Closer Look with Rose Scott

On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts talked with host Rose Scott about the timeline of events around the FBI raid and seizure of the county’s election records. He also shared his thoughts about the unsealed warrant affidavit used by the FBI, which supports already disproven claims of election fraud in Fulton County.   We also learn about how the newly formed Georgia chapter of a faith-led group is pushing back against Christian nationalism. Christians Against Christian Nationalism are among those evangelicals who are becoming more outspoken and denouncing the beliefs, which often includes underlying racism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sale is complete for a Walton County, Ga. industrial warehouse that will become a new detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Local officials confirmed the purchase of the rural warehouse, located approximately 40 miles east of Atlanta. But Social Circle city officials say they’re against it, and Gareth Fenley, a local organizer with Indivisible Boldly Blue, shares on “Closer Look” how she plans to fight it.   Plus, Atlanta area hospitals say their staff and resources are ready to respond to the 300,000 FIFA World Cup visitors expected here this summer. Preparations have been ongoing for months in advance, including a training simulation involving two patients who entered the U.S. with an infectious disease. Doctors from Grady Hospital, Piedmont Hospital and the Emory University School of Medicine join the program to discuss their plan to keep residents and visitors healthy during the games.   Then, a new ProPublica report is linking a conservative researcher to the seizure of Fulton County’s election records. The author tells us about Kevin Moncla, who has long accused Fulton County of election fraud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 11,000 children and teens are in Georgia's foster care system. Data also reveals more than 500 youth transition out of the foster care system, many needing assistance, housing, and resources as they adjust to adulthood. Allison Ashe, the CEO and president of Wellroot Family Services, talks with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott about the work of Wellroot and the expansion of their newly renovated apartment community, The Oaks. She also discussed details about Wellroot's 2026 Reaching Teens Summit, slated for February 26-27 at the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Center.   Plus, a long list of Republicans and Democrats is vying for Georgia’s top elected office, and we are months away from the gubernatorial primary. In an effort to run an effective campaign, candidates spend money on advertisements, canvassing, and more. We hear from Atlanta-based political strategist Fred Hicks, who says people vote with their dollars. Hicks broke down campaign spending and fundraising, as well as how much money each candidate has raised so far, and the three measures used to track a candidate’s overall campaign dollars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While leaders like Malcolm X became symbols of the Black nationalist movement, a new book is celebrating the life and work of a lesser-known icon. Dr. Ashley Farmer tells that story in her new book, “Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore.”   Then, the Reverend and Georgia State Senator Kim Jackson joins “Closer Look with Rose Scott” for a conversation about the three bills she’s backing to locally prevent the aggressive immigration tactics the world has witnessed in Minnesota. The measures would require agents wear identification and prohibit face coverings and masks, require a legitimate warrant for an arrest, and allow people who feel their rights have been violated to sue ICE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With only a few weeks left to his time in office, Dr. Raphael Bostic reflects on his time as the 15th president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. In front of a live “Closer Look” audience, Bostic shared what it took to oversee the economic wellbeing of all or most of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana – a region that is far from a monolith. Speaking with host Rose Scott, he dispels any suspicion that he’s leaving because of the Trump Administration’s economic policies, evaluates whether he accomplished what he came to office to do, discusses how the bank addresses economic disparities, and shares what a happy retirement looks like to him. Bostic also took questions from the live audience, which included business school students from Emory University.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look,” first, we hear from WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali. He discusses the latest political news in Georgia, including Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk’s decision not to run for reelection, what it could mean for Democrats in Georgia, as well as how it could impact the midterm elections. He also talks more about the 2026 Georgia Amended Fiscal Year Budget and several bills he’s following, including Senate Bill 433, that would allow Georgia drivers to have specialty license plates to inform law enforcement officers that someone in the car has a developmental disability.  Plus, as part of “Closer Look’s” extended coverage following National School Choice Week, we hear from Bonnie Holliday, the president and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. She discusses school choice and her organization’s work to support Georgia charter schools. Lastly, for decades, the Atlanta-based Carter Center has monitored elections across the world. But as President Donald Trump continues to call for greater federal control in elections, The Carter Center is keeping an eye on potential election interference for this year’s midterms in the U.S. We hear from Paige Alexander, the CEO of The Carter Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have arisen about transparency when it comes to city leaders and light rail for the Eastside Atlanta Beltline. This, after a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution article revealed an alleged secret vote stopped work on the $800 Million project. According to AJC Transportation Reporter Sara Gregory, even city council members were surprised to learn about the vote. Was the public truly left in the dark? The issue is debated on Wednesday’s “Closer Look” with light rail advocate Matthew Rao, the Chairperson for BeltLine Rail Now and opponent Dr. Hans Klein, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Georgia Tech and President of the Board of Directors for Better Atlanta Transit.   