Closer Look with Rose Scott

Illya Davis, a philosophy professor at Morehouse College and the director of the New Students & Transition Program and Dr. Maurice Hobson, an associate professor of Africana Studies and historian at Georgia State University, talk with Rose about the state of democracy and the role of social media in distributing divisive information that challenges the true definition of a democratic state.Plus, Atlanta-based music journalist and author Quentin Harrison, recaps the hits and best pop albums of 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With smartphones, tablets, and other tech devices being readily available, research suggests almost all children under 12 are now internet users. Angie Boy, a child protection expert and the program manager of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children, discusses how parents can protect their children online.Christmas is just a few days away. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Santa Dee. They discuss several Christmas-related topics, and Santa shares how he’s fairing this season now that COVID restrictions are more relaxed.WABE’s H. Johnson reads the poem “Twas The Night Before Christmas.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid skyrocketing inflation and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans are struggling financially. Christine Channels, Bank of America’s head of Community Banking, discusses the expansion of HOPE Inside, a free financial counseling program.Plus,Ashley Pearce, a hearing care professional at HearUSA in Atlanta, discusses tips to make the holidays enjoyable for people who are hard of hearing.Lastly,Jackson State and North Carolina Central are gearing up for the Cricket Celebration Bowl that’s happening this weekend in Atlanta. Sports broadcasting veterans Sam Crenshaw and Mark Lassiter discuss the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blair Beasley, the director of climate strategies at the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, and Lejla Prljaca, the executive director of the Lawrenceville Housing Authority and CEO of the Gwinnett Housing Corporation, discuss the Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grants.Plus, Post 2 at-large councilmember Matt Westmoreland discusses proposed legislation that, if passed, would start an e-bike rebate program in Atlanta. Lastly, Rose talks with the iconic group Wu-Tang Clan about their growing legacy and the state of hip-hop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Lockett, the National Housing Stability Leader for Rocket Community Fund and Rob Brawner, the executive director of the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, talk with Rose about a new initiative that aims to preserve affordable housing for Atlanta residents.Plus, Lindsay Hamrick, director of Shelter Outreach and Engagement for the Humane Society of the United States, discusses holiday safety tips for pets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meagan Whitehead, the program and affiliate support manager at the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, discusses her foundation's statewide Christmas tree recycling program and the importance of having a more sustainable holiday season.Dr. Barbara Mahon, the deputy chief of the Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), discusses the latest COVID news and her agency’s winter outlook for the virus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the pandemic, Christmas trees were in short supply last year. But what about this year? Matt Bowman, the owner of Tradition Trees in Little Five Points, talks about how his business is fairing this holiday season.From the “Closer Look” archives, we revisit one of our listeners’ favorites: Rose’s conversation with Crystal Freeman, the daughter of Barbara Pace Hunt. Freeman’s mother was one of three Black women who sued Georgia State University to allow their admission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Youth voter turnout in this year’s midterm elections was the second highest in almost 30 years. Atlanta Young Republicans is an organization hoping to persuade more of those young voters to consider joining the Republican Party. President Allen English details their strategy. The Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled is offering a new resource to its patrons. Outreach Manager, Gina Martin shares the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last Coffee Conversation of 2022, Rose and the “Closer Look” team head to Community Grounds Coffee Shop in south Atlanta. Rose talks with Jeff Delp, the director of economic development at Focused Community Strategies (which operates Carver Market), District 1 Councilmember Jason Winston and Malcolm Benson, co-founder of Grape Roots. The guests discuss several topics, including public safety, the importance of supporting small businesses, and job creation for youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Barbara Mahon, the deputy chief of the Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), discusses the latest COVID news and her agency’s winter outlook for the virus.Senator Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Georgia's U.S. Senate runoff on Tuesday. Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies, and Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, discuss the latest and what Warnock’s win means for the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Glenn Lightsey, a professor at the Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering and co-principal investigator for the Lunar Flashlight project, and student researchers Michael Hauge and Mason Starr discuss their partnership with NASA and upcoming mission to study ice on the moon.Meteorologist Glenn Burns recently retired from WSB-TV after more than 40 years. He talks with Rose about his love for science, Atlanta and his decades-long career in meteorology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic and inflation have played a major role in the state of the U.S. economy. Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, the director of Georgia State University’s Economic Forecasting Center, discusses the latest.Plus, Jordan Tucker, a freelance sports analyst and former UNC offensive lineman, discusses what he thinks will happen when the Georgia Bulldogs take on the LSU Tigers this weekend for the 2022 SEC Championship Game.Lastly, Christmas is just a few weeks away. Santa Dee discusses several Christmas-related topics and shares how he’s fairing this season now that COVID restrictions are more relaxed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme for this year's World AIDS Day is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, the dean and professor of the Duke University School of Nursing and vice chancellor for Nursing Affairs, talks about the history of HIV/AIDS, combating stigma and ongoing testing, treatment and prevention efforts.Rose then talks with Dr. Bambi W. Gaddist, the CEO of the South Carolina HIV Council, about her decades-long work of educating others about sexual health and wellness, particularly focused on HIV and AIDS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New leadership and lawmakers for the Georgia General Assembly. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali discusses the upcoming legislative session.Rose talks to Mark Mathews, the National Retail Federation's Vice President of Research Development and Industry Analysis, about shopping trends amid the pandemic and skyrocketing inflation.Atlanta City Councilwoman Keisha Sean Waites is proposing a citywide curfew to combat youth violence.CJ and Kelli Stewart, the founders of L.E.A.D. Center For Youth, share their thoughts about the effectiveness of enacting a curfew.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta City Councilwoman Keisha Sean Waites discusses combating youth violence through a city-wide curfew. John Haber, the chief strategy officer for Transportation Insight at Spend Management Experts, talks about the latest supply chain news and the state of the shipping industry amid skyrocketing inflation.Lastly, Dr. Omar Asensio, an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech, discusses a new study that examines traffic data in the aftermath of Atlanta's 2019 ban on rental e-scooters and e-bikes at night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies, and Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, discuss early voting for Georgia's U.S. Senate runoff. Plus, “Closer Look” revisits conversations regarding curbing youth violence and the holistic approach to minimizing systemic barriers that promote youth violence. We hear from Joshua Byrd, anti-gun violence program chairman of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, CJ and Kelli Stewart, founders of L.E.A.D. Center For Youth and Charles Barlow, Sr., the CEO of the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce and executive director of Saving Our Sons & Sisters International. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People across Georgia are paying their respect today to Georgia House Speaker David Ralston. His body is lying in state at the Georgia State Capitol. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali reports on the latest.Plus, Dr. Andi Shane, discusses the rise in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in Georgia amid the holiday season.Just in time for Thanksgiving, Chef Terrel joins “Closer Look” to talk about healthy holiday recipes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moki Macias, the executive director of Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative (PAD), discusses the findings of the Justice Policy Board's analysis of Fulton County's jail population that calls for more diversion work to reduce overcrowding.MaryAnn Romski, a regents’ professor in Georgia State’s Department of Communication and Department of Psychology, discusses a new web-based app designed to improve the communication skills of children with developmental disorders who live in developing countries.Plus, Kristy Klein Davis, the president and CEO of the Healthcare Georgia Foundation, discusses how a $9 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott will be used to improve and advance the health and well-being of all GeorgiansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tasha Innis, an associate provost for research at Spelman College, and Melonie Parker, Google’s chief diversity officer, discuss how a $5 million grant from Google.org, will be used to support Spelman’s Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM.Tonya Cureton Curry, the deputy commissioner for the GA Dept. of Community Affairs, discusses why the state recently suspended applications for the Georgia Rental Assistance Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Rose talks with Barbara Washburn, a National Pancreatic Foundation Elise Tedeschi, a co-affiliate chair of PanCAN's Atlanta Affiliate of volunteers. Both women share details about their battle with the disease and discuss efforts to spread awareness.Plus, Danny Shoy, the managing director for Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation's Westside portfolio, discussed new efforts and grants that will be used to invest in the Westside of Atlanta.Lastly, Georgia House Speaker David Ralston died Wednesday, just days after announcing that he would not seek nomination as House Speaker for the upcoming legislative session, citing a "health challenge." WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali discusses Ralston’s legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia, discusses Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney's ruling to overturn the state's ban on abortion starting around six weeks into a pregnancy.Plus, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recently named Darin Schierbaum as Atlanta's 26th Chief of Police. Chief Schierbaum talks with Rose about his new role, his top priorities and the state of public safety.Lastly, David Edwards, the director of the Center for Urban Research, joins “Closer Look” to talk more about the goals of the new center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hunger is an ongoing issue in Georgia and across the nation. Nancy Roman, the president and CEO of Partnership for a Healthier America, discusses what her organization is doing to make sure families in need have food this holiday season.District 5 Council member Liliana Bakhtiari discusses newly proposed legislation that aims to increase affordable housing options across Atlanta for low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Aparicio, a service advisor at ATLinBusiness Technical and founder of Revby, and Gail Mapp, the owner of Level Construction Services, discuss a new initiative between Invest Atlanta and the City of Atlanta that’s aimed at helping local entrepreneurs.Plus, award-winning sports journalist Jemele Hill talks with Rose about her new book, ‘Uphill: A Memoir.’