmers with their mental health during tough agricultural times.WABE Education Reporter Juma Sei’s feature story explores how nearly 3,000 Morehouse College students and alumni recently had their debt cleared.Lastly, Sirish Subash, an eighth grader from Snellville has written two books about climate change and science. He talks with Rose about what motivated him to become a climate change advocate and what small steps Georgians can take to address environmental issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After several defendants took plea deals, the RICO trial for Grammy award-winning rapper Young Thug and five others is underway in Atlanta. Defense attorney David West returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the case, including possible privacy concerns after the faces of jurors were exposed during a live video stream.Plus, at least 18 Sparta property owners in Hancock County could be impacted if their land is taken by eminent domain for the construction of a rail spur. A hearing was held last week to determine if Sandersville Railroad can legally condemn property to build a 4.5-mile rail line. Rose talks with Ben Tarbutton, the president of Sandersville Railroad.Lastly, Attorney General Chris Carr and fellow AG’s from dozens of states and D.C., are suing Meta, claiming that features on Instagram and Facebook are addictive and are intentionally targeting kids and teens without their parents’ consent. David Schweidel, a professor of marketing at Emory's Goizeuta Business School, discusses the latest in the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday marks the 35th World AIDS Day and 20th anniversary of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The theme for World AIDS Day 35 is “Remember and Commit.” A lot has changed since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first defined HIV/AIDS in 1981. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently set a collaborative goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. On Friday’s special edition of “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Rose talks with guests about the progress and continuing challenges in combating the disease in the state of Georgia. Guests include:  Daphne Walker, the division director for the Housing Assistance Division at Georgia Department of Community Affairs Dr. Patrick Sullivan, an AIDSVu principal scientist and a professor of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health Mia Allison, an assistant pastor at Hope For Tomorrow Deliverance Center WABE Host and reporter Jim BurressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a court order, Georgia lawmakers are currently in a special session to redraw the district lines for several state legislature and congressional seats. WABE politics Rahul Bali discusses the latest.Plus, a hearing is being held to determine if Sandersville Railroad Company can legally condemn property in Sparta, Georgia to build a 4.5-mile rail line. It would reportedly transform parts of the rural and predominately Black neighborhood into a rock quarry and asphalt plant. Rose talks with property owners Janet and Mark Smith, whose descendants purchased 600 acres in the area in 1926. The Smiths discuss what they are doing to protect their land. Lastly, Detria Austin Everson was recently named the CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. The veteran nonprofit leader talks with Rose about her background in philanthropy, commitment to social justice and her top goals as the leader of the foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Kathryn McClymond was recently named the 18th president of Oglethorpe University, making her the first woman to lead the liberal arts college in Brookhaven. She talks with Rose about her new role and her top priorities, including assisting first-year college students through a DEI program. Plus, Tanisha C. Ford, a historian, author and professor of history at The Graduate Center at City University of New York, talks with Rose about her new book, "Our Secret Society." The book profiles Mollie Moon and others who organized fundraising events for the civil rights movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dignitaries, including current and former presidents and first ladies, gathered for a final tribute to former first lady Rosalynn Carter. Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church hosted the memorial on the campus of Emory University. It’s among the many memorial services being held over a three-day period. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas reports on the latest. Plus, the Brennan Center for Justice held a press conference today to discuss a new report that reveals severe underrepresentation of Asian, Black, and Latino Georgians on county commissions and school boards. Rose shares their findings. Lastly, Dr. Dhaval Desai, an internal medicine/pediatrics specialist in inpatient medicine and the director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, discusses his new memoir, “Burning Out on the COVID Front Lines."