Closer Look with Rose Scott

Political mandates are targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Debates over free speech and campus protests are intensifying. So, the question is: how can higher education leaders guide their campuses with both confidence and clarity? Former Spelman College President Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum knows that world well and has been thinking about that question for a long time. She shares what she calls an insider’s guide to leadership in higher ed. with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott, and discusses her new book, “Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America finds itself in another tense point in its history, with multiple threats and deadly shootings involving political figures. For “Closer Look’s” Feedback Friday, show host Rose Scott talks with a roundtable of journalists who discuss the challenges and responsibilities of sharing the differing views of the public and politicians. Scott also opened the phone lines, asking listeners: What do they think is needed to improve our nation's political discourse? Guests include: Dan Whisenhunt, the editor and founder of Decaturish Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, and the editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire WABE host emeritus and veteran politics journalist Denis O’HayerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the optimistic outlook of local entertainment executives, Atlanta area creatives still say there’s cause for concern. There’s reportedly an almost 50% drop in production spending and films shot in Georgia over the past three years. Plus, after more than a decade of filming blockbusters in the metro area, Marvel Studios is leaving the state to film in the United Kingdom at a lower cost. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” local workers in the entertainment industry discuss what they say is limited funding and infrastructure for independent filmmaking. They also tell us how indie filmmakers are banding together to support each other’s work. Also, with their shared mission to empower the next generation of veterinary students, Zoo Atlanta and Fort Valley State University have teamed up for a new program. Veterinary students will receive hands-on clinical experience treating more than 200 species of exotic animals and have access to all the resources of the Rollins Animal Health Center, a state-of-the-art facility which opened in 2024. We learn more about how the program will prepare students for their future careers with officials from the zoo and the university’s College of Agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marvel has been one of the cinematic jewels of the Georgia entertainment industry for over a decade. But some local industry workers are reportedly on edge following reports of the movie studio “abandoning” the Peach State for the United Kingdom. On today’s “Closer Look,” executives with Georgia Entertainment give their perspective and say the blockbuster film studio is not done working here. If left unaddressed, preventable vision loss and childhood vision disorders can hinder a student's development, academic performance, social interactions, and self-esteem. On today’s “Closer Look,” Rose Scott speaks with the leaders of Learn4Life. They give an update about the Atlanta Vision Project’s goal to provide all Metro Atlanta kids in need with a free pair of glasses by 2028.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a BDO survey of businesses in the Southeastern United States, 41% say trade and tariff policy is their #1 concern for the next 12 months. Plus, as Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic recently shared on “Closer Look,” consumer spending has declined, and small businesses are being hit hardest by inflationary pressures. The U.S. Supreme Court is now considering whether to allow President Trump to continue imposing tariffs on nations around the world. This is after some companies reveal they’ve been subjected to tariffs as high as 170%. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we get analysis on the impact of tariffs from a roundtable of experts. Then, Atlanta area small businesses discuss the rising costs they’re facing and their concerns for the future. We hear from the owners of Garage Door Studio and Anna Griffin, Inc., plus the CEO of Just for Teens. Guests Include: John Haber, Chief Strategy Officer at Transportation Insight Holding Company Finance Prof. Thomas More Smith, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School David Greaves, Tax Market Leader at BDO in Atlanta Brian Reynolds, CEO of Just for Teens Jen Singh & Rachel Herzog, Co-Owners of Garage Door Studio in Avondale Estates Anna Griffin, Owner of Anna Griffin, Inc.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month. Advocates contend it's a month to not only remember those lost to suicide, but to offer hope to the millions of people who might be struggling with suicidal ideation. Monday marked 988 Day and the beginning of “Closer Look’s” monthlong series focusing on suicide awareness and prevention. Throughout the series, we will hear personal stories, and show host Rose Scott will also talk with advocates and mental health experts. To kick off the series, we first hear from Dr. Camillia Harris, an Atlanta-area mental health advocate and founder of the justUs MH Foundation, and Shanti Das, founder of the nonprofit Silence the Shame and author of the book “Silencing My Shame.” They shared their personal stories and their ongoing efforts to help others. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we discuss the latest quarterly economic report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta with analysis from President and Chief Executive Officer Raphael Bostic. The report on the southeastern United States shows a slight economic decline, with tariffs rising from 2% to 18% since late 2024. Despite current complexities, Bostic also shares his optimism. Also, we speak with Alexis Aggrey, the director of the new documentary, “Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect.” The film follows Marshall’s historic rise from visionary lawyer to civil rights leader and to America’s first Black Supreme Court Justice. A free screening of the documentary will be held on Monday, September 8th at Spelman's Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts. Visit www.wabe.org/events/hbcu-week-now-free-film-screening to RSVP and receive more information. Additionally, the film is scheduled to air on WABE Studios on Thursday, September 18th, at 9:30 PM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s edition of Closer Look with Rose Scott begins with Frédéric Bernard, Belgium's Ambassador in the United States. While touring Atlanta, he discusses his plans to meet with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and entrepreneurs, plus his view on the working relationship between the U.S. and Belgium, and how it can benefit both countries. Then, we hear from a roundtable of current and former federal employees at the CDC. Following the tragic shooting at the Atlanta campus, the agency’s sudden change in leadership and other concerning decisions, more than 1,000 people affiliated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are now calling on Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to resign or be removed from office. Some former CDC leaders are calling him “dangerous” to Americans’ health. Guests include: Dr. Elizabeth Soda, former Infectious Disease Physician Abby Tighe, Executive Director, Fired but Fighting Dr. Steve Monroe, 34-year CDC researcher who retired in 2021 Anonymous Current CDC Employee who experienced August 8th shooting Closing out the show, we meet Michael Lucas, the executive director of Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. He shares how federal funding cuts have impacted community-based programs like what AVLF provides. Lucas says they’re facing the most uncertainty they’ve ever experienced for funding programs, such as their support for survivors of intimate partner abuse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fulton County Judge has delayed his order requiring Fulton County to pay $10,000 a day until two Republican nominees are appointed to the Fulton County Board of Elections. Senior Superior Court Judge David Emerson is now allowing the county to appeal. This is a story that has been developing for months. Rose talks with Fulton County Commissioners Mo Ivory and Dana Barrett, who are both being held in contempt by the court over this matter, after refusing to confirm Republican backed nominees Julie Adams and Jason Frazier. Plus, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is now accepting applications for its Preserving Black Churches grant program. Executive director Brent Leggs talks about the $60 million national initiative dedicated to uplifting historically Black churches and the communities that preserve them. Lastly, a newly launched initiative will eliminate $10 million in debt for families across metro Atlanta. The initiative, helping 3,500 households, is part of a partnership between the Atlanta Dream and Cash App and ForgiveCo. Rose talks with Atlanta Dream president and CEO Morgan Shaw Parker and ForgiveCO co-founder and CEO Craig Antico, about the debt elimination initiative. Plus, Shaw Parker talks about the team’s namesake being connected to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when it was selected by the community in 2008.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine Atlanta in 2075. From politics to technology, to climate change, what will the city that’s been dubbed “too busy to hate” look like? That was the topic of discussion for “Closer Look’s” August installment of Coffee Conversations held at #Dragon Con 2025. Host Rose Scott spoke with a diverse group of creatives from various genres about how art can explore future possibilities and solutions, as well as reflect present issues. They also gave their critique of AI’s influence on art. Lastly, guests and audience members brainstormed ideas for what a futuristic series set fifty years from now in Atlanta could look like. Guests included: Dragon Con spokesperson Jo Garland Katie Cook, a spokesperson from the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Dragon Con’s 2025 charity partner M. Davis, an Atlanta-based writer and director Delilah S. Dawson, a New York Times-bestselling author Dr. Chateé Omísadé Richardson, a professor at Spelman, a growth facilitator and an educational psychologist specializing in alternative history and diversity in speculative fiction Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of Decaturish Carlton Hargro, a writer and founder of 20th Place MediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday, Aug. 28, marks 70 years since Emmett Till was brutally lynched. Just days ago, the U.S. National Archives released thousands of documents and records about the case and the government’s response. At the time of his death, Till, who was from Chicago, was visiting his family in Money, Mississippi, when he was accused of whistling at a white woman at a neighborhood store. He was later kidnapped, beaten, shot in the head and thrown into the Tallahatchie River. Till’s mother, Maime Till Mobley, spent decades up until her death seeking justice for her son. Today, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Till’s cousin, Deborah Watts, who is the co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. Plus, as the civil rights activist and pioneering broadcasting journalist Xernona Clayton celebrates her 95th birthday, a new art installation is being unveiled to honor her legacy. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Clayton. During the discussion, the Trumpet Awards founder reflected on how her mother’s words shaped the foundation of her life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As its 100th anniversary approaches, Rose Scott and the “Closer Look” team sit down with the staff of The Colonnade. Established in 1927, the Cheshire Bridge Road diner is one of Atlanta’s oldest restaurants, with some employees from the 1970s and 1980s still working in the kitchen and dining room. Scott talks with the owners about the history of The Colonnade, its family atmosphere among the staff and customers, the many movies and television shows that have filmed there, and the food that’s kept customers coming back for decades. Plus, in the midst of the civil rights struggle to desegregate public schools, an all-Black school was constructed to accommodate students in the College Park area. Starting from 1964, the students of Eva L. Thomas High School achieved academic excellence and athletic success. That’s until the late 1960s, when the Fulton County School Board ordered the school to be closed. As a documentary shows, this sparked a student-led protest. Rose talks with Mike Santrock, an archivist and historian for Fulton County Schools, and Ursel Brown, an alum of Eva L. Thomas High School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s estimated that more than 300,000 Black women have left the workforce. Federal layoffs, budget cuts, and diversity, equity, and inclusion rollbacks are among the many contributing factors. While July data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an overall national unemployment rate of 4.2%, that number rose to 6.3% for Black women—the highest it’s been since October 2021. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talks with several guests about the unfolding unemployment shift, as well as advice for landing new employment opportunities. Guests include: Dr. Pearl Dowe, the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Political Science and African American Studies at Emory University Amber Cabral, the founder of the diversity, equity, and inclusive leadership-focused consulting firm, Cabral Co. Sherry Sims, the founder of Black Career Women's Network Alicia Thompson, impacted by job loss Alicia Smith, impacted by job loss Sandy, impacted by job lossSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 300 Georgia inmates are suing Georgia corrections officials and the state's healthcare contractor for not providing gender-affirming care. Rose talks with Emily Early, the associate director of the Southern Regional Office of the Center for Constitutional Rights, and Chinyere Ezie, a senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights, which brought the lawsuit with co-counsel Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP. The guests discussed the pending case and what’s next. They also shared what they are hearing from clients who are denied gender-affirming care and why they believe SB 185, which prohibits state funds and resources from being used for certain treatments, is unconstitutional. Plus, earlier this week on “Closer Look,” Clyde Higgs, the president and CEO of the Atlanta Beltline Inc, assured listeners that multiple modes of transit are coming to the Beltline and talked more about a new estimated $3.5 billion plan that would expand public transit on the Beltline. The 22-mile project— which includes green space, parks and trails— is on track to be completed by 2030. On Friday, Rose talks with Matthew Rao, chair of Beltline Rail Now, and Dr. Hans Klein, president of Better Atlanta Transit, who hold opposing views about the types of transit that should be included.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month, as the nation marks 90 years since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, 1.9 million Georgians will receive a Social Security payment. However, some say the future of Social Security is uncertain. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with Alice Bennett, the advocacy manager for AARP Georgia. Bennett addressed myths about the Social Security program, explained how the program is funded and talked about the importance of keeping the program protected. Plus, this week, several foundations are committing nearly $37 million to provide immediate relief to public media stations at the risk of closure. This all comes after Congress recently voted and approved President Donald Trump’s request to end federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This move triggered the dismantling of CPB and cut $1.1 billion earmarked for public media. PBS and NPR and NPR affiliate stations across the country, including WABE, are trying to navigate how to continue their work despite the cuts. Rose talks with Michel Martin, a veteran and award-winning journalist and host of NPR's “Morning Edition.” Martin reflects on the values of NPR and its resilience, the importance of reporting on community-based and national news, as well as keeping audiences informed, connected and uplifted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Decatur City Commission recently approved a resolution from the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights to establish the Decatur Reparations Task Force. The newly formed 11-member group, recommended by the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, is comprised of Beacon Hill legacy residents, historians, legal experts, a youth representative and