Closer Look with Rose Scott

Sixty years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1965 Voting Rights Act, saying “The denial of the right to vote, is still a deadly wrong and the time for injustice has gone.” Today, we look back on the landmark legislation and the challenges voting rights see today. Joining Rose Scott for today’s special call-in edition of “Closer Look,” we’re joined by Andra Gillespie, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute at Emory University. Also, Dr. Clarissa Myrick-Harris White, a Professor of Africana Studies at Morehouse College and co-founder of the college’s Black Men’s Research Institute and co-principal investigator for the Morehouse Movement, Memory, and Justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers at Kennesaw State University are trying to better understand Alzheimer's disease and how to treat it. They are now using advanced computational modeling and drug discovery simulations that could potentially speed up treatment research. Rose talks with Chloe Yixin Xie, an assistant professor of information technology and Johaan Kathilankal Jis, a sophomore computer science student at KSU. Plus, the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs, are the focus of a new book titled "Black, Not Historically Black: Towards the Pan-Black College and University." In the book, author Dr. Joseph Jones, who serves as the executive director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Southern Center for the Study of Public Policy, and an associate professor of political science at Clark Atlanta University-offers a critique of HBCUs. He talks with show host Rose Scott about why he believes HBCUs should evolve—from identifying as “historically Black” to “pan-Black.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 5 of WABE’s Peabody Award-winning podcast “Buried Truths” launches on August 26th. This season delves into the life of Clarence Horatious Pickett. The preacher and advertising salesman was beaten by police in December 1957, and died days later after a white doctor dismissed his injuries. For a special preview of the series, “Buried Truths” host Hank Klibanoff talks with Rose Scott about what listeners can expect for the upcoming season, how cases are selected to be featured on the podcast and more about Clarence Horatious Pickett’s case. Plus, this week marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. The landmark legislation signed into law on August 6th, 1965, aimed to end racial discrimination in voting and ensure that all Americans have equal access to the ballot. Fast forward to now, some argue that the legislation has been gutted and or weakened through challenges upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. As part of “Closer Look’s” week-long series, examining implications of the Voting Rights Act, host Rose Scott talks with Lauren Groh-Wargo, chief executive officer of Fair Fight, and Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, who serves as the general counsel for the organization. They talked about Fair Fight’s mission and why they believe the fight for constitutional rights is long-term and ongoing, not limited to one case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A heat wave has swept across metro Atlanta this week, with temperatures hitting 100 degrees. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with Rounaq Basu, an assistant professor in the School of City and Regional Planning at Georgia Tech. Climate scientists warn that extreme heat events like this are becoming more frequent due to human-caused climate change. Basu discusses Georgia Tech's NO-HEAT (Neutralizing Onerous Heat Effects on Active Transportation) initiative, which aims to develop data-driven tools to help communities adapt to dangerous urban heat. Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Adrienne Rice, the executive director of Sustainable Georgia Futures. During the discussion, Rice leads a climate gentrification tour through Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward and explains why she believes the neighborhood has been reshaped by climate-related development pressures. She also shares more about SGF’s mission to help historically marginalized communities grow and thrive in the green economy. Additional insight during the tour comes from Genesis Tilman, Drew Barnes, and Liyaah Rocha.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a special edition of “Closer Look,” we explore the good, the bad, and the complexities of using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in our everyday lives. Researchers and experts discuss AI in voice recognition, the controversy surrounding its use in human resources software, and its role in denying medical claims. We revisit Rose’s conversations with Rick Gundling, the senior vice president of professional practice with the Healthcare Financial Management Association, Glenn Danas, a partner at Clarkson Law Firm, Dan Beck, president and chief product officer at SAP SuccessFactors and Hilke Schellmann, an investigative journalist and professor at New York University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The GRO Fund is launching Freedom Futures: Cash for Today, Capital for Tomorrow. The pilot program, which aims to address the racial wealth divide, gives selected participants $500 a month in guaranteed income and up to $40,000 in Baby Bonds for wealth-building, along with financial advising. Hope Wollensack, the founding executive director of the GRO Fund, and Amit Khanduri, the director of programs, talk more about the goal of the program and its application. Plus, for more than 40 years, Oscar Harris has used his creativity and vision to conceptualize and design. Harris is recognized as one of the most influential architects in the South. Some of his work can be found across metro Atlanta, including Centennial Olympic Park, the atrium at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the interiors of MARTA stations. For a special audio documentary, Rose Scott talks with Harris about his career journey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Atlanta, as well as his passion for mentorship and putting things together. Scott also talks with Melody Harclerode, the executive director of SPIKE Studio, which Harris founded in 2004.