Closer Look with Rose Scott

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.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, WABE Reporters Rahul Bali & Sam Gringlas recap the booking of former President Trump at the Fulton County Jail on Thursday, which captured international attention.Then, Associate Professor Edward Queen with the Emory University Center for Ethics is leading a classroom discussion on the ethical issues at stake in Georgia’s 2020 Election Interference Case. He shares how he’s talking about this historic moment from a ethics point of view with his students.And in Part 2 of our interview with Jeezy, from Hawkinsville, Georgia to Atlanta, the recording artist talks candidly about what he calls transitioning from street life to getting started in the music business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, our team of WABE reporters cover the expected arrival of former President Donald Trump at the Fulton County Jail, where he’ll be booked on charges for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 Election results in Georgia. They also recap last night’s GOP Debate.Also, Dr. Catherine Perkins, a clinical professor in the College of Education & Human Development at Georgia State University, discusses a $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide mental health services to high-need schools that lack access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we speak to Marietta-based Attorney David West. He gives a defense attorney’s perspective of Georgia’s RICO laws and explains why they’re so much harder to defend against than murder charges.Plus, WABE Reporter Rahul Bali reports live from the Fulton County Courthouse, where the nation is watching as defendants in the 2020 Election Case turn themselves in.Then, Dr. Wilbur Lam, a Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist at Children’s Healthcare Of Atlanta, discusses how his hospital and other local institutions will lead and accelerate healthcare diagnostic innovations for a variety of high-priority diseases over the next five years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we review the timeline of government action and public discourse about the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. Meanwhile, the deadline nears for petition signatures for a November referendum, asking City of Atlanta voters to repeal the lease agreement between the city and the Atlanta Police Foundation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Pagnanelli, the CEO of the National Cycling League (NCL), and Ben Gardner, a NCL Investor and former NFL player, discuss the National Cycling League’s work of promoting DEI in cycling and the league’s inaugural NCL Cup Race that’s scheduled for Sunday in Atlanta.Plus, Margaret Huang, the president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center and SPLC Action Fund, discusses the organization’s Year in Hate & Extremism 2022 report. The report tracks and identifies how hate groups shifted their tactics after the insurrection to intentionally target people from the LGBTQ+ community, Jewish people and people of color at the community level, such as schools. Lastly, in a two-part conversation, Rose sits down with recording artist and entrepreneur Jeezy to talk about his new memoir, “Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe.” For the first part of the conversation, Jeezy gets personal. He talks about the inspiration behind his hit song “Put On,” how his desire to be a CEO led him to become a recording artist, and why music is a spiritual expression for him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Morris Brown College is undergoing what it calls a “hard reset” after its accreditation was reinstated. Morris Brown President Dr. Kevin James and Dr. Toneyce Randolph, the college’s new provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, discuss the past, present, and future of the institution.  Also, Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis discusses the recent indictment of former President Donald Trump and 18 of his allies for their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. Professor Keis also discusses how the indictments tie to the expectations of free and fair democratic elections, as well as what constitutional arguments may be used in the trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Late Monday night, Former President Donald Trump was indicted for the fourth time since March 2023. A Fulton County grand jury indicted Trump and 18 of his allies for their alleged efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. The nearly 100-page indictment outlines 41 charges against Trump and his allies for allegedly partnering to illegally interfere with the state’s election outcome, which handed a win to Joe Biden. Rose talks with the following guests: WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, former DeKalb District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming, Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies, and Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look” to report on the latest developments in Fulton County where former President Donald Trump could face indictment in alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.Plus, Dr. Nirav Shah, the principal deputy director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, discusses an uptick in COVID cases as EG.5, a new strain of the virus spreads, plus updates on testing protocols and his top priorities as a deputy director under the leadership of the new the CDC director, Dr. Mandy Cohen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas discusses a SB140 hearing held this week and the latest developments on the possible indictment of former President Donald Trump and his allies for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.  Plus, for “Closer Look’s” Hip Hop @ 50 series, class is in session. Rose Scott, the “Closer Look’ team and WABE staff participate live class session that focuses on the genre’s transformative influence on culture, social justice, education. Georgia Tech professor Joycelyn Wilson, who research focuses on African American expressive traditions, Hip Hop Culture, digital humanities, and social justice STEM education, led the class. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of Georgia Medicaid recipients have lost coverage or are at risk of losing coverage, as the state is currently determining who’s eligible. The process known as “Medicaid Unwinding” started when the pandemic-era rule that protected people from losing their Medicaid coverage ended earlier this year. Rose talks with Leah Chan, the director of health justice for the Georgia Budge Policy Institute, Santiago Marquez, the CEO of Atlanta’s Latin American Association, and Brittney Newton, the senior policy Analyst for Voices for Georgia’s Children, about the population groups who are losing coverage and the long-term potential impact.  