more. Over the next three years, the task force will host public listening sessions, interview Beacon Hill descendants, conduct research, examine economic displacement, as well as identify past and present legalized discrimination. On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott talks with civil rights attorney Mawuli Davis, a founding partner of the Davis Bozeman Johnson Law Firm and co-chair of the Beacon Hill Reparations effort, Wanda Sims Waters, a Beacon Hill legacy resident and a member of the Decatur Reparations Task Force, and her husband, Swain Waters. The guests talked more about the priorities of the task force, the history of the Beacon Hill community and why they feel reparations aren’t just a financial payout. Scott also took calls from listeners who shared their thoughts about reparations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Savannah Pride Center—a Georgia-based nonprofit—has found itself expanding beyond its advocacy work to help meet the healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community in Savannah. “Closer Look” host Rose talked with Michael Bell, the executive director of the Savannah Pride Center, Nikolas Indigo, a Savannah Pride Center's outreach team lead, and GeorgAnna Wiley, a nurse practitioner, midwife, and the founder of Rebirth Women’s Holistic Health Clinic, who volunteers at the Savannah Pride Center. They discussed their recent expansion, the need for more partnerships with local hospitals and the importance of providing gender-affirming care to individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. Plus, we hear from Clyde Higgs, who serves as the president and CEO of the Atlanta Beltline Inc. He talks with Rose about a new estimated $3.5 billion plan that would expand public transit on the Beltline. The overseer of the 22-mile project, which includes green space, parks and trails, is on track to be completed by 2030. However, Higgs explains that the expansion will require extending Tax Allocation Districts (TADs).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The foundation that supports Atlanta’s East Lake community, the East Lake Foundation, is celebrating 30 years. Show host Rose Scott talks with Ilham Askia, the president and CEO of the East Lake Foundation, about how the neighborhood — once overshadowed by crime, poverty, and crumbling infrastructure — was transformed into a thriving community. It’s now widely recognized as a blueprint for 25 communities across the nation through the efforts of the nonprofit, Purpose Built Communities. During the conversation, Askia reflects on the past, present, and future of East Lake, as well as the legacy of the late real estate developer and founder, Tom Cousins. It’s nearly 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana and parts of the Gulf Coast. Now, a new report from the Brookings Institution's Center for Community Uplift pinpoints how “environmental injustices and climate risks intersect to undermine resilience in metropolitan New Orleans” from Katrina to the present day. Rose talks with Manann Donoghoe, a fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center for Community Uplift, who authored the report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Umaymah Mohammad, a Palestinian medical-sociology dual degree student at Emory, was at the midway point of completing her PhD program when she was suspended from Emory’s medical school. She says she was suspended after participating in various pro-Palestine demonstrations on Emory’s campus, including the April 2024 encampment. She also appeared on the news program Democracy Now and was critical of Emory and a professor who was volunteering in Gaza as an Israeli military medic. A joint lawsuit has since been filed against Emory University, its board of trustees and the dean of the medical school. It's a case of whether Mohammad broke the institution’s code of conduct or if her civil rights were violated. Mohammad and Keon Grant, a staff attorney for CAIR-Georgia, talked with show host Rose Scott about the case and the actions they now want Emory to take. Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Jim Alexander. The legendary award-winning photographer, photojournalist, and activist celebrated his 90th birthday on Aug. 7. Over his multiple decades-spanning career, he has taken at least a quarter million photos. His massive collection captures Black life in America and pinpoints pivotal moments in history, such as the civil rights movement through the present day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new book, "Class Warfare in Black Atlanta," explores Atlanta's transformative political history from 1966 onwards and gives a critique of the city’s leadership. “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott, talks with author Augustus Wood, a scholar of African American History of the Urban South and assistant professor in the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Professor Wood talks about his new book and why he feels it’s important to give vision and agency to Black workers. Plus, there’s a lot of political news happening across the Peach State. We hear from Devin Barrington-Ward, a former candidate for Atlanta City Council, a progressive community organizer and the managing director of the Black Futurists Group, GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer and Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks. They provide analysis and reflection on everything from the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial race, the recent deadly shooting at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia Geoff Duncan’s latest move to switch political parties and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.