Closer Look with Rose Scott

Student success is directly linked to literacy. According to the latest data from the Georgia Council on Literacy, 62% of third-graders are not reading on grade level. The findings come as state lawmakers consider the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, which aims to improve literacy through several approaches and strategies. “Closer Look’s” February installment of “Coffee Conversations was held at The Ke'next Cooperative located in the Westview neighborhood. Host Rose Scott talked with several guests, including children’s book authors. They discussed community-center resources and programs geared toward improving literacy rates in Georgia and read excerpts from children’s books. Guests included: Kiyomi Rollins, the owner of The Ke’nekt Cooperative Gayle Hunter Holloman, the executive director of Fulton County Library System Caroline Ahmann, owner of the Beloved Books Bookmobile Dr. Nicola Chin, a pediatrician at Morehouse Healthcare and a Reach Out and Read Clinician Alex Ryan, the founder of Alex in Wonderland, LLC, and the author and creator of “Zina Bina Learns the Value of Money” Dr. Breanna J. McDaniel, an educator, speaker and author of the book “Go Forth and Tell” Shelly Anand, an author of “Laxmi’s Mooch” Reem Faruqi, an award-winning author of “Lailah's Lunchbox”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Student success is directly linked to literacy. According to the latest data from the Georgia Council on Literacy, 62% of third-graders are not reading on grade level. The findings come as state lawmakers consider the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, which aims to improve literacy through several approaches and strategies. “Closer Look’s” February installment of “Coffee Conversations was held at The Ke’nekt Cooperative, located in the Westview neighborhood. Host Rose Scott talked with several guests, including children’s book authors. They discussed community-center resources and programs geared toward improving literacy rates in Georgia and read excerpts from children’s books. Guests included: Kiyomi Rollins, the owner of The Ke’nekt Cooperative Gayle Hunter Holloman, the executive director of Fulton County Library System Caroline Ahmann, owner of the Beloved Books Bookmobile Allyson Eads, a community engagement librarian for the Cobb County Public Library System Dr. Nicola Chin, a pediatrician at Morehouse Healthcare and a Reach Out and Read Clinician Alex Ryan, the founder of Alex in Wonderland, LLC, and the author and creator of “Zina Bina Learns the Value of Money” Dr. Breanna J. McDaniel, an educator, speaker and author of the book “Go Forth and Tell” Shelly Anand, an author of “Laxmi’s Mooch” Reem Faruqi, an award-winning author of “Lailah's Lunchbox”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta City Councilmember Wayne Martin says there are plenty of nights when he still thinks about what it felt like to go from homelessness to finally having a place to call home. He remembers lying down at night and thinking about all the different beds he slept in as a child, including the time his family lived in hotels before entering a shelter. That lived experience, he says, has shaped every job he’s held and ultimately pushed him to run for office, and now work as a councilmember. On today’s Closer Look, Martin shares what issues he wants to address as the representative for District 11. Carrollton, Georgia, is quite different from the city of Atlanta, but for newly elected Atlanta councilmember Thomas Worthy, moving from his small southern hometown to Georgia’s capital was pivotal. “I think I am an absolute beneficiary of the opportunity that this city offers.” Worthy calls Atlanta an opportunity machine and says it’s one of the reasons he wanted to serve the city that has given so much to his career and has been a great place for him and his wife and to raise their three children. Worthy represents District 7, which consists mostly of north Atlanta. His main priorities include a check on “basic blocking and tackling” of city services, which include infrastructure and zoning issues. Worthy explained more about what he’s focusing on for his constituents on today’s Closer Look.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are many ways to describe Donald Trump’s second term, especially given how many of his policies and executive orders related to education and other areas have been tied up in federal courts. Legal challenges seem to follow nearly every move. Still, one recent court development hasn’t received much attention from major news outlets. Some have called it a “win for academic freedom,” but Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum sees it as more complicated than that. Also on today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Emory University’s Dr. Crystal R. Sanders and Dr. Karida L. Brown discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of what would eventually become Black History Month. They share his dangerous pursuit of accurately telling the story of contributions made by African descended people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott welcomed Atlanta City Councilmember Kelsea Bond to the program. New to their office as the District 2 representative, Bond discussed how they want to push for the issues they campaigned on: addressing housing affordability, increasing taxes on the wealthy, police reform and public transit expansion. Also on the show, the team behind the WABE-TV docuseries, (re)Defining History, which returns for its second season. Over four episodes, the program delves into the history of Atlanta, the South, and its forgotten figures, places and moments. “Closer Look” previews some of the topics, such as anecdotal stories about Atlanta’s own baseball great, Henry “Hank” Aaron and Atlanta’s first private black-owned hospital, the William A. Harris Memorial Hospital, which was built in 1928.