Closer Look with Rose Scott

Sylvester Pierce of the Self-Preservation Society is on a mission to paddle all of Georgia's lakes located in state parks. While doing so, the kayaking instructor wants to get more Black people out on the water. For PART 1 of the interview, he talks with Rose about his first time paddling a canoe and how water is connected to all aspects of life. For PART 2 of the interview, Pierce and Rose go out on the water. He talks with Rose about water safety and how water can be used to heal depression. Scott also talks with Pierce’s mentor and close friend, Tony Coppage, who reflects on growing up in downtown Atlanta. Coppage also shares his journey of following his dreams to become a wilderness guide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta City Council approved a $2.75 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The budget goes into effect on July 1. It was approved as Atlanta is dealing with a water crisis that disrupted service for thousands of residents and businesses. Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman discusses the budget and the city’s response to the ongoing water outage. Plus, at the start of this year, more than 10,000 children and teens are involved in Georgia's juvenile justice system. Chad Houser, the founder and CEO of Café Momentum, explains how he’s using the art of cooking to create a more positive trajectory for the lives of young people, like Tristyn Williams, an ambassador for the café. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis returns to “Closer Look” to discuss his new book, “Rot and Revival." The book examines how politics and the courts shape constitutional law.  Plus, water main breaks inconvenienced thousands of Atlanta residents and businesses over the weekend. We examine the city’s response to the crisis as the restoration effort continues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pinky Cole Hayes, the CEO and founder of Slutty Vegan, shares vision for expanding her plant-based restaurant chain, the importance of philanthropy and her partnership with Pepsi Dig In. The initiative aims to spotlight the best Black-owned restaurants across the country as part of Pepsi’s Restaurant Royalty program. She also makes a big announcement first on today’s show. Plus, award-winning journalist Tracie Powell reflects on her decades-long career in media that paved the way for her to create The Pivot Fund. The venture philanthropy organization is dedicated to investing $500 million into independent BIPOC-led community news organizations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Closer Look team heads to Omni Coffee & Eggs in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood for the May installment of “Coffee Conversations.” Atlanta is going through a continuous evolution of growth. As it continues to make advances as a 21st-century city – economic mobility, jobs, housing, etc., all play a critical role in one's quality of life. Rose talks with panelists about who is benefiting from Atlanta’s thriving change. Is it natives or newcomers?   Guests include:  Chris Floyd, the chief strategy officer for Omni Coffee & Eggs Tangee Allen, a co-founder of Raising ExpectationsWanona Satcher, the CEO and founder of Mākhers StudioCourtney English, the chief policy officer for the City of AtlantaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PROPEL and Southern Company are launching the PROPEL HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium. Dr. Lisa Herring, the new president of PROPEL, who formerly served as the superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, discusses the new initiative that aims to diversify the nation's cybersecurity pipeline and workforce by equipping HBCU students with cybersecurity skills, tools and resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheneé Joseph, who serves as the CEO and president of the Historic Development District Corporation, discusses the progress of several revitalization projects, including Front Porch on Auburn and Henderson Place.  Plus, Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger discusses the actions his office is taking to ensure a fair, accurate and safe election this November. He also discusses voter turnout during the Georgia primary and what caused the state’s My Voter Page to stop working as people headed to the polls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The results for the Georgia Primary have been mostly decisive for the Atlanta metro area. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to “Closer Look,” to provide a recap of some of the top races in the state, including Georgia Supreme Court Justice Andrew Pinson's win against his challenger, former U.S. Rep. John Barrow. They also review Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ Democratic primary win for reelection, Judge Scott McAfee’s nonpartisan win for a full term on the bench and U.S. Rep. David Scott advancing as he seeks his 12th term in Congress. Meanwhile, the race for two former DeKalb County commissioners, running to be the next top county leader, is heading to a runoff. Voters will decide if Lorraine Cochran-Johnson or Larry Johnson will be the next CEO of DeKalb County on June 18. Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of Decaturish.com, brings us the latest.  Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist, discusses low voter turnout across Georgia during the primary and what’s happening on the national level. Hicks also talks about the latest news regarding the 2024 presidential race.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE education reporter Juma Sei discusses President Joe Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College. The President addressed several current topics, including democracy, systemic issues that impact Black people and the Israel-Hamas war.  