Closer Look with Rose Scott

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.

MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher discusses several topics, including a recent $1.4 million grant that the department received from Gov. Brian Kemp, the current state of policing and efforts to recruit new police officers. Alan Judd, an investigative reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, discusses his series of investigative reports that reveal University of Georgia athletes often remain on the school’s football team despite sexual assault and domestic violence allegations. *Since the original broadcast of this interview, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution issued corrections to its recent investigation into the University of Georgia football program’s handling of sexual abuse allegations against its players and recruits.Leroy Chapman, the editor-in-chief of AJC, issued the following statement: “AJC editors and attorneys investigated each complaint raised by university officials in the letter and found two elements of the story that did not meet the news organization’s journalistic standards.”Read more here: https://www.ajc.com/neighborhoods/cobb/ajc-issues-corrections-in-uga-football-program-story/KH7YTUBWXJDNFHMFXRKYVGDYQA/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four Georgia families of transgender children have filed a lawsuit against Georgia, citing that SB140 strips them of their right to make critical decisions about their children’s health care. Cory Isaacson, the legal director for the ACLU of GA, and Beth Littrell, the senior supervising attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center, discuss the latest.Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst discusses several topics, including a petition for Brookhaven to annex the Toco Hills and Biltmore Acres neighborhoods, Brookhaven’s 10th anniversary and his recent op-ed about the state of public safety following the Midtown mass shooting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, a legal expert and an associate professor in the practice of accounting at Emory University, discusses the implications of the high court’s decision. Plus, Giselle Carson, a business immigration and compliance attorney in Jacksonville, Florida, and Justin Howell, the executive director of Atlanta’s International Rescue Committee, discuss Florida’s Senate Bill 1718  and how it will impact businesses and migrants in both Florida and Georgia. Lastly, for “Closer Look’s” Hip Hop @ 50 series, Rose talks with Master Gee, the founding member of the hip hop group The Sugarhill Gang and the executive director of The National Hip Hop Museum, and Jeremy Beaver (aka DJ Boom), the founder and collector for the museum. The guests talk about the evolution of hip hop, the importance of studying the artform and the mission of The National Hip Hop Museum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down affirmative action in colleges. Georgia State University law professors Tanya Washington and Anthony Michael Kreis discuss the implications of the ruling. 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, with temperatures potentially reaching the hottest they've been in 30 years this summer in Georgia, Rose talks with board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi of the American Academy of Dermatology about what precautions people should take to avoid serious skin damage or cancer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is National HIV Testing Day. Rev. Dr. Monte Norwood, the senior pastor for Bible Way Ministries International, talks about the importance of getting tested and how the faith community is helping to destigmatize the virus and elevate awareness and support.Plus, ATLDOT Commissioner Solomon Caviness discusses several topics, including his new role as Atlanta’s top transportation expert, the progress of a long-awaited resurfacing of DeKalb Ave., and how the city plans to use voter-approved infrastructure funding.Lastly, David Rubenstein, the co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group and the host of the new PBS series, “Iconic America,” talks with Rose about the new eight-episode documentary series that explores the dynamic and diverse stories of historic sites across the country, including Stone Mountain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of PRIDE Month, Rose talks with guests about the state of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community.First, Tim West, the executive Director of the LGBTQ Institute, and Giacomo Negro, a professor at Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business and the lead researcher for the 2022 Southern Survey, discuss the key findings of the survey that examines the quality of life for people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community in the South.Plus, Terence Stewart, the president of Atlanta Black Pride, and Chris McCain, the new executive director for the Atlanta Pride Committee, discuss PRIDE Month, DEI and the state of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community amid the ongoing challenges to LGBTQ+ rights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breaking News: In an exclusive interview, Dekalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston tells Rose she will not pursue charges against several people who were arrested while protesting against the planned Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. Saturday marks one year since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis discusses life after the high court’s ruling and where the law stands now in Georgia and across the country. Hip Hop legends Arrested Development reflect on their path and influence on the genre and how the music has changed since their Grammy win.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Dr. Caree J. Cotwright, an associate professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia, was recently named the director of nutrition security and health equity for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cotwright talks with Rose about her new role and how the U.S. is addressing health equity, obesity and improving access to healthy food.Plus, Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate from the University of Georgia, discusses weather models that show Atlanta could experience its hottest temperatures in three decades this summer. Shepherd also talks about how people of color are disproportionately affected by climate change, summer heat and storms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kurt Kastorf, the legal advisor for Cop City Vote Coalition, discusses a referendum to cancel the lease for the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center and the lawsuit targeting a City of Atlanta clerk’s rejection of the wording in a petition. (Note: Shortly after broadcast, the city clerk's office announced the petition has been approved. In a statement, coalition organizers say they are waiting for an official copy of the final petition before deciding on moving forward with the lawsuit.)The Atlanta City Council recently voted to change the penalties for parents or guardians of children who violate the city’s curfew. Plus, the latest on another attempt to put Jason Frazier on the Fulton Board of Elections. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali discusses the latest.Plus, a visit to the doctor changed Martinus Evans’ life forever. More than a decade ago, the former football player was advised to “lose weight or die.” Evans talks with Rose about his holistic approach to health and wellness, body positivity and his new book, “SLOW AF RUN CLUB: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 1, SB140 will become law. The legislation, that’s backed by Sen. Carden Summers and several other lawmakers, blocks trans youth from receiving hormone replacement therapy, as well as prohibits medical professionals from performing certain surgical procedures at hospitals and other licensed healthcare facilities. We revisit Rose’s conversation with the Frame family. The family of four share the experience of raising an agender/non-binary child and the impact such legislation could have on families like theirs.Project Healthy Grandparents (PHG) is a free community service research project at Georgia State University. Dr. Patricia Lawrence, the director of PHG, Chris Fulton, a former grandchild enrolled in PHG who is now an advisory board member and director of operations at PHG is now, and Terryln Fulton, Chris’ grandmother, discuss how PHG aims to empower grandparent-led families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it's words or beats, storytelling is one of the ways the experiences of generations are carried forward. Juneteenthcommemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in America. In honor of Juneteenth, Closer Loom with Rose Scott broadcast live from the Atlanta History Center. Rose talks with guests about the importance of celebrating, honoring, and telling the stories of our ancestors & their lived experiences. Guests: Professor Elizabeth West,  the John B. and Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Distinguished Chair in English Letters in the College of Arts & Sciences at Georgia State University. Althea Sumpter, genealogy researcher and scholar. She also lectures on the Gullah Geechee culture and techniques on documentation for preservation of cultures and elder stories. Mama Koku, a renowned writer, storyteller, performer and teacher performs live. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has announced a new focus strategy for the next decade. Fay Twersky, the president and director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and Kenny Blank, a director and board member at the foundation, discuss key areas of philanthropy and the foundation’s new rebranded identity. Plus, Brittney Brisco Perry, the executive director of the Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses, discusses the state of Black-owned businesses in Georgia and the coalition’s inaugural Black Business and Community Expo, slated for Aug. 19,, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Owens, a Marine Corps veteran and cybersecurity executive, was recently elected as Mableton’s first-ever mayor. He talks with Rose about his top priorities for Georgia’s newest city. Plus, Eugenia Rho is an assistant professor of computer science at Virginia Tech, where she leads the SAIL (Society + AI & Language). Rho discusses a traffic stop study that sheds light on how a police officer’s first communication with a Black driver can determine the outcome of a traffic stop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, WABE Political Reporter Rahul Bali recaps the Georgia GOP Convention that occurred this past weekend in Columbus, Georgia. It includes statements from former President Trump about the investigation into his actions after the 2020 Election in Fulton County.Then, we speak with Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. There are more than 1.2 million shipments of hazardous materials each day in America – many of it travels on the same road and rail lines as average commuters. PHMSA has also seen a rise in HAZMAT-related accidents over the past decade. Brown discusses roadway safety and what’s causing the spike.Also, Grady Health Systems plans to open to new outpatient centers south of I-20 to fill the void of emergency care following the closure of Atlanta Medical Center’s facilities. We speak to Grady President & CEO John Haupert about their effort to address the local healthcare needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, WABE’s Political Reporter Rahul Bali previews what to expect at this weekend's Georgia GOP Convention in Columbus, where former President Donald Trump is expected to attend.Then, WABE Political Reporter Sam Gringlas follows a family as they prepare for Georgia to enact restrictions on trans youth under SB 140. Also, we’re joined by the National Black Arts Festival and DJ Rasta Root about the depth, history, and current state of Hip Hop, and pay tribute to 50 years of the genre at a festival on Saturday, June 10th.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, Atlanta City Councilmembers Jason Dozier & Liliana Bakhtiari discuss the controversial vote to fund the Public Safety Training Center, which they both opposed. Then, the Atlanta Regional Commission says nearly two-million people will move to the Atlanta area by 2050. With $173 billion in federal, state, and local funds to spread among 20 counties, Executive Director & CEO Anna Roach says ARC is surveying residents on transportation priorities, with an intention to address climate change and equity.Also, a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to end race-conscious admissions to our nation’s colleges and universities. A Georgetown University study analyzed the potential impact on underrepresented communities. Dr. Tony Carnevale, the Director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce explains the research and is joined by Professor Tanya Washington of Georgia State University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, Marlon Scott Kautz is one of the three Solidarity Fund organizers arrested last week on charges related to money laundering and charity fraud. Kautz believes they were targeted for their work with the “Stop Cop City” movement.Also, Atlanta City Councilman Matt Westmoreland gives his perspective on the controversial vote to fund the Public Safety Training Center and why he voted yes.Then, the city of Doraville reversed a decades-long ordinance banning public art. Find out how locals are bringing creativity back to the city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly 15 hours of public comment, Tuesday morning, in a 11 to 4 vote Atlanta City Council members voted to fund the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. Rose reports on the latest. Larry Williams, the president and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and Dr. Beverly Wright, the head of data science for Burtch Works, discuss the warning signs from tech experts about artificial intelligence (AI )and what it means for the future. Plus, Dr. Loretta Daniels, the director of the Technology Association of Georgia’s Bridge Builders program, discusses how TAG is working to diversify the technology industry through its Bridge Builders program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta City Council members are expected to vote today on the funding for the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. WABE’s criminal justice reporter Chamian Cruz joins “Closer Look” with the latest. Plus, Morehouse College recently received $1 million grant from JPMorgan Chase to support Black businesses in metro Atlanta. Morehouse President David Thomas and Alicia Wilson, the managing director and global head of philanthropy for North America at JP Morgan Chase, discuss the grant and an initiative to launch a regional network for organizations dedicated to serving entrepreneurs of color. Lastly, HB 147, a bill that requires schools conduct an active shooter drill near the start of each school year, goes into effect in Georgia on July 1st. Sarah Burd-Sharps, a senior director of Research at Everytown for Gun Safety, discusses research about the mental health impact of active shooter drills on students. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Scott, a reporter with Atlanta Community Press Collective, discusses the ACPC’s article that investigates taxpayer costs for the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. Plus, Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, was recently named as the new regional director of Clark Atlanta University’s Regional Center for Entrepreneurship. She talks with Rose about the regional center and her role as its new leader.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.