Closer Look with Rose Scott

Brenda Smeeton, the legal director at the Georgia Justice Project, and Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady discuss the Cobb Second Chance Desk.  Plus, Nsé Ufot, the chief executive officer of the New Georgia Project, discusses pending lawsuits filed against the state of Georgia for its new controversial voting law and what has to happen in these cases for voter registration groups and other organizations to win in court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Georgia Board of Education recently passed a resolution banning Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught in public schools. In a series of conversations, “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talks with several guests about truths, misconceptions and the long-term implications of banning CRT from K-12. We now hear from Marie Mower, an Atlanta parent, who discusses her concerns about the academic concept.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat discusses several topics, including combating violent crime amid the pandemic and his desire to lease or buy the Atlanta City Detention Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spelman College President Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell discusses a new partnership between Blackstone Launchpad and the Atlanta University Center Consortium that aims to expand students' access to entrepreneurship. Plus, certified master chef Daryl Shular is the founder of the Shular Hospitality Group and the founder of the SHULAR Institute, the first Black-owned culinary arts school in the United States. Chef Shular discusses the mission and vision of the new Tucker-based institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race is happening this weekend. Atlanta Track Club's Executive Director Rich Kenah returns to “Closer Look” with an update on what runners and spectators can expect at the two-day event and the safety measures in place to keep everyone safe amid the pandemic.  Plus, infectious disease expert Dr.Carlos del Rio discusses the spread of the new Delta coronavirus variant. Spend Management Experts founder John Haber talks about the latest supply chain news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Rodney Lyn, the new dean of the School of Public Health at Georgia State University, talks about the COVID-19 pandemic, his new appointment and his vision for the School of Public Health.Plus, Tom Bruton is a senior scientist at Green Science Policy Institute. Bruton discusses a new report that he co-authored about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) being found in most popular cosmetic products, even though almost none were listed on ingredient labels.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. Plus, Majesty and his wife Elize Gayle, the founders of Evo Group Holdings, discuss how they are reimagining and creating neighborhoods that are sustainable and affordable for all Atlantans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is suing the Georgia Department of Labor, citing unprocessed unemployment claims and failure to address appeals during the pandemic. Emily Early, the senior supervising staff attorney for the SPLC’s Economic Justice Project, discusses how the labor department is violating state law.Plus, Greta deMayo, the executive director of the PATH Foundation, discusses the history and mission of PATH and the foundation’s summer anniversary challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Young, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, will talk with Rose about the Department of Justice’s latest move to sue the state of Georgia over the state’s new voting law. Plus, WABE health reporter and host of the podcast "Did You Wash Your Hands?" Sam Whitehead joins “Closer Look” for Feedback Friday. Rose and Whitehead take calls from show listeners who discuss the Delta coronavirus variant and the timing of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest executive order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, Dr. Harry Heiman, a clinical associate professor in the Division of Health Management and Policy at the School of Public Health at Georgia State University, discusses the new two-shot COVID-19 vaccine made by Novavax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American Cancer Society has a new leader. Dr. Karen Knudsen, the new CEO of the American Cancer Society, talks about her new role and vision for the organization.Plus, Tracey Pendley, Georgia’s 2020 Teacher of The Year, shares her thoughts about Critical Race Theory and the long-term implications of banning it from K-12.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Heather Alhadeff, the assistant general manager for planning for MARTA, discusses proposed plans to extend the Atlanta Streetcar between Edgewood Avenue and south of Ponce de Leon Avenue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry Gonzalez, the executive director of GALEO (Georgia Assoc. of Latino Elected Officials), discusses a new report that highlights the 2020 growth and engagement of the Latino voters in Georgia.  Plus, Atlanta City Planning Commissioner Tim Keane and Vanessa Lira, the design assistant director for the City of Atlanta, discuss repurposing parking spaces into outdoor seating areas. Plus, ecologist Nissa Sylvatica shares the concerns Defend the Atlanta Forest has about the Old Atlanta Prison Farm’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill White, the CEO and chair of the Buckhead City Committee, shares his thoughts on the push for lawmakers to pass legislation next year that would allow Buckhead residents to vote on the community becoming a new city.Plus, Tiffany A. Player, an assistant professor of history at Georgia State University, talks about the history of Juneteenth and the importance of it now being recognized as a federal holiday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Stephanie Behm Cross, the principle investigator for Georgia State’s CREATE Teacher Residency Program, and Alexandra James, a recent graduate of Georgia State University's Middle- Level Education program, and a rising second-year resident in CREATE, discuss how the program equips educators with resources, emotional and instructional support to create equitable schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Georgia Board of Education recently passed a resolution banning Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught in public schools. We hear reactions from Dr. Laura Renée Chandler, Oglethorpe’s first vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Dr. Richard Benson, an associate professor in the Department of Education at Spelman College. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While veterans are getting vaccinated, some may still be hesitant. Denis Richard McDonough, the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, discusses ongoing efforts to get veterans and their families vaccinated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Weith-Smith, the founder, president and lead consultant of Custom Human Resource Solutions (CHRS), joins “Closer Look” to discuss returning to work amid the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darius Billings of The Athlete's Foot, talks about the StAART program, a new initiative aimed at driving Black ownership through franchising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Deana Ingraham talks about East Point’s response during the pandemic. She also discusses the state of East Point’s infrastructure and ways the city could benefit from President Biden’s proposed infrastructure plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Cook, the University of Georgia’s vice provost for diversity and inclusion and strategic university initiatives, talks with Rose about UGA’s new and enhanced plan to address diversity and inclusion over the next five years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Bernard Tamas, an associate professor of political science at Valdosta State University, discusses his op-ed that was published in The Conversation. In the opinion piece, Tamas shares why he believes Georgia’s new controversial voting law may not change election outcomes for now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Bernard Tamas, an associate professor of political science at Valdosta State University, discusses his op-ed that was published in The Conversation. In the opinion piece, Tamas shares why he believes Georgia’s new controversial voting law may not change election outcomes for now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Parker, a senior staff writer at National Geographic, discusses personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution and her latest article “How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet.” Plus, Canada’s acting Consul General Louise Blais, who is based in Atlanta, discusses how the pandemic has disrupted the global supply chain and how the Canadian consulate is helping Canadians living in the Southeast amid the closure of the border between the U.S. and Canada.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms recently spoke with “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott for an exclusive conversation to discuss the backstory of her decision not to seek reelection. During the two-part interview that took place at the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve in southwest Atlanta and outside of Bottoms’ late grandparents' home, Bottoms reflects on her first 100 days in office and leading Georgia’s capital city amid a pandemic and social justice movement. During the second half of the conversation, Bottoms reflects on the many lessons she’s learned during her time in office and shares why she’s at peace with leaving her post after her first term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Police Department is testing out ShotSpotter, a new technology to detect the location of gunshots. Captain David Gay with the Savanah Police Department shares how the technology has helped his department fight crime. Plus, Dr. Belinda Walters-Brazile discusses how Marietta City Schools is working to make sure students are proficient readers by the completion of third grade. Lastly, Tim Fielder discusses his latest graphic novel called “Infinitum: An Afrofurist Tale.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday marks one year since the police killing of George Floyd. Jim Burch, the president of the National Police Foundation, discusses the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 and efforts to reform policing in the U.S. We then hear from, Georgia Democratic Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux, who represents Georgia’s 7th Congressional District. Bourdeaux discusses “FutureFit The Suburbs,” a new initiative aimed at addressing suburban infrastructure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s still time to register for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. Atlanta Track Club's Executive Director Rich Kenah discusses the race’s return during the Fourth of July weekend and new measures in place to keep everyone safe during the race. Plus, Lauren Koontz, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, talks with Rose about operational changes happening at the South DeKalb Family YMCA and what these changes could mean for the branch's future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the push to get more people vaccinated in Georgia continues. Georgians as young as the age of 12 are now eligible to get vaccinated. WABE health reporter and host of the podcast "Did You Wash Your Hands?" Sam Whitehead joins “Closer Look” for Feedback Friday. Rose and Whitehead take calls from show listeners who share their thoughts about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest move to lift mask restrictions for people who are fully vaccinated. Callers also share if they plan to continue or stop wearing their masks in public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enrollment for the 2021 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy is now open. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond joins “Closer Look” to discuss changes for this year’s academy and how the program will provide more than 700 virtual internships to teens and young adults. Plus, Metti Richenhagen, of the AGCO Agriculture Foundation, discusses a partnership with the Global Growers Network (GGN) to help renovate the Clarkston International Garden. Lastly, first-generation college graduate Christine 'CJ' Montgomery reflects on her time at Agnes Scott College, discusses why she majored in Africana Studies with a minor in education and what she hopes to accomplish in the years to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Initiative: Advancing the Black & Blue Partnership, is a nonprofit organization working to heal community-policing relationships recently partnered with LRN, an ethics and compliance training company. Fairburn Police Chief Stoney Mathis and Nadine Jones, the executive director of The Initiative, discuss the partnership and the creation of learning modules that explain how officers should respond in certain situations. Plus, Atlanta-based OBGYN specialist Dr. Genevieve Fairbrother discusses COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy amongst women and shares how she’s working to combat misinformation.