Plus, Propel ATL is calling on Atlanta city leaders to increase the Atlanta Department of Transportation’s proposed budget to match other major cities. The current proposal increases the department's budget by 2%, which doesn’t keep up with the rate of inflation. Rebecca Serna, the executive director of Propel ATL, highlights how the proposed budget does not make up for funding cuts from the previous year. She shares what her organization hopes additional funding could be used for.  Lastly, the In Her Hands guaranteed income program is expanding to reach more Black women in more Atlanta neighborhoods. Hope Wollensack, the executive director of Georgia Resilience and Opportunity Fund, talks about the eligibility and application process. She also mentions the key findings of the In Her Hands’ Year One Evaluation Report. Shamarra Woods, an Old Fourth Ward resident, and participant of In Her Hands, shares how the program has changed her life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was May 17, 1954, when a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court labeled racial segregation in public schools as unequal and unconstitutional. Rose talks with guests about the Brown v. Board of Education decision, prevailing and systemic issues within school systems today, and the ongoing work to create change. Guests include:  Charles Black, the former chairman of the Atlanta Student Movement and current board chair of Freedom University,  Dr. Chantelle Grace, an assistant clinical professor of Social Science Education, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at Florida State UniversitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season tickets are sold out for the Atlanta Dream, signaling fans are fired up for some thrilling basketball. WNBA newcomers Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and others are adding to the groundswell of excitement. Rose talks with Morgan Shaw Parker, the president and COO of the Atlanta Dream, about expectations for the team this season and the daily operations of overseeing a professional women’s basketball team.  Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Ebony Chappel. The 2024 soon-to-be graduate of Clark Atlanta University is a non-traditional college student. She’s a mother and a grandmother, who left high school at least 27 years ago. Chappel talks with Rose about her journey from designing outfits for her and her three children, to creating a business and majoring in fashion design. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence calculates how Black and Brown Communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by gun violence. Rose talks with Dr. Keisha Lindsay Nurse, an epidemic intelligence service officer with the CDC, about how her family was personally affected and what the data doesn’t show about gun violence.  Plus, the Coalition to Advance Public Safety has announced up to $500,000 in funding for violence intervention programs in Atlanta, including fellows who worked with the Center for Civic Innovation's 2023 cohort. Rohit Malhotra, the executive director of the Center for Civic Innovation, and Jacquel Clemons Moore, a violence intervention expert and CCI board member, discuss Atlanta’s current violence intervention "ecosystem" and how this funding could be used to create change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the findings of a new poll about the Fulton County Jail. According to the poll, half of Fulton County voters believe the jail is poorly managed, dangerous, and overcrowded. The poll also reveals that two out of three voters believe the county should renovate the existing jail instead of spending nearly $2 billion to build a new one. Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Georgia Tech grad Courtney Curtis. The second-generation Georgia Tech student discusses her academic journey and how she plans to use her passion for sewing and biomedical engineering to help others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE TV will premiere “The Only Doctor” documentary on May 14. The film follows Dr. Karen Kinsell, the owner of Clay County Medical Center. Kinsell is the only medical doctor in Clay County. After years of working without pay, the future of her practice is unknown as she moves closer to retirement. Rose talks with Kinsell and film director Matthew Hashiguchi about the documentary and the state of health care in Clay County. Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Randi Parks. The first-generation college student, who majored in international studies, and minored in French and politics, talks with Rose about receiving a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Belgium for the 2024-2025 academic school year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its 2024 report, “Changing the Odds: Comprehensive Solutions for Atlanta’s Future.” The report tracks community, education, and economic data by race. This year’s report explores how the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 racial unrest revealed racial disparities in Atlanta. Kweku Forstall, the director of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Atlanta Civic Site, discusses key takeaways from the report. Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Marwah Ismail. She’s a first-generation Somali-American and an Emory University student graduating with honors in religion and Italian studies on a pre-law track. Ismail talks with Rose about being diagnosed with a rare and malignant eye cancer while earning her undergraduate degree. