Closer Look with Rose Scott

The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released a new report that explores how human behavior is directly connected to climate change.  WABE’s Molly Samuel, Wellington Reiter, the founder of Ten Across, and GSU’s Dr. Christina H. Fuller and Suzanne Burnes of Just Growth at Partnership for Southern Equity discuss climate change in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent study revealed that 25% of health care workers are not vaccinated. Richard Lamphier, the president of the Georgia Nurses Association, joins “Closer Look” to discuss the critical push and the importance of health care workers getting vaccinated to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.Plus, Shirley Baylis, the downtown program manager for the City of Decatur, discusses the goals and applications for the Decatur Downtown Development Authority’s newly created retail recruitment incubator program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond joins “Closer Look” to discuss DeKalb County’s latest response to the COIVID-19 pandemic. We then hear from Abdul Henderson, the executive director of Mental Health America of Georgia. Henderson discusses a new report that pinpoints Georgia as last in the nation for access to mental health care amid the pandemic.Plus, DeKalb County School District Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris discusses why students are required to wear masks during in-person class instruction and her district’s back-to-school plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Columbia University professor and New Yorker correspondent Jelani Cobb discusses his new book, The Essential Kerner Commission Report. He also explains the significance of the Kerner Commission Report, a government document that seeks to explain the genesis of the 1967 riots in Detroit and Newark, and shares why it should be widely examined now as the nation continues to push for social justice. Plus, as fall approaches, summer vacations will soon come to an end. Kim Hatcher, a public affairs coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, discusses upcoming events and activities at Georgia State Parks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CJ and Kelli Stewart, the founders of L.E.A.D., discuss the Safe At Home Game and how the annual baseball game is helping L.E.A.D baseball players and police officers from the Atlanta Police Department build stronger relationships.Plus, Vic Reynolds, the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, provides an update on the overall progress of GBI’s Gang Task Force since its launch in 2019. Reynolds also discusses the recent spike in crime amid the pandemic and efforts to combat it. Lastly, Pinky Cole, the founder of the Atlanta-based vegan restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, provides details about the Pinky Cole Foundation’s partnership with The Bando Project to host a back-to-school drive and giveaway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new school year for Hall County students starts on Friday. Superintendent William Schofield discusses Hall County Schools' back-to-school plan and what’s being done to keep teachers, staff and students safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Plus, Brandy Hall, a landscape designer and the founder of Shades of Green, discusses permaculture and the benefits of homeowners revamping their yards into self-sustaining ecosystems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia State Senator Burt Jones recently sent a letter to Gov. Brian Kemp calling for a ban on mask mandates in schools. For the ban to be considered, Gov. Kemp would have to hold a special legislative session. Georgia State Senate Kim Jackson, who represents Senate District 41, joins “Closer Look” to respond to Jones’ request.Plus, Jen Wade, the grants manager at the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, discusses how money from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund will be disbursed and how Georgians can apply. Lastly, Rev. Bronson Woods, the assistant pastor of outreach and young adult ministries at Ebenezer Baptist Church, discusses Manna Mondays, a new initiative to provide food to individuals and families amid the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulton County Schools students are scheduled to return to school for face-to-face learning next week. Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney discusses updated safety measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Plus, after the pandemic stopped her plans to hike the tallest mountain in Europe, Atlanta businesswoman Lisa Simmons is gearing up to take on Machu Picchu. Simmons and Dawn Churi, the executive director of Blaze Sports America, discuss the Paralympics and Simmons’ upcoming adventure to Peru. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Carroll, the director of Media Engagement at Dragon Con, discusses the in-person return of Dragon Con and new safety measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the convention. Georgia Tech Professor Tim Lieuwen discusses Georgia Tech and Georgia Power’s new partnership to test out a 1.4-megawatt microgrid in Tech Square to bring power to Midtown. Plus, Will Johnston and Kim Morrison of the MicroLife Institute discuss the new Cottages on Vaughan development in Clarkston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corporal Tracey Reed with the Gwinnett Police Behavioral Health Unit, and Pejman Mahdavi, a licensed clinical social worker at View Point Health, discuss the Police Mental Health Collaboration program. The new pilot program pairs a Gwinnett police officer and a mental health professional together to respond to crisis behavioral health situations.