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) is a local nonprofit leading a collaborative effort to foster quality early learning and healthy development for children from birth to five-years-old. Stephanie Blank, the board chair for GEEARS, and Mindy Binderman, the executive director for GEEARS, discuss the work of their organization, the state of early childhood education in Georgia and possible solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of the state’s children.Plus, Georgia State marketing professor Denish Shah is an expert on the impact of digital technologies on consumer behavior and marketing. He talks with Rose about the evolution of AI and virtualization and how the technologies can be used to influence the retail space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People across Georgia and all around the world are mourning the passing of former first lady Rosalynn Carter. Mrs. Carter, who was married to former President Jimmy Carter for 77 years, died on Sunday at 96. For Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” show host Rose Scott talked with several guests about Mrs. Carter’s life, legacy and global humanitarian work. Guest include:Dr. Eve Byrd, the director of the Carter Center’s Mental Health ProgramAtlanta City Council President Doug Shipman,Cynthia Wainscott, a former member of the National Council on DisabilityGeorgia House of Representative Mary Margaret Oliver, who represents House District 82Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon, a happiness scholar and the chair of the Department of Communication, Art, and Design at Gardner-Webb University, who serves on the United States Advisory Board for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health JournalismWABE politics reporter Rahul BaliSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noni Battiste-Kosoko spent 53 days in jail at the Atlanta City Detention Center for not showing up to court on a misdemeanor charge. On July 11th, she was reportedly found unresponsive in her cell – six days after her 19th birthday. Shashu Battiste, Noni’s mother, and Sho Watson, the family’s attorney, talk with Rose Scott about what they’ve been told about Noni’s death and the answers they are still seeking from authorities.  Plus, André 3000 just released his first solo album, and his latest release in nearly two decades. Rodney Carmichael, NPR Music's hip-hop staff writer, talks with Rose about the Atlanta legend’s new album, ‘New Blue Sun’ and his recent conversation with André.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quincy Carter, a former NFL quarterback, was recently inducted into the Georgia High School Hall of Fame. He now serves as the president of The Quincy Carter Foundation and the position coach at Southwest DeKalb High. Carter talks with Rose about his career, struggles with an addiction and how he’s using his life lessons to inspire the next generation of athletes. Plus, Timothy Shriver, a disability rights advocate and the chairman of Special Olympics, explains how his organization is working to make sure schools in Georgia and across the world are more inclusive, and that they have the infrastructure, resources and tools to support students with intellectual disabilitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Tech is working to establish new research partnerships with minority-serving institutions and HBCUs through its Research Collaboration Initiative. George White, a principal research engineer and the senior director for Strategic Partnerships at Georgia Tech, and Taiesha Smith, the senior program manager for HBCUs and minority-serving institutions Research Partnerships at Georgia Tech, discuss details about the initiative.Plus, in December of 2018, for the launch of ‘Closer Look’s Open For Business’ series Rose interviewed Tremayne Perry, the owner of BUZZ Coffee and Winehouse. Five years later, the coffeeshop that has become a neighborhood staple in the Cascade Heights community is closing. Perry returns to the program to discuss why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of people protested near the proposed site for the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center on Monday. For a roundtable discussion, just one day after the demonstration, Beliks Terán, the mother of environmental activist Manuel Terán, Jamie Peck, a spokesperson for Block Cop City, Dr. Jacqueline Echols, board president of South River Watershed Alliance, and Rev. Keyanna Jones, an Atlanta-based minister and an organizer with Community Movement Builders, joined “Closer Look.” The guests discussed several topics, including Manuel’s life and legacy, why they oppose the building of the $90 million facility, the overlap between civil rights and environmental justice, and ongoing efforts to stop the construction of the training center.Plus, a little under one year away from the 2024 presidential election, the race is heating up. Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, and Dr. Tammy Greer, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Public Management and Policy at Georgia State University, discuss last week’s election and who is leading in polls for the presidential race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look” we go inside of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights where show host Rose Scott recently moderated a panel discussion on Nov. 1, about Black wealth in Atlanta. The event focused on the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative’s comprehensive report titled Building A Beloved Economy: A Baseline and Framework for Building Black Wealth in Atlanta.Panelists include:  Hope Wollensack, the founding executive director of the Georgia Resilience & Opportunity Fund (The GRO Fund) Tamieka Atkins, the executive director of ProGeorgia Donte Miller, the co-founder and president of the Village Micro Fund  Dontá Council, a principal adviser on the Community and Economic Development (CED) team at the Federal Reserve Bank of AtlantaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of Veterans Day, people across Georgia are recognizing those