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Walker, who serves as the vice chancellor for Libraries & Archive and the state librarian for Georgia Public Library Service, discusses a new partnership that aims to provide a new way for Georgians to renew, change, or review their benefits for state government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Women, Infants, & Children (WIC). The partnership between the Georgia Department of Human Services and the Georgia Public Library Service will install more than 400 self-service kiosks at libraries across Georgia. The kiosks will allow Georgians to access Georgia Gateway, the state government’s integrated web portal for assistance programs. Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Resita Cox. The Emmy Award-winning film producer and director discusses her latest documentary, “Freedom Hill.” The documentary explores how climate change and environmental racism are affecting the first town in the U.S. that was chartered by formerly enslaved people. Lastly, for our graduation series, we hear from Air Force Reservist Rabiah Hubert. The psychology major is one of Spelman's Class of 2024 Top Ten Scholars and Majors. She talks with Rose about her academic journey as a non-traditional transfer student and how she balanced her undergraduate schoolwork while currently serving in the U.S. military. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major development regarding Georgia's 2020 presidential election interference case, the Georgia Court of Appeals has decided to hear an appeal of a previous ruling that allowed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to stay on the case. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas reports on the latest.  Plus, Natalie Foster is president and co-founder of the Economic Security Project. She discusses her new book, “The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America’s Next Economy.” The book explores what it would look like if all Americans were guaranteed housing, health care, a college education, dignified work, family care, an inheritance, and a stable income.  Lastly, for our graduation series, we hear from Lance Avery Brown. The Kennesaw State University 2024 graduate earned a bachelor's degree in theatre and performance studies. He talks with Rose about his academic journey, his process in creating two hip-hop musicals and his undergraduate research with the Juvenile Justice School System.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta City Council has voted unanimously to settle a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Atlanta with the family of Deacon Johnny Hollman for $3.8 million. Hollman, 62, died in Aug. 2023. An Atlanta Police Officer tased Holloman after he refused to sign a traffic ticket following a minor car accident, Hollman later died after the altercation. Arnitra Hollman, the daughter of Deacon Hollman and family attorneys Mawuli Davis and Harold Spence share they’re still seeking justice via criminal charges. Plus, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s term is nearing an end. He returns to “Closer Look,” to discuss several topics, including the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, DeKalb’s summer youth jobs training program and if there’s another political chapter in the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's fair, credible and accurate reporting as it relates to the Israel-Hamas war and protests taking place across the nation? For a roundtable discussion, Rose and several journalists provide an analysis of the overall news coverage of the war and the ongoing student protests. Guests include Hank Klibanoff, a veteran journalist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a Peabody Award-winning podcast host “Buried Truths,” Kelly McBride, the senior vice president and chair of Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership Poynter Institute, Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of Decaturish.com and Alvelyn Sanders, a documentarian and former journalist.  Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Kamahl Grant. The Morehouse College 2024 graduate, who majored in mathematics and minored in economics, discusses his academic journey. He also talks about his artwork that was recently featured at one top retailers in the nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sule Konata Welch is a certified fitness trainer, coach and martial arts instructor. He is also the founder of The Welch Center. He talks with Rose about his journey of transforming a dilapidated building in the Vine City neighborhood into a state-of-the-art studio and its historic ties to education. He also discusses his efforts to train (teach, research, apply, inspire and nurture) people to live healthy lives. PART 2 of the interview picks up with Sule and his wife Cecily talking about the daily operation of the center. They share details about the challenges and successes of running a small business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, Atlanta Board of Education Chairwoman Erika Mitchell discusses the latest regarding the district's superintendent search and how a community advisory panel will participate in the interviewing process. Then Rose talks with Mozley Park residents Mia Pennington and Keith Palmer. They are members of the Five Mile Project (5MP) and have been advocating for the installation of noise barriers by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDPT). In PART TWO of their conversation, Pennington and Palmer share how a community garden came to develop. A chain-link fence separates the garden from I-20. Pennington and Palmer talk more about how they are working to beautify their neighborhood and an app they are using to track the noise coming from the nearby highway.  