Closer Look with Rose Scott

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.

Cobb and Douglas County are seeing an increase in COVID cases. Douglasville Mayor Rochelle Robinson discusses the city’s ongoing response to mitigate the spread of COVID and increase vaccinations. FEMA’s Chris Smith discusses the new policy changes to the agency’s Individual Assistance policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been 19 months since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in the United States. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp discusses leading the state amid the global health crisis. He talks about Georgia’s progress in combating the virus, the ongoing challenges and the path toward herd immunity.We then hear from WABE health reporter and host of the podcast "Did You Wash Your Hands?” Sam Whitehead. He discusses Gov. Kemp’s remarks and the latest coronavirus-related news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political strategist Fred Hicks discusses Georgia Senate’s new proposal draft map that shows significant changes to at least two congressional districts.Plus, we continue one-on-one conversations with candidates vying to become the next Atlanta City Council president. Mike Russell, an experienced law enforcement officer, discusses why he wants to lead the council. Lastly, beverage entrepreneurs Ni’Kesia Pannell and Choya Johnson discuss the creation and the mission of Peach State Drinks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalyn Archibong has served on Atlanta's City Council since 2002, now she's running for City Council President. Closer Look’s one on one conversations with all the candidates as Archibong tells host Rose Scott why now is the time to seek the seat.Also, a three day symposium gets underway this week on the campus of Emory University. It's called In the Wake of Slavery and Dispossession Emory, Racism and the Journey Towards Restorative Justice. University officials describe the symposium as building “on work started by student activists as well as the Emory Native American Initiative, the Task Force on Untold Stories and Disenfranchised Populations and Emory’s work as a member of the Universities Studying Slavery consortium.” Emory's Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, Chief Diversity Officer and Special Advisor to the President, and the co-chair of symposium Carol Henderson tells Rose the symposium will focus on three key areas. Monoclonal antibody treatments are key in fighting the coronavirus. However, there’s a shortage and the demand is high. Morehouse School of Medicine Pediatrician & Assistant Professor Dr. Ebba K. Ebba tells Rose how the antibodies work and why the government is changing the way COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments will be distributed in the United States, including Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's called Operations Allies Welcome. The Biden Administration expects thousands of Afghan refugees will come to the U.S. Essence Vinson, senior director for the Refugee Resettlement Services for Catholic Charities Atlanta, tells host Rose Scott how the agency plans to resettle families and individuals from Afghanistan to the Atlanta region. Zoo Atlanta is reshaping its volunteer program and looking for adult volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On November 2nd, the City of Atlanta Municipal General Elections will be held.Of course the big race is the mayoral contest, but city council, Atlanta Board of education and city council president seats are ones to watch as well.Former APS board chair and current affordable housing advocate Courtney English is vying for the City Council President seat and answers questions as to why he’s running for the seat. Also, a rebroadcast about new research on how the timing of a COVID-19 infection could affect the severity of the disease. Dr. Ye Shen, is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the College of Public Health at UGA, tells Rose Scott about the research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fay Twersky was recently named president and director of the Arthur M. Blank Foundation. Twersky reflects on her pathway to philanthropy, the philanthropic mission of ABF during the pandemic and shares how the pandemic has changed the philanthropic landscape.Lauren Groh-Wargo, the CEO of Fair Fight Action, talks about the organization's mission, pending lawsuits and perceptions about the organization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decide DeKalb Development Authority is now accepting applications for the Kensington Tax Allocation District (TAD). Dorian DeBarr, president of the Decide DeKalb Development Authority, discusses the goals of the program.Intuit Inc., a Silicon Valley financial software company, is set to purchase Mailchimp for $ 12 billion. Ben Chestnut, the CEO of Mailchimp, discusses the acquisition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Shipman, a political newcomer and former CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, discusses why he’s running to be the next president of the Atlanta City Council.Plus, John Haber, the founder and CEO of Spend Management Experts, discusses the latest supply chain news and the state of the shipping industry amid the pandemic and rise of the Delta variant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulton County's Board of Elections has a new chairperson. Longtime Democrat and public servant Cathy Woolard replaces Alex Wan, who resigned earlier this year. Woolard's nomination was controversial because of her past work as a consultant for Fair Fight Action...at least thru the eyes of state Republicans and Democrat commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman voted no to Woolard's appointment. Now, Fulton County Commission Chair Rob Pitt is responding to Commissioner’s Abdur-Rahman’s comments on the approval process.Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says there's proof non-citizens are voting in elections throughout the nation. This isn't the first time Raffensperger has called attention to the issue. Recently, Raffensperger said he's in favor of "an amendment to the Georgia constitution limiting participation in state and local elections to American citizens."The process for the constitutional amendment to be approved would mean the General Assembly would pass an amendment in the House and Senate, but by two-thirds majority. Next, the measure is placed on a ballot and would either be approved or NOT approved in a statewide election by the voters.Christopher Bruce is policy director for the ACLU of Georgia and talks with host Rose Scott about Sec. Raffensperger’s desire for a constitutional amendment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there an association between the timing of exposure to and severity of COVID-19 disease in close contacts of index patients with COVID-19?New research from the University of Georgia suggests COVID-19 is most contagious in a short window before -and after- symptoms appear.The findings suggest individuals with COVID-19 are most likely to spread the virus to close contacts...2 days before the onset of symptoms to...3 days after symptoms appear. Also, the risk of transmission is highest when patients had mild or moderate disease severity. Could these findings help contact tracing efforts?Dr. Ye Shen, associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the College of Public Health at UGA talked about the study.Also, the Georgia Legal Services Program marks 50 years of helping low-income Georgians. (GLSP) will host the virtual Rural Georgia Justice and Poverty Summit on Friday, September 17th. It's part of the organization's 50th anniversary celebration. Their work centers around free legal services to low income Georgians with low incomes who reside outside metro Atlanta.Those services are in the in the areas of family law, housing, access to public benefits, eviction prevention, farmworkers rights, and access to education. Executive director Rick Rufolo talks the history of the organization and shares how the legal work has had an impact on the quality of life for those served.Also in this episode, Fulton County's Board of Elections has a new chairperson. It’s Cathy Woolard. Woolard's nomination and appointment is controversial because of her past work as a consultant for Fair Fight Action, a voting rights organization founded by Democrat Stacey Abrams. The Fulton Commission vote was 4-2, with Democratic commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman crossing party lines to vote no. She tells Closer Look host Rose Scott why Woolard’s appointment could lead to the state taking over the county election’s department.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech giant Amazon launched an online career day in hopes of hiring thousands of new employees.Jordan Deagle, Amazon’s Career Day Organizer, talks to Closer Look host Rose Scott about the interactive employment process for applicants. MARTA is Georgia’s largest transit system. General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker talks about the need for additional federal, state and local resources for public transportation upgrades and programs. Also, Parker reveals how the transit system has been adjusting during the pandemic and MARTA’s role in the overall regional approach to expanding and improving transit. There’s a forgotten group not talked about within the medical community and how they're coping during the pandemic, medial residents. Dr. Anwar Osborne, associate professor of Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine at Emory School of Medicine and the assistant program director of the school’s Emergency Medicine Residency program takes host Rose Scott thru the daily routine of a resident, what’s different due to COVID-19 and the mental health toll on some residents. Dr. Osborne also reveals resources offered for residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A team based at the Morehouse School of Medicine has helped develop a multilingual mobile app. It's designed for at risk groups to easily access information and services about Covid-19 vaccines, testing sites, and community resources. Dr. Dominic Mack heads the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network responsible for the new mobile app. NCRN is based in the Morehouse School of Medicine’s National Center for Primary Care.He tells Closer Look the vision for the app will also give users access to proper and credible information to help combat the disease in their local communities.Earlier in the year, Fulton County received fifteen thousand applications for its emergency rental assistance program that was federally funded with $18-million dollars available. A second round is now accepting applications and $24-million dollars in assistance is available.  Fulton’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Health & Human Services, Dr. Pamela Roshell talks about the opening of another round with 24-million dollars to disperse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U-S-D-A is increasing monthly benefits to ensure low-income families have access to healthier food choices.Rose Scott speaks with Jon Anderson from the state's Division of Family and Children Services and how the SNAP benefit changes will help more than a million Georgia households receive extra help in covering food costs.A Netflix documentary, Blood Brothers, is based on a book co-authored by Georgia Tech professor and sports historian Johnny Smith on the relationship between Muhammad Ali and Malcom X.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erica Dodge, the race director for Travis Manion Foundation's 9/11 Heroes Run in Atlanta, discusses the history and mission of the foundation and the upcoming race. Plus, Dr. Tony Lemieux, a professor of communication at Georgia State University explains how U.S. policy toward terrorism has changed since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.Lastly, we revisit Rose’s conversation with veteran news anchor and CBS correspondent Scott Pelley from 2019. Pelley reflects on covering the deadly terrorist attacks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a 10-4 vote Wednesday, the Atlanta City Council approved a controversial plan to build a state-of-the-art public safety training center at the Old Atlanta Prison Farm site. Councilmember Natalyn Archibong and Matt Westmoreland discuss their positions about the $90 million projectPlus, Dr. Amara Enyia, a public policy expert and the policy and research coordinator for the Movement for Black Lives, discusses why she feels clarifying the messaging around defunding the police is necessary to combat Republican claims that it’s directly linked to COVID crime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis discusses several topics, including COVID crime and several unindicted and indicted criminal cases in Fulton County.Rajeev Dhawan, a professor and director of the Economic Forecasting Center at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, discusses the impact of the Delta variant on Georgia’s economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Recorder reporter Stanley Dunlap discusses a proposed tax credit that would allow Georgians to send money directly to local law enforcement agencies in an effort to combat crime. Plus, COVID cases are surging in Cobb County. Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid discusses how the county hopes to address the health crisis through a new Declaration of Emergency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dragon Con events are scheduled throughout Labor Day weekend. “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott takes a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the most memorable conversations she’s had with guests about the sci-fi, fantasy and gaming convention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE health reporter and host of the podcast "Did You Wash Your Hands?" Sam Whitehead joins “Closer Look” to discuss the latest coronavirus-related news as Georgia hospitals are reaching capacity. Plus, Labor Day weekend is fast approaching. Several events and festivals are scheduled throughout metro Atlanta. Terence Stewart, the president of Atlanta Black Pride, discusses COVID-19 safety measures in place for Atlanta Black Pride events.Charles Taylor is a partner at H-T West End LLC, the ownership group of The Mall West End. Taylor discusses The Mall West End’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday is the deadline for the U.S. to withdraw from Afghanistan. Congressman Buddy Carter discusses the ending of the 20-year war. Plus, DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry explains why he’s supporting several proposed initiatives that are aimed at improving community policing and expanding mental health resources countywide. Lastly, Dr. Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist and the clinical director for Piedmont Healthcare’s COVID-19 Task Force, discusses the ongoing push to get more Georgians vaccinated now that the Food and Drug Administration has given full approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dragon Con is just days away. Dragon Con’s Dan Carroll and Jarvis Sheffield discuss safety measures in place to keep attendees safe at the in-person festival. Plus, Dr. Grant Rivera, the superintendent of Marietta City Schools, discusses the district’s back-to-school plan. Lastly, Joey Womack, the founder and CEO of Goodie Nation, and Shani Godwin, the founder of Joy Economics, discuss the history and mission of National Black Business Month, the state of minority-owned businesses amid the pandemic, and how startups can create social impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Shapiro, the president of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta and senior lecturer at Georgia State University, shares his thoughts about the situation unfolding in Afghanistan.Plus, Dr. Calvin J. Watts was recently named superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Dr. Watts discusses the district’s back-to-school plan and shares his thoughts on leading Georgia’s largest school system amid the pandemic. Lastly, Jamie Ferguson, the executive director of Atlanta Pride, discusses the Atlanta Pride Committee’s decision to cancel the organization’s festival and parade due to COVID-19 for the second year in a row.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As evaluations continue in Afghanistan, violence is unfolding. Captain Dan Berschinski, a retired U.S. Army infantry captain who previously lead an infantry platoon in Afghanistan, reflects on his tour in Afghanistan and the current situation in the county. Plus, Valdosta State University just launched its very first online college. Dr. Rodney Carr, the vice president for Student Success, discusses the goals of VSU’s Online College for Career Advancement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Bullock, III is a longtime and distinguished political science professor at the University of Georgia. Professor Bullock discusses the 2020 Census. He also explains how maps released by the U.S. Census Bureau will be used to shape policy and determine how funding will be disbursed for communities in Georgia for the next decade. Plus, Rosalind Tucker, the managing director of Georgia Commute Options, discusses how Georgians can take steps to improve air quality through the Million Air Challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling was recently recognized at the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council Annual Conference, receiving the award for Solicitor General of the Year 2021. Coleman-Stribling discusses several topics, including her award, COVID crime and the role of the solicitor general.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daphne Walker, the division director for the Housing Assistance Division at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, discusses several topics, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s moratorium on evictions and the Georgia Rental Assistance Program. Plus, Governor Brian Kemp recently made six judicial appointments. One of them was the appointment of Verda M. Colvin to the state’s highest court. Justice Colvin reflects on her career path, new appointment and the role of Georgia’s Supreme Court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring discusses the district’s back-to-school plan and ongoing safety measures to keep staff, students and teachers safe.Plus, Ashley Rouse, the director of Project Learning Garden and Project Giving Gardens at the Captain Planet Foundation, discusses a new initiative to combat food insecurity.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emory pediatric and mental health experts Dr. Veda Johnson and Dr. Jennifer Holton discuss the mental and behavioral health issues that many kids may face as they return to school for in-person class instruction. We then hear from WABE reporter Molly Samuel’s latest feature on urban heat. Lastly, Amber Lawson, the founder of Aspire Construction & Design, reflects on her professional career and discusses how she’s using her expertise to help other women entrepreneurs build their businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE health reporter and host of the podcast "Did You Wash Your Hands?" Sam Whitehead joins “Closer Look” to discuss the latest coronavirus-related news as Georgia and states across the country are experiencing a rise in Delta variant cases. Plus, Peter Harris, the founding partner of the University Growth Fund, and Diane Morais, the president of Consumer and Commercial Banking at Ally Bank, discuss efforts to recruit, teach and train local minority college students the ins and outs of venture capital. Lastly, Dr. Maggie Fehrman, the superintendent of City Schools of Decatur, discusses her district’s back-to-school plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.