who served our nation. On Friday’s special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" we highlight the service and legacy of veterans.First, Nkosi Leary, who serves as the chairperson for The Atlanta Black Chamber's Veteran Entrepreneurs Group, discusses the organization’s efforts to address mental health through its Mental Health is Wealth Conference, in addition to discussing the challenges of re-entering civilian life.Plus, Army veteran Yolanda Neals-Kindred talks with Tiffany Griffith, the supervising producer for “Closer Look,” about overcoming homelessness and creating The Kindred Healing Center to address health disparities within the Black community.Lastly, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Johnny Higdon, the president of the National Montford Point Marine Association - Atlanta Chapter, and Ambassador Theodore R. Britton, a retired Montford Point Marine. They reflect on the historic contribution of the first Black members of the Marine Corps.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research reveals that Georgia is among the top states where caregivers are experiencing high levels of burn out. Many of the middle-aged caregivers are now being called the “sandwich generation” as they care for both their aging parents and adult-aged children who are financially strapped. For Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talked with several guests about the unique challenges caregivers face and resources that are available. Guests include:  Marlena Del Hierro, a gerontologist and the vice-president of Partnerships at Seniorly Rev. Katie Bond, the executive minister for operations and the director of Respite Care at Peachtree Christian Church Stan Sharp, a volunteer caregiver for The Legacy Club: A Community Respite for Adults at Peachtree Christian ChurchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE’s education reporter Juma Sei and Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of Decaturish, join the program for a recap of local school board elections and other Atlanta area races.Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based, Black-owned and women-led venture capital firm is being sued by the conversative nonprofit American Alliance for Equal Rights, citing that the firm is violating the 1866 Civil Rights Act. Mirtha Donastorg, an economy and business reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and a corps member with Report for America, has been reporting on the developing case and discusses the latest. Plus, for nearly 50 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout in an effort to encourage people to quit smoking. Dr. Bruce Waldholtz, an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network board member, discusses the annual initiative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look,” Gelila Assefa Puck has joined the newly formed advisory board of the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) at Georgia State University. Ahead of her visit to Atlanta, she speaks with Host Rose Scott about the importance of sharing positive aspects of African American history in the United States with Black immigrants. Also, the docuseries, “The Black Beauty Effect,” examines the economic power, the cultural history and current significance of Black people in the beauty scene. Filmmakers Andrea Lewis and CJ Faison speak with Host Rose Scott about the impact of the Black Beauty industry and the progress that still needs to be made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia lawmakers are headed into a special session after Thanksgiving due to a court order requiring them to redraw district lines to comply with the Voting Rights Act. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to the program to discuss the latest. Plus, we will then air WABE’s Julien Virgin feature story that explores why some HBCUs are recruiting international students to play on their sports teams and whether it aligns with the mission of HBCUs.Lastly, a jury has been seated in Young Thug's RICO trial. George Chidi, a journalist and writer of "The Atlanta Objective," discusses the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” ahead of Election Day, we get a full rundown of the most watched Atlanta-area races from Decaturish.com founder Dan Whisenhunt and WABE education reporter Juma Sei.Also, we speak to Charles Taylor, a principal owner of H.T. West End LLC, about the future of the Mall West End.Then, Atlanta rapper, producer and advocate QuestionATL shares his story for the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop and unleashes his amazing lyricism!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jabari Young, a senior writer and editorial lead for ForbesBLK, discusses the inaugural business ForbesBLK Summit that’s coming to Atlanta on November 5 & 6. Plus, Cianti Stewart-Reid, the executive director of Fair Fight Action, discusses Fair Fight’s court challenge against True the Vote, a conservative Texas-based vote monitoring organization, over voter intimidation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Betty Smoot-Madison, the deputy commissioner over Strategy and Planning with the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation, and Romy Maloon, a project manager, and the lead for the city's Atlanta Streets Alive, discuss the relaunching of Atlanta Streets Alive and plans to expand it in years to come. Plus, Vincent Bevins, an award-winning journalist and writer, discusses his new book, “If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution,” which explores why decades-long protests have not produced a revolution or any significant structural reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of Spelman students are part of a new pilot program to learn about investing and building generational wealth. Dr. Venetta Coleman, the director of Institutional Effectiveness and director of the Quality Enhancement Plan at Spelman College, and Korene Smith, the director of Fintech in Action, discuss more details about the goals of the program, including how it aims to eliminate the racial wealth gap. Plus, Dalila Wilson-Scott, the executive vice president and chief diversity officer of Comcast Corporation and the president of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, discusses how Comcast is working to advance digital equity in Atlanta through the new digital navigator program Connect 404.