Lastly, Rose and producer Daniel Rayzel discuss responses from elected officials and the Georgia Department of Transportation regarding the request for noise barriers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JP Morgan Chase is working to support Atlanta-area entrepreneurs through several initiatives. Ben Walter, the CEO of Business Banking at JP Morgan, discusses the state of the small businesses in metro Atlanta. He also talks about ongoing efforts that are designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their businesses.Plus, WABE’s “(re)Defining History: Uncovering The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre” documentary was recently nominated for a Southeast Emmy Award. The half-hour documentary narrated by Georgia State University professor and historian Dr. Maurice Hobson explores the untold story behind the massacre, what led to the eruption of violence, and how it strengthened resilience within the Black community. We revisit Rose's conversation with Hobson. He discusses the documentary and how the massacre marked a pivotal moment in America’s historySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests continued on the campus of Emory University on Monday. Students and others are protesting the war in Gaza and the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. WABE education reporter Juma Sei talked with students and a professor about the unfolding situation and the actions they are seeking from university leaders. Plus,Resita Cox, an Emmy Award-winning film producer and director, discusses her latest documentary, “Freedom Hill.” The documentary explores how climate change and environmental racism are affecting the first town in the U.S. that was chartered by formerly enslaved people. Freedom Hill, now known as Princeville, battles frequent floods that threaten to wash the town away. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In response to the recent Gaza war protests on the campus of Emory University, Azadeh Shahshahani, the legal and advocacy director for Project South, explains why the organization is standing in solidarity with students and asking for a thorough investigation regarding the heavy presence and actions of law enforcement. Plus, Frances Kunreuther and Sean Thomas-Breitfeld, the co-executive directors of The Building Movement Project, discuss the new report “The Push and Pull: Declining Interest in Nonprofit Leadership.” The report examines how "pushing" people of color into leadership positions at nonprofits can have negative effects, and sometimes create organizational issues around diversity, equity and inclusion.Lastly, for “Closer Look’s graduation series,” we hear from James McMahon. The 2024 graduate of Georgia State University talks about the obstacles he’s faced as a legally blind student and his journey to earning a second degree in history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re live from The Corner Cup Coffee in Tucker for Coffee Conversations. For today’s topic, we’ll discuss how Atlanta’s growth is impacting nearby cities, like Tucker, which has added nearly 4,000 residents in just the past decade alone. We’ll talk to elected officials and business leaders about how the expanding population is impacting life, work, and recreation in Tucker. GUESTS INCLUDE:Michael VorndranOwner, The Corner Cup CoffeeFrank AumanMayor, City of TuckerJackie MoffoEconomic Development Director, City of TuckerImani BarnesState Representative, District 86Stephen BentleyPresident, Tucker Business AssociationGeonwoo LeeOwner, The Bite of KoreaVeronica DalzonOwner, Munster Cravings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we have an on-scene report from Emory University by WABE Reporter Chamian Cruz. Protesters of the Israel-Hamas war clashed with law enforcement today, leading to several arrests. Also, Host Rose Scott interviews Morehouse College’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kendrick Brown, about the backlash to President Joe Biden’s scheduled commencement address for next month’s graduation.Then, we continue with Part 2 of our Maternal Healthcare Series. As of 2020, 82 of Georgia’s 159 counties have no OB/GYNs, while another 15 only have one. We discuss the challenges of accessing obstetrics and gynecological care in Georgia’s rural communities with our guests, Dr. Keisha Reneé Callins, an OB/GYN with Community Health Care Systems, and Dr. Joy Baker, an OB/GYN with Wellstar Obstetrics and Gynecology. We conclude our series with a discussion focusing on the outreach programs for pregnant women in difficult situations, such as fleeing their home country or incarceration. Joining the conversation from Embrace - Refugee Birth Support are Muzhda Oriakhil, the Community Engagement Manager & Afghani Community Liaison, and Director Virginia Voyles Tester. Also, from Motherhood Beyond Bars is Program Director Vanessa Garrett and Executive Director Amy Ard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we begin a two-part series on maternal healthcare in Georgia. Host Rose Scott speaks with OB/GYNs and doulas about what needs to be done to improve maternal health outcomes.Guests Include:Dr. Donna Adams Pickett, an Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Augusta Women’s Health & WellnessTamara Akua Hunter, the founder of Womb Wisdom Wellness LLCNaima Bond, Certified Holistic DoulaDr. Lasha Clarke, assistant director in research and translation at Center for Maternal Health Equity at Morehouse School of MedicineBashellia Williams, care coordinator for Center for Maternal Health Equity at Morehouse School of MedicineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cicadas will soon start to emerge in Georgia and across the U.S. Dr. Samuel Ramsey, an entomologist and founder and director of the Ramsey Research Foundation, explains why cicada swarms happen, the habits of the insects, and their cycles. He also discusses what science still has to learn about cicadas. Plus, we air WABE education reporter Juma Sei’s latest feature. The story spotlights graduating seniors at Benjamin E. Mays High School who have all been granted admission to attend Morris Brown College. Lastly, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives skyrocketed