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been nearly 200 years since the founding of the first African Institute in the United States. Since that time, historically Black colleges and universities continue to influence society and impact diverse students of every race and cultural background. On Wednesday’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we spoke to Chicago PBS News Anchor Brandis Friedman about her new documentary, “Opportunity, Access & Uplift: The Evolving Legacy of HBCUs.” Following the Trump Administration’s repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2009 Endangerment Finding, “Closer Look,” is joined by Diamond Spratling, the founder and executive director of Girl + Environment. Through her work, she raises awareness about what’s harming the environment, plus trains and teaches Black and Brown women to advocate for climate solutions. She shares how President Trump’s actions could harm vulnerable communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look,” we share tributes to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, and a prior interview host Rose Scott did with the civil rights champion from WABE’s ATL68 series. Jackson also dedicated his life to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, working as a global humanitarian, running for president twice, and as part of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle. Jackson, known for his famous words, “Keep hope alive!” died Tuesday. He was 84. Scott also talks with Gerald Griggs, a civil rights attorney and past president of the Georgia NAACP, who shares his memories about Jackson. Also, Atlanta’s Zoning Review Board recently overruled a vote by a Kirkwood area neighborhood planning unit. The NPU had voted against a proposal for a 47-unit apartment building for unhoused seniors, which would include mental health services. However, the Board chose to move forward with the project, which would be located in a currently vacant lot located at 88 Howard St. NE. The property is owned by Turner Monumental AME Church, who is pursuing the development. Sean Keenan has followed the project for Atlanta Civic Circle and shares the latest with “Closer Look.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts talked with host Rose Scott about the timeline of events around the FBI raid and seizure of the county’s election records. He also shared his thoughts about the unsealed warrant affidavit used by the FBI, which supports already disproven claims of election fraud in Fulton County. We also learn about how the newly formed Georgia chapter of a faith-led group is pushing back against Christian nationalism. Christians Against Christian Nationalism are among those evangelicals who are becoming more outspoken and denouncing the beliefs, which often includes underlying racism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sale is complete for a Walton County, Ga. industrial warehouse that will become a new detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Local officials confirmed the purchase of the rural warehouse, located approximately 40 miles east of Atlanta. But Social Circle city officials say they’re against it, and Gareth Fenley, a local organizer with Indivisible Boldly Blue, shares on “Closer Look” how she plans to fight it. Plus, Atlanta area hospitals say their staff and resources are ready to respond to the 300,000 FIFA World Cup visitors expected here this summer. Preparations have been ongoing for months in advance, including a training simulation involving two patients who entered the U.S. with an infectious disease. Doctors from Grady Hospital, Piedmont Hospital and the Emory University School of Medicine join the program to discuss their plan to keep residents and visitors healthy during the games. Then, a new ProPublica report is linking a conservative researcher to the seizure of Fulton County’s election records. The author tells us about Kevin Moncla, who has long accused Fulton County of election fraud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 11,000 children and teens are in Georgia's foster care system. Data also reveals more than 500 youth transition out of the foster care system, many needing assistance, housing, and resources as they adjust to adulthood. Allison Ashe, the CEO and president of Wellroot Family Services, talks with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott about the work of Wellroot and the expansion of their newly renovated apartment community, The Oaks. She also discussed details about Wellroot's 2026 Reaching Teens Summit, slated for February 26-27 at the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Center. Plus, a long list of Republicans and Democrats is vying for Georgia’s top elected office, and we are months away from the gubernatorial primary. In an effort to run an effective campaign, candidates spend money on advertisements, canvassing, and more. We hear from Atlanta-based political strategist Fred Hicks, who says people vote with their dollars. Hicks broke down campaign spending and fundraising, as well as how much money each candidate has raised so far, and the three measures used to track a candidate’s overall campaign dollars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While leaders like Malcolm X became symbols of the Black nationalist movement, a new book is celebrating the life and work of a lesser-known icon. Dr. Ashley Farmer tells that