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The City of Atlanta is working to eradicate homelessness in downtown ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s all part of the city’s Downtown Rising initiative. However, the effort has drawn criticism from housing advocates. Some say residents recently cleared from encampments remain without access to supportive housing. Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME, talks about the city's rehousing initiative and the importance of meeting the individual needs of a person experiencing homelessness. Plus, we preview our upcoming audio documentary on Oscar Harris, the architect credited with helping shape much of modern Atlanta — from the city’s airport to Centennial Olympic Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Southwest Atlanta, students as young as five years old are learning how to imagine a future well beyond what they can see. It’s happening at the OURCHIVES Summer Camp at Imhotep Academy. Recently, Rose Scott and the “Closer Look” team visited the campus. Scott talked with students, parents and cofounders Melek Dexter and Dr. Assata Moore. They discussed the goal of the 8-week camp and explained how they are teaching subjects such as calculus, critical thinking, “top secret” history – that’s grounded in confidence, imagination and African epistemology. Plus, Malcolm-Jamal Warner has died at 54. The multi-talented superstar is best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show." Warner, an Emmy-nominated actor and Grammy award-winning poet, is being remembered as a gifted artist. Rose talks with Nsenga Burton — an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur and editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire — and Dr. Maurice Hobson, an author, historian and professor of Africana studies and history at Georgia State University. They reflect on Warner’s creative body of work, his life and his legacy. Burton also shares details about her recently published op-ed that focuses on Warner’s life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leadership changes are underway for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Last week, MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood stepped down, citing concerns about his immigration status and “personal matters.” For now, Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen is the acting CEO and general manager. Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman, returns to “Closer Look” to talk more about the state of Atlanta’s public transportation system as the city gears up for the FIFA World Cup 26. Plus, Chris Brand, president and CEO of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children. He shares more about the organization’s mission to provide medical equipment to Georgians — and how the nonprofit is responding amid ongoing federal cuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Community Press Collective has published documents obtained by the news outlet in an open records lawsuit against the Atlanta Police Foundation. Executive director Matt Scott and in-house legal counsel Sam Hamilton join “Closer Look” to discuss the lawsuit and what they uncovered in the records. Plus, Atlanta aims to end homelessness in the city’s downtown before hosting the World Cup next year. Annie Hyrila, chief programs officer at Partners for HOME, gives an overview of the plan and why she believes it’s achievable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 20 years after opening in Atlanta’s historic Castleberry Hill neighborhood, a tattoo shop faced an unexpected closure over a 2008 ordinance. Owner Miya Bailey talks about his fight to reopen City of Ink and his conversations with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who has promised to resolve the issue. Plus, we meet the new editor of Capital B Atlanta: award-winning journalist Angela Burt-Murray. The former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine shares her thoughts on journalists as advocates and why she values community impact in reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, one in five Americans are considered caregivers. They care for their children, their parents, their grandparents, friends and neighbors. On this special edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott spoke with a panel of guests about available resources and how to support caregivers in your life. Guests include: Josh Carter, mental health advocate and grandson to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Michelle Bolden, CEO and founder for Call for Caring, a local non-profit that connects caregivers with resources and support. Shawn and Alison reflect on their caregiving journey and offer words of encouragement to those in similar positions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morehouse College’s growing list of notable alumni now includes the institution’s 13th president. Dr. F. DuBois Bowman, a biostatistician and public health leader, most recently served as the dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He joined “Closer Look” to share his leadership style and vision for the institution, just one day before his official start as president. Plus, Georgia State law professor Anthony Michael Kreis shares analysis after a federal judge granted a class action lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a coalition of community groups, housing justice advocates and the City of Atlanta partnered to