in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. But have DEI efforts shifted following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end race-conscious admissions at colleges and universities? Rose talks with Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, Georgia State University professor and historian Dr. Maurice Hobson and  Illya Davis, a philosophy professor at Morehouse College and the director of New Students & Transition Programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, in Part 2 of our interview with DJ Rasta Root and DJ Jah Prince, host Rose Scott talks with the DJs about playing their final Face/Off Friday at MJQ Concourse. The popular nightclub has drawn diverse crowds of music lovers for more than two decades. MJQ will soon relocate to Underground Atlanta.Then, WABE’s environment reporter Marisa Mecke speaks with neighbors who are trying to address complex environmental pollution issues in their community.Also, one of Atlanta’s beloved radio stations, WCLK, is marking 50 years on the air. Licensed by Clark Atlanta University, the NPR station has an expansive history of broadcasting mostly jazz, but also community news, gospel, and other jazz genres. Jamal Ahmad, the host of S.O.U.L. of Jazz, discusses WCLK’s cultural impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, severe weather experts blame climate change for the intensifying hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires that we’ve seen over the past few decades. These more frequent signs of climate change are also causing anxiety for a growing number of Americans. To address these concerns and discuss solutions, Climate Cafés are being established in major cities in the U.S. and around the world. Today, we spoke with the founder and director of Climate Café, Jess Pepper, and Denise Cheeseman, the Sustainability Project Manager for City of Savannah.  Also, we begin our annual series of spotlighting the unique journeys of local college graduates. Laura Davis was just two academic quarters short of a psychology degree when she had to drop everything and flee her home country of Venezuela. She could only carry one small suitcase through the Colombia border, crossing into an uncertain future. Now, she is a 2024 graduate of Georgia Gwinnett College.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, the Georgia Public Service Commission voted 4-1 to give Georgia Power the ability to expand a power plant and buy more electricity from other utilities. This will enable the utility to provide power to an influx of businesses in the state. WABE climate reporter Emily Jones recaps the hearings and explains whether customers can expect to see any savings on their rising Georgia Power bills. Also, in the latest feature from WABE’s Young Business Series, Reporter Julien Virgin shares the work of Hero Roofing CEO Nick Branon. The young entrepreneur in Newnan, Georgia discusses his journey through the multi-billion-dollar roofing industry and why roof repairs are his favorite part of the home improvement process. Plus, we revisit our interview with Temple University Associate Professor and former journalist Andrea Wenzel. She recently published her book, "Antiracist Journalism: The Challenge of Creating Equitable Local News." Wenzel shares her research about how communities of color believe they’ve been misrepresented by local news teams and highlights changes news organizations can make for fairer reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thea Sebastian, the executive director at The Futures Institute, and Hanna Love, a fellow at The Brookings Institution, discuss their report “Separating fact from fiction” in retail theft across the U.S.” As retailers step up security measures and stricter antitheft laws take effect in states across the nation, their study claims shoplifting occurrences in major cities did not actually happen and circulating data on retail theft is unreliable and imprecise. They also share what they call “sensible ways” to address retail theft and empower local economies.  Plus, we air WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights a college student who created an online shipping platform that helps second-hand apparel businesses ship orders.  Lastly, two legendary artists died over the weekend. We will remember Atlanta hip-hop producer Rico Wade of Organized Noize and Faith Ringgold, a children’s book author and visual artist best known for her story quilts depicting African American experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thea Sebastian, the executive director at The Futures Institute, and Hanna Love, a fellow at The Brookings Institution, discuss their report “Separating fact from fiction” in retail theft across the U.S.” As retailers step up security measures and stricter antitheft laws take effect in states across the nation, their study claims shoplifting occurrences in major cities did not actually happen and circulating data on retail theft is unreliable and imprecise. They also share what they call “sensible ways” to address retail theft and empower local economies.  Plus, we air WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights a college student who created an online shipping platform that helps second-hand apparel businesses ship orders.  Lastly, two legendary artists died over the weekend. We will remember Atlanta hip-hop producer Rico Wade of Organized Noize and Faith Ringgold, a children’s book author and visual artist best known for her story quilts depicting African American experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia’s allergy season officially stretches from early spring to late fall. However, according to Atlanta Allergy & Asthma's Pollen counter, pollen has started to spike as early as February this year. Emory School of Medicine Assistant Professor Pedro Lamothe discusses the severity of pollen season, the health risks and what Georgians can do to guard themselves for the rest of the season.  