story in her new book, “Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore.” Then, the Reverend and Georgia State Senator Kim Jackson joins “Closer Look with Rose Scott” for a conversation about the three bills she’s backing to locally prevent the aggressive immigration tactics the world has witnessed in Minnesota. The measures would require agents wear identification and prohibit face coverings and masks, require a legitimate warrant for an arrest, and allow people who feel their rights have been violated to sue ICE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With only a few weeks left to his time in office, Dr. Raphael Bostic reflects on his time as the 15th president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. In front of a live “Closer Look” audience, Bostic shared what it took to oversee the economic wellbeing of all or most of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana – a region that is far from a monolith. Speaking with host Rose Scott, he dispels any suspicion that he’s leaving because of the Trump Administration’s economic policies, evaluates whether he accomplished what he came to office to do, discusses how the bank addresses economic disparities, and shares what a happy retirement looks like to him. Bostic also took questions from the live audience, which included business school students from Emory University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look,” first, we hear from WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali. He discusses the latest political news in Georgia, including Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk’s decision not to run for reelection, what it could mean for Democrats in Georgia, as well as how it could impact the midterm elections. He also talks more about the 2026 Georgia Amended Fiscal Year Budget and several bills he’s following, including Senate Bill 433, that would allow Georgia drivers to have specialty license plates to inform law enforcement officers that someone in the car has a developmental disability. Plus, as part of “Closer Look’s” extended coverage following National School Choice Week, we hear from Bonnie Holliday, the president and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. She discusses school choice and her organization’s work to support Georgia charter schools. Lastly, for decades, the Atlanta-based Carter Center has monitored elections across the world. But as President Donald Trump continues to call for greater federal control in elections, The Carter Center is keeping an eye on potential election interference for this year’s midterms in the U.S. We hear from Paige Alexander, the CEO of The Carter Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have arisen about transparency when it comes to city leaders and light rail for the Eastside Atlanta Beltline. This, after a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution article revealed an alleged secret vote stopped work on the $800 Million project. According to AJC Transportation Reporter Sara Gregory, even city council members were surprised to learn about the vote. Was the public truly left in the dark? The issue is debated on Wednesday’s “Closer Look” with light rail advocate Matthew Rao, the Chairperson for BeltLine Rail Now and opponent Dr. Hans Klein, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Georgia Tech and President of the Board of Directors for Better Atlanta Transit. TheDream.US is now accepting applications for a scholarship to benefit students regardless of their immigration status. On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” DACA recipient Indira Islas and Hyein Lee, the COO of TheDream.US shared the application process and how it has benefited students who migrated to the U.S. Plus, they reflect on the ongoing immigration raids happening under the Trump administration and how some TheDream.US scholarship recipients have been detained and deported.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we focus on immigration from a policy perspective. First, we speak to U.S. Corporate Immigration Attorney Giselle Carson. She discusses President Trump’s sudden immigration ban on 75 countries, consisting of applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Balkans, and several countries in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Attorney Carson also provides her perspective on a recently filed lawsuit against the immigration ban. The conversation continues with Adriana Heffley, the Director of Legal Services for the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network. Heffley highlights how some of the asylum seekers she works with have been detained by Immigration agents. She also mentions how actions by ICE have scared some immigrants into hiding and not seeking help for issues such as domestic violence. We learn what GAIN is attempting to do to protect immigrants and those seeking asylum in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s "Closer Look," host Rose Scott spoke to Brian King, the Executive Vice President for U.S. Programs with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. He claims Georgia is not allocating allotted funds towards preventing tobacco use in the state. He also says, with the second lowest tobacco tax in the nation, Georgia is minimizing its effort to stop kids and adults from smoking. He said these taxpayer-funded programs could reduce health care costs for consumers and generate millions of dollars in revenue. Then, a conversation with Stuart Jefferies, a Georgia State University professor of physics and astronomy. Along with his students, they’re teaming up with international space scientists to explore the