clear the Old Wheat Street encampment. It’s an initiative that’s been in the works for months. A total of 30 people were placed in temporary stable housing. The move comes months after Cornelius Taylor died in the area, when city workers brought a bulldozer through without checking the tents. Rose talks with Tim Franzen, the program director for American Friends Service Committee’s Atlanta Economic Justice program, an organization part of the coalition, and Mawuli Davis of the Davis Bozeman Johnson Law, who is representing Taylor’s family, about the collaboration and what this means for the ongoing push to create real housing solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In response to the current political climate, various organizations across the country will gather on July 26 for Families First: A 50-State Day of Peaceful Action. The initiative aims to unite organizations that oppose President Trump's tax and spending cuts. Joel Payne, the chief communications officer for MoveOn, talked more about the upcoming event and shared why he feels it is important for communities to mobilize. Plus, Atlanta native Shawn Rashid is moving with a purpose—and driving toward a goal. The rising professional motorsports driver, who is currently racing in the Euroformula in Europe, has a target of reaching the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2026 and—and ultimately, the Formula One. As a featured guest on “Closer Look,” Rashid talked about his unique journey into racing, his training and how his faith guides his path.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mahmoud v. Taylor case has sparked debate about the balance between parental religious freedom, the authority of school boards to establish curricula and the constitutional rights of children. In the case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a group of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, have the right to opt their children out of classroom readings that include LGBTQ themes, citing religious objections. Tanya Monique Washington, a professor at the Center for Access to Justice and the Marjorie F. Knowles Chair in Law at Georgia State University, returned to the program to provide an analysis and break down the implications of the decision. Plus, we remember the legacy of the late poet, author, and educator Nikki Giovanni, whose work championed freedom of expression. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Atlanta-based journalist Ann Hill Bond, who reflects on the power of Giovanni’s words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of candidates entering the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial race continues to grow. On Tuesday, Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones officially announced his candidacy. Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks shares insights on the race so far. Plus, after 8 years, it’s a new chapter for Atlanta City Councilmember Amir Farokhi. Farokh talks with Rose about his tenure working in local government, legislation he championed, as well as the challenges he faced and his proudest achievements. Lastly, the Atlanta City Council recently passed a "smart surfaces" policy requiring new and replacement roofs to meet high solar reflectance standards-- meaning they have to be built with light-colored, reflective materials, commonly known as “cool roofs.” Dr. Brian Stone, a professor of urban planning and the director of the Urban Climate Lab at Georgia Tech, explains why he supports the ordinance and how it will potentially help cool neighborhoods, lower energy costs, and save lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday marks the Fourth of July. People across the Peach State are gearing up for Independence Day celebrations, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Peachtree Road Race. Ahead of the holiday weekend, on Thursday’s special edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott, along with producer Daniel Rayzel, and engineer and grill master Sawyer Vanderwerff open the phones. They take calls from listeners who share tips from seasoning to searing along with the do’s and don’ts of grilling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a group of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, granting them the right to opt their children out of classroom readings that include LGBTQ themes, based on religious objections. Tanya Monique Washington, a professor at the Center for Access to Justice and the Marjorie F. Knowles Chair in Law at Georgia State University, provides an analysis and breaks down the implications of the decision. Plus, The Stitch is a downtown Atlanta highway-capping project. The proposal involves transforming and connecting 17 acres of land, near the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector between the Civic Center MARTA Center, into urban green space and affordable housing. However, will the Trump administration’s federal funding cuts impact construction? Jack Cebe, director of The Stitch, talks more about what’s next for the development project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chamblee Police Department recently launched its LGBT Liaison Program. Officer Brandon White, who serves as the department’s first-ever LGBT Liaison, discusses how the new initiative will strengthen community trust and engagement within the Chamblee LGBTQ+ community. Plus, Kari Knotts, a 14-year-old volleyball player from Marietta, Georgia, discusses her journey to being selected for Team USA’s Under-19 volleyball division — an elite group on the direct pipeline to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. Lastly, Zohran Mamdani has won the New York Democratic mayoral primary. GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer, Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks and Devin Barrington-Ward, civil rights organizer and