Closer Look with Rose Scott

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.

WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the latest developments in the Fulton County election interference case. Plus, veteran radio host and jazz & 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 history of blues music. Lastly,the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) is celebrating its 35th anniversary this weekend. NBAF executive director Stephanie Owens and NBAF artistic director Oronike Odeleye, discuss the huge milestone, championing equity through art, and NBAF’s inaugural artists showcase. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran award-wining journalist and author Scott Shane discusses his new book, "Flee North." The book tells the story of Thomas Smallwood, an abolitionist, liberator, and writer, who bought his own freedom and led hundreds out of slavery. Plus, a group of climate activists in Montana recently won a lawsuit against their state government. A judge ruled that the government failed to provide a clean environment, as guaranteed in Montana’s constitution, by supporting fossil fuel infrastructure. Mindy Goldstein, a clinical professor who specializes in environmental law at Emory University, discusses if the case could serve as a blueprint for activists in other states. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allison Coffman, the executive director at Amplify Georgia Collaborative, Jen Slipakoff, a parent of a transgender child and member of the Human Rights Campaign National Board of Governors, and Chanel Haley, a transwoman and the director of Education & Community Engagement at Georgia Equality, discuss the privacy concerns they have for people seeking abortions and transgender care. This is following a recent letter from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and 18 other state attorneys general. They oppose a proposed Biden administration rule that would keep access to a patient’s out-of-state medical records private. Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville is accused of jeopardizing America’s national security by stalling promotions for hundreds of military personnel, as he protests what he calls the Pentagon’s abortion policy. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh discusses the impact the situation is having on military readiness and Georgia’s military personnel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Lorraine,” a stage play that focuses on the historic green book motel, 1960’s music, and the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will run this weekend at the Riverside EpiCenter. Rose talks with actors Durrell Lyons and Ivory Shields about the musical production that takes audiences on a journey through the civil rights movement and the social transformations of the era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Closer Look team heads to Bankhead Coffee for the September installment of “Coffee Conversations.” Rose talks with panelists about workforce development and the ongoing challenges of brining high-paying jobs to communities like Atlanta’s Westside. Panelists include: Kat Taylor, the owner of Bankhead Coffee, Charles Lee, the executive director of That's My Child, Atlanta City Council member Byron D. Amos, who represents District 3, Keith Parker, the president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, Quasandria ‘Q’ Turner, the director of Westside Works and Samuel Fair, the senior director of Workforce Development for the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Southern Center for Human Rights recently held a series of conversations called the Community Safety and Police Violence Town Hall series. Tiffany Williams Roberts, who serves as the public policy director for the Southern Center for Human Rights, discussed the findings from the series and how the SCHR is using data from the national Police Scorecard, APD's data on racial disparities in policing in Atlanta, public health studies and research from Atlanta residents to inform policy solutions.  Plus, defense attorney David West discusses what’s next after Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s indicted 61 people on racketeering charges following a state investigation into the ongoing protests against the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local mother explains why she feels her son was unjustly expelled; Cobb County teachers responds after being fired for reading a book about gender identity National data suggests, Black male students are suspended or expelled at a rate almost 3.5 times greater than white students. Zaire Byrd, a Fulton County student and a member of the Partnership for Southern Equity family, says he was “unjustly expelled” from Tri-Cities High School’s magnet program. Byrd, his mother, DeAndrea Byrd, and Sterling Johnson Sterling, the director for the Partnership for Southern Equity's (PSE) Just Opportunity Portfolio, discuss why Byrd was expelled and the ongoing push for all students to be treated fairly. Plus, the Cobb County School Board recently voted 4-3 to fire veteran educator Katie Rinderle, citing that she violated district policies for reading the book “My Shadow Is Purple” by Scott Stuart to her fifth grade class. Rinderle along with her attorney, Craig Goodmark, discuss the incident and the actions they are now taking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law recently launched State Court Report, a nonpartisan news website that features commentary and analysis about state constitutions and state court cases. Douglas Keith, the senior counsel in the Brennan Center’s Judiciary Program and a founding editor of State Court Report, discusses the mission of the new online resource hub.Rose talks with Patricia Walker Bearden and Yolanda Walker Simmons, the granddaughters of Alex Walker, a Black man who was convicted of killing James Heard, a white police officer, during the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre. The sisters discuss his backstory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highland Rivers Behavioral Health CEO Melanie Dallas and Steve Schmid, a military veteran who serves as Highland Rivers' senior director of Intensive Community and Veterans Services, discuss a recent symposium and how their organization is working to address veterans’ suicides. Plus, Nathan Cowan, one of the co-owners of Eventide Brewing in Grant Park, discusses a Georgia law that is preventing craft brewers from doing more business, resulting in some businesses closing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, the newly appointed director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, talks with Rose Scott about her career journey, her top priorities for the CDC, and how the agency plans to address COVID, HIV, cancer, etc.Plus, WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the latest developments in the Fulton County election interference case and why two defendants are having their trial prosecuted separately. Lastly, therapist Chantel Cohen discusses the lack of diversity in mental health care and its impact on underrepresented communities. Jermail Shelton, the founder of the nonprofit Undugu, shares how his organization is creating a safe space for Black men to have open and honest discussions about their mental state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia State University professor and historian Dr. Maurice Hobson returns to “Closer Look” to discuss WABE TV’s (re)Defining History: Uncovering The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre. The half-hour documentary explores the untold story of the massacre in Atlanta. Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Emory University professor Dr. Carol Anderson. During the discussion Anderson talks about the history behind other race massacres in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 10 people have died while in custody at the Fulton County Jail since January. On July 13, 2023, the Justice Department launched a civil investigation into the conditions in the Fulton County Jail in Georgia. According to several reports, since July there have been six deaths at the facility since July, including the death of Alexander Hawkins. On Monday “Closer Look” started a series of conversations that investigate the life and death of Hawkins. Rose Scott talks with Fallon McClure, the deputy director for Policy & Advocacy at the ACLU of Georgia, about the crisis happening at the jail and the immediate actions that should be taken to keep inmates safe. Plus, Kaitlin Goode, a wildlife biologist and the program manager of the Urban Wildlife Program for Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division, discusses whether we’re seeing an increase of coyote sightings in residential areas and how to keep your distance if you come in contact with one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a special edition of “Closer Look,” in a one-on-one conversation, on the campus of Morehouse School of Medicine, Rose talks with Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice. The medical school’s sixth president and first woman leader, talks with Scott about her journey to becoming an infertility specialist and researcher, the importance of women having access to reproductive health care, and MSM’s delivery of care initiative. She also talks about her top goals for the institution and ongoing efforts to diversify the health care workforce.Plus, for the second part of the interview, President Rice leads Scott on a tour around MSM’s campus. Rice discusses the history behind school landmarks and shares details about the school’s recent decision to honor the late baseball giant Hank Aaron with a bridge and plaza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Bachaud, a senior economist at Zillow, discusses the current housing market in metro Atlanta and a recent report that sheds light on how the Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is impacted by high mortgage costs and other fees.Plus, Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, the director of Georgia State University Economic Forecasting Center, discusses the findings of a new economic report that outlines the latest details about Georgia’s economy and labor market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re joined by Dr. Philip Santangelo, a professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Emory and Georgia Institute of Technology. A new federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has selected Emory University as the inaugural recipient of funding to support transformative breakthroughs in research related to cancer, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections. Santangelo has been selected as the lead investigator. Also, a one-on-one interview with Morehouse School of Medicine President & CEO Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice. In Part 1 of the interview, Montgomery Rice discusses the journey that led her to a medical career, why focusing on women’s healthcare helps the whole family, diversifying the healthcare workforce, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a special edition of “Closer Look,” Rose Scott and the team head to downtown Atlanta for Dragon Con 2023. The annual five-day event is one of the largest multi-media gatherings focused on pop culture, gaming, comics, film, literature, science fiction and fantasy. Rose talks with several guests about the convention, the comradery and what drew them to their artforms.  Guests include: Dan Carroll, the director of media engagement at Dragon Con  Josh Duart, a cosplayer/costumer Delilah S. Dawson, a New York Times-bestselling author of “Star Wars: Phasma,” “Black Spire: Galaxy's Edge,” and “The Perfect Weapon” Georges Jeanty, a comic book penciler illustrator best known for his work on “The American Way,” an eight-issue American comic book limited series, and the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: Season Eight comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics.  Greg Burnham, a children's book author and co-creator and writer of “Tuskegee Heirs” Marcus Williams, a professional illustrator, comic artist and co-creator of “Tuskegee Heirs” Michael Cho, a Canadian illustrator and cartoonist Beli Infantry Johnson, an author and student at Drew Charter School See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Takei, a Japanese-American actor, author and activist, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, in the television series “Star Trek” talks with Rose about his decades-long career, his family’s experience of being wrongfully imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, and two separate strikes involving writers and actors that have forced entertainment production in Hollywood to a halt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday’s special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" focused on the federal effort to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030. Rose talked with a public health expert, HIV researchers, and the leader of a local reproductive justice advocacy organization about new research that reveals the U.S. may not be on track to meet its national goal. Guests include: Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, the dean of the Duke School of Nursing and the director of the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health, Dr. Melanie Thompson, an Atlanta-based HIV researcher and provider, Dázon Dixon Diallo, the founder and president of SisterLove Inc. and  Ulysses Burley III, an internationally recognized public health expert and founder of UBtheCURE LLC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to Closer Look to discuss former Trump Chief-of-Staff Mark Meadows' recent appearance in federal court, requesting to have his case moved out of state court to the federal level in the election interference case. Plus, Clark Cunningham, a professor of law and the W. Lee Burge Chair in Law & Ethics at Georgia State University, discusses Senate Bill 92 and how it could be used to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from office when it goes into effect in October, ahead of the 2020 election interference trial. Lastly, Rodney Bullard, the CEO of The Same House, talks to Rose Scott about The Same House and its mission to address social and economic challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday marks the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.For a special edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talks with guests about the march’s pivotal point in history with a special guest who witnessed the event. Experts also share details about the march’s impact on today’s society. Guests include Elisabeth Omilami , a civil rights activist and humanitarian, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, an expert on the psychology of racism and former president of Spelman College and Elizabeth J. West, a professor of English and co-director of Georgia State University’s Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.