TheDream.US is now accepting applications for a scholarship to benefit students regardless of their immigration status. On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” DACA recipient Indira Islas and Hyein Lee, the COO of TheDream.US shared the application process and how it has benefited students who migrated to the U.S. Plus, they reflect on the ongoing immigration raids happening under the Trump administration and how some TheDream.US scholarship recipients have been detained and deported.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we focus on immigration from a policy perspective. First, we speak to U.S. Corporate Immigration Attorney Giselle Carson. She discusses President Trump’s sudden immigration ban on 75 countries, consisting of applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Balkans, and several countries in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Attorney Carson also provides her perspective on a recently filed lawsuit against the immigration ban.  The conversation continues with Adriana Heffley, the Director of Legal Services for the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network. Heffley highlights how some of the asylum seekers she works with have been detained by Immigration agents. She also mentions how actions by ICE have scared some immigrants into hiding and not seeking help for issues such as domestic violence. We learn what GAIN is attempting to do to protect immigrants and those seeking asylum in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s "Closer Look," host Rose Scott spoke to Brian King, the Executive Vice President for U.S. Programs with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. He claims Georgia is not allocating allotted funds towards preventing tobacco use in the state. He also says, with the second lowest tobacco tax in the nation, Georgia is minimizing its effort to stop kids and adults from smoking. He said these taxpayer-funded programs could reduce health care costs for consumers and generate millions of dollars in revenue.  Then, a conversation with Stuart Jefferies, a Georgia State University professor of physics and astronomy. Along with his students, they’re teaming up with international space scientists to explore the universe for signs of life on other planets. Right now, they’re constructing the tool that will help them do it, the ExoPlanet Life Finder. The telescope will be able to study other star systems from 30 million light years away. That’s 176,358,761,195,508,231,926 miles from our blue planet.   We also revisit an interview with NASA Captain Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr. He spoke with “Closer Look” about his expected historic voyage around the moon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we remember scholar, trailblazer, civil rights activist, mentor, revolutionary, colleague, shero - Dr. Gloria Wade-Gayles. Playwright and poet Pearl Cleage and Marla Frederick, Spelman alumna and Dean of the Harvard Divinity School, join the program to share how the beloved professor influenced her students and highlighted the experiences of Black Women in American culture. Also, sometimes the best option for your child’s education might be right around the corner from your home and you wouldn’t even know it. That’s where GeorgiaCAN steps him. We speak to a parent and two officials from GeorgiaCAN about how they’re connecting families with the best education options for children. They also tell us about the upcoming 2026 Atlanta School Choice Expo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donovan Head, who serves as the executive director of the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, is clearing up some misconceptions about charter schools, as he sees it. He says charter schools are free, public schools that are required to adhere to federal and state educational standards. He joined “Closer Look” to explain the process of how charter schools are developed. Show host Rose Scott was also joined by Dr. Jameson Brewer from the University of North Georgia and Dr. Carrie Sampson, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University. They shared their critiques of the current charter school system and offered ways it could further benefit students and their families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian and researcher Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado has developed a theorem she describes as a starting point for translating the harm of slavery into monetary value.  Sims-Alvarado, an assistant professor of Africana Studies and the Director of Public History and the chair of the Fulton County Reparations Task Force, plus Dr. Amanda Meng, the secretary of the task force and a Georgia Tech professor, led the research effort that culminated in a 650-page Harm Report. The professors discussed their findings in detail on today's "Closer Look with Rose Scott."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Friday through Monday, the storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, is expected to impact millions of people across the U.S. in more than 30 states, including Georgia. To prepare, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Georgia on Thursday morning. On today’s “Closer Look,” we speak with local officials about how they’re bracing the state for the storm. Also on today’s show, an official with the ACLU of Louisiana says agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement endangered the life of a pregnant woman who was deported to Colombia while allegedly in medical distress. Nora Ahmed, the Legal Director at the ACLU of Louisiana, tells Host Rose Scott about 21-year-old Daniela Buitrago, who came to the U.S. in November 2025 with her family, to flee persecution in Colombia. However, she was just flown back to her home country from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, while reportedly experiencing severe pain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” an open records request by Atlanta Journal-Constitution Transportation Reporter Sara Gregory revealed a “secret vote” that was not known to the public and members of the Atlanta City Council. What she discovered was a May 2025 vote by officials from MARTA, Atlanta Beltline, Inc., and the City of Atlanta to halt light rail construction on Atlanta's Eastside Beltline. Gregory joins the show to share how she learned of the vote.  Also on the program, we’re joined by the new mayor of South Fulton, Carmalitha Gumbs. She shares her priorities for the first year of her administration, which includes economic development and searching for a new police chief.  Finally, we speak with the leaders of Food Well Alliance, a nonprofit that helps connect local growers with area communities, to support them socially, economically, and environmentally. Executive Director Kate Conner and Sarah Brown, Senior Manager of Policy and Planning join the program to share the latest local Food System Plan award recipients.