managing director for the Black Futurists Group, discuss how this political shift could potentially further drive Democratic socialism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Friday ruling limits the use of nationwide injunctions. However, the justices did not decide whether President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship is lawful. The long-term fate of the order remains uncertain — though Trump is still calling the decision a win. Rose talks with Georgia State University constitutional law professor Anthony Michael Kreis and Emory University law professor Jonathan Nash, who analyze the ruling and discuss its potential implications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the month of June, “Closer Look” has spotlighted Juneteenth-related conversations. On Friday, show host Rose Scott concludes the series, revisiting her 2024 conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter behind the groundbreaking The 1619 Project for The New York Times Magazine. During the conversation that took place at the Fulton County Central Library in Downtown Atlanta, Hannah-Jones vividly recalls when she first learned about a 17th-century ship called The White Lion and how it inspired her to create The 1619 Project. Plus, this week marks 22 years since the passing of Atlanta’s first Black mayor Maynard Jackson. For a look back on his life and legacy, we revisit a conversation from our award-winning ATL 68 series. Rose talks with Valerie Jackson, a former WABE host and Mayor Jackson’s widow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rodney Taylor has built a life in the United States. He works as a barber in Snellville, Georgia. According to his fiancée, Mildred Pierre, Taylor, he’s a double amputee and lives with several long-term medical conditions. She also says he has documentation for a current green card application. Despite this, Taylor was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on January 15. Pierre and immigration attorney Sara Owings talk with show host Rose Scott about Taylor’s pending case—and the justice they are now seeking. Plus, for 45 years, WABE host Lois Reitzes has been the voice of arts and culture in Atlanta. We celebrate her incredible career—through the stories, memories, and moments that helped to shape it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lola, a women-led co-working space in Atlanta, may be forced to shut down. Dana Xavier Dojnik, CEO of The Lola, and Sagdrina Brown Jalal, the CEO of Atlanta Leadership Consultant and founder of the Legacy Leadership Program, talk with Rose about how federal funding cuts are impacting for-profit businesses that support nonprofit organizations. They also discuss an emergency effort to keep The Lola doors open. Plus, WABE’s environmental reporter Marisa Mecke discusses her latest report about a controversial mining project near South Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major aspect of Clayton State University’s mission is social mobility. Tied to the mission is the university’s annual Social Mobility Summit. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 25. Its lineup includes panels, workshops, and discussions exploring key factors influencing social mobility—and how higher education can be a powerful driver of change. Rose talks with Dr. Mahnaz Charania, the chief transformation officer at The New Teacher Project, and Jada Mitchell, the executive director of student success at Clayton State University about the event and the importance of ensuring all students have social capital, strong networks and relationships. Plus, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a new opinion editor. David Plazas talks with Rose about his new role, which includes serving as an editorial board member and helping to expand the publication’s opinion content and community engagement initiatives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Environmental Action Network (NEAN) is working to promote environmental justice. The Virginia-based nonprofit is expanding its efforts to educate the public about the health impacts of toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals and synthetic pesticides. Lewis Brown, the CEO and founder of NEAN, talks with show host Rose Scott about some of the dangerous environmental toxins in Black and Brown communities and the ongoing Environmental Protection Agency changes under the Trump administration. He also explained how NEAN is working to spread awareness by conducting environmental health research about water pollution in metro Atlanta and by helping former federal employees and contractors impacted by federal cuts and layoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Closer Look” returns with our annual Juneteenth event, recorded live at Hammonds House Museum in the West End neighborhood of Atlanta. This year, host Rose Scott speaks with panelists on the theme of "Natural Gifts: Honoring the Contributions of Enslaved Africans and Black Americans, Pre-Civil War to Present." Guests include: Kuumba storyteller Dr. Christine B. Arinze-Samuel, also known as Sistah Olufemi Dr. Joy DeGruy, international scholar, researcher and author specializing in racial trauma, healing and slavery Edvige Jean-François, award-winning journalist and executive director of Georgia State University’s Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora Robell Awake, chairmaker, researcher and author of “A Short History of Black Craft In Ten Objects”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Urban League has released a new report highlighting both the strides and the setbacks in local and federal policy reform in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in 2020. NUL President and CEO Marc Morial joins “Closer Look” to discuss “George Floyd Five Years Later: Was It a Moment or a Movement?” Also, ICE is now serving administrative subpoenas to