universe for signs of life on other planets. Right now, they’re constructing the tool that will help them do it, the ExoPlanet Life Finder. The telescope will be able to study other star systems from 30 million light years away. That’s 176,358,761,195,508,231,926 miles from our blue planet. We also revisit an interview with NASA Captain Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr. He spoke with “Closer Look” about his expected historic voyage around the moon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we remember scholar, trailblazer, civil rights activist, mentor, revolutionary, colleague, shero - Dr. Gloria Wade-Gayles. Playwright and poet Pearl Cleage and Marla Frederick, Spelman alumna and Dean of the Harvard Divinity School, join the program to share how the beloved professor influenced her students and highlighted the experiences of Black Women in American culture. Also, sometimes the best option for your child’s education might be right around the corner from your home and you wouldn’t even know it. That’s where GeorgiaCAN steps him. We speak to a parent and two officials from GeorgiaCAN about how they’re connecting families with the best education options for children. They also tell us about the upcoming 2026 Atlanta School Choice Expo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donovan Head, who serves as the executive director of the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, is clearing up some misconceptions about charter schools, as he sees it. He says charter schools are free, public schools that are required to adhere to federal and state educational standards. He joined “Closer Look” to explain the process of how charter schools are developed. Show host Rose Scott was also joined by Dr. Jameson Brewer from the University of North Georgia and Dr. Carrie Sampson, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University. They shared their critiques of the current charter school system and offered ways it could further benefit students and their families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian and researcher Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado has developed a theorem she describes as a starting point for translating the harm of slavery into monetary value. Sims-Alvarado, an assistant professor of Africana Studies and the Director of Public History and the chair of the Fulton County Reparations Task Force, plus Dr. Amanda Meng, the secretary of the task force and a Georgia Tech professor, led the research effort that culminated in a 650-page Harm Report. The professors discussed their findings in detail on today's "Closer Look with Rose Scott."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Friday through Monday, the storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, is expected to impact millions of people across the U.S. in more than 30 states, including Georgia. To prepare, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Georgia on Thursday morning. On today’s “Closer Look,” we speak with local officials about how they’re bracing the state for the storm. Also on today’s show, an official with the ACLU of Louisiana says agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement endangered the life of a pregnant woman who was deported to Colombia while allegedly in medical distress. Nora Ahmed, the Legal Director at the ACLU of Louisiana, tells Host Rose Scott about 21-year-old Daniela Buitrago, who came to the U.S. in November 2025 with her family, to flee persecution in Colombia. However, she was just flown back to her home country from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, while reportedly experiencing severe pain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” an open records request by Atlanta Journal-Constitution Transportation Reporter Sara Gregory revealed a “secret vote” that was not known to the public and members of the Atlanta City Council. What she discovered was a May 2025 vote by officials from MARTA, Atlanta Beltline, Inc., and the City of Atlanta to halt light rail construction on Atlanta's Eastside Beltline. Gregory joins the show to share how she learned of the vote. Also on the program, we’re joined by the new mayor of South Fulton, Carmalitha Gumbs. She shares her priorities for the first year of her administration, which includes economic development and searching for a new police chief. Finally, we speak with the leaders of Food Well Alliance, a nonprofit that helps connect local growers with area communities, to support them socially, economically, and environmentally. Executive Director Kate Conner and Sarah Brown, Senior Manager of Policy and Planning join the program to share the latest local Food System Plan award recipients.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a new chapter for Peter Hubbard, one of two Democrats elected to Georgia’s Public Service Commission, flipping long-held Republican seats. A longtime clean-energy advocate, Hubbard told “Closer Look” host Rose Scott he’s committed to working across political lines. He’s also closely watching the rapid growth of data centers in Georgia, questioning their true economic benefits, workforce impact, and tax incentives. He then raised concerns about their strain on energy infrastructure, noise pollution, e-waste, and the higher costs often passed on to residential customers. For weeks, immigration agents with the Department of Homeland Security have confronted communities in Minnesota - resulting in arrests, school closures, injuries, and the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Good. The State of Minnesota, along with the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis recently announced a lawsuit against DHS for its actions. On today’s “Closer Look,” Anthony Michael Kreis, associate professor of law at Georgia State University, provides his legal analysis about what hurdles the lawsuit might face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday marks what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 97th birthday. Ahead of the federal holiday, as various events get underway and people around the world are commemorating the life and legacy of the civil rights giant, President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota. This comes as ongoing protests continue after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good last week, and another federal agent shot a Venezuelan man in the leg on Wednesday. Today’s program connects King’s moral leadership ideology to the current state of American politics. First, we revisit “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott’s interview with Dr. Robert Michael Franklin Jr., an author, theologian and Emory University’s James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership. During the discussion, Professor Franklin reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. King, specifically his efforts to lead with courage, nonviolence and integrity. He also explains how King used his influence to inspire others to be moral leaders. We then hear from Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock. He discusses the ongoing protests happening in Minneapolis. He also reflects on Dr. King’s life and legacy and the intersection of moral leadership and politics. Warnock then talked about the importance of combating the fear and despair that he says the Trump administration is intentionally trying to spread.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from Georgia State University reveals more than 4,600 people, 1,635 children in DeKalb County are without stable housing—many living in extended-stay hotels and paying more than average rental costs. The release of the study comes as Governor Brian Kemp announced a $50 million initiative addressing homelessness in Georgia. For a special themed show focusing on homelessness in DeKalb County, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talked with co-leaders from Georgia State University’s Center on Health and Homelessness, who co-authored the study. Scott then talked with leaders of two local organizations working to address homelessness in DeKalb County. Guests included: Shannon Self-Brown, a distinguished university professor in the School of Public Health April Ballard, an assistant professor in the School of Public Health Greg White, the executive director of A Home for Everyone in DeKalb Andrea Brantley, the executive director of Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb Wanda Hunter, the program manager for Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb Lastly, civil rights activist Claudette Colvin has died. She died on Tuesday at the age of 86. At the age of 15, back on March 2, 1955, Colvin was arrested and charged for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated public bus to a white person, despite already being seated in the back of the bus, in the area designated for Black people. Ashley Roseboro of the Claudette Colvin Foundation talks more about Colvin’s life and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration says it is actively working to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education. If passed by Congress, the measure would shrink federal oversight and give more control to the states. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Erika Mitchell, the former board chair of the Atlanta Board of Education. Mitchell discusses the current state of K-12 public education in the U.S. and shares the achievements and remaining challenges for urban school districts. Plus, it’s day two of the 2026 Georgia legislative session. State Senator Sonya Halpern joins the program to discuss the latest happenings at the state capitol, bills she's backing and those she's not. She also discusses some of the other legislative priorities for Georgia’s Senate Democrats. President Trump signed the "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" executive order last year, calling for the removal of “improper," "divisive or anti-American ideology" from federally funded establishments, such as the Smithsonian Institution. Tuesday is the deadline for the museum to provide documents about current and upcoming exhibitions and events, which could put its $1 billion budget at risk. Karen Comer Lowe, a curator, cultural strategist, and art advisor, shares her thoughts about how this effort undermines scholarly independence, artistic and curatorial freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is spearheading an initiative to help support small businesses within the corridor’s overlay in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. We hear from Natalie Jones, the Atlanta Beltline project manager for the Business Solutions Office, Anthony Pope, the co-founder and design principal of Atelier 7 Architects, and Latrice Rochelle and Xavier John of PARLAY Savory Saloon. They discussed strategies for vendors and small businesses to reap revenue from the influx of visitors when the world’s largest sporting event comes to Georgia. Across the eight games Atlanta will host, an estimated range between $500 million to more than $1 billion is expected to be pumped into the Atlanta area’s economy. They also shared details about what other small business owners can do to ready their businesses for the surge in World Cup visitors, including applying for the Beltline Business Ventures