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Closer Look team heads to Break Coffee Roasters in Duluth for the October installment of “Coffee Conversations.” Rose talks with panelists about the most pressing issues facing their community, including affordable housing, transit and community safety. Guests include: David Collins, co-owner of Break Coffee Roasters, Georgia State Representative for House District 97 Ruwa Romman, Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris, Lisa Thompson, the president of the Duluth Business Association, Shamsun Nahar, the programs director for Center for Pan Asian Community Services and Anh Molloy, the vice president and treasurer of Duluth Fine Arts League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 18 people are dead, and 13 others are injured following mass shootings at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Maine on Wednesday night. Dr. Sharven Taghavi, the director of Acute Care Surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine, reflects on the tragedy. He also discusses research that links structural racism and mass shootings. Plus, Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon, talks with Rose about his latest book, "The Bodies Keep Coming," that aims to confront gun violence, health inequities and systemic racism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morehouse School of Medicine recently hosted the Georgia Reproductive and Maternal Health Justice Summit. Dr. Natalie Hernandez-Green, the executive director at the Center for Maternal Health Equity at Morehouse School of Medicine, discusses some of the key takeaways from the summit and the high rates of maternity mortality for people of color in Georgia.   Plus, Beth McKibben, the editor of Eater Atlanta, discusses the results of Michelin’s first-ever restaurant guide for Atlanta. McKibben recaps the guide's significance and selection process, while also highlighting some of the awardees. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Georgia’s six-week abortion ban will remain on the books. Constitutional Law Professor Anthony Michael Kreis from Georgia State University analyzes the ruling.Also, Clayton County Public Schools' new Superintendent Dr. Anthony W. Smith talks about improving academic achievement, day-to-day safety and more.Plus, The child poverty rate doubled within the past year. We speak with the leaders of the Georgia Family Connection Partnership to discuss how the organization is empowering communities to help families struggling with health & economic challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell are the latest Trump associates to accept a plea deal in Georgia’s election interference case. What kind of impact can we expect from their testimony? Also, we’re just two months away from the start of the 2024 Georgia Legislative Session. What are lawmakers thinking of doing with an $11 billion budget surplus? WABE Political Reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali explain.Also, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We speak to Author Jennie Helderman about her book, “As the Sycamore Grows.” It explores one woman’s story of surviving a 17-year abusive relationship, and how she went on to successfully lobby the Alabama Legislature for stricter domestic violence laws. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal pandemic funds to assist families with childcare have now expired. Families are now dealing with a major childcare crisis that could negatively impact family incomes and workplaces across the state. Georgia House Representative Lisa Campbell, who represents District 35, discusses the crisis and the effort needed from the state and local businesses to combat the so-called childcare cliff.   Plus, Defense Attorney David West returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the latest developments in Georgia’s election interference case after attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro plead guilty to multiple charges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Karida Brown, a professor of sociology at Emory University and author, and her husband Charly Palmer, an artist and illustrator and Spelman College professor, discuss the inspiration behind their new book, which is an anthology, titled, “The New Brownies’ Book: A Love Letter to Black Families.”  Today marks a pivotal moment in Atlanta’s history. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Atlanta Student Movement participated in a protest to desegregate the Rich's Department Store in downtown Atlanta. We revisit Rose’s conversation with organizer Dr. Lonnie King, Jr. He reflects on his life and his ongoing fight for civil rights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of her book tour stop in Atlanta, Emmy-winning MSNBC host and author Rachel Maddowtalks with Rose about her latest book, “PREQUEL: An American Fight Against Fascism.