property managers to obtain records on current and former tenants. Decatur-based real estate attorney Eric Teusink shares an overview of the legal obligations of property owners receiving a subpoena and what ICE's move means for tenant privacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal made a straightforward claim with its headline: “AI Is Learning to Escape Human Control.” The author, AE Studio CEO Judd Rosenblatt, cites reported incidents of artificial intelligence models disobeying orders to shut down and even blackmailing a human engineer. But others in the industry say Rosenblatt’s claim could needlessly spur panic among the public. For this edition of Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” we ask listeners to share their questions and concerns about artificial intelligence. Host Rose Scott takes your calls alongside Emory University law professor Ifeoma Ajunwa, founding director of the AI and the Future of Work Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1996 Flying Change Equine Therapy has been helping children, adults and whole families discover a new way to approach emotional and behavioral health. On today's edition of “Closer Look,” the team returns to Flying Change Equine Therapy to visit with founder Lissa Corcoran and, of course, the sassy horses. Plus, we revisit an April interview at the Wylde Center’s Edgewood Garden featuring another community-minded animal: chickens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 indictments and three years later, the YSL case resulted in minimal charges and may have cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Atlanta-based investigative journalist George Chidi joins “Closer Look” to talk about the trial’s outcome and his estimate of its cost. Plus, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognized symbols in the world, but some of her history has been covered up – literally. Renowned author and researcher Dr. Joy DeGruy shares the statue’s lesser-known history with the abolition of slavery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many students are still struggling since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now facing shrinking federal oversight as the Trump administration seeks to abolish the Department of Education. Careshia Moore, founder and CEO of Compete to Succeed Educational Resources, shares why she thinks education reform is crucial in a changing educational landscape. Also, artificial intelligence is changing how large corporations operate, but not everyone has access to the same tools. As Atlanta Tech Week gets underway, RebrandLand AI founder and CEO Kayla Life talks about how nonprofits can be empowered to use AI tools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Mother Jones article reveals the Trump administration is considering pardons for so-called fake electors in the 2020 presidential election – even though none of them have been charged with a federal crime. Senior reporter Dan Friedman shares why the move is largely symbolic and what implications it has for President Trump’s legacy. Also, self-described “workplace fixer” LaShawn Davis reviews the latest surge in unemployment among Black women. Davis, the founder of HR Plug and the Greatness Lab, also shares advice for pivoting careers after a significant job loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Karida Brown says her new book “The Battle For the Black Mind” is much more than a history lesson for readers – it’s personal. The NAACP Image Award-winning author follows the history of segregation in America's education system and the ongoing struggle for educational justice. Dr. Brown returns to "Closer Look" to share more about her new book, which is the result of eight years of research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a new investigative report published by Atlanta Civic Circle, the City of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is being used to pay housing bond debt and staff salaries. Sean Keenan, a housing reporter at Atlanta Civic Circle, returns to “Closer Look,” to discuss the story and the response from housing advocates and some city officials. Plus, N'namdi Arinze is making his mark in Atlanta’s food industry as the owner of Vegan Wangs, a plant-based chicken wing restaurant. Alongside his sister, Arinze has expanded the business from online deliveries, ghost kitchens, and pop-up events—into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar location. Recently, Rose and the “Closer Look” team paid a visit to the Southwest Atlanta eatery on Cascade Road.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" is a themed show focusing on hunger. According to the latest data from Feeding America, nearly 40% of the food-insecure population in the United States is white. Yet, in most counties, food insecurity rates among Black, Hispanic and Latino households exceed those of white households. This all comes as data also reveals, 1 in 7 people in Georgia are facing hunger. Now, amid federal funding cuts to assistance programs and inflation impacting food prices, Rose talks with local leaders about their efforts to combat summer hunger across metro Atlanta. Guests include: Kyle Waide, the president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Jon McMurdo, the development manager at Second Helpings Atlanta Kashi Sehgal, the founder and CEO RetaazaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Disabled South is working to build a coalition of disability justice activists and advocates. Dom Kelly, the co-founder, president, and CEO of New Disabled South, discusses the organization’s mission: 'To improve the lives of disabled people and build strong disability justice and rights movements in the South. Plus, with looming potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and surging prices at the grocery store, the nonprofit A Red Circle, has released a national blueprint that outlines five food policy recommendations that all states, including Georgia, can follow to act on right now. Erica R. Williams, the executive director of A Red Circle, talks with Rose about the work of the nonprofit, the importance of combating food insecurity and the national blueprint.