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 several coronavirus-related topics, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest change in mask guidelines for fully vaccinated people. Plus, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office recently launched a mentoring and community-building initiative. Sheriff Melody Maddox discusses the goals and importance of the Boys To Men Summer Camp. Lastly, Dr. Christopher Edwards is the chairman of the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. He discusses the commission's recent move to select six private companies to sell and manufacture low-THC cannabis for medical use and what this will mean for Georgians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s extended moratorium on evictions will expire at the end of the month. Elora Raymond, an assistant professor of City & Regional Planning at Georgia Tech, discusses what this will mean for people in Georgia.LaVonda Reed was recently appointed as the seventh dean of the Georgia State College of Law. She joins “Closer Look” to reflect on her career journey and share her vision for the law school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many local school districts, summer break is coming to an end, and students are gearing up to return to school for the new school year. Clayton County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Morcease Beasley returns to “Closer Look” to discuss his district’s back-to-school plans.Latisha Springer, the founder Free99Fridge, reflects on how her local mutual aid initiative has expanded to feed more families and individuals across metro Atlanta amid the pandemic. Plus, Vanessa Riley, an Atlanta-based award-winning author, discusses plans for her latest historical fiction novel, “Island Queen,”  to be adapted into a film. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Andi Shane, a pediatric infectious disease expert, discusses the rise in Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases in children amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.Plus, Gayle Hunter Holloman, the executive director of the Fulton County Library System, the role of libraries amid and post-pandemic and shares updates on the reopening of several Fulton County libraries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation produces the KIDS Count Data Book. The annual report sheds light on the overall well-being of children in each state. Rebecca Rice, Georgia's KIDS COUNT manager, discusses what indicators led Georgia to be ranked 38.It’s been one year since Congressman John Lewis’ passing. His life lessons and reflections are the focus of his latest book. Kabir Sehgal, who helped co-write Lewis’ new biography, "Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation," discusses the overarching message Lewis has now and for generations to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Dhaval Desai, the director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, returns to “Closer Look” to discuss concerns about the Delta coronavirus variant and the increase in new hospitalizations due to the new strain. He also discusses the pandemic’s overall impact on the mental health of healthcare workers.Plus, Jamie Rosenthal, the founder and CEO of Roots Down, discusses how his DeKalb-based organization is working to build equitable and greener communities where everyone has access to fresh food.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Owings, a local immigration attorney and founder of Owings MacNorlin Immigration Law, discusses Federal Judge Andrew Hanen's recent ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is unlawful. Plus, Joli C. Cooper, the executive director of the GreenLight Fund Atlanta, and Michael Taylor, the ATL site director for the Center for Employment Opportunities, discuss the goals of the Center for Employment Opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel E. Dawes, the executive director of Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, and Dr. Aletha Maybank, the chief health equity officer and senior vice president of the American Medical Association, discuss the new Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship.Meridith Ford, the owner of Cremalosa, discusses her Decatur-based gelato shop being named best ice cream in Georgia on the Food & Wine Magazine’s 2021 “The Best Ice Cream in Every State” list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) Initiative has expanded citywide. Moki Macias, the executive director of PAD, and Chyna Quarker, the referral coordinator for PAD, discuss expanding the initiative.Plus, Brent Leggs, the executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, explains how a new grant will help persevere Black culture and address racial inequity in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SnapNurse founder Cherie Kloss discusses the history, mission and vision of her company. She also shares how the online staffing platform is responding to the nationwide nurse shortage amid the pandemic.Plus, Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigative reporter Alan Judd discusses his latest article about a former state attorney’s claims that she was fired for “potential violations of state and federal law” regarding Governor Brian Kemps’ handling of the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.