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a new chapter for Peter Hubbard, one of two Democrats elected to Georgia’s Public Service Commission, flipping long-held Republican seats. A longtime clean-energy advocate, Hubbard told “Closer Look” host Rose Scott he’s committed to working across political lines. He’s also closely watching the rapid growth of data centers in Georgia, questioning their true economic benefits, workforce impact, and tax incentives. He then raised concerns about their strain on energy infrastructure, noise pollution, e-waste, and the higher costs often passed on to residential customers. For weeks, immigration agents with the Department of Homeland Security have confronted communities in Minnesota - resulting in arrests, school closures, injuries, and the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Good. The State of Minnesota, along with the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis recently announced a lawsuit against DHS for its actions. On today’s “Closer Look,” Anthony Michael Kreis, associate professor of law at Georgia State University, provides his legal analysis about what hurdles the lawsuit might face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday marks what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 97th birthday. Ahead of the federal holiday, as various events get underway and people around the world are commemorating the life and legacy of the civil rights giant, President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota. This comes as ongoing protests continue after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good last week, and another federal agent shot a Venezuelan man in the leg on Wednesday.  Today’s program connects King’s moral leadership ideology to the current state of American politics. First, we revisit “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott’s interview with Dr. Robert Michael Franklin Jr., an author, theologian and Emory University’s James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership. During the discussion, Professor Franklin reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. King, specifically his efforts to lead with courage, nonviolence and integrity. He also explains how King used his influence to inspire others to be moral leaders. We then hear from Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock. He discusses the ongoing protests happening in Minneapolis. He also reflects on Dr. King’s life and legacy and the intersection of moral leadership and politics. Warnock then talked about the importance of combating the fear and despair that he says the Trump administration is intentionally trying to spread.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from Georgia State University reveals more than 4,600 people, 1,635 children in DeKalb County are without stable housing—many living in extended-stay hotels and paying more than average rental costs. The release of the study comes as Governor Brian Kemp announced a $50 million initiative addressing homelessness in Georgia. For a special themed show focusing on homelessness in DeKalb County, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talked with co-leaders from Georgia State University’s Center on Health and Homelessness, who co-authored the study. Scott then talked with leaders of two local organizations working to address homelessness in DeKalb County. Guests included: Shannon Self-Brown, a distinguished university professor in the School of Public Health April Ballard, an assistant professor in the School of Public Health Greg White, the executive director of A Home for Everyone in DeKalb Andrea Brantley, the executive director of Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb Wanda Hunter, the program manager for Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb Lastly, civil rights activist Claudette Colvin has died. She died on Tuesday at the age of 86. At the age of 15, back on  March 2, 1955, Colvin was arrested and charged for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated public bus to a white person, despite already being seated in the back of the bus, in the area designated for Black people. Ashley Roseboro of the Claudette Colvin Foundation talks more about Colvin’s life and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration says it is actively working to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education. If passed by Congress, the measure would shrink federal oversight and give more control to the states. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Erika Mitchell, the former board chair of the Atlanta Board of Education. Mitchell discusses the current state of K-12 public education in the U.S. and shares the achievements and remaining challenges for urban school districts. Plus, it’s day two of the 2026 Georgia legislative session. State Senator Sonya Halpern joins the program to discuss the latest happenings at the state capitol, bills she's backing and those she's not. She also discusses some of the other legislative priorities for Georgia’s Senate Democrats. President Trump signed the "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" executive order last year, calling for the removal of “improper," "divisive or anti-American ideology" from federally funded establishments, such as the Smithsonian Institution. Tuesday is the deadline for the museum to provide documents about current and upcoming exhibitions and events, which could put its $1 billion budget at risk. Karen Comer Lowe, a curator, cultural strategist, and art advisor, shares her thoughts about how this effort undermines scholarly independence, artistic and curatorial freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is spearheading an initiative to help support small businesses within the corridor’s overlay in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. We hear from Natalie Jones, the Atlanta Beltline project manager for the Business Solutions Office, Anthony Pope, the co-founder and design principal of Atelier 7 Architects, and Latrice Rochelle and Xavier John of PARLAY Savory Saloon. They discussed strategies for vendors and small businesses to reap revenue from the influx of visitors when the world’s largest sporting event comes to Georgia. Across the eight games Atlanta will host, an estimated range between $500 million to more than $1 billion is expected to be pumped into the Atlanta area’s economy. They also shared details about what other small business owners can do to ready their businesses for the surge in World Cup visitors, including applying for the Beltline Business Ventures accelerator program.  