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been significant public health policy changes under the Trump administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statement. He announced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would stop recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy pregnant women and children. This all comes as ongoing concerns heighten about other key public health policies related to environmental health, health equity, mental health, infectious diseases, reproductive health, and the impact of climate change. For today’s edition of Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” Rose is joined by Atlanta-based internist Dr. Dhaval Desai. He discusses the timeline of these actions and gives his analysis about the potential consequences and impact. *On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its language regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for age groups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Jan. 2025, then-Vice President Kamala Harris announced a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical debt from consumers’ credit reports. The policy was to take effect in March, but just like many other Biden-era actions, the Trump administration is changing course. Now, a federal judge is expected to decide in mid-June about whether to vacate the consumer protection rule. Georgia ranks among the top five states with the most medical debt, with 13% of adults in the state owing money. Former health tech executive and consumer advocate Scott Speranza, the CEO of HealthLock, discusses what this could mean for Georgians. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Bon Varlet. The standout Kennesaw State University graduate majored in information technology. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including earning a Fulbright Study Award, and her aspirations to attend law school and to protect public institutions, particularly libraries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar For All program aimed to improve access to clean energy and solar programs. Now, under the Trump Administration, local advocates and business leaders say $7 billion, embarked for organizations nationwide, was temporarily withheld. Diamond Spratling, the founder and executive director of Girl Plus Environment, and Tonya Hicks, the president and CEO of Power Solutions, share why they feel it’s important for communities to have this investment and what access to clean energy could mean for communities in Georgia. We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. State officials are now grappling with questions about tax incentives, and data centers’ usage of water and energy. We air WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali’s latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Gwendolyn Campbell. She’s the valedictorian for the Class of 2025 at Morris Brown College. Campbell talks about her academic journey, juggling family responsibilities, overcoming health challenges and her aspirations to go to law school and provide legal help to youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal funding cuts are impacting community violence intervention (CVI) programs. CJ Jones, the founder of Dream Builders of Atlanta, Chee'Tara Alexander, the co-founder of H.O.P.E. Hustlers, and Amber Goodwin, founder of the Community Justice Action Fund, discuss how funding cuts are impacting their work and the actions they are now taking. We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. Some high-profile early projects went all-in on solar energy, building enormous solar fields to power their computer processing. But as the industry accelerates and needs more electricity, power companies are falling back on fossil fuels to meet the demand. We air WABE’s Emily Jones’ latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, it’s a family affair. Rose talks with the Lee family. Quila Lee and her daughters—Rakiya Lee, Kamiya Lee, and Kalaya Lee—have each earned either a master’s or a bachelor’s degree and are 2025 graduates of Georgia State University. The Lees talk about their academic journeys, their challenges, and triumphs, and what it means to hit this meaningful milestone as a family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A team of Georgia State University researchers have compiled historical data of thousands of enslaved people from Georgia and other southern states. The information dates to before the Civil War. It’s called the Data Mining and Mapping Antebellum Georgia. Elizabeth J. West, a professor of English and co-director of Georgia State University’s Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora, and Dr. Ras Michael Brown, an associate professor in the department of history, discuss updates to the research project. INSERT: We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. Data centers use huge amounts of water to cool off their constantly running servers. As data center developers look to tap into Georgia’s water resources, county leaders and conservationists are looking for solutions. We air WABE’s environmental reporter Marisa Mecke’s latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Marchellos Scott. The standout graduate, of the Morehouse College Class of 2025, majored in educational studies. He talks with Rose about his academic journey. He also shares his next chapter: pursuing a career as an educational law attorney, championing justice, equity, and transformative change within the American education system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.