Closer Look with Rose Scott

The Georgia General Assembly's 2022 legislative session starts next week. WABE political reporters Rahul Bali and Sam Gringlas discuss several topics, including pre-filed bills and Governor Kemp's top priorities this session. Plus, the three men convicted of chasing and killing Ahmaud Arbery in Glynn County nearly two years ago were sentenced Friday. Gregory McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, were sentenced to life in prison without parole. Their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Rose talks with Hank Klibanoff, an Emory University professor, veteran journalist, and the host of the WABE podcast “Buried Truths,” which investigates the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, and Dr. Carol Anderson, an Emory University professor and author about the Arbery case and sentencing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly-elected South Fulton Mayor khalid kamau talks about his overall vision for the city and his first 100 days in office. Chris Joyner, an investigative reporter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Illya Davis, a Morehouse professor of philosophy and African American studies, discuss the state of democracy in the U.S. one year after the insurrection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVita Tuff, the policy director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, discusses several voter-related topics, including why Gwinnett County did not make the Census Bureau’s new list of jurisdictions that are now covered under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act.Claudette Leak, the spokesperson for Concerned Citizens in Opposition to Greenhaven, discusses why her group is in opposition to the DeKalb Cityhood Movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta City Councilor Amir Farokhi and Hope Wollensack, the executive director of the Georgia Resiliency and Opportunity (GRO) Fund, discuss “In Her Hands.”Plus, Dr. Robert Jansen, chief medical officer at Grady Memorial Hospital, discusses how the hospital is coping with the current surge of the omicron coronavirus variant happening across metro Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Zsakeba Henderson, the senior vice president and deputy chief medical and health officer for March Of Dimes, leading the Office of Maternal and Child Health Impact, discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has made the vaccine gap wider for children.Plus, Kristal Dixon, an award-winning journalist and co-author of the Axios Atlanta newsletter, and Dan Whisenhunt, the founder, publisher and editor of Decaturish.com, reflect on the top news stories that they covered in 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham discusses a  new $111 million development project coming to downtown East Point.Plus, Andy Miller, a veteran health care journalist and the interim southern bureau editor for Kaiser Health News, discusses why Gov. Brian Kemp is in support of doing away with the Affordable Healthcare Act’s enrollment platform, Healthcare.gov, and what this could mean for Georgians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People from across the nation are mourning the passing of former Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson. Rose talks with DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and longtime politics reporter and WABE host Denis O’Hayer about Isakson’s career in public service and his ongoing legacy.Plus, Dr. Rochelle Paula Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, discusses several coronavirus-related topics, including leading the nation’s top public health agency amid a global health crisis.Lastly, April Kuehnhoff, a staff attorney at National Consumer Law Center, discusses new changes to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) that allows debt collectors to contact consumers on social media.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soli Mercado-Spencer, a senior staff attorney for the Georgia Legal Services Program, discusses Operation Blooming Onion, a multi-year investigation into fraud, human smuggling and labor trafficking that took place at several farms across southern Georgia.National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888Georgia Legal Services Program: 1-800-537-7496, https://www.glsp.org/Plus, Atlanta City Planning Commissioner Tim Keane discusses the Love Our Places program and efforts to establish creative bike parking options for Atlanta cyclists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clyde Higgs, the president and CEO of the Atlanta BeltLine, discusses an affordable housing project that will establish more than 100 apartment units along the Atlanta BeltLine in Reynoldstown.Plus, Jennifer Ball, the vice president of the economic development and Planning at Central Atlanta Progress, discusses new funding that will be used toward ‘The Stitch.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emory University infectious disease expert Dr. Carlos Del Rio shares what scientists know—and are still learning—about the latest variant of the coronavirus and what it could mean for the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in the months to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mindy Seger, with the East Cobb Alliance, argues creating the new city of East Cobb will be bad for the community, creating a new level of government that won’t be able to preserve the same level of services without higher costs to residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Eloisa Klementich, the president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, discusses a $72.6 million project that will allow Invest Atlanta to establish 600 new affordable housing units in several Atlanta neighborhoods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Corcoran, the president