Plus, Marci Collier Overstreet is the 10th Atlanta City Council President. The longtime elected official campaigned on leading Atlanta forward. Now, one week into her four-year term, Overstreet returns to “Closer Look” to talk more about how her tenure as a city council member, representing District 11 in Southwest Atlanta, prepared her to take on the role of council president. President Overstreet also discussed her leadership style and plans to work collaboratively with fellow council members, ensuring that economic development projects include binding community benefits. Overstreet also explained why she had to recede her initial committee appointments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 20th will mark President Donald Trump’s first full year back in office. So far, Trump’s second term has been marked by the dismantling of several federal agencies, spending cuts, layoffs and an aggressive crackdown carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Just days ago, under the direction of President Trump, the U.S. military carried out a series of air strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. For Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott asked listeners to share their thoughts about the direction of the nation following Trump’s return to the White House. For the discussion, Scott was joined by WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali, Tammy Greer, a politics and policy clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University, and Cathy Woolard, a longtime Democratic leader, former Atlanta City Council president and former board chair of the Fulton County Elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FBI is now investigating the shooting death of a woman in South Minneapolis. On Wednesday, following an immigration enforcement operation, an ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old mother Renee Good while she was in her car. The situation has sparked national outrage and ongoing protests in Minnesota's Twin Cities. MPR News correspondent Matt Sepic joins “Closer Look” to discuss the latest in the ongoing investigation. Plus, fallout continues over President Donald Trump’s military action over Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela and current President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta.    Charles Shapiro shares his thoughts on the unfolding situation and questions the Trump Administration’s motives for taking military action against Venezuela. He also shares his thoughts about the next era of leadership in the country.    Lastly, Michael J. Moore, a former United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia and former member of the Georgia State Senate, talks about the deadly Minnesota shooting, the duties and responsibilities of ICE agents and possible legal consequences for the ICE agent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research shows coordinated efforts and collective action—among school systems, child welfare agencies, policymakers, and community partners—can significantly improve outcomes for children and youth in foster care. In Georgia, as of May 2025, more than 11,300 children were in foster care, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services. The work of the nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates, also known as Atlanta CASA, centers on helping children and young people in need. The organization supports abused and neglected children involved in the juvenile court system in Fulton County by recruiting and training volunteers to be advocates for them. On Wednesday’s edition of  “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talked with Atlanta CASA's chief executive officer, Domonique Cooper, and Angela Owens, a recruiter and community engagement specialist for the organization. They talked more about CASA’s mission, its impact, and the urgent need for more volunteer advocates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States military has carried out a series of air strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The Trump administration has announced plans for U.S. companies to take over oil production with military support and Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Maduro and his wife have both pleaded not guilty. Laurie Blank, a clinical professor of law and director of the International Humanitarian Law Clinic at Emory University, gives an analysis of the unfolding situation, the charges against Maduro and Flores, and the legal context of prosecuting them in U.S. federal court.   Also, flu activity continues to rise in Georgia and across the nation. Public health experts are linking many of the cases to a new strain known as Subclade K, also known as the so-called "super flu" — a mutation of influenza A, H3N2. Dr. Jodie Guest, a professor and senior vice chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, talks more about the new strain and what Georgians can do to protect themselves and their households.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, WABE’s politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look” to preview the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session. As the legislative session gets underway on Jan.12, Bali joins us live from the Georgia State University Convocation Center to discuss what we can expect regarding the state budget and the effects of federal funding cuts, plus breaking news regarding two state lawmakers.   Also, one of the major issues local advocates want state lawmakers to address during the legislative session is the addiction epidemic in Georgia. In November 2025, the FBI seized more than 46 pounds of fentanyl in Georgia – enough to kill the state's entire population. The overdose death rate in Georgia has increased by 79% since 2018. Cammie Wolf Rice lost her son to opioid misuse and her brother to Fentanyl, and she is now the founder of the Christopher Wolf Crusade Alliance. Rice and Jeff Breedlove, the CEO of the American Addiction Recovery Association, talk with program host Rose Scott about their hopes for lawmakers to address the drug and addiction crisis in Georgia during the legislative session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The operators of Mary Mac's Tea Room can’t imagine Atlanta without the iconic eatery. The Midtown Atlanta staple is known for its origin story, as well as its classic Southern dishes, like fried chicken and collard greens. It’s a sought-after gathering place for Georgians as well as tourists, celebrities, and political dignitaries visiting from all over the world. The legendary diner has also made multiple appearances in television shows and films.  It first opened in 1945, featuring a single dining room that accommodated up to 60 people. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott and the team visited the restaurant named by the State of Georgia as “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” as it celebrates 80 years of service. We hear from longtime employee Marion Mims and Mary Mac’s Chad Reynolds, and general manager Tina Rayner-Leftwich. They reflect on centering the staff, delivering top-notch customer service, the history of the restaurant, operating amid the pandemic, plus navigating and renovating after a roof collapse. Plus, the holiday season is underway. WABE’s H. Johnson narrates  “A Christmas Carol.