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. Plus, Dr. Evan Anderson discusses the KidCOVE study at Emory Children's Clinic. Plus, first-generation college graduate Christine 'CJ' Montgomery reflects on her time at Agnes Scott College, discusses why she majored in Africana Studies, with a minor in Education, and what she hopes to accomplish in the years to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta-based political strategist Fred Hicks joins “Closer Look” to share his thoughts on the latest candidates to enter Atlanta’s mayoral race and discusses the potential challenges of raising campaign money as additional candidates enter the race. Plus, Paul Judge, also known as Atlanta's Godfather of Tech, shares details about his path from entrepreneur to an investor and his recent Georgia Tech commencement speech.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raheem Beyah, the dean of Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering, joins “Closer Look” to discuss the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack, the challenges in preventing foreign attacks and what can be done to prevent such attacks in the future. Plus, Cortland Sustainability Analyst Madeline Robertson shares details about her real estate investment management company's plan to fight against food insecurity. Lastly, Suman Malempati, an Emory University School of Law graduate, shares why he decided to give up his career as a pediatric oncologist to pursue social justice law.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Faith Gunning, a psychologist and the vice-chair of Research in the Department of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, joins “Closer Look” to discuss why some people experience brain fog after recovering from COVID-19 and a new study she’s conducting to see if a prescription video game could be an effective form of treatment. Plus, Ben Breit, a public affairs representative at Airbnb, discusses Summer of Responsible Travel, an 8-point plan to help hosts and guests stay safe amid the pandemic as travel returns and the demand for short-term home rentals increase during the summer. Lastly, Rose talks with Clayton State University student André Lagoueyte to kick off this year's “Road To Graduation” series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tucker city leaders say the area is experiencing an economic renaissance amid the pandemic. Emory Morsberger, the president of the Tucker Summit Community Improvement District, joins “Closer Look” to discusses a multi-agency initiative to attract more workers to Tucker, Georgia. Plus, Gayle Hunter Holloman, of the Fulton County Library System, discusses the re-opening of Fulton County libraries. Lastly, Curt Harris, the director of the Institute for Disaster Management in the University of Georgia's College of Public Health, discusses a new research paper that reveals that people with intellectual disabilities may face discrimination when seeking COVID-19 treatment due to unconscious biases in the health care system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DeMicha Luster, NPU-V community leader, joins “Closer Look’ to discuss the Atlanta Civil Service Board’s ruling to reinstate Garrett Rolfe, the former Atlanta police officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks last summer. Plus, Gayle Hunter Holloman, the executive director for the Fulton County Library System, discusses the re-opening of Fulton County libraries. Lastly, educators Chris Wyczalkowski, Deidre Oakley discuss Georgia State University’s Urban Studies Institute creation of micro-mobility lab to study micro-scale transportation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Civil Service Board ruled that Garrett Rolfe, the former Atlanta police officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks last summer, was wrongfully terminated. Criminal Defense Attorney and WABE Legal Analyst Page Pate joins “Closer Look” to discuss the board’s decision to reverse Rolfe’s termination. Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton talks with show host Rose Scott about why he lifted mask restrictions and the city’s ongoing response to combat COVID-19. Plus, State Representative Bee Nguyen, who represents District 89, shares why she’s jumping in the race to be Georgia’s next secretary of state. Lastly, Rose talks with Clayton State University student André Lagoueyte to kick off this year's “Road To Graduation” series.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, including Georgia’s current vaccination efforts and Governor Kemp’s latest move to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Plus, Ben Breit, a public affairs representative at Airbnb, discusses Summer of Responsible Travel, an 8-point plan to help hosts and guests stay safe amid the pandemic as travel returns and the demand for short-term home rentals increase during the summer. Plus local high school students Jatong Su, Paul Philip, Bedansh Pandey and Benson Zhan recently launched Ingenify amid the pandemic. The students share how the free online tutoring platform works and the feedback they’ve received so far from student usersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2019, the Brennan Center for Justice released the State Supreme Court Diversity. The report outlined racial, ethnic and gender disparities on state high courts across the United States. Georgia State Law professor Tanya Washington, Jonathan Rapping and Ilham Askia, of Gideon's Promise, join "Closer Look." They talk with show host Rose about what an updated report reveals about the state of diversity as it relates to state supreme courts. Plus, Lynda Williams, the president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E.), discusses several topics, including a recent virtual conversation centered around policing