Plus, we air WABE education reporter Juma Sei’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights how a young entrepreneur's passion for music led him to create a pop-up record shop.  Lastly, on the morning of what will be the very last Face/Off at the current MJQ Concourse location, Rose talks with DJs Rasta Root and Jah Prince.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A federal program that helps 1 in 6 Georgia households pay for high-speed internet could soon end. Applications for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are now closed as President Biden urges Congress to pass funding to extend the subsidy program. Rashad Robinson, the president of Color Of Change, discusses how Georgians could be impacted if the program ends. Lastly, we will air WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights a young business owner who sells ‘stink-free’ socks online.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A federal report suggests grocery stores are making huge profits off what's being called "greedflation," the economic idea that businesses kept prices high well after pandemic-era demands cooled off. Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), discusses “greedflation” and the latest inflation report, which shows a 3.5% increase since March 2023.  Plus, we air WABE Southside reporter DorMiya Vance's feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights two Black women who opened an agriculture business that opened during the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren-Brooke a former prosecutor and the head of the criminal justice program at the Brennan Center for Justice, discusses the new book, "Excessive Punishment: How the Justice System Creates Mass Incarceration." The book contains essays from scholars, practitioners and activists— exploring why federal, state and local agencies are contributing to mass incarceration and preventing reform.Lastly, we air WABE reporter Julien Virgin’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights two local martial arts artists who founded the lifestyle clothing brand Certified Fighter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crowds in Georgia and people across the U.S. are gearing up for the 2024 Great North American Eclipse. The eclipse’s path of totality stretches across 13 states. Georgia is not included in the path of totality, but Atlanta is expected to experience the effects of a partial eclipse. Show host Rose Scott talks with Georgia-based astronomy experts Dr. Jim Sowell, a physicist and an astronomy expert who serves as the director of the campus observatory at Georgia Tech, and Mark Lancaster, an astronomy instructor at the Fernbank Science Center. The guests, who have both traveled to Texas to get a closer look at the moon shadowing the sun, discuss the significance of the universe in action. Lastly, Monday marks 50 years since Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715 home run. It’s when the baseball giant broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. C.J. Stewart, an Atlanta native, a former Chicago Cubs outfielder, and the co-founder of LEAD Center, reflects on Arron’s life and legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been 56 years since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thursday’s special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" focused on the life and legacy of King, specifically his efforts to lead with courage and integrity to inspire others to be moral leaders. First, we Revisit Rose’s conversation with Dr. King’s attorney, Michael W. Cody. During the interview, Cody reflects on representing King in Memphis in 1968. Rose then talks with Dr. Robert Michael Franklin, Jr., an author theologian and Emory University’s James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership. Dr. Franklin explains King’s approach to moral leadership and his commitment to nonviolence and social change. He also connects Dr. King’s 1967 speech, “What Is Your Blueprint,” to moral leadership and how all people can use courage to fight for justice and equity. Lastly, we hear an archival piece from Dr. Bernice King. She reflects on losing her father.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" focuses on the years-long crisis and government collapse happening in Haiti. It’s estimated that at least 200 gangs are controlling large swathes of territory and municipalities, mostly in Port-au-Prince. Government officials have declared a state of emergency and issued a curfew. The accelerating crisis is cutting off food supplies, limiting access to healthcare and forcing people from their homes. We will hear from Ghislaine, an educator and founder of a school principal in Port-au-Prince. She talks about what life has been like in the city for the past three months. Rose also talks with several guests about what their respective organizations are doing to provide emergency resources amid the crisis and the urgent requests they have for U.S. government officials, Congress and United Nations leaders. Guests include:Alan Seelinger, the executive director of the Atlanta-based organization Light from LightLouis Wilkinson with Give To Haiti Wallis Etienne with International Women of H.O.P.E., a first-generation Haitian-American, a U.S. federal contracts administratorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Power and state regulators reached a tentative agreement last week to expand Georgia Power’s fossil fuel infrastructure and increase the company’s battery storage footprint. The agreement still needs approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). WABE climate reporter Emily Jones discusses her recent article that dives into the agreement and explains why some consumer and environmental advocates and customers have concerns. Jones also discusses why PSC elections won't be held this year and a lawsuit challenging the system the state uses to elect commissioners.  