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been quite a year in politics. President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House with a flurry of executive orders. These actions included efforts to shrink several federal agencies, resulting in funding cuts and massive layoffs. The year was plagued by ongoing political conflict, an aggressive, nationwide crackdown on immigration and the longest federal government shutdown in history. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with several guests for a recap of politics in 2025, from the federal to the local level of government. Guests included: GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer Atlanta-based political strategist Fred Hicks Atlanta Civic Circle political reporter Alessandro SassoonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transportation advocates with Propel ATL return to “Closer Look” with their latest report, which reveals deaths from vehicular crashes outpaced homicides in metro Atlanta in 2024. Propel ATL Executive Director Rebecca Serna joins the program to detail the data in "The Human Cost of Mobility". We’re also joined by a local daughter who lost her father in a still unresolved, deadly hit-and-run crash.   Plus, it was a year of Kendrick Lamar shading Drake at the Super Bowl, Beyoncé hosting a ho-down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Cowboy Carter Tour, and some Swifties giving mixed reviews of Taylor Swift’s latest album. We hear from music journalist and author Quentin Harrison.  He discusses some of the best songs that defined 2025, and we hear the “Closer Look”  team’s favorite albums of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the national immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, family members of an Atlanta-area rapper have decided to self-deport. We hear from Victor Marachi. He shares how the unfolding situation is affecting his artistic work and upcoming album.   Plus, a history-making move is coming for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After 157 years, the AJC is ending its print edition while expanding its digital footprint—including its mobile app, newsletters, podcasts, and more. Leroy Chapman Jr., the editor-in-chief of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, discusses the past, present, and future of the publication and the evolving local news media landscapeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Closer Look” team closes out 2025’s series of live coffee shop broadcasts with Coffee & Cocoa Conversations at Sidecar Coffee in Chamblee, Georgia. In a year that saw hardships for many communities, program host Rose Scott focuses on the people who make it their job to bring joy - Santa Rick & Mrs. Claus, Santa D. Sinclair, and Santa Bradley with the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. Hosting this festive event is Leigh Heymann, the co-owner of Sidecar Coffee. We also hear what the “Closer Look” crowd is asking Santa to bring them this holiday, and the Santas & Mrs. Claus rate some contestants’ best Ho-Ho-Ho!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oglethorpe University and The King Center are partnering to teach Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s way of leadership – centering nonviolence, civic responsibility, courage and compassion. Under their new partnership agreement, four selected Oglethorpe students will participate in The King Center Scholars Program and receive The King Center's Nonviolence365 training. We hear from Oglethorpe University’s Dr. Kendra King Momon, a politics professor and the associate provost of academic affairs, and Dr. Gabriel Barreneche, a provost and vice president for academic affairs. They discuss details about the partnership that allows students to learn more about Dr. King’s principles. Plus, data from the National Alliance for Caregiving reveals 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. are caregivers. Along with caring for a loved one, many caregivers are juggling careers and other responsibilities. It’s something Chanel T. Rowe, an Atlanta-based attorney and caregiving advocate, understands. Since 2019, she’s been navigating the many experiences that come with being a caregiver. Rowe talks with program host Rose Scott about her journey and the hope and inspiration she wants readers to gain from her new book, “Finding Balance: A Devotional to Help Caregivers Move from Suffering to Strength.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation, high costs, and economic uncertainty have Georgians rethinking how far they plan to spend and stretch their dollar in 2026. For Feedback Friday for a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott opened the phone lines to hear from callers. They discussed their spending habits in 2025 and candidly shared their concerns for how they plan to navigate their spending in the new year. We also hear from WABE contributor Tom Smith, an associate professor in the practice of finance at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, and Roger Tutterow, a professor of economics at Kennesaw State University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real Estate Developer Booker T. Washington is teaming up with Rapper Killer Mike to bring affordable housing to their hometown of Atlanta. There remains a wide gap between the number of Black and White homeowners in the U.S., and the pair are working to make homeownership more attainable for the Black community with their micro-home concept. So far, they’ve produced $60 million in real estate developments in the Atlanta area. Now, Washington joins “Closer Look with Rose Scott” to discuss their new $13 million project, give his insight on the housing market, and share his long term strategy for making housing more accessible and affordable.   We also revisit another unique affordable home project. Shipping containers travel all over the world and are constantly reused for transporting goods. Wanona Satcher, the CEO and founder of Mākhers Studio, sees even more potential in the durable, steel boxes. Back in February, Satcher gave the “Closer Look” team a tour of her East Point warehouse, and shared her vision for turning shipping containers into affordable housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