of the Housing Development Corporation, discusses the critical need for affordable housing options for seniors in Georgia and Starnes Senior Residences, the city of Clarkston's very first affordable housing community for seniors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Smith, a professor in the practice of Finance at the Goizueta Business School, joins “Closer Look” to discuss the many factors that have contributed to rising prices in Atlanta and what’s to be expected in the new year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies, discusses the implications of former Senator David Perdue entering the race to become Georgia’s next governor.Plus, Rose talks with Mark C. McDonald, the president and CEO of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, discusses the 2022 "Places In Peril" list.Lastly, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston discusses her request to create the Firearm Violence Prevention Unit and a Digital Forensics Unit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Mayor-elect Andre Dickens reflects on his journey to victory, shares his vision for the city and discusses plans for his first 100 days in office.Plus, Hank Klibanoff, the host of the WABE podcast “Buried Truths,” reacts to the Justice Department's latest move to close its investigation into the killing of Emmett Till.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Kathryn Rice with the DeKalb Cityhood Movement talks about efforts to create the city of DeKalb and the ongoing challenges the cityhood movement has faced.Plus, Christmas is just weeks away. Rose checks in with Santa Dee to see how he’s fairing this holiday season amid the pandemic.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just days after her big announcement, Stacey Abrams talks with Rose about why she’s running to be Georgia’s next governor.Plus, Emory’s Dr. Andi Shane discusses COVID vaccination for children ages 5 and older.Lastly, Tammy Greer, an assistant professor of political science at Clark Atlanta University, shares her thoughts about third-party candidates now being allowed to collect fewer signatures to run for elected offices in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stacey Abrams announced Wednesday that she’s running to be the next governor of Georgia. Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, discusses what a possible rematch between Abrams and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp could look like. Plus, Rose talks with Craig Chapin about the East Cobb Cityhood and Matt Bowman, the owner of Tradition Trees in Little Five Points, about this year’s Christmas tree shortage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The results from Atlanta’s runoff elections are in. On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, Doug Shipman, Atlanta City Council president-elect, and Jason Dozier, Atlanta City Councilmember-elect, about the runoff races and what’s next for the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian M. Schmutte, an associate professor in the department of Economics Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, discusses the Great Resignation and what it means for the economy and employers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelby Buso, the chief sustainability officer for the city of Atlanta, discusses the Solar Atlanta Program and how the new initiative will help the city combat climate change. Plus, Major Jake King of the Marietta Police Department talks about launching the Jiu-Jitsu training program at the department and how the martial arts training is expected to help reduce use-of-force injuries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday afternoon, on the second day of deliberations, a Glynn County jury found all three men accused of killing Ahmaud Arbery guilty of murder. Travis McMichael, who shot Arbery on Feb.23,220, was found guilty on all nine counts. His father, Gregory McMichael, was found guilty on eight counts. The McMichael’s neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, who captured Arbery murder on video, was found guilty on 6 counts. All three men face minimum sentences of life in prison.On Wednesday’s edition of the “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott has reaction from the courthouse and state and local leaders. Scott also talks with Hank Klibanoff, an Emory University professor, veteran journalist, and the host of the WABE podcast “Buried Truths,” which investigates the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, about the verdict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard, the president and CEO of MUST Ministries, discusses the nonprofits’ response amid the pandemic and how MUST is helping individuals and families this holiday season. Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, discusses Atlanta’s upcoming mayoral runoff, election polls and a new congressional map recently approved by the Georgia General Assembly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Gobeil, the director of communications and public affairs for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, talks about the airport’s ongoing response amid the pandemic and how the airport is gearing up for holiday travel. Kaitlin Goode, the urban wildlife program manager for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, talks about the increase of coyote sightings in multiple Atlanta neighborhoods and what residents should do if they spot one in their community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Carol Collard, the CEO of Caring Works, discusses how her organization is working to combat homelessness for veterans in metro Atlanta. Plus, Navy veteran Dr. Amy Stevens talks about the goals of the Facebook group Georgia Military Women.Lastly, Vietnam veteran Clarence “Clyde” Romero Jr. and Colin P. Cahoon, the author of “Mended Wings: The Vietnam War Experience Through the Eyes of Ten American Purple Heart Helicopter Pilots,” talk about what Veterans Day means to them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dani Ayers, the CEO of me too. International, discusses the progress of the #MeToo movement since it went viral in October of 2017 and what’s next for the movement going forward. Plus, Killer Mike, a Grammy Award-winning rapper, actor, activist and entrepreneur, is now hosting a television show series that’s airing on ATL PBA. Mike talks with Rose about several topics, including his latest endeavor as the host of “Love & Respect with Killer Mike.