Plus, DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry, discusses a recent survey conducted on behalf of his office, asking DeKalb County voters for their opinion on the planned police and firefighting training facility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The City of Atlanta has a Human Relations Commission. Carden Wyckoff, the chair of Atlanta’s Human Relations Commission, and Bridgette Simpson, the co-founder and executive director of Barred Business, who was recently appointed to the commission, discuss the function of the commission and how members on the commission are working to make sure all Atlantans are treated fair.  Plus, As students across metro Atlanta return to school, a local social entrepreneur is working to make sure students have they school supplies they need for a successful school year. Blake Canterbury, the founder of Purposity, talks with Rose about the back-to-school initiative and how his nonprofit platform is using technology to meet the needs of people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Ahmann, the president and CEO of Westside Future Fund (WFF) and Dr. Beverly Tatum, the current board chair for WFF and former president of Spelman College, discuss a new $55 million funding goal that will allow the nonprofit to finance more affordable housing options and support the nonprofit’s Anti-Displacement Tax Fund. We then revisit Rose’s conversation, which was taped earlier this year, with civil rights icon Xernona Clayton. At the time of the conversation, the pioneering broadcasting journalist and Trumpet Awards founder had been recently honored with an 8-foot statue in downtown Atlanta. Clayton talked candidly about her lifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Donald Trump is expected to be indicted in Fulton County soon for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discusses the latest.Plus, Dr. Ishan Mehta, a pulmonologist and critical care doctor at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, discusses the ongoing Canadian burning wildfires and the impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations amid summer heat. Lastly, Jordan Barab, former deputy assistant secretary of labor at OSHA, discusses newly introduced legislation that would establish a federal heat standard for workplace protections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look” to provide a recap on Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ investigation into former President Donald Trump and his allies efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.  Plus, as schools in Georgia and several states across the country are banning books, a local organization is working to make sure everyone has access to banned books. Dr. Catherine Meeks, the executive director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, returns the program to discuss a new initiative aimed at encouraging people to buy banned books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a new renewed effort to revitalize the Memorial Drive corridor between I-285 and Highway 78. Rose talks with several guests about efforts to transform the area and drive economic development. Guests include: DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, Shanta Lana Hereford, the founder of the East Memorial Drive Revitalization Foundation, Deanna Cauthen, the coordinator for the East Memorial Drive Pop-Up Market and Deniece Williams, a vendor and the owner of Deniece-Camille Natural Lifestyle Products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Closer Look” team head to Black Coffee Atlanta for the July installment of Coffee Conversations. Rose talks with panelists from South Atlanta, Lakewood Heights and other nearby neighborhoods about the most pressing issues facing their community, including affordable housing, economic development, transit, and community safety. Guests include: Jamin Butler, the CEO and co-owner of Black Coffee Atlanta, NPU-Y Chair Nichole Weiswasser, Zachary Murray, the chair of Lakewood Heights Community Association Omar Ali, the founder of Ali Development, Atlanta Housing President and CEO Eugene Jones, Jr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Graff, the director of the Higgins Labor Program at the University of Notre Dame, talks with Rose about the end of The Great Resignation, the impact it had on the labor market, especially for women and workers of color, and the tool his program built to help create a more equitable economy. DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick discusses the recent passage of the county’s non-discrimination ordinance. The new ordinance bans discrimination against a wide group of protected classes, including the LGBTQ+ community and it also protects individuals under The Crown Act. Patrick also talked about how the ordinance will stand up against the recent Supreme Court decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Margaret Stagmeier, a founding partner of TriStar Real Estate Investments and the author of "Blighted: A Story of People, Politics, and an American Housing Miracle," discusses the state of the current affordable housing crisis across the Atlanta area. She also talks about her journey and passion for purchasing and renovating blighted properties, then turning them into affordable communities.Plus, Dr. Andi Shane, the chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Emory University’s School of Medicine and the medical director of infectious disease at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, discusses the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s latest approval of a new antibody injection used to treat Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in infants and toddlers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shaun Houlihan, a resident of Cabbagetown, discusses his opposition for the Atlanta Public Safety Center and his recent essay that was published in the Cabbagetown Neighbor titled "The Road To Hulsey's Future Runs Through Cop City." Plus, Steven Alvarado, an assistant professor of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame, discusses a new report that examined multiple generations of Black, white and Latino families from “disadvantaged” neighborhoods. He discusses the research that found no matter the economic level, Black families tend to end up having the same economic outcomes in adulthood.Lastly, George Chidi, a journalist and writer of "The Atlanta Objective," discusses his recent investigative report, published in Atlanta Magazine, that focuses on the reportedly poor conditions of the Fulton County Jail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday afternoon, the U.S. Postal Service honored the late Congressman John Lewis with a Forever postage stamp. Rose talked with WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali, who reported live from the stamp dedication ceremony, and Tuere Butler, a longtime staffer for the congressman. The guests talked about life and legacy of the civil rights giant and the significance of him being honored with a commemorative stamp. Lastly, we revisit past conversations with “Closer Look” guests. The guests share reflections about the life and legacy of the late American hero.