accelerator program. Plus, Marci Collier Overstreet is the 10th Atlanta City Council President. The longtime elected official campaigned on leading Atlanta forward. Now, one week into her four-year term, Overstreet returns to “Closer Look” to talk more about how her tenure as a city council member, representing District 11 in Southwest Atlanta, prepared her to take on the role of council president. President Overstreet also discussed her leadership style and plans to work collaboratively with fellow council members, ensuring that economic development projects include binding community benefits. Overstreet also explained why she had to recede her initial committee appointments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 20th will mark President Donald Trump’s first full year back in office. So far, Trump’s second term has been marked by the dismantling of several federal agencies, spending cuts, layoffs and an aggressive crackdown carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Just days ago, under the direction of President Trump, the U.S. military carried out a series of air strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. For Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott asked listeners to share their thoughts about the direction of the nation following Trump’s return to the White House. For the discussion, Scott was joined by WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali, Tammy Greer, a politics and policy clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University, and Cathy Woolard, a longtime Democratic leader, former Atlanta City Council president and former board chair of the Fulton County Elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FBI is now investigating the shooting death of a woman in South Minneapolis. On Wednesday, following an immigration enforcement operation, an ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old mother Renee Good while she was in her car. The situation has sparked national outrage and ongoing protests in Minnesota's Twin Cities. MPR News correspondent Matt Sepic joins “Closer Look” to discuss the latest in the ongoing investigation. Plus, fallout continues over President Donald Trump’s military action over Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela and current President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. Charles Shapiro shares his thoughts on the unfolding situation and questions the Trump Administration’s motives for taking military action against Venezuela. He also shares his thoughts about the next era of leadership in the country. Lastly, Michael J. Moore, a former United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia and former member of the Georgia State Senate, talks about the deadly Minnesota shooting, the duties and responsibilities of ICE agents and possible legal consequences for the ICE agent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research shows coordinated efforts and collective action—among school systems, child welfare agencies, policymakers, and community partners—can significantly improve outcomes for children and youth in foster care. In Georgia, as of May 2025, more than 11,300 children were in foster care, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services. The work of the nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates, also known as Atlanta CASA, centers on helping children and young people in need. The organization supports abused and neglected children involved in the juvenile court system in Fulton County by recruiting and training volunteers to be advocates for them. On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talked with Atlanta CASA's chief executive officer, Domonique Cooper, and Angela Owens, a recruiter and community engagement specialist for the organization. They talked more about CASA’s mission, its impact, and the urgent need for more volunteer advocates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States military has carried out a series of air strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The Trump administration has announced plans for U.S. companies to take over oil production with military support and Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Maduro and his wife have both pleaded not guilty. Laurie Blank, a clinical professor of law and director of the International Humanitarian Law Clinic at Emory University, gives an analysis of the unfolding situation, the charges against Maduro and Flores, and the legal context of prosecuting them in U.S. federal court. Also, flu activity continues to rise in Georgia and across the nation. Public health experts are linking many of the cases to a new strain known as Subclade K, also known as the so-called "super flu" — a mutation of influenza A, H3N2. Dr. Jodie Guest, a professor and senior vice chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, talks more about the new strain and what Georgians can do to protect themselves and their households.