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE host Denis O’Hayer and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond reflect on the life and legacy of former U.S. senator and VA leader Max Cleland.Plus, Sonja R. West, a law professor at the University of Georgia, discusses high-profile cases that the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear this term. Lastly, Dr. Calinda Lee, the head of programs and exhibitions at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, talks about the Center’s work to educate others about the history of prison labor through a planned memorial at the Bellwood Quarry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman Hank Johnson discusses Biden’s infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better framework will expand public transportation in South DeKalb. Plus, Michael Eric Dyson dives into a candid conversation about race, racism and his latest book, “ENTERTAINING RACE: Performing Blackness in America.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data that reveals people with compromised immune systems benefit from getting COVID-19 booster shots. Sam Whitehead, a WABE health reporter and host of the podcast "Did You Wash Your Hands?,” discusses the latest report. Whitehead also shares his thoughts about covering the pandemic for the last 20 months and his new career chapter with “Closer Look.” Plus, officials say at least 1 million people are expected to line the streets of metro Atlanta on Friday to honor the 2021 World Series champions. Rose checks with Craig Cohen, the executive producer and host of “Houston Matters.” Cohen shares a congratulatory message for WABE and Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia lawmakers are holding a special session now to redraw Georgia’s congressional and legislative districts. Christopher Bruce, the political director of the ACLU of Georgia, talks about what this means for Georgia voters.Plus, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott checks in with British Consul General Andrew Staunton to discuss the COP 26 summit.Lastly, Ceci Aaron, the daughter of Billie and the late Hank Aaron, reflects on the Atlanta Braves winning the World Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One day after Georgia voters took to the polls to vote for several municipal and county elections, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with several candidates headed for runoffs. Guests include Atlanta City Councilmember Andre Dickens, Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks, political newcomer Doug Shipman and current and longtime councilmember Natalyn Archibong.Plus, WABE reporter Emil Moffatt discusses the Atlanta Braves' journey to victory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Lauren Tucker, the CEO and founder of Do What Matters, a management consultancy created to make diversity and inclusion actionable and sustainable in the workplace, discusses how women remain underrepresented in management and how the pandemic has added new levels of stress and lack of recognition for working women. Plus, Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks discusses pre-election polls and whether they influence voting behavior. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Thursday’s edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," Rose talks with several guests about screening, the emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathryn Lawler, the executive director of the Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement, then discusses efforts to improve housing options for Georgians struggling with chronic health conditions.Jana Lynott, an AARP Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, explains why Georgia is rivaling Florida as a destination spot for retirees. Lastly, Rose talks with Craig Cohen, the executive producer and host of “Houston Matters,” about the World Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the At Promise Center are partnering together to host a youth job fair. Ebony White, the program manager and youth and young adult services at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, talks more about the job fair and the state of unemployment amid the pandemic. Plus, Southern Poverty Law Center CEO Margaret Huang discusses taking on her new role amid the pandemic and plans to build a new regional, community-focused headquarters in Atlanta.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rashida Winfrey, a minority small business consultant with JPMorgan Chase and Dale Royal, the executive director of LISC Atlanta, discuss new efforts to support diverse and minority-owned businesses.Plus, GBH News investigative reporter Phillip Martin discusses his latest feature that explores how Black Atlantans view Boston. The article also seeks to explain to and educator readers about deep-rooted racism in Boston and its influence on politics.                                                                                                              