December 10th marks the 77th Anniversary of World Human Rights Day. CARE USA President and CEO Michelle Nunn says 91,000,000 lives have been saved internationally in the last 20 years as a result of U.S. humanitarian aid. She added that less than a fraction of a penny is invested from every U.S. tax dollar. Those are the numbers Nunn wants the public to be aware of as the Trump Administration makes deep cuts to foreign aid programs, despite over one-billion people living in extreme poverty around the world. She says CARE USA had to reduce their operating budget by $300 Million this year to make up for the financial shortfall. Nunn also mentioned they’ve had to pull back on some of their outreach to areas experiencing crises, like Haiti. Nunn joined “Closer Look with Rose Scott” today to explain the impact of these investments, why they also matter to U.S. economic and national security, the pivotal part Georgia plays in global development and international aid, and how organizations like CARE USA are finding new ways to support communities abroad. Show host Rose Scott also shares a segment of her 2013 journey to Jordan where CARE assisted Syrian refugees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1994, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund has distributed nearly $93 billion to individuals, organizations, and businesses in under-resourced communities through credit unions. However, the fund has faced growing uncertainty under the Trump administration, including layoffs that were reversed after the government shutdown and stalled funding. Sydney Seral, the chief advocacy officer at the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, talks with program host Rose Scott about the ongoing impact on Georgia and the risk credit unions and their communities could still face. Plus, as Atlanta prepares for an influx of people for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Play Fair ATL is working to make sure the human rights of workers, immigrants, and the city’s unhoused population are protected. We hear from the coalition’s director, Michael Collins. He shares more about what Play Fair ATL is doing to make sure people will not be displaced by this mass event, that’s been described as multiple Super Bowls at once.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Race relations and health equity are among the pressing social issues being discussed at Thriving Together Atlanta’s Equitable Dinners series. Since January 2020, more than 12,000 people from across the metro Atlanta area have gathered for challenging conversations over a hot meal, with a side of performance art. Program Manager Adria Kitchens joins “Closer Look” to talk more about the origin and impact of the Equitable Dinners series. According to an Atlanta-area broker, the metro area has seen a negative net migration - meaning more people are moving out than moving in. That’s in addition to new data that says Atlanta is now among 39 metro areas that recently flipped from being an affordable place to buy a home to being a place where it’s now cheaper to rent. Scott Pratt, a real estate broker and owner of Pratt & Associates Realty, talks more about the housing market, the Trump administration’s proposed 50-year mortgage plan and explains why he still encourages people to become homeowners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Clark Davis is an associate professor of U.S. history at the University of Baltimore. He spent eight years researching, combing through police and civil rights activists' records, as well as news reports, to piece together acts of police violence and surveillance during the Civil Rights Movement. His research is now detailed in his new book, “Police Against the Movement: The Sabotage of the Civil Rights Struggle and the Activists Who Fought Back.” On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,”  Davis joined the program to talk more about his findings and what he wants readers to walk away with after reading it. Plus, engineering students, in their junior year, at Kennesaw State University will take part in a two-year study that will align classroom learning with the needs of modern industry. The students will use the story circles methodology, which is commonly used in group settings and encourages techniques like active listening, two-way dialogues, and reflection. We hear from Kennesaw State University researcher Awatef Ergai and Shane Peterson, associate professor of German, who secured a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to launch the study.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman says Atlanta is better now than it was four years ago. Shipman, a longtime nonprofit leader, was a political newcomer when elected in November 2021. He campaigned on building a better Atlanta. On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” he joined the program to reflect on his tenure as the leader of the city’s chief policy-making body, discussing everything from having bi-weekly meetings with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, to streamlining basic city services, to changes at MARTA, and boosting recruiting and retaining the city’s emergency response personnel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday marks WORLD AIDS Day. However, for the first time since 1988, the federal government is not commemorating WORLD AIDS Day.  Since 2003, under the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative, the federal government has invested more than $100 billion in responding to the #HIV/AIDS epidemic and set a collaborative goal of ending the epidemic by 2030. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott examines how funding cuts and international program suspensions under the Trump administration could be devastating to the decades of progress. Scott talks with Dr. Barbara Marston, an infectious diseases physician who retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Dr. Michelle Montandon, a public health physician who previously worked for the CDC, most recently for PEPFAR. Plus, later in the program, Scott revisits conversations with Tammy Kinney, the founder of Rural Women in Action and an HIV-AIDS activist, who was diagnosed with HIV in October 1987, and famed Atlanta-based photographer Billy Howard, who recounts stories from some of the dying AIDS patients he photographed in the 1980s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People across the country are preparing for friends and family to gather around the Thanksgiving dinner table. But data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that the holidays are not always joyful — they can be triggering for some. Food and conversation often take center stage, and sometimes those discussions can become intense. So what should you do? For a special edition of “Closer Look”, program host Rose Scott took email questions from listeners about what to do if gatherings have the potential to lead to arguments. Scott was joined in-studio by Atlanta-based licensed therapist Vernique Esther. They discussed the dos and don’ts for holiday gatherings for both hosts and guests. Esther also offered guidance on setting boundaries and shared strategies for avoiding awkward or heated conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning from Congress in January. Greene, who represents Georgia’s 14th congressional district, recently announced the news via social media. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali joins “Closer Look” with the latest. He also shares details about how some Georgia lawmakers are reacting to the news, when a special election could be held to fill Greene’s seat and what this all means for Georgia’s 14th congressional district. Plus, Serenbe is a 1,000-acre community, located in Chattahoochee Hills. The biophilic community, comprised of geothermal, solar and net zero homes, was founded by Steve Nygren and Marie Lupo Nygren in 1994. Steve talks with program host Rose Scott about his new book, “Start In Your Own Backyard, Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense.” The book aims to provide a blueprint for building sustainable, walkable and nurturing communities through the principles of connecting people to nature for a healthier life and well-being.  https://stevenygren.com/events Lastly, we hear from some of the team behind the new “Atlanta is...” podcast. The 8-episode series from Will Packer Productions and Complex explores the city’s history and culture, spotlighting stories behind Atlanta’s music, film industry, religion, politics, and more. We hear from Atlanta-based writer and event host Maurice Garland and award-winning journalists Jewel Wicker and Christina Lee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is trying to combat the challenges of accessing affordable housing. He recently announced his $5 billion Atlanta Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, which includes a $1.3 billion plan to subsidize affordable housing projects. He aims to extend existing tax allocation districts to fund community investment projects, with an initial focus on 7 neighborhoods: Thomasville Heights, English Avenue/ Vine City, Grove Park/Bankhead, West Hollowell, East Campbellton, West Campbellton, and Downtown Atlanta. For the November installment of Coffee Conversations held at Grant Park Coffeehouse, program host Rose Scott talked with a panel of guests about what exactly TADs are, the pros and cons of them, as well as other possible solutions that could potentially help build stronger communities and center equity for all Atlanta residents. Guests Include: Rahel TafarI, the owner of the Grant Park Coffeehouse Kyle Kessler, the director of policy and research of the Center for Civic Innovation Gavin McGuire, the executive director of the Grove Park Foundation Julian Bene, an Atlanta Economic Justice advocate and Former Invest Atlanta board member Alison Johnson, the executive director of the Housing Justice League Fred Stevens, a consultant in residence with the Paradise Community Development CenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson has been spearheading the district since August 2024. Under his leadership, the district that serves just under 50,000 K-12 students has focused on improving student achievement. Johnson talks with “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott about the current state of public education. He also talked about his top priorities, including closing a $130 million budget gap this budget cycle,  APS’s Comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Plan, boosting community engagement, and more. Plus, under mandates from President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., thousands of employees at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been fired or furloughed. Some of those employees are now banding together to support one another through the CDC Mutual Aid Network. Scott talks with guests about the mission of the newly formed network. Guests include:  Dr. Stephanie Salyer, the co-founder of the CDC Mutual Aid Network Aryn Melton Bakus, a founding member of Fired but Fighting Dr. Barbara Marston, a co-founder and coordinator of the CDC Mutual Aid Network Guest 1, an anonymous guestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diana Martha Louis is an assistant professor of women’s and gender studies at the University of Michigan. In her new book, Louis seeks to reframe some of the historical stories about Black people and mental health in the 19th century. The book is titled “Colored Insane: Slavery, Asylums, and the Politics of Mental Health in the 19th Century.” Combining literary and historical analysis, the book explores the asylum movement, slavery’s impact on the mental health of Black people, and how some historical beliefs about mental health still shape how some in the medical field view Black people’s mental disability in the present day. Plus, the Working Families Party is an independent political organization focusing on making life better for working families. Recently, Fallon McClure, the deputy southeast regional director for WFP, joined a group of state legislators urging Governor Kemp to use the state’s surplus to cover the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Fallon talks with “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott about her overall thoughts on how lawmakers responded to the federal shutdown, how other federal cuts are impacting the lives of families, as well as the recent political shifts happening within growing progressive movements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 7 million children across the United States depend on special education services, which school districts now refer to as exceptional children’s services. But recent cuts to the Department of Education are taking more resources away from the historically underfunded programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To discuss their growing concerns and the potential impact the situation could have on students, we hear from Anita Hagins Jones, the resident of the Georgia PTA, Lola Green, the president of the Georgia Special Education PTSA, Theneshia Dixon, the legislative chair for the Special Education PTSA, and Cobb County School Board Member Leroy "Tre" Hutchins, who is also a special education specialist. Plus, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) is a local nonprofit that provides free immigration legal services and other wraparound support to immigrant survivors of crime and persecution. Back in October, the organization’s executive director, Alpa Amin, said the Department of Justice denied funding to GAIN’s Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program. Amin joins “Closer Look” to talk more about how GAIN is responding with less funding and greater need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veterans Sazha Ramos and Ignacio Montoya both experienced traumatic injuries that had a significant impact on their lives. For Ramos, it led her to an addiction to pain medications. For Montoya, a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. But after facing their challenges, both are using their journeys to assist other veterans. For a special edition of “Closer Look” on Veterans Day, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott spoke with them about their experiences, Ramos’ work assisting veterans struggling with addiction, and Montoya about how he’s advancing research into improving mobility for those who have been paralyzed.   *American Addiction Center’s 24/7 hotline is 866-868-3449. Plus, the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) and The Home Depot Foundation are partnering together to end veteran homelessness. Recently, the “Closer Look” team stopped by VEO’s campus on Atlanta’s Westside for a tour. Program host Rose Scott talks with Stewart Williams, a Marine Corps veteran and the CEO of VEO, Army veteran Larry Benitez, Marine veteran Michael Joseph and Erin Izen, the executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. They discuss the unique challenges many veterans face, VEO’s mission, and the support services and resources VEO provides beyond housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been 15 years since the Georgia Board of Regents adopted a policy that banned undocumented students from receiving in-state tuition rates, as well as banned them from attending the state's top five public universities. We hear from Dr. Emiko Soltis, the executive director of Freedom University, and Kathy, an undocumented student, about the unique set of barriers that undocumented students face. We also learn how Freedom University is adapting to and responding to the Trump Administration's crackdown on immigrants, while remaining a supportive space for students. Plus, the new comic, “BLACK ARMS TO HOLD YOU,”  tells the story of Black resistance throughout U.S. history. Ben Passmore is an award-winning political cartoonist and comic artist. He talked with “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott about the research and inspiration behind the book. Passmore also explained why he feels the book is especially timely given the current political and social climate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday night’s elections in Georgia are among those that captured national attention. For the first time in nearly two decades, Democrats flipped two Republican held seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. On today’s “Closer Look,” we speak to a roundtable of journalists and a political science professor who give their take on local and national races, and what the results mean heading into the 2026 Midterm Elections.  Guests included: WABE climate reporter Emily Jones Rahul Bali, WABE politics reporter Alessandro Sassoon, politics reporter at Atlanta Civic Circle  Dan Whisenhunt, founder and editor of Decaturish.com GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer   Plus, André 3000 and Big Boi have been called hip-hop pioneers for an innovative way of infusing their southern roots into their music. This Saturday, Atlanta’s own OutKast will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. Ahead of the ceremony, “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with a roundtable of guests about the duo’s origin and influence. Guests included: Shanti Das, a former promotions and senior marketing director at LaFace Records during OutKast’s rise in hip-hop Sonia Murray, a longtime music journalist and former music critic for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Dr. Joycelyn Wilson, an ethnographic and cultural studies scholar and an associate professor at Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts at Georgia Tech School of Literature, Media, and CommunicationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emergency relief and recovery efforts are underway in the Caribbean following widespread destruction of Hurricane Melissa. At least 67 people are dead, in addition to the billions of dollars in damages. One of the organizations on the ground providing aid is CARE, a global humanitarian nonprofit that's based in Atlanta. We hear from Jonathan Arogeti, the Caribbean Humanitarian Response Lead at CARE. Plus, as the federal government shutdown continues, groups offering support across Georgia are stepping up to meet growing community needs. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott speaks with leaders from three local organizations about their expanded efforts to help individuals and families in need of food, as well as jobs following mass layoffs. Guests include: Jenny Taylor, vice president of career services and the chief mission officer at Goodwill of North Georgia Jasmine Crowe-Houston, the founder and CEO of Goodr Nancy Triplett, a board member and donor relations representative for Never Alone Food Pantry  Lastly, the documentary, “Natchez,” challenges the stories being told about a small Mississippi city that thrivess from antebellum tourism. The film reveals residents' reckoning with the dual perception of Natchez and its history of slavery. Ahead of the documentary’s exclusive opening at the Tara Theatre on November 7th, we hear from the film’s director, Suzannah Herbert.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Data also suggests there are huge racial disparities when it comes to prostate cancer diagnoses, treatment, and outcomes. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Reggie Hicks, the executive producer of the documentary film and host of the podcast "If You Are My Brothers." Hicks talks about his efforts to spread awareness through the documentary and podcast, as well as his ongoing fight against the disease.   Plus, the story of Dr. Karen Kinsell of Clay County Medical Center was the focus of “The Only Doctor” documentary. For more than 13 years, she was the only medical doctor in Clay County, Georgia. Dr. Kinsell joins “Closer Look” to talk more about how things have changed since she’s no longer the only doctor in Clay County, as well as her new efforts to transform dilapidated houses into affordable housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Action Pact is one of four Head Start programs affected by the federal government shutdown in Georgia. More than 500 children and their families in southeast Georgia rely on Action Pact for food, educational services, and employment resources. However, due to the halt in federal funds, Executive Director Diane Rogers says they’ll have to stop providing that community support starting Monday, November 3. Close to 200 employees will also be furloughed. She spoke to “Closer Look” about how devastating this will be for those in need and how she’s working with Georgia lawmakers in Washington to recover some financial assistance.  Plus, if you see The Grim Reader Bookshop rolling around metro Atlanta, don’t be alarmed. The mobile bookstore, which is a hearse, offers a variety of books that appeal to fans of scary stories. For Halloween, Olivia Doyle, the founder of the bookstore, discusses the backstory of her business and why community is a central focus of her work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.