in Black communities, Derek Chauvin’s murder trial and police reform. Lastly, Bala Ganesh, the vice president of engineering at UPS shares details about his company’s recent purchase of ten electric airplanes from Beta Technologies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who represents Georgia's 5th Congressional District, joins “Closer Look” to discuss a new proposed bill that aims to restore neighborhoods damaged by highway construction projects in the 1950s. Plus,Bala Ganesh, the vice president of engineering at UPS, discusses his company’s recent purchase of ten electric airplanes from Beta Technologies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Hooker, the executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission, recently announced that he’s retiring in March of 2022. Hooker joins “Closer Look” to discuss Atlanta’s changing economic infrastructure, his career and what lies ahead for him and the commission. Plus, Ben Breit, a public affairs representative at Airbnb, discusses Summer of Responsible Travel, an 8-point plan to help hosts and guests stay safe amid the pandemic as travel returns and the demand for short-term home rentals increase during the summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few weeks ago, Governor Brian Kemp eased COVID restrictions and declared that the state is now open for business. But many small business owners still have a lot of questions. Karen Bremer, the president and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association, discusses what restaurant owners are now doing to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Plus, Jenny Levison, the founder of the Atlanta-based café and food truck Souper Jenny, is back traveling across the country for “The Kindness Tour." She reflects on last year’s tour and shares details about what she hopes to accomplish this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this year, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners voted yes for the creation of the county’s first-ever police citizens advisory board. Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson and Sean Goldstein, the chairman of the Gwinnett County Police Citizens Advisory Board, join “Closer Look” to discuss the mission of the board and its top goals moving forward. Plus, micro-mobility giant, Spin recently relaunched its Everyday Heroes program. Shannon Dulaney, Spin's head of the Head of Community Partnerships for the U.S., discusses how the program will help essential medical workers with their transportation needs during the ongoing health crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2019, the Brennan Center for Justice released the State Supreme Court Diversity. The report outlined racial, ethnic and gender disparities on state high courts across the United States. Georgia State Law professor Tanya Washington, Jonathan Rapping and Ilham Askia, of Gideon's Promise, join "Closer Look." They talk with show host Rose about what newly updated data reveals about the state of diversity as it relates to state supreme courts. Plus, Atlanta City Councilmember Antonio Brown discusses a new resolution that calls for the Atlanta Police Department to expand their "duty to intervene" policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lynda Williams, the current president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E.), joins “Closer Look” to discuss several topics, including a recent virtual conversation centered around policing in Black communities, Derek Chauvin’s conviction and police reform. Plus, Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, the former president of Bennett College, and Clark Atlanta University President Dr. George T. French discuss the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many summer camps were forced to shut down or go virtual last year. Tom Rosenberg, the president and CEO of the American Camp Association, joins “Closer Look” to discuss what camp operators are doing this summer and what steps are being taken to keep children and staff safe amid the ongoing health crisis. Plus, Mary Rogers and Alice Miller of Sherwood Forest Camp, a year-round youth development organization that helps children from underserved communities in Saint Louis, Missouri, talk with Rose about why camp matters, especially after a year of grief and isolation birthed by the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday, jurors found former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd last May. “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talks with Criminal Defense Attorney and WABE Legal Analyst Page Pate about the three-week trial, Chauvin’s conviction and explains how video footage could impact similar upcoming high-profile trials in Georgia. Plus, Atlanta-based professors Illya Davis, Maurice Hobson and Nsenga Burton reflect on Chauvin's murder trial and discuss why the push for police reform must continue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE reporter Emil Moffatt joins "Closer Look" to discuss why a group of Georgia-based Black pastors is calling for a boycott of Home Depot. Plus, Sara Hamilton, the president of the Korean American Bar Association of Georgia, and Angela Hsu, the president of the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association, talk with Rose about a new national initiative to combat hate crimes against Asian Americans and share how their organizations are partnering together to help the families of the victims killed in the Atlanta-area spa shootings. Lastly, Dr. Dhaval Desai, the director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and Dr. Lily Immergluck, a pediatrician and professor at Morehouse School of Medicine, discuss the importance of combating COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy to reach herd immunity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Stephanie Zaza, the American College of Preventive Medicine president, joins “Closer Look” to discuss what public health experts and doctors have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and what preventive steps should be taken to stop future health outbreaks. Plus, Dr. Dhaval Desai, the director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and Morehouse School of Medicine’s Dr. Lily Immergluck return to the program to discuss the importance of combating vaccine hesitancy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.