Lastly, all eyes are on Atlanta. WABE reporter Emil Moffatt discusses the Atlanta Braves’ historic win over the L.A. Dodgers and what’s next for the baseball team as they prepare to take on the Houston Astros in the 2021 World Series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Larry Coty, a math professor at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College, admitted to sharing neo-Nazi and racist propaganda online. Rachel Janik, the editor of the Intelligence Project Southern Poverty Law Center, discusses her organization’s report and what’s next for the professor.  Plus, Kathy Stokes, the director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP and the leader of AARP Fraud Watch Network, discusses combating robocalls and new rules adopted by the Federal Communication Commission for phone service providers to follow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin McGuire, the recently named executive director of the Grove Foundation, discusses his vision for the historic neighborhood and the importance of working with local partners to continue to create a healthy, equitable and vibrant community for legacy and incoming residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Siegel, a telecommunications industry veteran and the Advanced Technology Development Center's 5G Connected Future program catalyst, discusses the goals of the 5G Connected Future incubator program and how technology startups can apply. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulton County Registration & Elections Director Richard Barron discusses early voting and the recent firing of two employees accused of shredding 300 paper voter registration applications.Plus, Dr. Lauren McCullough, a breast cancer epidemiologist and assistant professor at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, discusses her research that focuses on why Black women in Atlanta, who have breast cancer, have worst health outcomes than their white counterparts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

District 2 Atlanta City Councilmember Amir Farokhi discusses proposed legislation that would close a stretch of Peachtree Street on Sundays to drivers and open up the road for people to bike, walk and skate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger discusses his decision to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Fulton County elections following the recent firing of two employees who are accused of shredding 300 voter applications. Plus, Brittney Lindsay, Chamblee’s community engagement manager, shares how the Chamblee Nonprofit Partnership Program will strengthen and empower local nonprofits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khadijah Abdur-Rahman, the Fulton County Commissioner for District 6, responds to Fulton County Elections Director Richard Barron's latest move to fire two employees who are accused of shredding 300 paper voter registration applications.Plus, in a series of conversations, Rose interviewed candidates running to be the next Atlanta City Council president. We air condensed versions of Rose’s conversations with Natalyn Archibong, Courtney English, Sam Manuel, Mike Russell and Doug Shipman. The candidates discuss how they will address affordable housing, crime and homelessness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the pandemic, now hiring signs are everywhere. Paedia Mixon from New American Pathways discusses new efforts to help Afghan resettled refugees and local residents to find jobs at the Tucker “Back to Work” Job Fair.Plus, the longest international border in the world between two countries is now back open. Canada’s acting Consul General Louise Blais discusses new restrictions at the U.S.-Canada border and how the border reopening will impact international trade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the heels of World Mental Health Day, Dr. Kashef Ijaz, the vice president for Health Programs at The Carter Center, discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health amid the pandemic.Plus, Partners for Home and the Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD) recently held an Atlanta mayoral candidate forum to discuss how each candidate plans to address homelessness in Atlanta. Rose moderated the discussion. We will air a condensed version of the “Responding to Homelessness: Critical Choices for Atlanta’s Next Mayor” forum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Paskoff, the president and CEO of the training company ELI, discusses how the push for more diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace can either drive results or resistance. Sam Manuel, an industrial worker and member of the Socialist Workers Party, shares why he’s running to be the next Atlanta City Council president.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Biden administration is pushing for employers with more than 100 employees to require mandatory vaccination or COVID testing. Ed Buckley, a managing partner and one of the founding partners of Buckley Beal LLP, a law firm that focuses on employment and business law, discusses the proposed mandate and employee rights.Plus, Stacey D. Stewart, the president and CEO of March of Dimes, discusses the importance of pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding to take the COVID-19 vaccine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pfizer recently announced its pediatric vaccine trials results. Dr. Andi Shane, an Atlanta-based pediatric infectious disease expert, discusses the results and the next steps for the pharmaceutical company.Plus, longtime lawyer and educator Anita Hill discusses her book, “Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime Democrat Cathy Woolard reflects on her career path and her new appointment as chair of the Fulton County Board of Registrations and Elections.Plus, amid the pandemic, we are entering flu season. Morehouse School of Medicine’s Dr. Michelle Nichols discusses the importance of getting vaccinated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.