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People from across the world are celebrating Veterans Day. Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard, the president and CEO of MUST Ministries, makes a surprise announcement about how his nonprofit and Home Depot Foundation are honoring veterans this Veterans Day.Plus, Johnny Higdon, the president of the National Montford Point Marine Association- Atlanta Chapter, and Ambassador Theodore R. Britton, a 97-year-old retired Montford Point Marine, reflect on the contribution and legacy of Montford Point Marines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National and local midterm election results are still coming in. “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talks with Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies, and Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, about election results and what’s next for Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tahir Duckett, the executive director of the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at Georgetown Law, talks with “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott about a new study that examines overcrowding and incarceration trends in Fulton County.Then Arthur Tripp, the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), discusses new federal funding that’s being allocated for Georgia’s agricultural industry.Plus, Dr. Hassan Brown, the CEO of Career Catalyst, and Kerwin Rent, the founder and CEO of EliteGamingLIVE, discuss a new partnership that’s aimed at exposing and mentoring students who are interested in STEM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Four Historically Black Medical Colleges are set to expand genomic research thanks to $11 million grants for each school from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Dr. Ivory Dean, with CZI and Dr. Rick Kittles with Morehouse explain how the school’s $11 million grant will be used.Plus, East Point City Councilmember Joshua Butler says he has a plan to bring a hospital back to South Fulton County.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Latino households in the U.S. earn just half the income of white households. The head of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce talks about solutions to close that gap.Plus, Dental Town is providing free dental care and screenings at its 10th annual “Day of Caring”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Candidates are crisscrossing the state leading up to next Tuesday’s midterm election. WABE political reporter Rahul Bali shares the latest from the campaign trail.And, Atlanta has various plans to address the affordable housing crisis. We’ll hear from two experts about options, like micro housing and modular dwellings, to address the crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: With just a week to go until the 2022 midterm election we hear from Democratic strategist Fred Hicks and Republican Strategist Julie Ann Thompson on how the candidates are using these final days to pump up their bases and get voters to the polls. Also, tragic news out of Houston, rapper Takeoff from The Migos was shot and killed in the early morning. We’ll get reaction from Jocelyn Wilson, Georgia Tech assistant professor of Hip Hop Studies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has plans for a new center dedicated to pediatric behavioral and mental health. CEO Donna Hyland, shares that a multimillion-dollar donation is making it possible. And WABE’s political reporters, Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas update the latest on the campaign trail, including a second woman to accuse Republican U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker of paying for an abortion, other statewide races, and the latest from the Fulton County special grand jury and its probe of 2020 election meddling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Housing affordability is a national crisis. And, whether you are renting or buying, affordability can be a challenge in the city of Atlanta. Mayor Andre Dickens talks about the city’s plans to meet that challenge, equitably. And, the CEO and president of the Historic Development District Corporation, Chenee’ Joseph shares how her foundation is working to keep Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn district alive and thriving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Good Charcoal Company is taking on food insecurity and connecting with the African nation of Namibia in the process. CEO Ben Jablonski joins Closer Look to talk about how his company is striving to be part of the solution.And, from the Closer Look vault, actor, writer, and political activist Erika Alexander, who got her big break on The Cosby Show, talks about her other passion besides acting: political activism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Closer Look: The upcoming holiday season could usher in another spike in Covid-19. While booster shots are recommended, a vaccine expert helps clear up confusion over mixed messages about the updated vaccines and who should get them. And from the Closer Look archives, a conversation with R&B and Jazz vocalist, Lalah Hathaway about her musical journey and the legacy of her late father, the amazing Donny Hathaway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s edition of Closer Look: Georgia voters are going to the polls in record numbers for the upcoming midterm elections. Common Cause looks at what’s behind the turnout and what measures are in place to ensure election integrity.Also, we dip into the Closer Look archives with actor Simon Helberg, the geeky but lovable aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz, from The Big Bang Theory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Georgia State University has a grant to support intersectional studies. An upcoming forum will focus on the American South and Black feminism. And we revisit a conversation with record executive, music producer and artist, Jermaine Dupri.