Closer Look with Rose Scott

WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look” to recap the latest news from Georgia’s 2024 legislative session and to discuss some of the key takeaways from Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State address. Plus, Dr. Michael Lomax, the president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), discusses a new $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Incorporation . It’s part of a bold...

On today's special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we continue our series that focuses on how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts first responders. According to the Institutes of Health, more than 80% of first responders experience trauma on the job. However, in Georgia, if a first responder did not suffer physical injury, worker’s compensation is not available for PTSD. S...

On today's special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we begin a two-day series discussing a serious health risk among first responders: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 in 3 police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel are impacted by the disorder. Rose talks with several guests includin...

Andrea Wenzel , an associate professor at Temple University and former journalist, discusses her new book, “Antiracist Journalism: The Challenge of Creating Equitable Local News." Several news stories in Georgia made national headlines in 2023, including the ongoing efforts to build a police and fire training center in Atlanta, the Georgia election interference case , the passing of former first l...

Monday marks the start of the 2024 legislative session . WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to “Closer Look,” to discuss lawmakers’ priorities, proposed bills and debated issues that could potentially come up during the session. Plus, former Wisconsin Congressman Scott Klug and Fred Hicks , an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, provide an analysis of the 2024 p...

On today’s “Closer Look,” we look back on the most compelling conversations of 2023, as selected by show host Rose Scott . First, Zarickus Worthy and his daughter, Zymeriya discuss their self-published children’s book, “The Drills.” Lastly, we revisit “Closer Look’s” top conversation of the year. Civil rights icon Xernona Clayton , who was honored in 2023 with an 8-foot statue in downtown Atlanta...

On today’s “Closer Look,” we look back on the most compelling conversations of 2023, as selected by producer Daniel Rayzel . First, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Angela Davis . The civil rights activist discusses the progress of contemporary activism and her decision to return a proclamation from the City of  Atlanta . Plus, Kat Albrecht, an assistant professor in the Department of...

On today’s “Closer Look ,” we look back on the most compelling conversations of 2023, as selected by producer LaShawn Hudson . Hip-hop turned 50 in 2023. In honor of the musical milestone, “Closer Look” launched its Hip-hop @ 50 series. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Jeezy . In a two-part conversation, the Grammy-nominated recording artist, entrepreneur and author, discusses his new book...

On today’s “Closer Look,” we look back on the most compelling conversations of 2023, as selected by Supervising Producer Tiffany Griffith .   In our first conversation, Show Host Rose Scott speaks with parents about raising transgender and genderfluid children . She also talks with a psychotherapist about the impacts Georgia’s SB 140 measure could have on LGBTQ youth.   Then, Rose speaks...

Ben Ansell , a professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College at the University of Oxford, is the  British Broadcasting Company’s Reith lecturer . He talks with show host Rose Scott about his four lectures titled “Our Democratic Future.” WABE will air Ansell’s lecture this Saturday at 2pm.  Plus, Christmas is just three days away. We revisit Rose’s conversations wit...

Terrica Redfield Ganzy , the president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, and Aklima Khondoker, the PAC Chair for the association, discuss the history and mission of GABWA, what it means to be a Black woman jurist and their efforts to help other up-and-coming jurists navigate their careers. They also give their outlook on democracy in 2024.   Plus, Randal “Quran” Reid , 29,...

Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith , the interim chief resource officer for the DeKalb County School District, discusses the new IGNITE Teacher Residency Program and ongoing retention efforts to address teacher shortages. Plus, Rose talks with Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE) founder Nathaniel Smith , lead researcher William Smith and Sterling Johnson , who serves as the director of PSE’s Just Opportunit...

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” for day two of the “Overflow: Examining Georgia’s $11 Billion Surplus” series, show host Rose Scott talked with several guests about Georgia’s multibillion-dollar surplus and how they think Governor Brian Kemp should allocate surplus dollars to help Georgians. Guests include: Ky Lindberg , the CEO of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia  ...

On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” for the launch of a two-day series called “Overflow: Examining Georgia’s $11 Billion Surplus, show host Rose Scott talked with several guests about Georgia’s multibillion surplus and how they think Governor Brian Kemp should spend surplus dollars to help Georgians. Guests include: Staci Fox , the president and CEO of the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute (...

WABE, The Associated Press, Georgia Public Broadcasting and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution together reviewed 100,000-plus signatures collected by organizers regarding a referendum on the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. WABE reporter Emily Wu Pearson discusses the news outlets’ findings regarding the signatures. Plus, Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan , who is Jewish and serves as the chairperson...

CNN's Victor Blackwell has a new weekly show called “First of All with Victor Blackwell.” Blackwell talks with Rose about the show and his aim to tell stories about what’s effecting communities of color and how those issues impact all people. Plus, Santa Dee , also known as “The Real Black Santa,” returns to the program to talk more about his work this holiday season and how what he does is center...

Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman , returns to “Closer Look” to recap legislation and initiatives that were championed and challenged by council members and the public in 2023. He also discusses some top priorities for 2024. Plus, The Fifth National Climate Assessment is now out. WABE environmental reporter Marisa Mecke and WABE climate reporter Emily Jones discuss some of the key t...

Black travelers generate billions of dollars in domestic and international economies. However, many business owners of color in the tourism industry say it’s a challenge accessing those dollars and getting the opportunity to host tourists and events. Jason Dunn , the executive director of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals , discusses a nationwide effort to diversify the tourism...

The FBI is warning parents about the rise in terrorist groups attempting to influence kids and teens online to carry out violence. Ana Marcus, an FBI special agent on the Northeast Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Jim Berry, a supervisory officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, discuss the activity they’re seeing online and the tips for keeping kids safe from radicalization. P...

Eugene Jones Jr ., the president and CEO of Atlanta Housing, is stepping down . He joins “Closer Look,” to discuss the current challenges of affordable housing in Atlanta and offers reflection about the progress his agency has made to combating it.   Plus, Wendell Griffen , a recently retired judge, pastor and social justice advocate, discusses how the elimination of affirmative action in hig...

NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans joins “Closer Look” to reflect on the life and legacy of Norman Lear. The famed-trailblazing writer, director and producer, who is credited with changing the face of American TV sitcoms, died on Tuesday at the age of 101. Plus, Juma Sei , WABE’s education reporter, returns to the program to discuss the runoff election results for the APS  Board  of Education....

A 2022 study by Mercer University and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture found 60% of Georgia farmers don’t have access to healthcare and 42% experienced suicidal ideation within 12 months prior to the study. Tara Haskins , the total health director for the AgriSafe Network, and Linda Emanuel , the c ommunity health director  at the  AgriSafe Network, discuss how their organization i...

After several defendants took plea deals, the RICO trial for Grammy award-winning rapper Young Thug and five others is underway in Atlanta . Defense attorney David West returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the case, including possible privacy concerns after the faces of jurors were exposed during a live video stream. Plus, at least 18 Sparta property owners in Hancock County could be impacted if th...

Friday marks the 35th World AIDS Day and 20th anniversary of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The theme for World AIDS Day 35 is “Remember and Commit.” A lot has changed since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first defined HIV/AIDS in 1981. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently set a collaborative goal to end the HIV...

Following a court order, Georgia lawmakers are currently in a special session to redraw the district lines for several state legislature and congressional seats. WABE politics Rahul Bali discusses the latest. Plus, a hearing is being held to determine if Sandersville Railroad Company can legally condemn property in Sparta, Georgia to build a 4.5-mile rail line. It would reportedly transform parts...