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, WABE’s politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look” to preview the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session. As the legislative session gets underway on Jan.12, Bali joins us live from the Georgia State University Convocation Center to discuss what we can expect regarding the state budget and the effects of federal funding cuts, plus breaking news regarding two state lawmakers. Also, one of the major issues local advocates want state lawmakers to address during the legislative session is the addiction epidemic in Georgia. In November 2025, the FBI seized more than 46 pounds of fentanyl in Georgia – enough to kill the state's entire population. The overdose death rate in Georgia has increased by 79% since 2018. Cammie Wolf Rice lost her son to opioid misuse and her brother to Fentanyl, and she is now the founder of the Christopher Wolf Crusade Alliance. Rice and Jeff Breedlove, the CEO of the American Addiction Recovery Association, talk with program host Rose Scott about their hopes for lawmakers to address the drug and addiction crisis in Georgia during the legislative session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The operators of Mary Mac's Tea Room can’t imagine Atlanta without the iconic eatery. The Midtown Atlanta staple is known for its origin story, as well as its classic Southern dishes, like fried chicken and collard greens. It’s a sought-after gathering place for Georgians as well as tourists, celebrities, and political dignitaries visiting from all over the world. The legendary diner has also made multiple appearances in television shows and films. It first opened in 1945, featuring a single dining room that accommodated up to 60 people. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott and the team visited the restaurant named by the State of Georgia as “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” as it celebrates 80 years of service. We hear from longtime employee Marion Mims and Mary Mac’s Chad Reynolds, and general manager Tina Rayner-Leftwich. They reflect on centering the staff, delivering top-notch customer service, the history of the restaurant, operating amid the pandemic, plus navigating and renovating after a roof collapse. Plus, the holiday season is underway. WABE’s H. Johnson narrates “A Christmas Carol.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been quite a year in politics. President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House with a flurry of executive orders. These actions included efforts to shrink several federal agencies, resulting in funding cuts and massive layoffs. The year was plagued by ongoing political conflict, an aggressive, nationwide crackdown on immigration and the longest federal government shutdown in history. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with several guests for a recap of politics in 2025, from the federal to the local level of government. Guests included: GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer Atlanta-based political strategist Fred Hicks Atlanta Civic Circle political reporter Alessandro SassoonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transportation advocates with Propel ATL return to “Closer Look” with their latest report, which reveals deaths from vehicular crashes outpaced homicides in metro Atlanta in 2024. Propel ATL Executive Director Rebecca Serna joins the program to detail the data in "The Human Cost of Mobility". We’re also joined by a local daughter who lost her father in a still unresolved, deadly hit-and-run crash. Plus, it was a year of Kendrick Lamar shading Drake at the Super Bowl, Beyoncé hosting a ho-down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Cowboy Carter Tour, and some Swifties giving mixed reviews of Taylor Swift’s latest album. We hear from music journalist and author Quentin Harrison. He discusses some of the best songs that defined 2025, and we hear the “Closer Look” team’s favorite albums of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the national immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, family members of an Atlanta-area rapper have decided to self-deport. We hear from Victor Marachi. He shares how the unfolding situation is affecting his artistic work and upcoming album. Plus, a history-making move is coming for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After 157 years, the AJC is ending its print edition while expanding its digital footprint—including its mobile app, newsletters, podcasts, and more. Leroy Chapman Jr., the editor-in-chief of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, discusses the past, present, and future of the publication and the evolving local news media landscapeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Closer Look” team closes out 2025’s series of live coffee shop broadcasts with Coffee & Cocoa Conversations at Sidecar Coffee in Chamblee, Georgia. In a year that saw hardships for many communities, program host Rose Scott focuses on the people who make it their job to bring joy - Santa Rick & Mrs. Claus, Santa D. Sinclair, and Santa Bradley with the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. Hosting this festive event is Leigh Heymann, the co-owner of Sidecar Coffee. We also hear what the “Closer Look” crowd is asking Santa to bring them this holiday, and the Santas & Mrs. Claus rate some contestants’ best Ho-Ho-Ho!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oglethorpe University and The King Center are partnering to teach Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s way of leadership – centering nonviolence, civic responsibility, courage and compassion. Under their new partnership agreement, four selected Oglethorpe students will participate in The King Center Scholars Program and receive The King Center's Nonviolence365 training. We hear from Oglethorpe University’s Dr. Kendra King Momon, a politics professor and the associate provost of academic affairs, and Dr. Gabriel Barreneche, a provost and vice president for academic affairs. They discuss details about the partnership that allows students to learn more about Dr. King’s principles. Plus, data from the National Alliance for Caregiving reveals 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. are caregivers. Along with caring for a loved one, many caregivers are juggling careers and other responsibilities. It’s something Chanel T. Rowe, an Atlanta-based attorney and caregiving advocate, understands. Since 2019, she’s been navigating the many experiences that come with being a caregiver. Rowe talks with program host Rose Scott about her journey and the hope and inspiration she wants readers to gain from her new book, “Finding Balance: A Devotional to Help Caregivers Move from Suffering to Strength.