INSERT: The Sandersville Railroad company has been working to acquire portions of land in the city of Sparta in Hancock County, through eminent domain to construct a 4.5-mile rail spur to serve a nearby quarry. A hearing officer with the Georgia Public Service Commission ruled in favor of the railroad company. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Janet and Mark Smith and Ben Tarbutton, the president of Sandersville Railroad. Plus, New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Jewell discusses her new book, "Everything I Learned about Racism I Learned in School." In the book, the longtime educator explores the inequities Black and Brown students face from preschool through college. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to “Closer Look,” to provide a recap of the bills that passed and the bills that failed during the 2024 legislative session.  Plus, according to data from Georgia Tech, metro Atlanta reached nearly 8,000 eviction filings during December 2021. According to Zillow, at the end of 2021, rental prices skyrocketed nearly 20% in the Atlanta area. Peter Hepburn, an associate director at the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, discusses post-pandemic eviction filings. Lastly, tributes are pouring in for the legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr. He died on Friday at the age of 87. Gossett was the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” We revisit Rose’s conversation with Gossett. During the conversation, he reflected on why he gave up a professional career in basketball to pursue acting full-time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Closer Look team heads to Stereo in the Inman Park neighborhood for the March installment of “Coffee Conversations.” Whether you are biking, walking, driving, or catching MARTA, getting around metro Atlanta is a major concern for people throughout the city. Rose talks with panelists about the current state of transit and mobility and what can be done to streamline commuting.  Guests include:  Caleb Wheelus, owner of Stereo Janice Darling, Inman Park Neighborhood Association Traffic and Transportation Committee Chair and a volunteer for BeltLine Rail Now!  Hans Klein, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech Charles Peterson, a Just Opportunity portfolio associate for Partnership for Southern Equity  Kenneth “the Bike Ninja” Florence, a member of Red, Bike and Green - Atlanta Sagirah Jones, the program director for Propel ATLSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we spotlight the work of voting and women's rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. We first hear from Dr. Pearl Dowe, an African American studies and political science professor, who serves as the vice provost for faculty affairs at Emory University, and Dr. Danielle Phillips-Cunningham, who teaches women's and African American labor histories at Rutgers University. The professors reflect on the life and legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer and talk about her fight for civil, human and women’s rights. Rose then talks with award-winning actor Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who is best known for her performance in films like “Origin”, “The Help” and “Ray.” Ellis-Taylor, who portrayed Hamer in the short film “Fannie,” explains why she views Fannie as a prophet and a freedom rights warrior. The national nonprofit The Conservation Fundlaunched the Farms Fund program in 2021. Krisztian Varsa, the Georgia Farms Fund program manager, and Raphaela Ysrael, a farmer with Atlanta Harvest, talk with Rose about the program that aims to address food insecurity. They also discuss how the program works to protect threatened farms near cities by offering a new generation of diverse farmers and an affordable path to buy farmland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keith Boykin, a New York Times–bestselling author, TV and Film producer and former CNN political commentator, discusses his new book, “Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race? 25 Arguments That Won’t Go Away.”  INSERT: The three white men convicted of killing Ahmaud Arbery in 2020 will have their appeals heard by a federal court in Atlanta today. The trio was found guilty of federal hate crime charges just months after their murder trial. We’ll hear from Arbery’s family and their attorney. Plus, Katie Giede is among a group of Conyers Waffle House employees who have joined a strike led by the Union of Southern Service Workers. The workers are calling for the Department of Labor to investigate the company’s “meal credit” policy, which takes $3 from each worker's shift - even if they don't eat a meal. Giede talks with Rose about the strike and the other changes employees are calling for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2021, the Hospital Price Transparency Rule has required hospitals to make their pricing information publicly available. This allows patients to shop around for the best price for their medical services. On today’s edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we hear from an advocacy group that claims that of the 2000 hospitals that were reviewed nationwide, 36 hospitals in Georgia are reportedly not sharing their pricing information. We also hear a rebuttal from an association that claims hospitals in Georgia are compliant with the rule and calls the Patients Rights Advocate report “irresponsible.”  Guests include:  Cynthia Fisher, the founder and chairwoman of Patients Rights Advocate Brad Dennison, the director of Healthcare Finance Policy at the Healthcare Financial Management Association Shawn Stack, the director of Editorial and Policy Affairs at the Healthcare Financial Management AssociationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sine Die is just days away. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to “Closer Look,” to discuss proposed bills that have stalled and others that are advancing as the 2024 Georgia legislative session comes close to an end.  Insert: We revisit Rose’s conversation with Steve Davis, the assistant vice president of transportation strategy for Smart Growth America. He discusses his organization’s report “Divided by Design.” The report looks at historical data of how one built and one unbuilt highway in Atlanta and Washington D.C. have disproportionately impacted Black residents and what could be done today to address the harm caused by the highways.  Atlanta is one of many cities dealing with the harms of inequitable interstate projects. On Monday during Mayor Andre Dickens’ State of the City address, he talked about his transportation plan, which involves the creation of a new MARTA train station at Murphy Crossing, the first of four additional in-fill stations. He also talked about the city receiving $157 million in federal funds for the Stitch project. Rose talks with A.J. Robinson, the president of Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, about the development project that aims to connect three areas within Downtown Atlanta. It involves creating approximately 14 acres of urban green space along with affordable housing options and transportation enhancements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we continue our weeklong series, “FAILING GRADE: Analysis of America's Public Education Crisis.” The series explores the current state of public education in Georgia and across the nation, from pre-K to higher-ed. For the final day of the series, we continue with our interview from the South Atlanta microschool Pass Pod. The school’s founder discusses details about the school's curriculum and leadership changes that would allow her to focus on the business aspect of her school. Rose then talks with guests about the state of public HBCUs across the nation, the historic underfunding of HBCUs and what needs to happen from a policy standpoint to ensure HBCUs have equitable resources and funding to continue supporting students. Lastly, a representative from a national organization that advocates for schools discusses the state of public education and what can be done to make sure all students have strong academic outcomes. Potential leadership changes that would allow her to focus on the business aspect of her school.Guests include:  April Jackson, the founder of Pass Pod school and the co-founder of Black MicroSchools ATL Lodriguez Murray, the senior vice president of public policy and government affairs for the United Negro College Fund Daarel Burnette II, a senior editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education Eric Duncan, EdTrust’s director of P-12 policySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we continue our weeklong series, “FAILING GRADE: Analysis of America's Public Education Crisis.” The series explores the current state of public education in Georgia and across the nation, from pre-K to higher-ed. On day four of the series, we continue with our interview from visiting Pass Pod. The founder of the South Atlanta micro-school talks about the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act and how she views her school as a modern-day freedom school, a place where Black children can learn about Black culture and contributions.Rose then talks with guests associated with the Atlanta-based Freedom University about educating undocumented students in Georgia with a pathway to higher education, while also organizing students as activists to repeal certain immigration policies. We will also air WABE education reporter Juma Sei’s latest feature that spotlights how Marietta City Schools is working to improve literacy rates by changing how students learn to read. Lastly, two local educators discuss the national Black male teacher shortage.  Guests include:  April Jackson, the founder of Pass Pod school and the co-founder of Black MicroSchools ATL Julius Cave, the program manager for The Literacy Lab’s Leading Men Fellowship in Atlanta Zachary White, a senior fellow for the Leading Men Fellowship in Atlanta Jabari Cain, an associate professor in the Bagwell College of Education and the director of the Call Me MISTER program at Kennesaw StateDr. Laura Emiko Soltis, executive director and professor of human rights at Freedom University Nayelly, an undocumented student, Freedom University alumna and a current student at Emory UniversitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we continue our weeklong series, “FAILING GRADE: Analysis of America's Public Education Crisis.” The series explores the current state of public education in Georgia and across the nation, from pre-K to higher-ed. For day three of the series, we continue with PART 3 of our conversation from Pass Pod school, which is part of the collective Black MicroSchools ATL. Supervising producer Tiffany Griffith speaks with a parent about the decision to withdraw her children from public school. Also, Rose talks with a student about the experience of attending Pass Pod school. A rural public schools superintendent then explains the unique challenges associated with his district. Lastly, educators at The Cottage School explain how they are providing a unique learning environment for special needs students that is not offered in public schools. Guests include:  Amber, parent of two children who attend Pass Pod  I’Nique, 13, a student at Pass Pod  Allen Fort, superintendent of the Taliaferro County School District Dr. Steven Palmer, Head of School at The Cottage School Renee’ Kincaid, Elementary School teacher at The Cottage SchoolSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.