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: The ACLU says there’s a simple solution to end overcrowding at Fulton County jails, but the Atlanta City Council isn’t convinced. And we revisit a conversation with Peggy Wallace Kennedy, daughter of segregationist, and former Alabama Governor, George Wallace, about her book, “The Broken Road: George Wallace and a Daughter’s Journey to Reconciliation”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look, we revisit a conversation with former CIA Director John Brennan. He resigned his post as head of the CIA the day Donald Trump was sworn into office as president on January 20, 2017. Brennan talks about his memoir Undaunted: My Fight Against America’s Enemies, At Home and Abroad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did Senator Raphael Warnock or his Republican challenger, Herschel Walker make any inroads with undecided voters in their only debate? Emory College of Arts and Science Professor, Ed Lee III weighs in. Plus, we will hear how a local foundation is working on community preservation for the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood. And the Atlanta Medical Center was the local facility for incarcerated women to give birth. Now that it’s closing, what’s the new plan for those women. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: It is the first and only debate between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican challenger, Herschel Walker. The WABE politics team checks in from the debate site in Savannah. The Atlanta Jewish Foundation gave away nearly $55 million in grants to local organizations this year. Chief Foundation Officer, Jori Mendel explains who received them and why. And, the new documentary, “Rising Against Asian Hate” looks at the exponential increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans during the Covid pandemic and how it fueled the March 2021 mass shootings at three spas in Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Communities in Schools works to empower students to stay in school. CEO Frank Brown shares that a major focus now is to help students with learning loss due to the pandemic, stay on the academic track. And the November election is just weeks away. Campaign strategists,Fred Hicks and JulieAnne Thompson weigh in on how the candidates are making their final push to win over voters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: The ACLU of Georgia is calling on the city to reverse its decision to lease detention center space to Fulton County. Atlanta is waiting on a review before the lease takes effect.Achieve Atlanta received an $8 million donation from philanthropist, MacKenzie Scott for its work with Atlanta Public Schools students. And the Atlanta Citizen Review Board launches a new online portal for police accountability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Political scientist Yascha Mounk shares thoughts from his new book, "The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure." Leading Inclusively is the theme of Agnes Scott College’s Third Annual Women’s Global Leadership Conference. And historian Peniel Joseph explains why he believes the U.S. is bound for a Third Reconstruction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Cities in Fulton County are fighting to keep their share of local option sales tax revenue. Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis says compromise is the only way forward. Patients in Georgia and Florida were excluded when health insurance giant Aetna said it would no longer require pre-approval for cataract surgeries. Georgia eye doctors say the requirement is delaying necessary treatment for millions. And, Impact, a new online network is helping connect local crews to film productions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The history of racial violence against Black citizens and ties to last year’s January 6th Capital attack are explored in a new documentary, I,Too. NY Times best-selling author and Emory University professor of African American Studies, Carol Anderson joins Closer Look at the Atlanta-based Carter Center for a community discussion about racial violence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special edition of Closer Look: Working to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the various Latino communities in Georgia with the founder of the Latino Community Fund, Gigi Pedraza, and Dr. Roxana Chicas from Emory University.Also, hip-hop artist Victor Mariachi whose song Estamos Aqui (We’re here) was the theme for this year’s #EstamosAqui Fiesta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mayors of 15 cities in Fulton County are working together to keep their share of $3 billion in local option sales tax revenue, but the county is seeking a larger piece of the pie.And The U.S. Supreme Court’s new term will include arguments against Affirmative Action at two universities. Georgia State law professor Tanya Washington-Hicks dissects arguments on both sides.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: There’s more to consider with the closing of the Atlanta Medical Center than just the influx of additional patients for Grady Hospital. Dr. Anwar Osborne says it will impact disaster preparedness, major events in the city and the wellbeing of already strained medical professionals. And Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari talks about what might be next for the Atlanta Medical Center property, which is in her district. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: The connection between Atlanta’s past housing challenges and its current housing crisis explained by GSU urban studies professor Dan Immergluck.And homeowners and home buyers both want to know where home prices are headed. We'll get answers from an expert with Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Closer Look: Voting rights advocate, Gregory Moore explains how the nation’s past is tied to modern day challenges to voter suppression laws. Sustainable landscaping is on the rise. Jaime Rosenthal of Roots Down talks about how Dekalb libraries are modeling the practice. And a deep dive into the numbers in Georgia’s latest elections poll with demographer, Fred Hicks.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.