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sidney Barron, the new board chairman of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, discusses his new role, the history and mission of 100 Black Men of Atlanta and the transformative power of effective mentorship. Plus, today marks one year since Georgia’s law banning abortion at roughly six weeks of pregnancy took effect. We will air WABE reporter Jess Mador’s latest report that dives into the ongoing fight for abortion rights. Lastly, the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked President Joe Biden’s $400 billion plan to cancel or reduce federal student loan debts for millions of Americans. Usha Rackliffe, an associate professor in Accounting at Emory University, discusses Biden's follow-up plan and how soon it could provide relief to borrowers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth McKibben, the editor of Eater Atlanta, discusses Michelin’s recent announcement that its famous dining guide is now reviewing notable restaurants in Atlanta. Plus, Gwinnett County is working to address the affordable housing crisis. The county recently created the Housing and Community Development Division following the recommendation of a housing study. Matt Elder, the director of the division, discusses the new division, his top priorities and a recent proposal to spend leftover COVID relief funding to create affordable housing in Gwinnett County.Lastly, Rahul Garabadu, the senior voting rights staff attorney at the ACLU of Georgia, discusses the latest developments in a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Georgia, the ACLU and WilmerHale on behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., against the state of Georgia for its new redistricting maps, citing the maps discriminate against Black voters and violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Careshia Moore, the president and CEO of Usher’s New Look, discusses the organization’s work of transforming the lives of under-resourced youth by preparing them to be the next generation of leaders. Moore and Xehara Pledger, a student at Westlake High School and the 2023 Atlanta Disruptivator of the Year Awardee, also discuss the nonprofit’s upcoming Disruptivator Summit, which starts on Wednesday. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Jermaine Dupri. The veteran music executive producer and artist discusses his career journey, launching So So Def Recordings and his passion for music and developing talent.  Plus, part of the Chattahoochee River is currently closed for recreation because of pollution from a Fulton County sewage treatment plant. Molly Samuel, WABE’s deputy managing editor, talks with Sally Bethea, a retired Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, about her new book, “Keeping the Chattahoochee.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” leaders and an advocate from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities discuss expanding mental health services in the year since 988 became the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Also, committing to an internship can be difficult while also trying to afford basic life expenses. We speak to a student and the director of the Pathways Center at Emory University about their internship funding program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Bazzi, associate professor in the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California, San Diego, shares his study on the effects of the confederate diaspora on communities, politics in the U.S. post-Civil War.Doug Bock Clark, a ProPublica reporter, discusses his reporting on how 89,000 voter registrations in Georgia were challenged by six right wing activists.WABE reporter Rahul Bali reports from the Georgia State Capitol Rotunda where the body of Dr. Christine King Farris lies in state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Haber, the strategic channel partner at Transportation Insight, discusses the standstill between Teamsters and UPS and the impact a potential strike could have the on the domestic and global supply chain.Plus, Greg Ramsey, the director of Village Habitat Design, discusses a new development approach called the Village Conservation Community (VCC) and how it can be used to preserve Dekalb County’s remaining forests and urban agriculture lands to walkable communities that enhance the quality of life, health and economic resilience for DeKalb residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Judd, an investigative reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, discusses his investigation that reveals University of Georgia athletes often remain on the school’s football team despite sexual assault and domestic violence allegations. UGA officials are now demanding a retraction, Plus, Strengthening Her Evolution, Inc. (SHE) is a local nonprofit working to empower young girls in the South Cobb area with tools and resources to develop character and build self-esteem, all while preparing them to meet their career ambitions and the economic conditions of the future. Rose talks with Tiara Smith, the founder and director of SHE, Addison Harrell, a SHE participant, and her mother Michelle Harrell, about the organization and its program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dale Russell, the retired senior I-Team reporter for Fox 5 Atlanta, joins the program to talk about his 40-year career as one of Atlanta’s most respected investigative journalists and covering major stories such as the Atlanta child murders and the Centennial Olympic Park bombing. He also talks about what’s next for him.  Plus, Dr. Ashely Randall, the medical director and founder of the West End Animal Wellness Center, discusses pet safety amid rising heat in Georgia, as we risk the hottest temperatures the state has seen in 30 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Dougherty, the director for the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Green Finance Center, and Adam Kent, the senior advisor for the NRDC’s Green Finance Center, discuss several topics, including how society can address equity, environmental racism, and affordable housing at the same time, especially through green financing. They also talk about the significance of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act).For “Closer Look’s” Open For Business series, Rose talks with Grant Wallace, the owner of Peace of Mind Recycling, about his new door-to-door glass recycling service that drops off glass directly to a recycling center. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Carla Tanguay, the assistant dean for Educator Preparation and Accreditation College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University, and Dr. J.W. Mozley, the executive director of Talent Management for the Division of Human Resources at Gwinnett County Public Schools, discuss a new partnership that affords Gwinnett County school teachers with the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in STEM subjects.Plus, we then revisit WABE reporter DorMiya Vance’s latest feature that sheds light on the many challenges LGBTQ+ rappers face when navigating Atlanta’s hip-hop scene.Lastly, for “Closer Look’s” Hip Hop @ 50 series, Gwinnett County-based rapper Victor Mariachi returns to the program to talk about his latest album 'DANIEL' (released Nov 2022), how hip hop shaped him, and how he incorporates his Mexican American identity into his music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.