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation, high costs, and economic uncertainty have Georgians rethinking how far they plan to spend and stretch their dollar in 2026. For Feedback Friday for a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott opened the phone lines to hear from callers. They discussed their spending habits in 2025 and candidly shared their concerns for how they plan to navigate their spending in the new year. We also hear from WABE contributor Tom Smith, an associate professor in the practice of finance at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, and Roger Tutterow, a professor of economics at Kennesaw State University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real Estate Developer Booker T. Washington is teaming up with Rapper Killer Mike to bring affordable housing to their hometown of Atlanta. There remains a wide gap between the number of Black and White homeowners in the U.S., and the pair are working to make homeownership more attainable for the Black community with their micro-home concept. So far, they’ve produced $60 million in real estate developments in the Atlanta area. Now, Washington joins “Closer Look with Rose Scott” to discuss their new $13 million project, give his insight on the housing market, and share his long term strategy for making housing more accessible and affordable. We also revisit another unique affordable home project. Shipping containers travel all over the world and are constantly reused for transporting goods. Wanona Satcher, the CEO and founder of Mākhers Studio, sees even more potential in the durable, steel boxes. Back in February, Satcher gave the “Closer Look” team a tour of her East Point warehouse, and shared her vision for turning shipping containers into affordable housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

December 10th marks the 77th Anniversary of World Human Rights Day. CARE USA President and CEO Michelle Nunn says 91,000,000 lives have been saved internationally in the last 20 years as a result of U.S. humanitarian aid. She added that less than a fraction of a penny is invested from every U.S. tax dollar. Those are the numbers Nunn wants the public to be aware of as the Trump Administration makes deep cuts to foreign aid programs, despite over one-billion people living in extreme poverty around the world. She says CARE USA had to reduce their operating budget by $300 Million this year to make up for the financial shortfall. Nunn also mentioned they’ve had to pull back on some of their outreach to areas experiencing crises, like Haiti. Nunn joined “Closer Look with Rose Scott” today to explain the impact of these investments, why they also matter to U.S. economic and national security, the pivotal part Georgia plays in global development and international aid, and how organizations like CARE USA are finding new ways to support communities abroad. Show host Rose Scott also shares a segment of her 2013 journey to Jordan where CARE assisted Syrian refugees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1994, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund has distributed nearly $93 billion to individuals, organizations, and businesses in under-resourced communities through credit unions. However, the fund has faced growing uncertainty under the Trump administration, including layoffs that were reversed after the government shutdown and stalled funding. Sydney Seral, the chief advocacy officer at the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, talks with program host Rose Scott about the ongoing impact on Georgia and the risk credit unions and their communities could still face. Plus, as Atlanta prepares for an influx of people for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Play Fair ATL is working to make sure the human rights of workers, immigrants, and the city’s unhoused population are protected. We hear from the coalition’s director, Michael Collins. He shares more about what Play Fair ATL is doing to make sure people will not be displaced by this mass event, that’s been described as multiple Super Bowls at once.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Race relations and health equity are among the pressing social issues being discussed at Thriving Together Atlanta’s Equitable Dinners series. Since January 2020, more than 12,000 people from across the metro Atlanta area have gathered for challenging conversations over a hot meal, with a side of performance art. Program Manager Adria Kitchens joins “Closer Look” to talk more about the origin and impact of the Equitable Dinners series. According to an Atlanta-area broker, the metro area has seen a negative net migration - meaning more people are moving out than moving in. That’s in addition to new data that says Atlanta is now among 39 metro areas that recently flipped from being an affordable place to buy a home to being a place where it’s now cheaper to rent. Scott Pratt, a real estate broker and owner of Pratt & Associates Realty, talks more about the housing market, the Trump administration’s proposed 50-year mortgage plan and explains why he still encourages people to become homeowners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.