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Shaneeta Johnson, an associate professor of surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine, discusses how she’s using robotic surgery to create equitable healthcare for underserved communities in the Atlanta area.Plus, Hannah Edber, the director of education at the Global Village Project, discusses how a state law – that had been on the books – is creating new challenges for older refugee students who attended Elizabeth Andrews High School for their education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian recently released the findings of his investigation into the shooting death of environmental activist Manuel Terán. In his report, Christian found that the shooting was “objectively reasonable,” and that no charges would be filed against the Georgia State Patrol troopers involved. Authorities say Terán fired the first shot. Terán’s family disputes those claims following an independent autopsy. Rose talks with Terán’s mother, Beliks Terán, and her attorney, Jeff Filipovits, about the questions they still have and the actions they are now taking. Plus, Paradise Gray, a historian, an advisory board member and curator of The Hip Hop Museum and Pete Nice, an author, historian, a founding member of the Def Jam Recording group, 3rd Bass and the curator of The Hip Hop Museum, discuss museum’s traveling tour that stops in Atlanta on Oct. 21. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hanna Love and Manann Donoghoe, senior Brookings Metro researchers, recently published a research report titled “ Atlanta’s “Cop City” and the relationship between place, policing, and climate. They join “Closer Look” to talk more about their research that looks at the overlap between climate and over-policing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday marks International Day of the Girl. Michelle Nunn, president and CEO of CARE USA, and Mona Sherpa from CARE Nepal, discuss what this day means for women, CARE’s 30th anniversary in Atlanta, and the ongoing work that CARE is doing in globally.Plus, Dr. Caprice D. Hollins is a licensed clinical psychologist and award-winning author for her work in social justice. Dr. Hollins joins “Closer Look” to discuss deconstructing and moving beyond institutional racism in the workplace with her new book "Inside Out: The Equity Leader’s Guide to Undoing Institutional RacismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Taylor is a board member of the WABE Foundation and the principal owner of H.T. West End LLC, the ownership group of The Mall West End. He joins “Closer Look” to provide an update about the future of the shopping mall. Plus, Emily Creighton, the legal director at the American Immigration Council, and Tsion Gurmu, legal director at Black Alliance for Just Immigration, discuss new open records documents  that show how Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had a direct role in policing racial justice protests in summer 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A one-on-one interview with Atlanta BeltLine President & CEO Clyde Higgs. We ask how all communities can benefit from access to the Beltline as it continues to grow.Also, to improve diversity in sports medicine, the NFL has launched their Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. Hear from the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills, and Brandon Chiedo, a 4th-year medical student at the Morehouse School of Medicine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George R. Christian has concluded the shooting death of Manuel Terán, 26, was “objectively reasonable” and no charges will be filed against the Georgia State Police troopers involved in the shooting. Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari joins “Closer Look” to discuss the timeline of the case and reaction to Christian’s ruling. Plus, Kelsey Thompson-White, the community development manager for of City of Marietta, Jessica Gill, the president and CEO of the Habitat for Humanity NW Metro Atlanta and Tracey Cephas, an employee for the City of Marietta, discuss the city’s partnership with the nonprofit to provide six zero-interest affordable homes for public service employees. Lastly, dad and daughter duo Zarickus and Zymeriya Worthy are on a mission to combat gun violence. They join “Closer Look” to discuss their new children’s book, “The Drills.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

African Ancestry celebrates 20 years; The Legacy Project celebrates Black history through music, community conversations African Ancestry is celebrating 20 years of connecting people with their roots. African Ancestry co-founder Dr. Gina Paige returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the huge milestone and what’s next. Plus, veteran radio host and jazz and blues aficionado H. Johnson will be honored with a Presidential Volunteers Service Award at the National Black Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this weekend. We revisit Rose’s conversation with H, as the two discuss the life and legacy of Ma Rainey, the “Mother of the Blues.”  Lastly, The Black Legacy Project is working to advance racial solidarity, equity and belonging. Rose talks with Black Legacy Project co-directors Todd Mack and Trey Carlisle about how the project is connecting communities across the nation through music and roundtable discussions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.